No, I’m not talking about Jackie Gleason’s friendly TV character. I’m referring to Joe Turkel. He was making an appearance at the Hollywood Show on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Although Joe Turkel’s career stretched all the way back to 1948, it was two roles that he garnered around thirty years later. I knew him best from The Shining, in which he portrayed the creepy, ghostly Lloyd the Bartender, whose dialogue exchanges with Jack Nicholson were quite memorable. He was also well-known, perhaps even more so, to the fans of Blade Runner, in which he played the eccentric Dr. Eldon Tyrell.
I asked Bob if he was going to pick up a signed picture of Joe Turkel at the show and he remarked that he had gotten him years ago during the $5 days of the show. I almost bypassed him myself, but as I was walking by and browsing his photos, he came out and struck up a conversation with me.
He showed me an interesting photo from the set of The Shining that featured him, Jack Nicholson, and the cameraman. In the background of the supposedly cleared set was a ghostly face making an appearance. Turkel had never been able to explain what it was.
Since my girlfriend Erin back home had just recently watched The Shining, I asked if he might be willing to give her a call. She was very excited to hear the creepiness in his voice as he spoke to her in character; she excitedly added to her Facebook status that she has just spoken to ‘Lloyd the Bartender’.
I went ahead and purchased the great photo above for $20. He suggested that he add his line from the film “Your money is no good here” and add my name. My alternative was that he add “Mr. Torrance” – the character played by Nicholson.
With only regrets about missing him during the ‘$5 days’, it was fun to meet and chat with Joe Turkel. He was probably the most friendly and accomodating of any of the celebrites at this particular show.
Celebrities of the Spring 2010 Hollywood Show will continue…
I just happen to have two twenties and two tens right here in my wallet.
Chris
April 30th, 2011
Best damn actor to portray a bartender from timbuktu to portland maine
Darryl
June 2nd, 2012