My Favorite Celebrity Ever Met

For some reason this week, I've had a number of people ask me nostalgic questions about the job we do.  And what's interesting is these questions are coming from people we've known FOR YEARS, who have never asked us one thing related to the job.

Either way, I'm good.  I love to talk about what we do and the experiences we've had, yet I also enjoy being around people for whom "what we do" will never be as important as "who we are."

Anyway, a long time friend asked me the other day, "Who is the most famous person you've met or interviewed?"

Hmmm.....

That's a REALLY subjective question.  It all depends on who YOU consider to be more/most famous from a list of performers, actors, athletes, etc.

I told him, and will share with you, my FAVORITE celebrity encounter.

Several years ago, Debbie and I went out to LA for a press junket for a show on TNT called Rizzoli & Isles.  On that show was an actor named Bruce McGill (see us above).

He is the definition of working actor.  Chances are you've seen him in a movies and TV shows and you never knew his name.  I guarantee you tho, you remember him like this

Yup, Bruce McGill was/is "Brother D-Day" from "Animal House."  Now that was his third acting job, in 1978, and since then he's got more than 157 other acting credits to his resume.  Guess what he's CONSTANTLY asked about?

Yup.  "Animal House."

However, when Debbie and I spotted him sipping a cocktail by the pool, alone, that's not why I was starstruck (and I DO NOT get starstruck).

"OMG...that's Bruce McGill!"

Debbie told me to go up to him and meet him.  Why not?  As I approached him he had a look in his eyes like, "Here we go again."

"Mr. McGill, my name is Charlie and it is so great to meet you.  You are great in one of my favorite all-time movies."

"Let me guess...'Animal House?'"

Me...confused..."Uh, no..."

My golf geek flag started to fly, "You're 'Walter Hagen'...you were awesome in 'The Legend of Bagger Vance'!"

I have never seen someone in his position more excited to talk to someone like me in my life.  He was  animated and funny and told great stories of working with Matt Damon and Charlize Theron and being directed by Robert Redford.  We talked about golf and filming in Charleston and Kiawah.  The whole conversation lasted less than 10-15 minutes but I've never walked away from a celebrity encounter feeling more giddy.

EASILY my favorite celebrity encounter ever.