Why are Autographs From Celebrities Desirable?

[flossieskid]

When John and Olivia’s Bed and Breakfast was opening a few years ago in Virginia, I noticed in the program that a significant amount of time was devoted to “Meet and Greets” and autograph signings. Whenever there is a gathering of fans meeting their favorite celebrities at a reunion or convention, a signature from a celebrity is a highly valuable asset. I am just wondering why that is very important and certainly sought after?

Of course, it is a verification that a person’s encounter with a celebrity actually happened - I understand that. Perhaps it is the enjoyment of sharing the space with someone that usually only appears on TV or in the movies. But, I am wondering - are these autographs displayed in one’s home, do they put them in a scrapbook, a frame - where do they end up?

When my Mom started playing “Flossie” on The Waltons, she had already had decades of acting in movies and TV, 2 series and a slew of episodic TV appearances. Many people approached her for an autograph or picture (when they actually had big cameras!) but would often not have a piece of paper or pen, expecting my Mom to have them both! One day in 1974, just before our daughter, Nikki, was born, I took my cousin to Disneyland. My Mom joined us. Just after we got off from the “Small World” ride, a woman approached my Mom and said “Oh, I know you ! Can I get your autograph?” Of course my Mom obliged. She was great with fans and always asked about them and their lives.

But, somehow my Mom was skeptical after the fan left saying, “I don’t really think she knows who the heck I am!” Sadly, as the fan walked away, she glanced at the slip of paper Mom signed, stopped and looked at her friend, like “I have no clue who Nora Marlowe is” and wadded up the paper and tossed it in the nearest Mickey Mouse trash can! I felt so bad for her, but my Mom wasn’t crushed, just another day at the office!

I hate to burst the bubble of devoted fans, but sometimes, when requests for autographs come to celebrities, they don’t actually even sign them. My father had HORRIBLE handwriting! When he was in the “National Velvet” series he had photos printed with “Top ‘O the Morning - and his own signature on them. I could copy his style and I would write the fan’s name on the photo and send it off. I don’t think anybody really minded. But, in reality, fans DID get his signature.

After my Dad was in the movie, “PT 109, the life story of President Kennedy during the war, JFK was still in office. I had a picture of my Dad and the man he portrayed in the movie (Pappy McMahon) - a man Kennedy saved by pulling him in his teeth, with a belt wrapped under Pappy’s arms, to nearby land and subsequent rescue because the sailor was so badly burned.

I sent a letter to the President asking if I sent the photo, would the President sign it and return it? It was the heartfelt request of a 12 year old. His secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, sent a wonderful letter back to me with a signed photo of JFK saying she would be afraid the other photo might get lost and the “President hopes you will like the enclosed signed photo.” Needless to say I was thrilled! But, as I got older, I realized it was probably one of thousands of photos with his signature done by auto pen. The picture wasn’t personalized. But, I was just as happy. Ignorance is bliss, I guess! But it is in a great frame, with Evelyn Lincoln’s letter and her signature done in actual ink. To this day, it is still one of my prized possessions!

I know, as I have previously mentioned, a lot of fans “trade” their signed index cards with other collectors. I am just curious as to why autographs are - or perhaps now with the invention of the “selfie” - were such a prized possession? I am sure many of the Walton Forum members got some, if not all, the casts autographs and I would really like to hear about why they are so special. Thank you for indulging my curiosity!

[Easton]

I think it's right up there with, "Why do people collect stamps?" or "Why do people collect coins?", or postcards, or shells, or salt and pepper shakers, or anything else that people collect. They mean something to the person collecting them.

I should think that autographs attained first-hand would be more important than one bought through Ebay but, if it adds to their collection, it can't be a bad thing (unless it's a forgery).

As far as the Disney trip goes, it's quite probable that the woman recognised your mother from television and thought she was 'somebody famous', but when she saw the name, it didn't mean anything to her. Hence feeding it to Mickey.

