Yesterday, I met William Shatner at Monster Mania 54 in Hunt Valley, Maryland. What was the experience like? Read on to find out.
William Shatner turned 92 last month, so when I heard he would be at Monster Mania 54 in Hunt Valley, Maryland, I knew I had to go. With Angela Lansbury and Bette White passing away in the past few years, time is of the essence when it comes to meeting icons in their 90s. I met William Shatner in 2012 with Scott Bakula, which was a tremendous experience. You can read all about that here. I also saw him live with my father in 2018, and you can read about that here.
It was a two-hour drive to Maryland from Philadelphia, and I was up against a lot of traffic. But I made it there with 30 minutes to spare. I bypassed the long line outside because of the great Monster Mania team inside, ensuring I wouldn’t be late for my photo opp with William Shatner.
I got in line for my photo with William Shatner and had a pleasant conversation with some fans in front of me. We were told by staff, “Do not touch Mr. Shatner. If you touch Mr. Shatner, you will forfeit your photo with him. There is a piece of yellow tape on the ground. Mr. Shatner will be on one side, and you will be on the other. Do not attempt to cross the line of tape or reach over it.” I took these instructions seriously and figured taking these kinds of precautions got William Shatner to the age of 92, so who am I to argue with his requirements, especially during a time when COVID is still a concern for many?
The photo line moved rapidly. When I arrived for my photo, I said, “Hi, Bill!” He smiled and said, “Hello!” and we took our photo together. I stood on the yellow line to be as close to him as possible to ensure the photo wasn’t awkward. I’m thrilled with how it turned out. We’re both smiling, and we’re not so far apart that it looks ridiculous, like some photos I’ve seen. After the camera flashed, I said, “Thanks, Bill!” waved, and I was on my way. He said, “Thanks!” and I went to pick up my photo.
I picked up my printed photo, which looks vibrant and beautiful, for Bill to sign, and bought a sleeve to protect it. Then I went to the room where William Shatner was scheduled for a Q&A session. It was excellent, and you can listen to the entire Q&A below.
I went to Shatner’s table, paid for my autograph, and entered his line. I met more fans and spoke with them at length about our mutual admiration for William Shatner, as well as life in general. I can talk to a brick wall, so it was a relaxed and enjoyable conversation.
William Shatner zipped into the room on his motorized scooter, sat at his table, and started to sign. He said, “Thank you so much for coming, Michael. How are you?” I told him I was great, thanked him for the artistic contributions and the joy he has brought the world, and asked him, “What was it like working with James Spader on Boston Legal and witnessing his impassioned closing speeches?” He replied in his unmistakable boisterous voice, “I was in awe! . . . awe!” Bill then thanked me again for coming, and I said to him, “Be well.”
By the time I got outside, there was a torrential downpour. On my two-hour drive home, I battled the rain the entire way. But I’m happy that I chose to meet William Shatner one more time because he’s a legend who has brought me an immense amount of happiness over the years, and I’m inspired by the life he has led. I hope he’s with us for a long time to come. May he continue to live long and prosper.
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