One more from me. I think it was summer 1982 or 83 a business connection from one of the big NY banks took my dad my self and my brother to the old Yankee stadium for a ball game. The bank seats were first row next to the Yankee dugout. My brother and I were sitting there wide eyed being kids in such proximity to big league ball players. As batting practice was ending Lou Pinella and Bobby Murcer were chatting near the on deck circle. Out of no where and completely unsolicited they approached our box and asked us if we wanted autographs. It still brings a smile to my face to this day that unsolicited act of kindness and I have always had a spot in my heart for Pinella and Murcer.
OT: Your Celebrity Encounter
- Thread starter Nowucme
- Start date
When I was living in LA (i guess this was about 15 yrs ago?) I applied to a job for a traveling exec/personal asst and it turned out it was for Steven Seagal. I met with his producing partner and publicist on a Thurs which went well and then they were going to have me meet Steven who was in Memphis at the time as he was also working on his music career so he spent time there. So the following day they flew me to Memphis to spend the weekend. Mostly hung with his current staffers and friends to hear about what 'life' would be like and then Sunday night he was around to meet and we chatted for a while. The best way to describe the initial intro was like if you were in HS/college and meeting your girlfriends dad for the first time and he just had this intimidating vibe. I remember the rest of the chat being fairly normal/inconsequential, nothing outlandish.
I did have to sign an NDA for my time on the trip.
I ended up not accepting the job and coincidentally shortly after met a girl who had been an assistant for him and assured me that I had made the right decision
For the right person it could have been a cool experience I guess----2 weeks later i would have gone to Japan to shoot a music vid for a few weeks, then on to Romania for few months film shoot and basically just be a bit ongoing nomadic lifestyle.
A few more. Had a customer of mine try to set me up with Britney Spears back in 2003ish. Invited me to dinner with her and her brother. I never ended up going for some reason though. Also spent a night with Natalie Portman at Harvard when I was in school.
just think...maybe if he would have gone to the dinner and settled down with Britney her life would have taken a whole new path with no psych breakdown and parental controls of her fortune. haha
I have met a lot of famous people but there is one that seems to avoid me like the plague...This guy who looks like Frank Zappa and says he was a baseball player or something like that. I know his Dad was pretty damn good and got to meet him I think back in 06 or something like that at a Rutgers game but have yet to meet this Dale dude. lol
Seems like a nice guy and all- maybe I will start stalking him with my wife in Montclair until he meets us for dinner or something. lol
Seems like a nice guy and all- maybe I will start stalking him with my wife in Montclair until he meets us for dinner or something. lol
They used to play the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown every year on the day after the inductions. In 1993 (Reggie's year) the Dodgers played the Indians. I get to my seat behind home plate and I hear " Are these seats taken?" I turn around and it's Vin Scully. We get to talking for only a minute before the crush of autograph seekers. Once it subsided we chatted for a while-unfortunately the game ended up getting rained out so I missed out on 9 innings of Vin. Still one of my all-time favorite memories!
Look between her legs; Down below off the stage, bald/shaved head looking down as he was 'ordered' and 2 shiny wide handcuffs.
There is enough corroborating evidence on this guy to leave no doubt. Plus I know her well enough to know that what she tells me in private is definitely the truth. She has never gone public with this stuff.
It’s funny you say that. I was watching the Britney documentary this week and had the same thought for a minute. I honestly don’t remember why I flaked on the dinner invite. I probably figured it’d be a waste of time.
You live down the street from her current house? Saw the tour she did for Architectural Digest. Beautiful home without being so flashy that it's over the top.Too many to list, but my favorite one is Jessica Alba who moved onto my street. She's really nice
Willie was nice about it. And, in his defense, we followed him toward his room. He was putting the key in his door when he turned and saw us peering around the corner like 5-year olds spotting Santa. He was tired, waved nicely and said not now boys. It was enough for me. I can still hear him say it as if it was yesterday. Just like I remember him in game 2 near home plate on his knees pleading with Augie Donatelli that Fosse never tagged Harrelson. Your dad was out there arguing too. They were both right.
In security line at EWR, I was on my Crackberry or whatever it was at the time. A couple of people walked up and shook the hand of the man in front of me. I looked up and it was Senator McCain preceding his presidential run. I shook his hand and thanked him. One of the most humble and genuine politicians in my lifetime.
