The classic Trek actors rarely visit mainland Europe, so when they do, I knew it was "now or never". Especially considering their age.
So off I went, to Germany, to see Shatner, Koenig and Nichols.
Meeting Nichelle was great, though she's struggling with her health now. She drew record lines, and at the end she could hardly sign anymore. What a terrific lady.
Koenig was just as great, in his own, modest way. He noticed my name, and started the conversation himself, asking where I came from. It's odd, in my mind I still see a young Chekov, and here he was, shuffling a bit, quite pale. How old does that make me!
We had a great chat, and added a good memory.
Shatner sat way off, as far as he could sit from the other two (150 feet to the left!). I was third in line, and just when it was my turn, he got up and left, only ten minutes into his first signing session. He had said "I'll come back when the line is long".
His PA said "not sure if he will be back..."
90 minutes later....
When he's about to return, the organizer starts to "position" the people in line, because it "must look like a huge crowd to him". He scatters us here and there around the table, and also urges us to applaud when the actor returns.
So he does, and I'm first in line (have been for 90 minutes). I try to say something to break the ice, "I brought this to sign for a friend, who couldn't be here, as a favor". He replies "I don't think that's much of a favor."
Huh?
He quickly signs two items, and I'm left with a heartwarming memory...that of the $85 that left my wallet...
He signs everything in a matter of minutes, and leaves again. No talking, no handshakes, just a quick and sloppy autograph, and gone.
I know, he's 87, but the contrast with the others was so huge. All guests assembled for a group photo, except him.
You know, I love Star Trek, I love Kirk, I love Shatner's portrayal of Kirk, but it ends there.
My favorite moment? Nichelle had a line of 60 people at a certain moment, and that was her final session at the end of a three day weekend, Sunday at 5PM. Now that's someone who gets a lot of love. And that's a memory to keep....
Now somebody get George Takei over here, please! We have lots to talk about....
So off I went, to Germany, to see Shatner, Koenig and Nichols.
Meeting Nichelle was great, though she's struggling with her health now. She drew record lines, and at the end she could hardly sign anymore. What a terrific lady.
Koenig was just as great, in his own, modest way. He noticed my name, and started the conversation himself, asking where I came from. It's odd, in my mind I still see a young Chekov, and here he was, shuffling a bit, quite pale. How old does that make me!
We had a great chat, and added a good memory.
Shatner sat way off, as far as he could sit from the other two (150 feet to the left!). I was third in line, and just when it was my turn, he got up and left, only ten minutes into his first signing session. He had said "I'll come back when the line is long".
His PA said "not sure if he will be back..."
90 minutes later....
When he's about to return, the organizer starts to "position" the people in line, because it "must look like a huge crowd to him". He scatters us here and there around the table, and also urges us to applaud when the actor returns.
So he does, and I'm first in line (have been for 90 minutes). I try to say something to break the ice, "I brought this to sign for a friend, who couldn't be here, as a favor". He replies "I don't think that's much of a favor."
Huh?
He quickly signs two items, and I'm left with a heartwarming memory...that of the $85 that left my wallet...
He signs everything in a matter of minutes, and leaves again. No talking, no handshakes, just a quick and sloppy autograph, and gone.
I know, he's 87, but the contrast with the others was so huge. All guests assembled for a group photo, except him.
You know, I love Star Trek, I love Kirk, I love Shatner's portrayal of Kirk, but it ends there.
My favorite moment? Nichelle had a line of 60 people at a certain moment, and that was her final session at the end of a three day weekend, Sunday at 5PM. Now that's someone who gets a lot of love. And that's a memory to keep....
Now somebody get George Takei over here, please! We have lots to talk about....
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