What’s It Like to Meet a Celebrity? Depends on the Celebrity

I've got this Barbara Walters essence about me.

I sport a couple of arms, two eyes, and a mouth.

Oh yeah, and ears, too. On both sides of my head, no less.

I’ve also had the privilege to have met with many famous people.

So -- what is it like to meet a celebrity? It all depends on who it is:

I met folk singer Judy Collins at her Christmas concert. Behind the scenes though, she was in a rather irritable mood, having not been catered to properly by staffers before the show. I think I would be unpleasant, too, if I went all day without a bite.

There are several country stars I have approached backstage. Country and Western singing/acting group Riders in the Sky were comical. Sherrie Austin was a bit of a snob. Ty Herndon? Sweetheart (despite his arrests). Andy Griggs? Pothead. Or at least, he acted like one.

I have come across horror writer Stephen King back home in Maine. He lives not too far from my hometown. Despite the mansion and BMWs, he’s a “regular Joe” -- a pretty approachable guy.

I've met singer BJ Thomas twice. He did a meet-and-greet after the shows I've seen. He took the time to chat for awhile.

I happened upon '60s pop artist Peter Max in Manchester, Vermont, at his gallery opening there. He is a very warm, courteous man.

Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan used to live in New Hampshire. He came to the radio station I worked at about 5 years ago to record a series of Public Service Announcements for David's House (which is a place for families to stay when their children are being treated at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center). He was rather quiet so I didn’t talk to him very much, but he seemed likable. He passed away the following year.

Speaking of children's icons, I very recently sent an e-mail to the management of Bob McGrath, who plays Bob on Sesame Street. I grew up watching him and the gang on TV, as he is one of 2 original cast members. I have never met Bob, but he is also a very warm, kind man. He responded to my e-mail with an autographed photo.

When I was in broadcasting school, me and another guy from school acquired tickets to see President Bill Clinton on the last stop of his campaign for second term. For the sake of shaking any President’s hand, I thrust my hand out and made contact. This was before the whole Monica Lewinsky incident, of course...

'50s singing star Pat Boone did a show in Claremont, New Hampshire. I introduced him to the audience at the Opera House. Just before that, me and my co-host interviewed him in the john, since it was the only place that was relatively quiet. I found Pat Boone to be extremely pleasant.

I ran into Aerosmith's Steven Tyler by accident. Which is funny, because (knowing full well he lived in the area someplace) I just knew that when I moved there myself, I'd end up meeting him somehow. I was at an audio/video store when it happened. I was there doing a live radio broadcast, just promoting stuff. Steven Tyler walks in, looking to purchase a set of speakers for his boat or yacht or something. He even joined me on the air. Nice dude – but our time was cut short because his wife was eager to leave.

Actor Robert Wagner performed in a play ("Love Letters") in town with his wife, Bond girl Jill St. John. They were both quite pleasant people. Mr. Wagner gave me a gentlemanly peck on the cheek.

I have met Noel Paul Stookey, the "Paul" in Peter, Paul, and Mary. He did a fund-raiser where I met him.

I have also interviewed '50s/'60s singers Chubby Checker, Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon and "Grease" actor Eddie Deezen by phone. I still correspond with Eddie to this day.

These people must consider themselves really lucky.

Not everyone gets to meet me, you know.