Convention Circuit - Least Favorite Person Associated With Trek?
- Thread starter Jeff Tube
- Start date
I saw him and Avery Brooks in Chicago last year. Avery Brooks shook my hand, tried to remember my name from when I got my autograph from him earlier in the day (he didn't, but credit to him for recognizing me and trying) and when we took the picture, we have our arms wrapped around each other like old buddies. Shatner didn't speak to me, wouldn't shake my hand, and almost cringed when I got my picture taken with him and put my hand on his shoulder.
That said, the line for Avery Brooks was maybe 25-50 people long. For Shatner, it had to be about 500 people long. I don't think Creation cares how he acts when he's bringing in cash like that.
That said, the line for Avery Brooks was maybe 25-50 people long. For Shatner, it had to be about 500 people long. I don't think Creation cares how he acts when he's bringing in cash like that.
Well yeah I guess if he continues to bring in the fans they'd be happy. Kind of sad that some folks care more about who the bigger names are than who are the nicer people.(although this doesn't apply if they don't know about the way Shatner acts at these things, but there are a lot of stories out there)
I agree, even if he didn't catch your name, the fact that he tried is good.
Having been in customer service, I know how important it is to try to remember at least something about the customer. Even if I blank out on a name--which I do often--if I remember something about a customer's purchasing habits and special requests, or some story they told me, it really brightens that person's day.I realize acting isn't customer service, but putting together a convention is, in a way.
It seems to me that if an actor doesn't like cons, don't they have a choice not to attend them rather than take that dislike out on people?
I met Shatner last summer at Vegas. No issues, there.
Patrick Stewart on the other hand ....
I dropped $60 on him (Chiller Theater Expo) for an autograph (not even personalized). It was the scene in The Inner Light where his wife dies. I picked it because Stewart's son was in the scene and was also signing autographs. There was nobody else there at the time so I started to tell Patrick about how much I enjoyed episode. He just stood up and walked away. What an
.
Daniel was very nice. He even personalized the autograph. Based on my experience, I'm assuming he was raised by his mother.
Patrick Stewart on the other hand ....
I dropped $60 on him (Chiller Theater Expo) for an autograph (not even personalized). It was the scene in The Inner Light where his wife dies. I picked it because Stewart's son was in the scene and was also signing autographs. There was nobody else there at the time so I started to tell Patrick about how much I enjoyed episode. He just stood up and walked away. What an
.Daniel was very nice. He even personalized the autograph. Based on my experience, I'm assuming he was raised by his mother.
I've often heard that about Stewart. A great shame.
I've never had a bad experience with a Trek guest, happily enough. I've seen John deLancie be very rude to other conventiongoers, but he was nice enough to me. Mark Lenard was a bit of a blank slate, but he'd had a long day and I'm sure he was tired.
I've never had a bad experience with a Trek guest, happily enough. I've seen John deLancie be very rude to other conventiongoers, but he was nice enough to me. Mark Lenard was a bit of a blank slate, but he'd had a long day and I'm sure he was tired.
I once went to a convention that featured George Takei and Marc Alaimo. From the get-go George was his usual ebullient self, but Alaimo was quite surly. Very curt with people, and just really didn't seem to want to be there. By the second half of the day though, he got into the swing of things and was having a merry old time of it all. Laughing and joking with George at the signing table, messing around with fans, he just seemed to be having a blast.
The only reason I mention this boring little story is that the actors are people too, and often have an off day (or half) and that you can't really judge them from that one encounter. (Much as it can be crushing for the fan.)
Personally, this is the only time a Trek actor been even remotely rude to fans.
That's not to say some of them aren't jerks, of course.
The only reason I mention this boring little story is that the actors are people too, and often have an off day (or half) and that you can't really judge them from that one encounter. (Much as it can be crushing for the fan.)
Personally, this is the only time a Trek actor been even remotely rude to fans.
That's not to say some of them aren't jerks, of course.
That definitely does sound unusual for Alaimo, from what I've usually heard. Probably got up on the wrong side of the bed that morning--and you're right, we can all have a day like that (sounds like some days in my old job when I just did not want to be there, and it took awhile to get my "customer face" turned on). Glad to hear he got back to "normal" later.
Me too.
This was back in about '96, I believe, and I had little experience meeting Trek stars, so it definitely soured me a bit at first. Once he cheered up though, my disappointment dissolved and left behind the realisation that I had snap-judged him.
I think who is going to die next comes into it as well. I know that factor has me ebay'ing some crap to buy tickets to see Shatner.
