In Memorium

As we get ready to close the books on 2016, I'm thinking back about all the people I've met this year. Among those who stand out in my mind are the celebrities who were kind enough to take the time to have a conversation and show interest in my blog. Not the least of whom was Alan Thicke. I had the pleasure of meeting him just about four weeks before his untimely death. I told him about this blog thinking he would just say something like oh that's nice and move on. But he actually took it to the next level and showed a genuine interest in what I was doing, asking for more details etc. After I told him all about the blog and its focus, his response was "That's a really cool concept". By taking the time to want to more about what I was doing with this showed me that Alan Thicke had a genuine interest in people. That meant a lot to me, after all I was just another person he met along the way.

When I told him I wanted to blog about what he had been up to lately in his career, he was more than happy to fill me in. His face lit up as he told me about his character in the Netflix series "Fuller House" and that season three of "Unusually Thicke", with Tanya and Carter, was already in the can. The proud father in him came out as he asked me not to forget about mentioning Robin Thicke's newest single "One Shot" featuring Juicy J. 

While I was saddened to hear about his passing, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am happy that I at least had the opportunity to meet and speak with him. 

2016 also saw the unfortunate passing of another celebrity icon, Debbie Reynolds. I had the pleasure of shaking her hand over a decade ago, after one of her live performances in the Chicago area. She was both surprised and happy that a young person actually knew about her and her work. As I was the before in a room full of afters. With a gleam in her eye and a smile on her face she said "My you're a little one". I was only ten years old at the time but she was one of my acting idols. So, needless to say meeting her meant a lot to me. After her performance that day she was also kind enough to autograph a picture for me. As I got a little older, I checked out her other movie work and that was the spark that caused me to get involved in acting in community theatre.   

As I say rest in peace to both of them, I cannot even begin to explain how happy I am to have crossed paths with these two legends, even though our meetings were very brief.

The Dishes May Be Done, But Keith Coogan Is Still Going!

As a kid Disney movies are a staple in your daily agenda. One of my all time favorites that still chokes me up to this day is "The Fox and the Hound". Little did I know that I would eventually have the pleasure of meeting the very talented voice actor behind Young Tod, Keith Coogan. You may also remember Keith from some of your favorite movies from the 80's and 90's. Including but not limited to "Adventures in Babysitting", "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead", and "Toy Soldiers". Since then Keith has been in many T.V shows like "The Comeback Kids" and "TMI Hollywood". You can also expect to see him in the movie "Limelight" in the new year. 

Check out the trailer for Limelight here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4158316/?ref_=nv_sr_2  

Not only is Keith an amazing actor but he also directs! His latest project is a play called "Stay Tuned". It has been running since December 14th at Theatre 68 in North Hollywood. If you haven't caught it yet you still have a little time, its run ends tomorrow. It is a Christmas mash-up of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and Orson Welles' "War of The Worlds", performed like a radio play. What a great way to spend Christmas Eve Eve!

For more on what Keith has been up to, check out his website here: http://keithcooganonline.com/  

He is also on Twitter: @keithcoogan

I Triple Dog Dare Ya...

This is the line in that fameous scene of "A Christmas Story". You know, the one where Scott Schwartz, aka Flick, gets his tongue stuck to that pole. Being that this movie is part of some of my favorite Christmas memories, I was beyond excited to have the pleasure of meeting Scott Schwartz and his dog Miss Elizabeth this past weekend. They both were extremely pleasant, and Scott really took the time to talk with each fan individually. We had a great time recalling memories of fun scenes from "A Christmas Story". I caught up with him at RewindCon Chicago, but for my readers in Dallas, TX, he told me that he will be appearing at that RewindCon next. You can purchase your tickets for the Con here: http://www.rewindconvention.com/dallas. 

 Not only was Scott in "A Christmas Story" he was also in "The Toy", "Kidco", and "Raiders Of The Living Dead". Scotts newest endeavor is a web show that airs on Vimeo called "Flashback Fridays". He is the host of this show where he interviews some of your favorite celebrities of the 80's and 90's. If you have been feeling nostalgic then this is the show for you. Check it out here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/flashbackfridays  You can also learn more about Miss Elizabeth on her Facebook group, "Miss Elizabeth's Adventures" here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981822991861584/.

