As regular readers of Autograph know, I'm the writer of the column "Character Actors," featuring some of the hardest-working men in Hollywood who are instantly recognizable but whose names usually elude us. They're often referred to as "that guy" (as in, "Hey... It's that guy!") but they are the backbone of the film and TV industry, providing solid support to the stars and keeping the story moving along.

My book, Character Kings: Hollywood's Familiar Faces Discuss…

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For those who aren't familiar with "Pawn Stars," it's a show on the History Channel about a family who owns and operates a pawn shop in Vegas. I'd seen ads for it now and then while channel surfing, and at first glance, it looked like yet another crummy reality show featuring a dysfunctional group of people trying to run a business while fighting with each other. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the show is more like "Antiques Roadshow," where customers with an eclectic array of… Continue

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Burbank, CA for a signing of my book, "Character Kings." Many of the customers bought multiple copies, telling me they intended to use the books as gifts for the movie lovers on their Christmas list.



Since it 'tis the season for giving, I would like to give Autograph readers the chance to win a copy of "Character Kings" signed by four of the great actors featured in the book:



James Karen (Return of the Living Dead, Wall Street, The Pursuit… Continue

This is one debate that just refuses to go away... If you were to ask 10 different collectors, you might get five votes "yes" and five votes "no," but each answer will come with a unique (and logical) reasoning as to why those people feel that way. In all my years of collecting, I have yet to be convinced of what is right and what is wrong.



Let's take, for example, an original poster for "Night of the Creeps" (one of my favorite horror/sci-fi flicks from the '80s). The movie is… Continue

Regular readers know that my book, Character Kings: Hollywood's Familiar Faces Discuss the Art & Business of Acting, has just been published. Next week, I'll be flying to Los Angeles for my first-ever book signing. But I won't be alone...



Joining me will be six of Hollywood's finest character actors that are featured in the book: James Karen (Return of the Living Dead, Wall Street); Martin Kove (the Karate Kid trilogy); William Sanderson (Newhart, True Blood); Daniel Roebuck… Continue

OK, let me get this out of the way right off the bat... I'm not a reality TV junkie. When I turn on the TV, I watch shows like "House," "24" and "Lost." You know, shows that are well-written with great actors... TV the way it used to be before network executives got stupid and filled their timeslots with people who do nothing but fight, argue and throw tantrums.



50 years ago, we had Bob Hope and Lucille Ball. Today, we have Jon and Kate. Not exactly what I'd call… Continue

It's been said that everyone has a story to tell. When that "someone" is a celebrity who has written a book, that story will not only be told but also heavily promoted, usually with a multi-state book tour.



Lee Cochenour runs a website (www.celebritybooksigningsandevents.com) that collects information on upcoming signings by celebrity writers. Whether you're interested in actors, athletes or best-selling authors, Mr. Cochenour has the dates, times and locations where the celebs will… Continue

Imagine that you're standing outside the exit of a theater, waiting for one of your favorite actors to leave. You're hoping to score an autograph from him as he makes his way to the getaway car, but so are the 60 or 70 other people that surround you. You know the actor will sign, but he'll do it as he quickly walks the gauntlet to his vehicle, meaning most people will come away empty-handed.



What's the best way to get that actor to sign your photo? Do you say his name loudly over and… Continue

Movie star George Clooney continues to earn his title as one of Autograph magazine's 10 Best Hollywood Signers. Below is a report from the 34th Toronto International Film Festival where Clooney was promoting his newest film, "Up in the Air."



Monday, September 14, 2009

By Barbara Vancheri, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



TORONTO -- Even with a bandaged hand, George Clooney is master of the autograph mambo.



It goes like this: Sign and step, and sign and step, and… Continue