[Brenda]

I have autographs from most of the Waltons cast. I’ve asked them to sign photographs and also some of the collectors’ items I have like the Waltons game. It’s also nice to have books signed by the author. That’s why authors have book-signing events. It’s an opportunity to promote their books. I have several books by Earl Hamner, and he signed most of them, usually with a nice personal message to me. I treasure those.  Some of the Waltons cast members have written books, and they have signed them for me as well. I’m thinking of Joe Conley, Ronnie Claire Edwards, and Mary McDonough.  I don’t really have a collection of autographs though, just some personal items with autographs of people I’ve met and I admire. 

[JessicaGirlSpy]

In the episode the 'The Books John-Boy autographs a copy of his book for Ike.

[flossieskid]

It is wonderful to hear from Brenda how much her autographs, specifically from authors in their books, mean to her. I can surely understand that. With the exception of 2 autographs my Mom got me before I was 10, I don’t have any celebrity’s signature. Thinking of Easton’s comments about collecting stamps or coins, I would think it is more exciting because you know what you would like to get and then seek it out and then rejoice when it is acquired. The joy would be in the attainment I think. But, with the exception of autograph signings or “Meet & Greets”, most autographs come from a surprise encounter with a celebrity, right?

Perhaps I am a bit jaded because I worked for so many celebrities and when people would send in their requests to have 3-5 index cards signed, it just seemed callus and not an exciting or fulfilling experience. They were trying to make money from someone signing a piece of paper. But, I guess my perspective may be a bit warped.

When our son, Ryan, came on location with me to “The Horse Whisperer”, and several wonderful talented people were on set, including a very cute 13 year old Scarlett Johansson, the only person my son asked for their autograph was Kristin Scott Thomas. When I asked my 10 year old why, out of all the actors, did he want HER autograph, his reply was, “She was the prettiest! ” Just last month, I came across the autograph while cleaning out an old file cabinet and saw her sweet note to Ryan. When I asked my 33 year old son if he still wanted it, he said “No, You can toss it!” Well, so much for sentiment! Perhaps he should have gotten 13 year old Scarlett’s “John Hancock” - that might be worth something on Ebay.

Thanks to all who gave me their opinions about autographs! It is always good to hear differing opinions.

[carol]

What I don't like is charging for autographs. Usually it's when fans go to a meet and greet or fan fest having already paid a hefty price for admission then having to pay more money for the celebrity or athlete's autograph.

[kazk]

I have many autographs from the Waltons cast as well. Mostly signed books, scripts or photographs. I live in Australia and for me it's just a lovely reminder of the times I spent at the reunions I've been to. Some are very personal inscriptions too which I view as very thoughtful. Michael Learned in particular thought long and hard before she signed a lovely note on her photo. I was positively thrilled to get an autograph of one of the writers who attended one reunion. I have always loved his scripts.

I also popped around to the stage door on Broadway after seeing Richard Thomas in a play and he signed my playbill for me. There were other people though who obviously hadn't seen the play but came to the door with a pile of John Boy photos for Richard to sign. I remember him commenting that he'd be seeing them on Ebay very soon! I think he signed about three of them before moving on. The security guard on duty that night was fabulous with those waiting. He was able to tell which people were genuinely wanting to meet the actors and had been to the play and who were those just wanting signatures to sell. He would guide the actors to the fans which was really nice of him.

[Easton]

For-profit autograph seekers are a bane to the industry. I don't collect autographs, but I know that I would get them if I ever attended a Waltons gathering. The only autograph I ever got was from Bob Ralston, the organ player on the Lawrence Welk Show. He put on a concert here in Peterborough way back in the '70s and I brought my mother and younger sister here to see it. I can't even remember what he signed for me. I put it somewhere when I got home and never looked at it again. It got lost in a move.

In The Waltons episode 'The Achievement', the final episode in Season 5. John-Boy is trying to get his book published in New York and Elizabeth is more-or-less obsessed with 'Jessica Girl Spy', a book written by Edith Catherine Hubert, who lives in New York. She even writes Edith a fan letter asking about her next 'Jessica' book and John-Boy offers to take the letter to her only to discover that Edith had died in the midst of writing that second book. Edith's mother is touched by Elizabeth's letter and gives John-Boy an autographed book that Edith had signed before she died. She also gave him a page of the new manuscript to give to Elizabeth.