I had a seat on Continental next to Drew Barrymore EWR to LAX. She asked if I would trade seats with whoever she was traveling with, to which I obliged. Didn't recognize her. She seemed pleasant enough.
Pre-boarded a United flight. A bunch of heavily tatted guys boarded and sat down in a bunch of seats next to and around me. I figured they were a band. We didn't talk much, but later on I asked what band they were - Fall Out Boy. I shouldn't have asked because I knew I wouldn't know who the hell they were.
Walking along a sidewalk in Miami Beach. Some neckless guy stopped me so Kanye West could step out of his car and walk unimpeded into a restaurant. There wasn't a crowd on the sidewalk, it was just my one colleague and I. Kanye strutted into the restaurant with an attitude and didn't acknowledge us. Seemed like a class act Ahole.
I had a seat on Continental next to Drew Barrymore EWR to LAX. She asked if I would trade seats with whoever she was traveling with, to which I obliged. Didn't recognize her. She seemed pleasant enough.
Pre-boarded a United flight. A bunch of heavily tatted guys boarded and sat down in a bunch of seats next to and around me. I figured they were a band. We didn't talk much, but later on I asked what band they were - Fall Out Boy. I shouldn't have asked because I knew I wouldn't know who the hell they were.
Walking along a sidewalk in Miami Beach. Some neckless guy stopped me so Kanye West could step out of his car and walk unimpeded into a restaurant. There wasn't a crowd on the sidewalk, it was just my one colleague and I. Kanye strutted into the restaurant with an attitude and didn't acknowledge us. Seemed like a class act Ahole.
I worked at a trade show booth where we had Ben Stein signing his book to attract visitors. It got much more attention than we anticipated. People actually lined up early in the morning for Ben Stein, and we couldn’t really demo our product as the booth and several around us were overrun with Ben Stein fans.
Ben was nice enough. But his manager was no fun.
Ben was nice enough. But his manager was no fun.
One of the nicest, sweetest people you would ever meet. It is funny, you see her on the screen and there is a little cuteness about her and a little quirky - she is so much prettier in person...petite but a heck of a body. Just a small mole though...just below the right hip.
Talking about autographs...I brought up meeting Patrick Ewing at the Airport with my kids and how cool he was walking all the way from the plane to luggage with us just chatting it up with them. When we got to luggage, my youngest - went back over to him and asked for a picture and autograph. Pat was sitting by himself at the time and no one bothering him...He very politely told my son that he would prefer not to do that at that time as as soon as he did, it would become a mad house and he would never get out of there. He did tell my son to give him a high 5 though... My little one was bummed but I think PE handled it very well.
My parents own an ice cream business. One night when they first owned it my Dads closing up about 10pm, theres a knock at the door. Theres a guy in a tuxedo says excuse me sir I know you're closed but is there any way I can get some ice cream for Mr. Jeter? My Dad says come on in! In walks Jeter, and another guy with Minka Kelly, my Dad was in shock. Jeter used to stop by every so often for years, even sitting outside eating trying to blend in until he got overwhelmed in the parking lot.
A few other retired Mets and even sone news reporters have stopped in over the years.
But my favorite customer of theirs is Tom Wopat from the Dukes of Hazzard. He and my Dad are on a first name basis when they see each other outside the stor even. I loved that show as a kid, if you told the 6 year old me my Dad would know one of the Duke boys one day ha ha
A few other retired Mets and even sone news reporters have stopped in over the years.
But my favorite customer of theirs is Tom Wopat from the Dukes of Hazzard. He and my Dad are on a first name basis when they see each other outside the stor even. I loved that show as a kid, if you told the 6 year old me my Dad would know one of the Duke boys one day ha ha
Donald Trump-NJ State Police Widows and Orphan Fund Charity Golf Event
Brian Mulrooney and John Zigler-Calgary Saddledome 1988 Olympics
Phil Rizzuto-Cornell game Rutgers Stadium
Larry Holmes-Flemington Infinity Dealership
Gerry Cooney and Tex Cobb-event honoring Cobb in Pa.
Trump just an intro as my partner went to school with Trump's host. Calgary was between both periods of a hockey game.' Mulrooney was very personable. Zigler had a firm handshake. Rizzuto came to see Marinaro with Cora and chatted the entire game. Holmes in line at service desk in front of me and had what he thought was a problem with the key fobs for the Q45s he purchased for his wife and girl friend (operator error). Cobb thing was a testimonial with some other celebs that I did not interact with.
