Throughout my, not-so-short, lifetime, I have always endured brushes with fame and celebity—Kelly Gruber (Toronto Blue Jays), Carol Pope (Rough Trade), Geddy Lee (Rush), Katherine O'hara (SCTV), Cloris Leachman (Mary Tyler Moore Show), Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Bruce Cockburn, Brian Orser, and Katarina Witt, to name a few. Marilyn Dennis, former host of Toronto's "CITYline" television show, attended my aerobics classes on a regular basis. Even Colin and Justin (pictured above), of HGTV's Home Heist fame, are people I am proud to call friends. So, am I becoming blasé about celebrity? You tell me!
Celine Dion
In the Fall of 1993 I was invited by a friend to attend a taping of CTV's The Shirley Show where Celine Dion was to promote her newly-released CD, The Colour of My Love. Armed with a bouquet of flowers, I entered the studio and announced to the stage manager that the flowers were intended for Ms. Dion and I should like the opportunity to present them to her. To my complete surprise, I was summoned upon during one segment to inquire as to Celine's interest in my offer of personal training services (she simply responded with some muscle poses) and to meet her on stage to present my bouquet and receive kisses from one of the world's biggest stars! Fortunately, you can now view it all by clicking on the video link in the right-hand column. Enjoy!
I now move in the circle of international-calibre superstars. Read on and you will see what I mean...
Rosie O'Donnell
Well it actually happened!!! I can now say I have met Rosie O'Donnell in the flesh. On Thursday, October 23, 1997, I went to a taping of her show in New York City. Making an appearance on the program that day were guests Ethan Hawke, Annie Potts and Salt 'n Pepa...oh, and David Evangelista—hairdresser extraordinaire—made a special appearance too!
It was truly exciting to be at an actual taping of the show. Afterwards, I hung around in the hopes of pressing the flesh with Ms. O'Donnell. Needless to say my efforts were rewarded. I had brought along some gifts from The Great White North—namely a six pack of Upper Canada Lager and a stuffed beaver—dressed as a mountie—for her son, Parker. While engaged in conversation with someone else, she glanced my way, spotted the beer and summoned me over. I had a brief conversation with the Queen of Nice, presented her with my wares and then floated out of the studio forever changed!
Learning from my experience with Celine, this time I was clever enough to have included a note with my return address. Less than one week after the show, I received a personalized thank you letter from Rosie herself...truly a class act!
Sarah, The Duchess of York
Is there anything better than royalty? If only it had been Diana, could it have been any sweeter...
My meeting with Sarah, Duchess of York, isn't really that extraordinary. "Fergie" was in town to open the new Chapters bookstore on Bloor Street West. I lined up for two hours to meet her and have her autograph a copy of new biography, My Story. Although her scheduled appearance went way over time, the Duchess was extremely gracious and assured her handlers that she would remain and sign copies for everyone who had been waiting to see her.
When my time finally arrived to greet Sarah, I was struck by how stunning she looks in person. The memory is now just a blur, so I don't really recall what was discussed—I tend to become totally starstruck in these situations. Again, I have no photos to show as proof, however I do have an autographed copy of My Story that should settle any arguments.
Alanis Morrisette
During my tenure at the Bank of Montreal, mbanx was the sponsor of the Alanis Morrisette—Canadian Thank You tour. My friend and co-worker, Mhairi Cumming, had won an employee contest to attend Alanis' Toronto show and the opportunity to meet Ms. Morrisette in person. Guess who she chose to take along as her guest?
Our limo picked us up at the office and whisked us down to the Air Canada Centre where we attended a private mbanx reception where Alanis was to appear and present a cheque to the charitable beneficiaries of her concert. Upon her arrival we were introduced to Alanis and enjoyed the opportunity for a brief chat. Alanis graciously autographed T-shirts and publicity photos for us.
We soon headed down to the concert floor to take our 5th row seats for the concert...incredible to be that close to the stage. Concert was fab! Thank you India. Thank you Mhairi. Thank you Alanis.
Anne Murray
Thursday, December 23rd, 1999 was the day! The original Canadian international superstar and me...our paths finally crossed!
While earning some extra Christmas cash at the EMI Records Christmas party, I was thrilled to discover that, none other than Anne Murray, herself, was making an appearance to accept a platinum award for her latest CD, What a Wonderful World. EMI also presented her with a platinum golf cart in honour of her 30 years with the record label.
Whilst admiring her latest acquisition, I was able to capture a moment alone with Canada's Snowbird and express my admiration for her. I communicated to her that I had previously held court with Alanis and Celine, and that meeting her was an absolute thrill for me. I also told Anne that I had—just the day before—purchased her new CD. She responded in typical Anne Murray comedic-style, "Great...there's another one!"
Roch Voisine
Tuesday, November 5th, 2002...I'll remember it well! The best looking man in Canadian music history performed a lunch-time concert outside the HMV at First Canadian Place, just blocks from my office. Promoting his forthcoming English album entitled Higher, Roch Voisine performed 3 new songs from the album and 3 oldies-but-goodies.
Immediately following the performance Roch signed autographs for his adoring fans. It was here I found myself being one of the few men waiting in line. Surrounded by throngs of female fans, I patiently waited for my encounter with French Canada's favourite son. It was definitely worth the wait, as I had the opportunity to chat briefly with Monsieur Voisine. He was kind enough to autograph one of the CD's I had brought along and with that in my hot little hands, it was back to work.
I am now—desperately—seeking Shania to help complete my pathetic little life...