Later in the series in Season 8, Cousin Rose moved in to the Walton home with her grandchildren, Jeffrey and Serena. In 'The Wager', Jeffrey was a big fan of a movie star, Jessica Marlo, and wrote to her for an autographed photo. He was so proud of it until Serena, who could be quite mean to her younger brother at times, told him that it wasn't even her signature, that she hired people to sign the pictures for her. Jeffrey didn't believe her and wrote to the actress to get another photo. The signatures were completely different and he knew his sister was telling him the truth.

It worked out in the end, though. Mary Ellen and Erin entered a Run and Ride race. During the race, all of the Waltons are attending except for Jason. He's a temporary army driver driving VIPs wherever they need to go. He arrives later driving a military vehicle and bringing the Guest of Honour to the race. He introduces the VIP, Jessica Marlo, to Jeffrey, who walks on Cloud 9 as he escorts Jessica to the viewing stand.

[carol]

Sept 1, 2021 8:50:43 GMT -5 Easton said:

For-profit autograph seekers are a bane to the industry. I don't collect autographs, but I know that I would get them if I ever attended a Waltons gathering.

. I have autographs of retired Baltimore Oriole baseball players Rick Dempsy and Brady Anderson. I got them at the stadium about ten years or so ago while in my late uncle's owner's box. They signed the back of my ticket. I refuse to pay for autographs especially when these athletes and many celebrities are already making multi millions of dollars. My Uncle Tom Clancy never charged for his autograph. Yes you had to buy the book at book signings but he never made a penny for the autograph he put in it. He said my readers are the reason I'm where I am and they can just as easily put me out of business if they stop reading my books. The least I can do as a thank you is sign the book or a photo for them.

I think a lot of these rude movie stars and athletes who snub their fans need to remember that. We fans made you and we can just as easily break you.

[flossieskid]

I agree with Carol and Easton that having to pay for autographs is horrible!! I guess I haven’t kept up with all the celebrity gatherings where fans pay an ADDITIONAL amount for an autograph! That is just not right!! I surely think paying for a “Meet and Greet” is a great way to spend time with the celebrities you like. But, then to have to pay another amount for their name on a piece of paper or a photo is terrible.

A few years ago, there was an opportunity to meet Sophia Loren after
“An Evening With…” type of presentation in LA. My husband’s celebrity crush has ALWAYS been Sophia, so I talked to our kids and we decided we would pay the small fortune for him to meet her. It was SO expensive that we felt it was his gift for Father’s Day, his birthday and Christmas all rolled up in one! It was truly a highlight for him and well worth the mega bucks it cost!

As I mentioned in a previous post, John Ritter and my Mom starred in a production of “Our Town” in Santa Barbara. After the performance, a lot of people waited by the stage door wanting John’s autograph and, I guess, they didn’t recognize “Flossie” since there were not many fans really asking my Mom for her autograph. They were referencing The Waltons and telling John how much they loved him as Reverend Fordwick. My Mom told me John, as his adorable self, said, “Don’t forget to ask Nora, our Flossie, for her autograph, too! “ My Mom was really touched that John did that!

Just recently, my cousin emailed me that there was an autographed photo of my Mom selling on eBay for $20.00. TWENTY DOLLARS?!?! Are you kidding me?!?! Way too much money for such an item!! When I went to look at it online, it was a nice full length picture of my Mom. It was a photo I never saw before, but it looked like a publicity or promotional photo. But, the funniest thing was that it was signed to “Paul”. Who is the world would think that someone would want to buy an autographed photo to someone named “Paul”? Well, I guess someone named Paul, perhaps! But, odd as it sounds, I looked a week later and the darn thing sold!! Strange, right?!? Well, I hope, at least it went to a “Paul”!!

Well, I applaud the Forum members who refuse to pay for autographs. It makes actors seem like commodities! But, I now realize autographs can mean a lot to many people. Fans enjoy having proof of an encounter with a celebrity. Sometimes, I lament perhaps not having proof of my meetings with the several celebrities I knew well or even just met. But, if I ever did get their signature on paper or photo, you would never see them on ebay!

