I learned that Larry Hagman was to make an appearance at Chiller Theatre in October, 2005, in New Jersey. Less that two hours from home! In all the years I have been a fan of Larry Hagman, it had never even occurred to me that I could meet him. I just assumed it was impossible, and didn't even try. I was thrilled at the prospect, but there was a risk, more than one actually. Larry was 74 years old. Would that bother me? Would he be nice? What would I say? I would risk it. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. Little did I know that this was to be only the beginning of a wonderful adventure!
Larry Hagman was my first crush. I noticed him when I was ten years old, watching reruns of I Dream of Jeannie. I had spent a good portion of my childhood and early adulthood idolizing Larry, but had lost interest in him by the early 1990s, only recently becoming aware of him again. It started around 2004. Maybe it was the Dallas reunion, or perhaps his episode of Biography. Maybe, having reached middle age, it was simple nostalgia. Whatever the reason, it was like I never forgot him! I prepared to meet Larry by watching recent clips of him. He really didn't look bad for his age! Then I continued to watch all of the old videos I still had, and caught up on Larry's career since the end of Dallas. I came away from this experience genuinely impressed, not just with the way he looked, which I have always liked, but with his acting. Larry Hagman is a truly versatile performer, and it took losing interest in him (and growing up) for me to realize that.
My brother and his wife were staying at the hotel and attending all three days of the convention. I drove up with my friend Toni. As we got nearer to the site, I started to get nervous. My hands were sweaty. Great. I would dissolve into a puddle of sweat before his very eyes! My brother knew some of the organizers of Chiller Theater, and got us wristbands, allowing us to bypass the obscenely long lines. Larry was selling pictures and posters. I brought my copy of his autobiography, but there was still a charge to sign it. Another 20 bucks to get a picture with him. I think I was holding up the line making my choices. He was staring at me! Finally, $200 later, it was time for a photo. I shook hands with him, and he drew me closer, holding my hand. We took some photos, and he asked me where I was from and if I liked it there. Luckily for me, my hands, for some reason, were dry, unlike the sweaty mess they were earlier. Not a long first meeting, but enough. I was on a high!