One of my all-time favorite comedic actors, Leslie Nielsen died and it reminded me of the time I booked him on WGN Morning News two years ago. Unfortunately, my wife and I had a vacation planned and I was unable to meet him. However, I decided to write him a fan letter and leave it behind for him along with a whoopee cushion. (Leslie has a history of bringing a fart making toy with him wherever he went and often used it during interviews.)
Leslie was in town to make an appearance at a Hollywood Collector Show and for a meet and greet and screening of "Airplane" and "The Naked Gun."
My friend Angelique from Hollwywood Blvd Cinema brought him to us that morning and she was there when he read my fan letter. She said that he LOVED it...and the whoopee cushion, of course ! She even took a picture of him in our WGN-TV cafeteria for me. How cool is that?
Here is my fan letter that he received from me...
Dear Shirley,
Welcome to Chicago and WGN Morning News!
I am more excited than a nine-petered weasel to have you join us this morning.
My groin is as moist as Wonderbread and I think my nipples need some Chapstick.
As a matter of fact, I was so excited, I decided to take a long vacation the minute
you agreed to be on this crappy show of ours.
Surely I can't be serious. I am not serious and....I'm not going to do anymore "Airplane" jokes.
I just wanted you to know that I have met many of my idols like Don Rickles, Jerry Lewis and Christopher Walken.
I am so sorry that I didn't get the chance to meet you...and tell you how great they are.
I'm just pulling your leg.
(At least I hope that was your leg. It had hair on it and a sock on the end of it anyway.)
Ok. Enough of this. Let me just say this.
I love your work and I wanted to meet you, but my wife and I planned a romantic trip up to Canada. I think it's called Viagra Falls or something.
Should be exciting although I hear there are alot of stiffs up there.
Anyway, enjoy yourself. Fake your orgasm if you must and use the enclosed whoopee cushion should you be at a loss for words. Flatulence is the universal language of joy.
At least that's my excuse.
Your new best friend in the whole world,
Jeff Hoover
I remember him as a good comic,sorry to see him go, as I am for all the old guys who are starting to go.What wonderful stories they all had.To bad you missed seeing him in person,but I'm sure he enjoyed for comments and whopeee cushion.Ha ha--What a great fan you are----Love ya Mom---P. S. Like you, enjoyed all the airplane movies