TTM Tues! Autograph Encounters! Plus Successes From The Stars Of Game Of Thrones! The Brady Bunch! SNL and More!

It was a cold, windy Tuesday in December of 2000. One of my favorites- Mel Brooks was coming through Portland on his tour and I was determined to meet him/ get his autograph. I’ve always been a fan of his movies and think he is both a great actor and Director.

He was playing at a venue in Downtown Portland that can be hit or miss with autographs, and here’s why: The stage door opens right to the sidewalk, and most celebrities enter and exit through this door making it easier to obtain an autograph. The downside is that the venue is directly attached to a hotel and parking garage- which means 2 alternative ways to come in and leave. It’s rumored that if a large crowd is waiting for a celebrity (and they don’t want to sign), they will use one of the alternative exits. Such was the case this night with Mr. Brooks.

I showed up to the venue about 40 minutes before it was supposed to end so I could get a prime spot at the stage door. I pulled out my pen and ph.. Wait where did my photo of Mel go? I must have left it at home. DOH! Luckily I had brought a couple of blank note cards (which I am not a fan of so not sure why I had them). As time goes by, more and more and more and more people show up.. Damn! I know what this means. I also spotted “The Dealers”- a group of the same 4 guys who (still) show up at every event with 50 million photos to be signed. Although I don’t like the idea of selling an autograph, I get that they are just doing their job, but I don’t like when they get too pushy (another story, another time). The event ends and people are coming out of the theater- many of them joining the growing crowd at the stage door.

I had a hunch Mel was not going to be coming out the stage door, so I decided to walk down the block to the front of the hotel that’s attached to the theater. I notice a car parked in front of the hotel with it’s engine running.. Good sign. The doorman opens the front door and out walks the one and only Mel Brooks! He’s in a hurry (they always are) but stops quickly to sign my card and then gets into the car and off he goes! Wait, was I the only one to get him? Yes! But my luck was not over that night.

A couple of the dealers caught wind that he left and came flying over. As I was showing them my autograph, another car pulls up to the hotel and out walks NBA (and recent Trailblazer draft) Scottie Pippen! Not believing my eyes- I quickly grab my pen and notecard and ask him for an autograph. “Sure” he says, “But how did you know I was coming here?” he asks. I told him I was actually there for Mel Brooks who had just left moments before and had no idea he was coming.

It was a gift that day, and one I’ll remember and appreciate forever. Speaking of gifts, there are celebs who are in the Christmas spirit – signing up a storm! Grab your pens, get those envelopes addressed because this week the stars are aligned!

Adrienne Barbeau
3851 Avenida Del Sol
Studio City, CA 91604-4025

adrienne barbeau headshot

Barry Williams
Mahina Media
Tina Mahina Williams
215 Gage Dr, Suite #J-11
Hollister, MO 65672-5991

Tovah Feldshuh
322 Central Park West # 11B
New York, NY 10025-7629

Cheri O’Teri
3360 Bennett Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90068

Carole King
c/o Carole King Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd #273
Studio City, CA 91604

Thandie Newton
Independent Talent Group Ltd
40 Whitfield Street
London W1T 2RH
United Kingdom

Thandie Newton with fans Westworld FYC Panel Season 2 Thandie Newton with fans 0016

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