Missed out on OJ when he was a member at Arcola Country Club but did see his name on a locker until it was pulled off after a year.
Brian Mulrooney and John Zigler-Calgary Saddledome 1988 Olympics
Phil Rizzuto-Cornell game Rutgers Stadium
Larry Holmes-Flemington Infinity Dealership
Gerry Cooney and Tex Cobb-event honoring Cobb in Pa.
Trump just an intro as my partner went to school with Trump's host. Calgary was between both periods of a hockey game.' Mulrooney was very personable. Zigler had a firm handshake. Rizzuto came to see Marinaro with Cora and chatted the entire game. Holmes in line at service desk in front of me and had what he thought was a problem with the key fobs for the Q45s he purchased for his wife and girl friend (operator error). Cobb thing was a testimonial with some other celebs that I did not interact with.
Missed out on OJ when he was a member at Arcola Country Club but did see his name on a locker until it was pulled off after a year.
Mike Tyson, Debbie Harry, and Geraldo Rivera all many years ago when I worked in NYC. I spoke to none of them. My father-in-law sat next to Bill Cosby in first class also many years ago and said he was a real condescending ahole to the airline staff.
My Aunt married into Joe Theismann’s family so I would see him from time at weddings etc. when I was younger.
My Aunt married into Joe Theismann’s family so I would see him from time at weddings etc. when I was younger.
Last edited:
Not famous outside of RU women’s hoops, but we were in Penn Station waiting for a train and who walks by but Vickie Picott. She had been playing somewhere and was on her way back to Philadelphia we’re she had an assistant coaching position, forget what school. Anyway, she was one of my favorite players back in the Teresa Grentz days. We got to chat with her for about 10 minutes. Other than that no one of any note.
Last edited:
When I was a kid I met Phiz Rizzuto and George Grande(announcer in '89) at the airport in Milwaukee when my dad and I went on a Yankee road trip. My seat was next to George and he went over his game notes with me. Phil was in first class. Seaver wasn't there. Made his own travel arrangements.
Met the guys in Velvet Revolver outside the Conan O'Brien show. Scott Weiland got his own ride. Slash and the rest came in a van.
Matt Damon at the last concert at Giants Stadium. It was Bruce when he was doing full albums each night(and then some). It was a Born in the USA night. I was in the front Gen Admin section. My friends were scattered in there but I found a good spot with my back against the dividers. He comes and is just standing next to me the whole show. Double fisting which I respect. His wife and what looked like her parents were mulling around us. I just said "Hey." Didn't want to bother him. He asked me what song they were playing and I told him "Jersey Girl." Thought to myself "How did you get in here without knowing Jersey Girl?" One of my friends and his wife come by later and recognize him and ask for a photo with him. He does it and they leave. My friend has an Eli jersey on. After they leave Matt's mom-in-law(I believe) says to him angrily "Why can't they leave you alone?" He says "I know, and what does he think he's Eli Manning with the jersey?" Then they went off to go backstage.
Met the guys in Velvet Revolver outside the Conan O'Brien show. Scott Weiland got his own ride. Slash and the rest came in a van.
Matt Damon at the last concert at Giants Stadium. It was Bruce when he was doing full albums each night(and then some). It was a Born in the USA night. I was in the front Gen Admin section. My friends were scattered in there but I found a good spot with my back against the dividers. He comes and is just standing next to me the whole show. Double fisting which I respect. His wife and what looked like her parents were mulling around us. I just said "Hey." Didn't want to bother him. He asked me what song they were playing and I told him "Jersey Girl." Thought to myself "How did you get in here without knowing Jersey Girl?" One of my friends and his wife come by later and recognize him and ask for a photo with him. He does it and they leave. My friend has an Eli jersey on. After they leave Matt's mom-in-law(I believe) says to him angrily "Why can't they leave you alone?" He says "I know, and what does he think he's Eli Manning with the jersey?" Then they went off to go backstage.
In the late 70’s, my friends got tickets to see Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin at the Westchester theater. We decided to take a trial run the night before For the hell of it. As we drove around the parking lot, we saw Frank and Dean outside joking around and having a couple of drinks.
