Today was Lucy Day at The Hollywood Museum. They've had a large Lucy collection there for a few months already, but today was their big symposium including a panel of Lucille Ball's friends and colleagues. I got there as doors opened so I could spend enough time in the actual museum and see all the displays.
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| A sample of some of the collection |
After a good amount of time in the exhibit, I went upstairs to where they panel would be held. There, the first thing I saw, was Michael Stern's booth. He's known as "Lucy's #1 fan" (given the title by Lucy herself). He signed my copy of his book, and maaaybe I spent a lot of money on an autographed Stone Pillow limited-run posted. (Hey, this was my chance to get a guaranteed authentic Lucy autograph.) There were several other tables with old magazines and collectibles too.
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| Bob Schiller, during autograph line |
The main event was the discussion panel, and the meeting/autograph line following that. A few people weren't very talkative (or were busy having conversations with each other, just going through the motions of "meeting"/signing for us...), but there were a few highlights. Frank Gorey (Lucy's driver/household manager) loves my red hair. Jimmy Garrett is a top-notch dude. (I hope he or his family Googles him and sees this.) Carole Cook is hilarious and a sassypants and now I want to be her when I grow up. She said I can be. Bernard Weitzman (Executive VP of Desilu Productions) was super informative during the panel, and came prepared with extra documents and photos to share—he showed me the first photo of him and Lucy together on his first day of the job. And Bob Schiller (I Love Lucy writer) was adorable and reminded me of my grandpa, which I told him. "But was he wonderful?" (making sure it was a positive comparison!) Quiet, but so fantastic to have met him.
After going through the autograph line, I hung around to sneak a few more photos. We couldn't photograph during the panel, so I got what I could after it. The panelists began to clear out as the lined died down. Carole Cook was the last one remaining—so I approached her again and asked if I could get a photo with her.
After going through the autograph line, I hung around to sneak a few more photos. We couldn't photograph during the panel, so I got what I could after it. The panelists began to clear out as the lined died down. Carole Cook was the last one remaining—so I approached her again and asked if I could get a photo with her.
Super exciting day, and some of the inspiration I've needed lately. I need to be more interesting like these fine people.