On a side note...Memorabilia collectors in California may want to check out Sports and Movie Stuff, the store that Scott runs with his father in Simi Valley. Who knows, you may even be able to pick up one of those replica leg lamps! 

Scott is also on twitter: @scottakaflick

Charlie Kicks Buttowski!

Update! Update!

Had a chance to reconnect with a friendly acquaintance and one of my followers, Charlie Schlatter, at Rewind Con. We had a great conversation as always, and he reminded me that he is in the Nickelodeon animated show "The Loud House". In the show he plays DJ and Dr. Feinstein, two different characters. He also informed me that in addition the other characters he voices, he also provides the voice that says "AWESOME!" at the end of Toys R Us commercials. 

When I was younger there were certain shows that were my family's go to shows. The main one that sticks out in my memory is "Diagnosis Murder." One of my favorite actors from this show was Mr. Charlie Schlatter. Not too long ago I was fortunate enough to meet him. Not only is he extremely talented but he is also one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting. He actually takes time to have a brief conversation with each fan. Something that a lot of actors and actresses don't do. 

Previous to that Charlie was in the hit big screen comedy "18 Again!" starring alongside George Burns. Since "Diagnosis Murder" Charlie has had great success in the voice over field in T.V. shows as well as video games. Some of his most well known characters are Kick Buttowski, The Honey Nut Cheerios Bee, Lego Flash, and Lego Robin. Being the media master he is he has also dabbled in writing and directing. In November everyone in the Chicago area will have another opportunity to meet him as he will be appearing at Rewind Con at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale Illinois. I promise you won't regret it if you do!

You can learn more about Rewind Con here: http://www.rewindconvention.com/ 

Keep up with what Charlie is up to next by following him on Twitter

@MisterSchlatter

Also check him out on IMDb here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0772116/

To New Friends!

On my recent trip to Las Vegas, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting a very talented entertainer, Steve Distler. He's a comedian, owns and operates Steve-N-Kids! Party Celebrations! and is a tour guide at Wayne Newton's Casa De Shenandoah. Through his party business he has provided entertainment for birthday parties of the children of numerous big name stars. As if that weren't enough, he also creates content for his own YouTube channel Toy Time Workshop. On his channel he critiques various children's toys. 

What made him very interesting to talk with was his first hand knowledge of the Las Vegas entertainment scene. He is very talented, has a great sense of humor and is an all around nice guy. I think he is worth checking out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stevenkidsnv/ and his YouTube channel www.youtube.com/channel/UC3KvGFy5pjgJsCsKwsRCzqQ?app=desktop 

If you work with him for your next party tell him Teri sent you!

And Here He Is Now...

If you were a fan of Nickelodeon back in the 90's, as I was, you surely remember Legends Of The Hidden Temple. One of the people that made the show so popular was the host, Kirk Fogg. I am very excited to officially welcome him as one of my followers. Since Legends, Fogg has appeared on Veronica Mars and Alien Space Avenger. He has also written, directed, produced, and starred in two movies, Distortion and Yeah Vous! His next project, Legends Of The Hidden Temple: The Movie, is set to premiere on Nickelodeon sometime this November. You can learn more about this here  http://www.eonline.com/news/782193/welcome-back-olmec-the-legends-of-the-hidden-temple-movie-trailer-is-finally-here 

In my opinion it wouldn't be The Hidden Temple without Kirk Fogg.

And be sure to check out his twitter! 
@Kirk_Fogg

Aaron Oh Aaron!

In case you haven't heard what Aaron Carter has been up to, here is the latest. He has been working on his first new album in thirteen years titled "Love". You can check out his new single "Fools Gold" here,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugskNSdZbac&sns=tw. This album is unlike anything you have ever heard from him. He's older now than he was when he first came on the scene, and has developed a different singing style than you may remember. Nonetheless, I think it suits him well. You can keep up to date with what's going on with Aaron, as well as see where he is appearing on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AaronCartermusic/?fref=ts.

