I’d have to say that one of the distinct highlights of attending the Hollywood Show on October 8, 2011, was getting the chance to meet Frankie Avalon. When it come to making the popular beach movies of the 1960’s – films such as Beach Party and Beach Blanket Bingo – the names don’t get much more iconic than Frankie and Annette. As a student of Billboard #1 songs too, I have a real appreciate for two of Frankie’s songs that hit the number one spot: Venus and Why – the latter of which became the last number one hit of the 1950’s. Frankie also co-starred in The Alamo, which was directed by and starred John Wayne. And he played himself in the 1952 Christmas sketch of The Honeymooners on The Jackie Gleason Show.
I found it a bit humorous that of all of these amazing feats and accomplishments, Frankie Avalon was present at the show as part of a reunion of the cast members of Grease. I’m not sure which idea came first, to have the reunion or to invite Frankie Avalon, but I was just glad that he was there.
He was sitting up front, and since the long lines hadn’t yet started to form, I went ahead and purchased the nice photo seen at the top of the posting and a photo op with Frankie. He was friendly enough although we didn’t chat, and I’d say he was definitely at the upper eschelon of celebrites at this show.
Celebrity encounters from the Fall 2011 Hollywood Show will continue…
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