We’re opening a new robotics exhibit here at the Science Center. And today, we had the press conference, and Mr. Daniels came as a special guest. I had asked my boss if I could meet him, and since we needed a few employees to attend, well, off I go.
So one of the organizers mentioned to him that I was a huge fan, and he agreed before the event that he would love to meet me and sign an autograph.
He was extremely nice, polite, a real gentlemen all around. He signed my book, shook my hand, asked me a little bit about myself, etc. I asked if he was enjoying Pittsburgh, and that it was a real honor to meet him.
A total class act.
So, for all you geeks out there-HA HA!!!
(He and Mark Hamill are going to be here tonight for a big media event, but it’s very unlikely I’d be able to get near Mr. Hamill. Oh well.)
I met Mr. Daniels in 1983. He was one of the celebrity guests at a science-fiction convention in Kansas City, Missouri. The other guest was George Takei.
Both guests had dinner with four fans from the con, chosen by lot. I was one of the four to eat with Mr. Takei, who was also a very gracious, funny host. Our table’s picture was taken by Mr. Daniels, who along with his table of fans was close by. He was happy to take the shot.
I also myself took a picture of George Takei that may be unique. He’d said to the event organizer “I’d sit naked on a silver platter, surrounded by parsley, with an apple in my mouth, to help out!” So the gal had a waiter bring a little silver dish to the table, with parsley and an apple. George picked it up, chomped into the apple, and laid his chin on the dish. I have a photo of him looking sideways at the camera like that.
I went to Star Wars Celebration II several years ago, and met him there. Most of the celebrities pretty much stayed in the autograph area, where you had to pay to get them to quickly sign an autograph and send you on your way. Mr. Daniels, however, was very outgoing. Before the convention even opened, he was strolling around outside the venue, hanging out with the folks standing in line waiting to get in, signing autographs, posing for pictures, and telling stories. A class act, indeed.
Later, our staff brought him over to see the Bodies exhibit, so when he saw me, he said hello, and teased me for not having my nametag on. (The clip broke, and I haven’t managed to find a replacement).
Like I said, Mark Hamill and Mr. Daniels will be coming back this evening, but it’s a black tie affair for the media. I don’t want to look like one of those morons who call him “Luke” and ask him to train me as a Jedi Knight. (Yes, there are people out there who do that)
He was staying at as hotel my mother was night auditor for several years ago. They chatted for a bit. Mom says he was VERY charming, and he gave her 2 signed pictures of himself for my brother (the prat!).