Good Luck Aaron!

@aaroncarter

Keith Broke His Leg But Not His Funny Bone! 

Another person I am proud to call a follower is Keith Powell, you may also know him as Toofer on 30 Rock. Since his time on 30 Rock Keith Powell has made appearances on various shows including About A Boy, Law & Order, NCIS: Los Angeles, etc. His most recent project is his web series Keith Broke His Leg. Which can best be described as a satirical take on life in Los Angeles, my personal favorite is Soothsayer. Something you may not know about Keith Powell is that he has done extensive work in the theater, using both his acting and directing prowess. Check out his web series at http://www.getbroken.com/ don't forget to vote for his series at http://www.streamys.org/submissions/

@KeithPowell  

Country Fans Take Note Of High Valley

Another of my newest followers is High Valley. A Country duo with their own band, who last year released their single, Make You Mine, on the Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville label. Being a Country music fan I gave it a listen, and was not disappointed. Between the upbeat tempo and the catchy lyrics you can't help but get the urge to dance. You can check them out for yourself at http://www.highvalleymusic.com/ or on twitter @HIGHVALLEY. Hopefully we will be hearing more good things from these guys in the not too distant future.

If You Don't Know Who Fluffy Is, Get Out From Under That Rock!

I'm referring to Gabriel Iglesias, aka Fluffy. He refers to himself as Fluffy in a comedic way of talking about his weight. He first got his start on the show Last Comic Standing, and even though he didn't win he became a new household name almost instantly. His stand up is based on his life and life going on around him. He keeps his audience laughing continuously using his entertaining and creative style. Since Last Comic Standing he has had multiple comedy central specials, as well as making cameos in various movies and t.v. shows. You can currently check out his show Fluffy Breaks Even on the fuse network. I wish him a lot of continued success and am proud to welcome him as one of my new followers. 

http://fluffyguy.com/  @fluffyguy

A Wicked Evening

Recently I was in New York and I finally got to see my first Broadway show! I was so glad it was Wicked, I have waited years to see this show and it was well worth the wait. From the set and lighting to the amazing cast, crew and orchestra the entire experience was magical! After the show I had the immense pleasure of meeting some of the cast, including Carrie St. Louis, Jonah Platt, Michael Genet, and Zachary Noah Piser. Everyone was so nice and took their time with all of their fans. They not only did a great job of entertaining the audience but also showing their appreciation to their fans who waited patiently to meet them after the show. Needless to say it was an amazing experience I won't soon forget.    

@carriestlouis @JonahPlatt @MichaelGenet @Zach_Piser @Wicked

Ty Hodges Is Working On A New Show!

According to published reports, it seems that Ty Hodges has a new show in development called Famous! You might remember Ty from his early days on The Disney Channel. Where he starred in Don't Look Under The Bed as an imaginary friend turned boogie man, as well as Ren's nemesis on Even Stevens. Not only is Ty Hodges a fantastic actor but he is also a very accomplished director.

For more details check out these stories.

http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/actor-filmmaker-ty-hodges-talks-catching-his-big-break-in-television/  

http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/famous-fox-comedy-mockumentary-series-1201745341/

Wishing you the best! @TheTyHodges

He Makes Me Laugh

Wali Collins specializes in topical humor. He has made appearances on Chappelle's Show and performs stand up in New York. I enjoy his brand of comedy because he says what's on a lot of people's minds.

He makes me laugh. If you're looking for a pick me up check him out!

https://www.youtube.com/user/ynevanoit http://www.walicollins.com/  @walicollins

The Whose Live Guys

I recently attended Whose Live Anyway, a show based on the improv comedy featured on the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway. The cast included Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Joel Murray, Jeff B. Davis, and Bob Derkach. These guys are great! Both on stage and with their fans. I along with some other fans, had an opportunity to meet them. They took time to chat, joke around a bit and take pictures. Thanks guys for the fun celebrity experience. 

Check out their website to find out when they come to your area. http://www.whoseliveanyway.com/index.html  @GregProops @JeffBryanDavis @JoelMurray9of9