My brother use to ask all our celebrity friends if they would sign a photo to him and, his then girlfriend, but to make up weird names alike: to Morris and Gladys, or Freda and Hiram”. Cute idea and they didn’t have to pay a dime!

[Johnny]

This reminds me of a related thread on our Forum called,  The Waltons Autograph Successes..
I note this is still a popular thread as it has 28 pages of comments.
The op (original poster), had many successes of receiving autographs by direct mailing to the actor. Not only did he receive their autograph, but written replies to go with it.

[Easton]

Sept 1, 2021 16:49:16 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

Just recently, my cousin emailed me that there was an autographed photo of my Mom selling on eBay for $20.00. TWENTY DOLLARS?!?! Are you kidding me?!?! Way too much money for such an item!! When I went to look at it online, it was a nice full length picture of my Mom. It was a photo I never saw before, but it looked like a publicity or promotional photo. But, the funniest thing was that it was signed to “Paul”. Who is the world would think that someone would want to buy an autographed photo to someone named “Paul”? Well, I guess someone named Paul, perhaps! But, odd as it sounds, I looked a week later and the darn thing sold!! Strange, right?!? Well, I hope, at least it went to a “Paul”!!

Not to go off topic, but that reminds me of something I read about 40 years ago, back when 'Ebay' was known as 'The Classifieds':

FOR SALE

Used headstone

Excellent buy

for someone

named Murphy

[JessicaGirlSpy]

Sept 1, 2021 17:38:54 GMT -5 Easton said:

Sept 1, 2021 16:49:16 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

Just recently, my cousin emailed me that there was an autographed photo of my Mom selling on eBay for $20.00. TWENTY DOLLARS?!?! Are you kidding me?!?! Way too much money for such an item!! When I went to look at it online, it was a nice full length picture of my Mom. It was a photo I never saw before, but it looked like a publicity or promotional photo. But, the funniest thing was that it was signed to “Paul”. Who is the world would think that someone would want to buy an autographed photo to someone named “Paul”? Well, I guess someone named Paul, perhaps! But, odd as it sounds, I looked a week later and the darn thing sold!! Strange, right?!? Well, I hope, at least it went to a “Paul”!!

Not to go off topic, but that reminds me of something I read about 40 years ago, back when 'Ebay' was known as 'The Classifieds':

FOR SALE

Used headstone

Excellent buy

for someone

named Murphy

I think buying an used headstone would be a grave mistake.

[carol]

Sept 1, 2021 17:38:54 GMT -5 Easton said:

Not to go off topic, but that reminds me of something I read about 40 years ago, back when 'Ebay' was known as 'The Classifieds':

FOR SALE

Used headstone

Excellent buy

for someone

named Murphy

What ? Did the the person come back to life and not need it anymore?

[kazk]

Sept 1, 2021 16:49:16 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

As I mentioned in a previous post, John Ritter and my Mom starred in a production of “Our Town” in Santa Barbara. After the performance, a lot of people waited by the stage door wanting John’s autograph and, I guess, they didn’t recognize “Flossie” since there were not many fans really asking my Mom for her autograph. They were referencing The Waltons and telling John how much they loved him as Reverend Fordwick. My Mom told me John, as his adorable self, said, “Don’t forget to ask Nora, our Flossie, for her autograph, too! “ My Mom was really touched that John did that!

flossieskid one of my favourite plays is Our Town. How I would have loved to see it with John Ritter and your mum!

Your story reminds me of my encounter with some of the actors from a play which we saw in London several years ago. Elisabeth Moss and Keira Knightley were starring in it, as well as Ellen Burstyn. The little group by the stage door took no notice of Ellen Burstyn as she emerged but she was the actress whose autograph I did want to get on my program for my son who hadn't travelled with us. So I asked her and she was extremely gracious but said that everyone just wanted autographs of the younger actors! I have been a fan of her work for a long time so was very happy to have a quick chat with her before she raced off. Again the little story and the autographed program reminds me of the time we stayed in London and the fabulous play we saw.