Can't come close to zap (who here can), but had a couple of good ones:
1. Was at a concert and listening to James Cotton Blues Band, who was the opening act. I was at Rider College, sitting up front near the stage on the floor (in the gym). I got a slight knee in my back and I turned and looked up to see a woman in a fur coat with a whiskey in her hand. She smiles down at me and says, "Great f***ing band, ain't they?" And I say, "Yep." Then she walks away. Two minutes later I see her backstage (my spot on the floor was way off to the left), and somebody says, "There's Janis!" That was my meeting with Janis Joplin.
2. Was at a casino on Fremont Street in Vegas during a kind of low point in George Carlin's career. I watched from outside the room as he did his act in the lounge. I then went to play slots and he came in and sat down next to me. We were the only people playing slots in that area. I thought like hell to come up with something clever to say and totally drew a blank. After about five minutes, he was out of quarters (it was a long time ago), gets up and says to me, "Thanks for not talking." I say, "Sure thing." Felt great about that.
3. Moms Skillethead and I once ushered Walter Cronkite out of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (we both worked there at the time). Cronkite had been speaking and wanted to go out a back door so that he wouldn't have to encounter crowds. It was about a five minute walk to get out, during which he asked us about what we did and stuff. Super nice guy. He held hands with Moms Skillethead the whole time (to this day, guys are immediately attracted to my wife!). When I told him I worked at Rutgers, he said, "That president of yours is in some real trouble. What's the deal with that?" (Fran Lawrence and his racial comments -- students protesting at the bball game, etc.). I said, "I think he said the exact opposite of what he meant. It was a Friday afternoon and I think he was just tired and misspoke." Cronkite says, "That reminds me of something Barry Goldwater once told me, 'Walter, why can't the press write what I mean instead of what I say?" I though to myself, "I'm trading anecdotes with Walter Cronkite!" I got so excited I got lost, which Cronkite thought was hilarious.
Also met Jesse Owens, Satchel Paige, Frank Leahy (I'm that old), and for you real football enthusiasts, Beattie Feathers! But no great stories about those guys, just handshakes.
1. Was at a concert and listening to James Cotton Blues Band, who was the opening act. I was at Rider College, sitting up front near the stage on the floor (in the gym). I got a slight knee in my back and I turned and looked up to see a woman in a fur coat with a whiskey in her hand. She smiles down at me and says, "Great f***ing band, ain't they?" And I say, "Yep." Then she walks away. Two minutes later I see her backstage (my spot on the floor was way off to the left), and somebody says, "There's Janis!" That was my meeting with Janis Joplin.
2. Was at a casino on Fremont Street in Vegas during a kind of low point in George Carlin's career. I watched from outside the room as he did his act in the lounge. I then went to play slots and he came in and sat down next to me. We were the only people playing slots in that area. I thought like hell to come up with something clever to say and totally drew a blank. After about five minutes, he was out of quarters (it was a long time ago), gets up and says to me, "Thanks for not talking." I say, "Sure thing." Felt great about that.
3. Moms Skillethead and I once ushered Walter Cronkite out of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (we both worked there at the time). Cronkite had been speaking and wanted to go out a back door so that he wouldn't have to encounter crowds. It was about a five minute walk to get out, during which he asked us about what we did and stuff. Super nice guy. He held hands with Moms Skillethead the whole time (to this day, guys are immediately attracted to my wife!). When I told him I worked at Rutgers, he said, "That president of yours is in some real trouble. What's the deal with that?" (Fran Lawrence and his racial comments -- students protesting at the bball game, etc.). I said, "I think he said the exact opposite of what he meant. It was a Friday afternoon and I think he was just tired and misspoke." Cronkite says, "That reminds me of something Barry Goldwater once told me, 'Walter, why can't the press write what I mean instead of what I say?" I though to myself, "I'm trading anecdotes with Walter Cronkite!" I got so excited I got lost, which Cronkite thought was hilarious.
Also met Jesse Owens, Satchel Paige, Frank Leahy (I'm that old), and for you real football enthusiasts, Beattie Feathers! But no great stories about those guys, just handshakes.
