No, this title doesn’t refer to my endless parade of wives – or girlfriends – or anything of the sort. I know I’ll take some flack for this, but I must always be honest on this website. I have never seen a single episode of the Tony Randall and Jack Klugman series The Odd Couple. Before you get too upset, rest assured that I now have the first two seasons of the show in my possession and will get cracking here sometime soon. I have in fact seen the Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau film that pre-dated the sitcom.
Even still, growing up, I was more than familiar with both Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. Quincy, M.E. starring Klugman was a show that my family often watched during its run in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Also in the early 80’s, we would often watch Tony Randall’s more obscure sitcom Love, Sidney.
Even if I’m not always up to speed, I certainly do recognize a pop culture phenomenon when I see it, so that’s why in November of 1997, I wasted no time in sending off the photo below to Tony Randall to acquire a signature. In fact, I sent two copies of it. He signed both along with two notecards and returned them on November 28. Immediately I sent one of the two photos off to Jack Klugman. (I had been burned before when doing this…which is why it was important that I have a second photo in hand in case the first became lost). Klugman also signed it and now I have a great signed photo of TV’s The Odd Couple hanging on my basement wall.
Soon I’ll have a look at the TV series so I will be able to say that I know what all of the fuss is about!
Autographs of 1997 will continue…
But once again, to me there is some disconnect as far as I’m concerned in that you make all this effort to get the autographs (over a decade ago no less) and you still have not seen a single episode of the show! It’s like you’re collecting simply for the sake of collecting (almost hoarding)…not because these two moved you on even a small level in their performances in that great sitcom.
I love your passion for your collecting, and the stories you share are great, but I guess the idea of hunting down autographs of people before seeing the work that those artists represent is something that I just don’t get.
But what do I know? Two different approaches I guess.
Peter
April 10th, 2009
You should understand that autograph collecting to me, like getting photos with all Presidential graves for example, is a hobby unto its own which I see as more of a ‘scavenger hunt’. For instance, I have no connection to President James Buchanan, but I’m still going all the way to Pennsylvania to see his birthplace and grave! But having said that, rest assured that there are many, many celebrities who mean a great deal to me due to the fact that I’ve enjoyed them in certain shows over the years. And there are plenty of stars at collector shows whom I have ‘heard of’ — but am not familiar with their work, so choose to not approach.
As you know, my collection and knowledge of film and TV is vast, but it still knows its limits. It just so happens that “The Odd Couple” was never broadcast in my area, so I never really had the chance to watch it or get into it. Like I said, I did enjoy the works of both Jack Klugman and Tony Randall in other shows in which they starred. In fact, I would have been satisfied to have them sign individual photos from those shows if I had had them. However, I recognized the cultural significance of “The Odd Couple” so thought that the item would make a nice addition to my collection. And now years later, I am seeking the show out and I’m counting on the fact that it will make me appreciate the photo even more.
Brad
April 10th, 2009
Fair enough. I hope so. It’s a great show.
And sure, maybe you have no “connection” to James Buchanan, but knowing you, I’m sure you’ve studied at least the barest minimum about his presidency. It’s more than just celebrity for celebrity’s sake.
I have an autograph collection of my own, and of course it pales in comparison to yours. However, each signature I have is from someone who’s work has really moved me in some way – everyone from the Dalai Lama to obscure German actors. I would never have made the effort that I have to get those if the work of those people didn’t touch me.
But like you point out, I think we approach it in two different ways. Yours is more “scavenger hunt” and mine is more “your work has moved me so I would love to have this slightly more personal connection with you by getting your signature.”
I think you’re collection is extremely impressive and I always enjoy the stories that you share.
Peter
April 10th, 2009
Doesn’t bother *me* that you’re getting autographs of folks before you’ve seen their shows! Just think, if you’d waited until now to get Tony Randall’s autograph….well…you wouldn’t be getting it.
Randy Skretvedt
April 11th, 2009
The one sad thing about Tony Randall not being alive, is that he can’t charge $25 for his signature on a photo or some other “memento”. One of the reasons most actors, including former stars as well as has-beens, are charging for their signatures today, is all the requests from people who just wanted an autograph for the sake of having an autograph, with no real interest in or other “connection” to the said actor.
Bill
April 12th, 2009
After this one, I can hardly wait until you get to the Ray Bolger story…
Bob
April 18th, 2009