Autographs

Not long ago I thought it might be fun to write James Gandolfini, also known as Tony Soprano of HBO's The Sopranos, and ask him for an autographed picture. At the time of this writing, I have not heard back from him. But, I have not lost hope. I have heard that Mr. Gandolfini is a very nice man who does in fact sign autographs for his fans. It just takes some time is all. I am sure at some point he will sign an 8 X 10 glossy for me, and mail it back in the self addressed stamped envelope I provided just for that reason.

I am confident he will one day write back because other actors from The Sopranos already have done just that. For instance, Frank Vincent, who played Phil Leotardo, the man who tried to have Tony clipped at the very end of the show sent me his autographed picture. But that one doesn't count because Mr. Vincent sells his autograph off of his website, so he contractually bond to send one when you include seventeen dollars along with your request. But that is fine with me.

Mr. Vincent by all accounts is a very pleasant man, and I didn't think the price was too steep, so I paid it. It wasn't two weeks later that the autographed photograph arrived, but unfortunately he didn't personalize it as I had asked when I bought it. There was a note included with the picture that said he would have been happy to have personalized the picture for me, but that he was out of town when my order was processed. I wondered, why not wait until he returned so that he could personalize it for me, but that's for them to know, and me to find out, I guess.

My next shot was at Vince Curatola, who played John Sacramoni on The Sopranos. Mr. Curatola also has a website, but he doesn't offer his autograph for sale there. Instead I wrote him at the e-mail address I found there, and asked him if he would be so kind as to autograph a picture for me. He personally e-mailed me back, and said he would be happy to, just send a self addressed envelope to such-and-such address, and he would get one back in the mail to me. Which is exactly what he did.

I think I want to next ask Sir Roger Moore for his autograph. Sir Roger played James Bond from 1973, (Live and Let Die,) until 1985, (A View to a Kill). I have a friend or two who might disagree, but I think Sir Roger was the BEST James Bond ever. For some reason his smug delivery, and dry wit just screamed 007 for me. Everyone has an opinion about who has played Bond best, and in my opinion that actor would be Sir Roger.

My wife and friends have been telling me to shoot a little higher, and bag a big star like say, De Niro, or Pacino, and perhaps one day I will, but for now I am happy with the ones I have asked for.

It's kind of fun, asking for, and receiving autographs of those few celebrities I admire. I just wish I was able to get what would be for me the Holy Grail of autographs; that of Walt Disney. Sure, I could buy one at $1500.00 plus, or someone out there who would like to show me a little kindness could buy one for me. But, it's somehow more exciting when the celebrity is alive. It feels more gratifying because they are, for one small moment, paying attention to you. It's a nice feeling, silly as it is. And while I understand autographs are always worth more if they are not personalized with the recipient's name, I will always ask for an inscription just because it does feel more personal.

So, there you go. Another silly thing I do with my time.

By the way, if you are thinking of writing a celebrity yourself, and would like to know everything from where to write them, how you should compose your letter, and even find out if they will reply at all, go here.

Posted by Jeff at August 17, 2007 2:40 PM