Saw Evander Holyfield in a elevator at the Marriot Marquis while he was champion. He didn't look that big in person. My son caddied for Trump. Said he played very quickly. $$$$
Spent a holiday evening hanging in the tv room with my kid and the little brother of a family members date. This kid was remarkably well spoken for his age. Impressed the heck out of me. I told his mom he would make a great sports caster. After they left I found out he was a child tv star. It did occur to be he reminded me of someone I saw on Conan O’Brien.
Mickey Rourke at a bar in AC - ME: "When are they going to make The Pope of Greenwich Village part 2?"
Mickey "The Directors dead"
Mark Messier - Locker room after 94 cup - (I worked for the devils in the visiting locker room so knew them, got my one cousin in and his brother had earlier scored an all access pass from an electrician leaving...partied with them and then the security guard says "OK everyone out (Media) that are not family.friends" We go to leave and Mess says "No they can stay" - that made it a very long and fun night - Met Guliani later that AM at the felt forum party
Wayne Gretzky - Hated to ask but when working the game had to ask for an autographed stick for my cousins or they would would disown me...He goes in to the back showers where the spares were and comes out and says "I would but only only have 6 left and a bunch of games on the east coast trip left" ...I of course said no problem...
Year after Devils played at Edmonton - 2 years later he's back in NJ - Before the game he goes in the back and comes out and signs a stick for me!!!!!! I never asked again...How the F he remembered after SOOOOOOOOO many people ask for his stick everywhere he goes is absolutely a testament of the kind of character guy he was...
Sean Burke -awesome dude. Hit it off with him when he was in NJ but then traded to Hartford. Invited me to sleep over after his first game vs the Devils so I drive up and do. watched the game with his wife and the Devils pound him for like 5 or 6 goals - pulled first quarter! Went back to the house. wife made an apple pie, had some beers and what comes on sports center
. We laughed it off...Adam Graves - Incredible human being. In general hockey players were so down to earth and cool...Nobody better than Adam...Would literally chat with me for 15 minutes before each game. remember details and names of my two cousins who were ranger fans
John Bush - lead singer of Anthrax - Friend & I snuck backstage at a benefit concert for NYPD after 911. scored passes to the after party at hard rock and chatted/drank with him for over an hour. Wanted to go to a Nets game next time in town with his girlfriend, exchanged numbers . I had no clue it was him until Ace freely came over and started talking to him!
...I remember Ace being hammered and mad at D Snyder...Said he was going to "Break his fckn nose" when he came...LOL...D would have taken him left handed and blind folded MIke Piazza - after cousin, friend & I snuck in to Mets locker room after they won the national league to go to the subway series...talked for a bit, cool dude and took a great pic with all of us. Met him again as he was of course was at the above mentioned party at the hard rock being a big rock fan.
Every Yankee (After world series win in 86 vs braves & every Cowboy/some Steelers
after Super Bowl win vs Steelers - Cousin & I snuck in to both locker rooms . Way too many stories to tell for both of these!
Billy Batts - Frankie Vincent - walked in to a steam room at a sports club so of course my dad says "Batts, what is it ?" - Frankie "A how you doin fellas"
Carol Alt - As an 18 year old...Hello!
Malin Ackerman - Sisters friends with her. Slept over my house. Very cool. spent a few Labor day weekends down the shore at my parents.
John Gotti ? - At my uncles house and he answers the phone. "Hey john, how are you? Good. what do you need? Sure no problem. See you later" My Cousin "Who was that dad?" Uncle "John Gotti, needs a table at the Pegasus tonight"
Joe Pantoliano - Craps table in Aruba - "Hey your from Jersey guys? Ok what do you need, 5? here we go, give me a 5 for the jersey boys".....7 out ! literally the worst shooter I have ever seen! This went on each time he rolled! "Whata ya need guys! ...7 out!!! My brother in law who wanted to leave the table still busts my balls about owing him money since I wanted to stay as it was a fun time
...ohn Gotti ?
Being old, some of mine are from before they were famous, lol. Most are from bands, which is bound to happen when you've been to over 1000 shows, lol, with many of them in very small venues.
- Been pretty good friends with Matt Pinfield of MTV fame since our days at RU in the early 80s and his days DJ-ing at the Melody Bar. Still friends.
- Not sure how much this one counts either, but was a casual friend with Jim Gandolfini when we were undergrads in the early 80s (we both were good friends with the same person) and would see him at campus parties and at the Rusty Screw Tavern where he was a bouncer and we'd chit chat a bit. Just a nice fun guy.