Met Shatner and had picture with in 2003. Didn't have an issue with him. I told him thank you and he shook my hand. Then met Stewart in Vegas last year. Had picture with him as well. Was very nice. Said hello to each person I was near. One thing I found interesting was that he stood the same way whoever it was next to him. Haven't had any bad meetings except one and I've met everyone from all series except De Kelly, Linda Park and R Dawson.
The one bad meeting was Dominic Keeting. Was four years ago in Vegas. He was drunk. And then complained about having to sign autographs loudly to the people he was signing for. In stark constrast Terry Ferrell was signing at the same table and due to the length of the line she got up and walked the line. Found him to be completely lacking in class.
The one bad meeting was Dominic Keeting. Was four years ago in Vegas. He was drunk. And then complained about having to sign autographs loudly to the people he was signing for. In stark constrast Terry Ferrell was signing at the same table and due to the length of the line she got up and walked the line. Found him to be completely lacking in class.
you got me interested in that encounter, if you'd be willing to elaborate I'd appreciate it.
Actors are indeed people. They do indeed have off days. They could be sick, have trouble at home, any number of a hundred reasons for them to be less than pleasant.
As someone who has met a fine number of actors, I tend to dismiss when I hear a singular "bad" encounter with someone.
I only consider such when they're repeated, or I've experienced the actor multiple times.
William Shatner is a great stage personality, but is indeed quite distant and reserved when one-on-one. You can't fault the man for it too much, with the time and volume of events he's done. But when you hold him up to the rest of his cast mates, it's clear he's just not that "giving" on a personal level.
Patrick Stewart is much the same. On stage, he can be lovely. One on one? Oy. When I met him, even his on-stage self was a bit of a prick, to be blunt. My good friend Bill has met him more recently, and found him to be neutral. But he knew well enough not to try anything but "business" of autographs.
Nichelle Nichols is one not mentioned much, but she can be a royal snot. I've met her once and found such true. Heard it from others. She can be more ammeniable -- friend of mine actually got her to sign a phot for me with "Hailing Frequencies Open" -- which she obviously hates to do, lol. But I also know of a fan I met when seeing her, who had a fully signed TOS cast photo -- including Gene! -- and only lacked her because she refused to sign it. Why? Her head was partially obscured by Nimoy. The guy even offered to make out a $500 check to the charity of her choice, and she still refused. Which is just silly. If your own ego at not being perfectly in frame makes you a snot, you know, shame on you. If you won't overcome that and sign your name for a generous donation to a charity? Wow. Sad.
Actors also have phases, I might add, in addition to being subject to normal moods.
I met Rene Auberjonis the month after DS9 went off the air. He was so friendly and personable, as was Nana Visitor, I was shocked. It was one of my first conventions, had only done 2 or 3 others. I met him exactly one year later, the summer he did 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson and relative unknown Heath Ledger? Wow. He was distant, dressed all spiffy, and surrounded by an entourage that 'protected' him. At the convention in question, we happened to all get thrown outside that hot August day. It was Philly, where the Republican National Convention for President was at the same weekend, city. Well the Governor of Illinois sent some alarm clocks to his delegation, and some dip-wad thought "bomb" and we're all outside for 3 hours.
During this, Robbie McNiell and Armin Shimmerman worked their asses off entertaining us, posing for pictures, telling stories, listening to the fans. They went above and beyond, and they didn't have to. They could have cloistered off under an umbrella and been "celebrities" but they really swung into action. Rene? He *DID* stand off cloistered by his entourage, segregated, refusing to let anyone near him. It was such a radical departure from only 12 months earlier.
While off topic, in terms of favorites and nicest?
Avery Brooks gets the award for being the "biggest star" who is nicest. He is so deep and philosophical, yet so down to earth and friendly. He takes the time to shake your hand, ask your name. He's a man of the people, very casual. He also levels with you: he does these shows to say "hello" to the fans. He doesn't promote any projects unless you ask him directly, and even then, he tends to keep that brief! He genuinely enjoys experiencing the diversity of the fans and to see what Star Trek means. I'm left in awe whenever I meet him, because he doesn't have to do that.
As someone who has met a fine number of actors, I tend to dismiss when I hear a singular "bad" encounter with someone.
I only consider such when they're repeated, or I've experienced the actor multiple times.
William Shatner is a great stage personality, but is indeed quite distant and reserved when one-on-one. You can't fault the man for it too much, with the time and volume of events he's done. But when you hold him up to the rest of his cast mates, it's clear he's just not that "giving" on a personal level.
Patrick Stewart is much the same. On stage, he can be lovely. One on one? Oy. When I met him, even his on-stage self was a bit of a prick, to be blunt. My good friend Bill has met him more recently, and found him to be neutral. But he knew well enough not to try anything but "business" of autographs.
