Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 11 > Entry
At the Toronto fest: To be or not to be Jerry Springer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Toronto - I’ve covered film festivals at Sundance, in Seattle, certainly in Atlanta and once stood on the main drag in Dahlonega talking to John Waters before that North Georgia town’s film event made its move to Rome.
But Monday at the Toronto International Film Festival was the first time I’ve ever been followed two or more blocks of a big city by a drunken vagrant who thought I was Jerry Springer and that my reporter’s notebook sticking out of my back pocket was to be used exclusively to obtain cherished celebrity autographs.
The vagrant talked incessantly. I said nothing, not even a word to advise my newfound buddy that I don’t ask for celebrity autographs.
But I shouldn’[t complain. Celebrities are often everywhere at film festivals - yes, Robert Redford showed up on the streets of Park City, Utah, at Sundance when I was there; so did Kiss singer Gene Simmons. So why should it surprise anyone that someone with hazy vision thinks they’ve spotted Springer. But could I not have at least been mistaken for Donald Sutherland?
I came to Toronto to see Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and hear them talk about their new documentary “Man From Plains.”
And I feel better now, because before the only other president I’d been able to see up close and personal was Richard Nixon.
You know who’s fun to meet? Brad Garrett, Dennis Hopper, Molly Shannon, George Clooney and Fernando “City of God” Meirelles.
By the way, I sat in a Four Seasons Hotel hallway here on Sunday and watched silently as Brad Pitt, and later Tilda Swinton, walked by.
They probably thought I was some drunken vagrant.
Have you had encounters with the famous? If not, who would you most like to see or meet?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Bob Longino
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By No
September 11, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Never cared whether I see a “celebrity” or not…………they’re human just like the rest of us. And it’s not like my life will change in any way if/once that happens…………..heck, it’s not like they’ll be helping the needy, giving out groceries or paying some lucky persons bills………..so what will seeing them do……….NOTHING!!! Guess I’m not easily impressed!!! Oh well…
By Sgt Hartman
September 11, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Lee Ermey discussed Francis Coppola’s profligacy and Stanley Kubrick’s brilliance with me. An affable man and a great American.
By H
September 11, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
I managed a gas station for a few years on I-10 in Texas. Robert Mitchum stopped in to use the john. He wore a Greek sailors cap on and shades. He was maintaining a low profile so I decided no to bother him. Movie magic had him at least 6” taller than he really was.
Mr. Smithee, if you look anything like your drawing in the paper, I would mistake you for Ronald Fraser. (If he wasn’t already dead, that is.)
By tim
September 13, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
I met james brown and his guards at a pizza shop. I cooked for david justice and halle berry at the restaurant I worked at back in high school. He was taller than I expected and Halle Berry was a knockout. I didn’t really know who she was back then
By Smoke - Up Johnny!
September 13, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
I met President Bush (SR.) once in Kennebunkport Maine when I was in a little store looking for eggs to cook for breakfast. I also met, by default, 6 secret service agents who invaded the store first to make sure there were no threats against him. Funny thing is, he came in, grabbed a basket and shopped or 10 minutes while everyone was asked to wait in their positions until he was finished shopping. I noticed he did not pay for any of the items, and then was rushed into an SUV and was last seen heading back to his compound at blazing speed. The nerve of some people!! The clerk said he had an “account” with them and that he pays monthly for his groceries.
When I noticed the eggs in this tiny tourist town were @4.00 a dozen, I told them to put it on Bush’s tab.
By loislane
September 13, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
as a reporter and corporate exec i’ve met a lot of celebs including victor borge, wally amos, pat nixon yada yada. but the one that was unforgettable was henry kissinger. i had to ask him a question in a reporting pool and when he trained those blue eyes on me it was electric.