- Used to hang out at the bar at Stuff Yer Face some in the mid-80s and met Mario Batali a few times when he worked there - again, before he was famous.
- Another ran into before famous story. Met Jon Stewart numerous times when he was a bartender at City Gardens, the old punk club in Trenton, in the mid-80s. He was a damn good bartender and we had a few conversations when things were slow.
- Saw U2 on their first tour in the US at a less-than-full old Fastlane in AP and chatted with Bono after the show for a bit. He just had incredible star power even then.
- In about 1985 or so, my GF and I saw Joe Morton, the actor, at a cool little Greek restaurant in the village. This was right after his great role in John Sayles's Brother From Another Planet, which was a small independent hit. Most celebrities hate being approached after they're big, but most love it early on in their careers. So on our way out, we paused at his table and I just said, "hey, thought you were fantastic in BFAP" (he was) and figured we'd just be on our way, but he said thanks and we actually had a short conversation about the film.
- Interviewed then-Gov Florio for my PhD thesis about the Superfund environmental cleanup legislation which he coauthored as a member of the House. Very gracious. Ran into him a few years back in town (they settled in Metuchen), as my wife worked with his wife on a couple of charity things - always liked him.
- In the early 90s in New Orleans, I saw John Goodman at a strip club. Asked the bouncer if it was him and he said yeah, but said do not disturb him, so I didn't. He got a lot of attention from the dancers, lol.
- Became acquaintances I guess with Chris Collingwood, lead singer for the band Fountains of Wayne, in the mid-90s, as both his father and brother also worked at Merck and we were in similar areas. They thought it was great that someone from work loved the band, who were not that big at the time (they never got huge but had some modest hits), so they arranged to have our crew meet the band after a show in NYC. Just hung out and had drinks and talked music and science (he almost went into Pharma too). For a few years, I'd email when we were going to see them at a show and he'd always make a point to say hi, which was cool.
- Met dozens of people from bands over the years; besides the ones mentioned above, probably the most famous were all of the guys from the Wonder Stuff (they had a bunch of top 10 hits in the UK and did my proposal to my then-fiancee on stage at the Fastlane in 1990 as arranged by Matt Pinfield for me - she said yes, lol), everyone from the Smithereens (saw them dozens of times at the Court Tavern before they hit big), John Easdale from Dramarama (again, seen countless times), and Marshall Crenshaw, Michael Stipe, and Billie Jo from Green Day, all very early in their careers.
- While waiting on line to get into a show at the Bottom Line in NYC on her tour for her first album, Melissa Etheridge came out to chat with people on line, which was kind of cool. As an aside, this was before she came out and we were wondering why there were so many lesbians there. And then during the show we were seated at a table next to Greg Allman. I then ended up taking a piss right next to him in the bathroom and on the way out of the bathroom I remember saying "isn't she friggin' awesome?" and he replied something like, "you're ******* right" - and I then threw in, "and you guys were pretty damn good too" and he broke into a big smile and said thanks.
- A good friend of mine was chief-of-staff for both Dick Codey when he was acting governor (we got to ride back from the airport after the Texas Bowl in the Gov's limo) and Phil Murphy, so I got to meet each of them a coupe of times.
- This may only count for RU-philes. My wife's dad was very good friends/colleagues at RU with the elder Richard McCormick and the son, Dick, who was just an RU prof at the time, but eventually became RU President. We got invited to my FIL's dinner parties and got to know both of them.
I know many famous national and local horse racing trainers and jockeys. Some are friends, dinner drinks together others just annual hello how you doing brief conversations. Jose Ferrer I know very well and we are great friends. He lived 2 houses from me in Bucks County. I watched his 2 Great Danes sometimes. Lily and Diesel got along great with Scarlet. Those 3 were a funny group. I miss them all.
The biggest celebrity I met was Wayne Gretzky at the MLB All Star in San Diego 1992. Was seated at the pool bar and he sat next to me. We talked for hours. Mostly about baseball, very little hockey. Nicest guy you ever could meet.
He was there for a celebrity home run hitting contest that was cancelled at the last minute. He and fellow Canadian Larry Walker were good friends.
The biggest celebrity I met was Wayne Gretzky at the MLB All Star in San Diego 1992. Was seated at the pool bar and he sat next to me. We talked for hours. Mostly about baseball, very little hockey. Nicest guy you ever could meet.
