I was initially interested at the prospect of getting a signed photo of Stella Stevens because she was the January 1960 Playboy Playmate of the Month. So during my Playboy fixation of the late 1990’s, I had Bob snag me the signed photo seen below from one of the Hollywood Collectors Shows. Of course, this did not show her as she looked in those days, but oh well. Later I realized that Ms. Stevens also had a rather lucrative career starring in such gems as Girls, Girls, Girls opposite Elvis Presley, The Poseidon Adventure, and most memorably in the pivotal role as Stella Purdy in Jerry Lewis’ The Nutty Professor. Therefore, I asked Bob to pick me an additional shot of Stella (as seen above) from that particular film – which was also signed by Miss Purdy’s classmate Julie Parrish.
I didn’t actually get the chance to meet Stella Stevens until the October 2005 Hollywood Collector Show. Since I already had two signed photos of her, I did not wish to purchase another. Lucky for me, Stella was exceptionally kind (and more than a bit flirty as you can see) and was happy to pose for a picture with me.
Celebrities of the October 2005 HCS will continue…
I am a tremendous fan of Jerry Lewis and was able to see him in concert in 2008. I’ve never met Stella, but did get her autograph by mail.
Mark
May 31st, 2011