Nichelle Nichols is one not mentioned much, but she can be a royal snot. I've met her once and found such true. Heard it from others. She can be more ammeniable -- friend of mine actually got her to sign a phot for me with "Hailing Frequencies Open" -- which she obviously hates to do, lol. But I also know of a fan I met when seeing her, who had a fully signed TOS cast photo -- including Gene! -- and only lacked her because she refused to sign it. Why? Her head was partially obscured by Nimoy. The guy even offered to make out a $500 check to the charity of her choice, and she still refused. Which is just silly. If your own ego at not being perfectly in frame makes you a snot, you know, shame on you. If you won't overcome that and sign your name for a generous donation to a charity? Wow. Sad.
Actors also have phases, I might add, in addition to being subject to normal moods.
I met Rene Auberjonis the month after DS9 went off the air. He was so friendly and personable, as was Nana Visitor, I was shocked. It was one of my first conventions, had only done 2 or 3 others. I met him exactly one year later, the summer he did 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson and relative unknown Heath Ledger? Wow. He was distant, dressed all spiffy, and surrounded by an entourage that 'protected' him. At the convention in question, we happened to all get thrown outside that hot August day. It was Philly, where the Republican National Convention for President was at the same weekend, city. Well the Governor of Illinois sent some alarm clocks to his delegation, and some dip-wad thought "bomb" and we're all outside for 3 hours.
During this, Robbie McNiell and Armin Shimmerman worked their asses off entertaining us, posing for pictures, telling stories, listening to the fans. They went above and beyond, and they didn't have to. They could have cloistered off under an umbrella and been "celebrities" but they really swung into action. Rene? He *DID* stand off cloistered by his entourage, segregated, refusing to let anyone near him. It was such a radical departure from only 12 months earlier.
While off topic, in terms of favorites and nicest?
Avery Brooks gets the award for being the "biggest star" who is nicest. He is so deep and philosophical, yet so down to earth and friendly. He takes the time to shake your hand, ask your name. He's a man of the people, very casual. He also levels with you: he does these shows to say "hello" to the fans. He doesn't promote any projects unless you ask him directly, and even then, he tends to keep that brief! He genuinely enjoys experiencing the diversity of the fans and to see what Star Trek means. I'm left in awe whenever I meet him, because he doesn't have to do that.
I don't think there's a single one of them that couldn't be worked on, or a connection made, in the 5 minutes you get with them. They're not totally like the characters they play, but that would be stupid to expect.
Walter Koenig was the friendliest. John De Lancie looked at me with interest, but I was too shy to connect. De Kelley was the most solid. Leonard Nimoy the most aura-ed. William Shatner was a bit 'so f**', at that time, but wasn't rude at all. Well humoured.
I've met six of them since 2004, and I'm going to get my photo ops retouched, cos I look terrible in them. And, I'm going to meet as many of them again and get another lot!
Walter Koenig was the friendliest. John De Lancie looked at me with interest, but I was too shy to connect. De Kelley was the most solid. Leonard Nimoy the most aura-ed. William Shatner was a bit 'so f**', at that time, but wasn't rude at all. Well humoured.
I've met six of them since 2004, and I'm going to get my photo ops retouched, cos I look terrible in them. And, I'm going to meet as many of them again and get another lot!
This certainly is a useful thread. I haven't met anyone yet, but I hope to meet Marina Sirtis at Fedcon this year. She seems like a nice person and I've heard good things about her convention persona.
By the way, I'm a bit disappointed in this year's Fedcon line-up. Being the 20th edition and all, I honestly expected more and bigger Star Trek stars. For now, the only Trek actors announced are Marina Sirtis, Garret Wang, Wil Wheaton, Nicole de Boer, Carel Struycken (Mr. Homn), Arlene Martel (T'Pring) and Kate Vernon (Valerie Archer, VOY). I'd say that's a tad thin.
Well, considering it's my first convention, it'll probably be fun anyway, but there's only one person in there that I'm actually excited about meeting and that's Marina.
By the way, I'm a bit disappointed in this year's Fedcon line-up. Being the 20th edition and all, I honestly expected more and bigger Star Trek stars. For now, the only Trek actors announced are Marina Sirtis, Garret Wang, Wil Wheaton, Nicole de Boer, Carel Struycken (Mr. Homn), Arlene Martel (T'Pring) and Kate Vernon (Valerie Archer, VOY). I'd say that's a tad thin.
Well, considering it's my first convention, it'll probably be fun anyway, but there's only one person in there that I'm actually excited about meeting and that's Marina.
Similar threads