He was there for a celebrity home run hitting contest that was cancelled at the last minute. He and fellow Canadian Larry Walker were good friends.
Agree about Wayne Gretzky. Read my post above. 6 years later we met up again by chance. He recognized me. Remembered my name and that I was a Yankee fan. It was the beginning of their WS run and we talked about 96 season. He already knew a lot of the Yankees in his first season on the Rangers.Mickey Rourke at a bar in AC - ME: "When are they going to make The Pope of Greenwich Village part 2?"
Mickey "The Directors dead"
Mark Messier - Locker room after 94 cup - (I worked for the devils in the visiting locker room so knew them, got my one cousin in and his brother had earlier scored an all access pass from an electrician leaving...partied with them and then the security guard says "OK everyone out (Media) that are not family.friends" We go to leave and Mess says "No they can stay" - that made it a very long and fun night - Met Guliani later that AM at the felt forum party
Wayne Gretzky - Hated to ask but when working the game had to ask for an autographed stick for my cousins or they would would disown me...He goes in to the back showers where the spares were and comes out and says "I would but only only have 6 left and a bunch of games on the east coast trip left" ...I of course said no problem...
Year after Devils played at Edmonton - 2 years later he's back in NJ - Before the game he goes in the back and comes out and signs a stick for me!!!!!! I never asked again...How the F he remembered after SOOOOOOOOO many people ask for his stick everywhere he goes is absolutely a testament of the kind of character guy he was...
Sean Burke -awesome dude. Hit it off with him when he was in NJ but then traded to Hartford. Invited me to sleep over after his first game vs the Devils so I drive up and do. watched the game with his wife and the Devils pound him for like 5 or 6 goals - pulled first quarter! Went back to the house. wife made an apple pie, had some beers and what comes on sports center
Adam Graves - Incredible human being. In general hockey players were so down to earth and cool...Nobody better than Adam...Would literally chat with me for 15 minutes before each game. remember details and names of my two cousins who were ranger fans
John Bush - lead singer of Anthrax - Friend & I snuck backstage at a benefit concert for NYPD after 911. scored passes to the after party at hard rock and chatted/drank with him for over an hour. Wanted to go to a Nets game next time in town with his girlfriend, exchanged numbers . I had no clue it was him until Ace freely came over and started talking to him!
MIke Piazza - after cousin, friend & I snuck in to Mets locker room after they won the national league to go to the subway series...talked for a bit, cool dude and took a great pic with all of us. Met him again as he was of course was at the above mentioned party at the hard rock being a big rock fan.
Every Yankee (After world series win in 86 vs braves & every Cowboy/some Steelers
after Super Bowl win vs Steelers - Cousin & I snuck in to both locker rooms . Way too many stories to tell for both of these!
Billy Batts - Frankie Vincent - walked in to a steam room at a sports club so of course my dad says "Batts, what is it ?" - Frankie "A how you doin fellas"
Carol Alt - As an 18 year old...Hello!
Malin Ackerman - Sisters friends with her. Slept over my house. Very cool. spent a few Labor day weekends down the shore at my parents.
John Gotti ? - At my uncles house and he answers the phone. "Hey john, how are you? Good. what do you need? Sure no problem. See you later" My Cousin "Who was that dad?" Uncle "John Gotti, needs a table at the Pegasus tonight"
Joe Pantoliano - Craps table in Aruba - "Hey your from Jersey guys? Ok what do you need, 5? here we go, give me a 5 for the jersey boys".....7 out ! literally the worst shooter I have ever seen! This went on each time he rolled! "Whata ya need guys! ...7 out!!! My brother in law who wanted to leave the table still busts my balls about owing him money since I wanted to stay as it was a fun time
ohn Gotti ?
Latest
-
01
The Knight Report
Retrospective: Looking Back at Rutgers Preseason Player Rankings for 2025
-
02
The Knight Report
Rutgers Football Fall Camp: Get 75% off The Knight Report - Final Day!
-
03
The Knight Report
Training Camp Q&A with Rutgers Football OL Terrence Salami
-
04
The Knight Report
Everything Rutgers Football HC Greg Schiano said following second scrimmage
-
05
The Knight Report
Rutgers Football HC Greg Schiano talks QB battle after second scrimmage