In a way, I have been fortunate enough to rub elbows and hang out with some famous people through the course of my life. I never really thought about them being stars; to me, they are just people who are good at what they do. The only person that I guess would make me become "star struck" would be Stephen King, which meeting him is on my bucket list. I also have never been one to scream in town square, "Oh look, I know a famous person." However, in the course of writing this blog, I have had a few people to tell me that they like these stories and that I should post more of them. Therefore, I guess I will.
Legendary actor George Lindsey has been a friend of the family for nearly sixty years. When he was in college, he frequently stayed with my (great) Uncle L.L., or Double L, as George calls him, at my great grandparents' farm in Alabama. When I was a child, and would occasionally attend family reunions. He was "Goober" to millions of television viewers. We just called him, "Uncle George." I have had the great fortune of being able to stay in contact with George through his namesake film festival at the University of North Alabama.My grandfather, W. L. Whitten, was a commander
of the Alabama Highway Patrol, when the department was in its infancy, and made friends with several big stars in entertainment and politics, including Hank Williams Sr., Roy Rogers, Pat Buttram, and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. My grandmother told me stories about my grandfather's visits to the Tuskegee Airfield and hunting trips with governors and world leaders. My mother knew several famous people through the years, including living next door in the dorms to Polly Holliday, better known as 'Flo' from Alice, at the University of Montevallo.
of the Alabama Highway Patrol, when the department was in its infancy, and made friends with several big stars in entertainment and politics, including Hank Williams Sr., Roy Rogers, Pat Buttram, and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. My grandmother told me stories about my grandfather's visits to the Tuskegee Airfield and hunting trips with governors and world leaders. My mother knew several famous people through the years, including living next door in the dorms to Polly Holliday, better known as 'Flo' from Alice, at the University of Montevallo.In the 1990s, I worked on a few movies and film projects. One day in 1996 while casting fo
r a project, I was stunned to see Sonny Shroyer come into the room. Sonny was always one of my favorite people on The Dukes of Hazard. His character Enos was probably the funniest on the show. While talking with Mr. Shroyer, he invited me to join him for lunch. Again, I was stunned. It was not an offer that I was going to turn down.While dining on local cuisine, we discussed films, acting, and regaled each other with stories of Southern culture. After a long lunch, Sonny invited me to visit his beautiful home in Georgia. What began as a moment of Southern hospitality on the job turned into a magnificent experience!
'Can’t Touch This':
Another Celebrity Encounter
Another Celebrity Encounter
I once shared a rather personal moment with M.C. Hammer at Disney World. My nephew and I had the honor of meeting Mr. Hammer while visiting a park restroom. It was an extremely hot Florida day where the heat waves on the pavement could create mirages, and required frequent stops to cool off. I spoke out of common courtesy extended to another person, but my nephew, who was six at the time, recognized him immediately. He was a really nice guy who took time to talk with us, especially being attentive to my nephew. My nephew, being a Hammer fan, was quite impressed with the experience. However, we politely abstained from the traditional handshakes.
Don't forget to check out my Stephen King discussion blog - The King of Castle Rock.
Don't forget to check out my Stephen King discussion blog - The King of Castle Rock.
