He’s still out there acting, showing up in modern day TV shows like Community and CSI: Miami, and every now and then making his way into a blockbuster film like The Dark Knight – but to me, Anthony Michael Hall will always be an icon of the 1980’s. In fact he had major roles in three of my top ten favorite 1980’s comedies: National Lampoon’s Vacation, Weird Science, and Sixteen Candles. Add to that a few other starring roles in classics like The Breakfast Club and Edward Scissorhands, and we’ve got someone whom I was thoroughly ecstatic to meet.
In fact, meeting Anthony Michael Hall at the Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago on Saturday, August 13, 2011, was probably the highlight of the day. Not only was he looking sharp and genuinely pleased to meet the fans, but he wasn’t charging any extra fees to get a picture with him.
I could have probably chatted with Anthony Michael Hall all day, spouting off his many memorable quotes from the films of my teen years, but I understandably limited my conversation to something that might actually interest him. I asked him about our mutual friend Bob Satterfield, who had invited Michael to speak at his high school and ended up pretty tight with the actor for a short period of time. In fact, Anthony even gave Bob tickets to attend the premiere of his movie Pirates of Silicon Valley in 1999. (Bob had obtained a signed photo for me at that time, and it can be seen at the top of the posting). He did remember Bob even though this was over ten years ago and had only nice things to say about him.
We also talked about the fact that Anthony is a second cousin of Wizard of Oz Munchkin Jerry Maren. And finally, he laughed as he signed my photo from Weird Science (which had been previously signed by Robert Rusler), saying that he looked like an embryo with the bra on his head. I also had him sign a photo from Vacation which had been signed by cast members Dana Barron and Beverly D’Angelo.
I walked away satisfied that I had not only met an 80’s legend, but a very nice guy.
Celebrities of the 2011 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con will continue…
You said you were combing your hair!
Jamie
October 20th, 2011
I’m not really a farmer, I’m a freshman.
Eric Hubble
October 21st, 2011