For most people the July 4th weekend consists of eating barbecue, watching firework shows and going to the beach with friends and family but I decided to check out the world famous Hollywood Show - the best known autograph show in the LA area - at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank and say "hi" to some of my fabulous friends that I have already interviewed on my podcast!
The moment I got there I was thrilled to bump into my into my friend Barry Pearl and chat about the fabulous time he had on his recent trip to Australia to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the release of the classic film "Grease" by making appearances at SUPANOVA, ACMI Cinemanics and Fonzie’s Diner in Sydney. He also mentioned how emotional it was for him to go visit the Olivia Newton-John’s Wellness Centre in Melbourne. He's such a special man. I'm so happy that he's in my life.
I then went over to my friend Carol Ita White's booth - which just happened to be right next to the booth where Academy Award winner George Chakiris ("West Side Story") was signing autographs - to catch up with her and give her a big hug. It was so nice to see that there were so many people there wanting to meet the one and only "Big Rosie" from "Laverne & Shirley"! Love her!
Two aisles away, I found the booth with the fabulous Karen Lynn Gorney and her fellow "Saturday Night Fever" co-stars - Donna Pescow and Paul Pape - were signing autographs and taking photos with fans. It was SO great to finally Karen in the flesh! Not only is “Saturday Night Fever” one of my favorite films but after interviewing her for an hour for the podcast it was like meeting a long lost friend. She's as charming in real life as she was over the phone when I interviewed her!
I also stopped by to see my buddy Russell Todd (star of "Where The Boys Are '84" & "Friday The 13th Part 2") at his booth to catch up with him and to remind him that we'll be doing an interview in the next couple of weeks for the podcast! I can't wait!!
Other stars that I saw there included "Grease 2" hunk Adrian Zmed, the ladies of "Knot Landing" Donna Mills & Joan Van Ark, "Empty Nest" star Kristy McNichol, "221" star Marla Gibbs, and "Captain Kirk" himself William Shatner among several others!
Started in 1979, The Hollywood Show is perhaps the best known pop culture event on the west coast. It is held several times a year at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank, in addition to shows in Las Vegas and Chicago. Actors, writers, performers, collectors and celebrities all come to interact with fans, autograph photos/merchandise and take photos with fans from all over the country.
The next one will be held on October 6th & 7th at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank. For more information go to - https://www.hollywoodshow.com/
