Recently I was at the Roseville Galleria mall with my family and I ran into MMA legend Ken Shamrock. Allison and Jackson were in line to buy one of those great pretzels while I was on the hunt for a chocolate croissant. It's not typical that I'd break away from the pack to go after a specific treat but it was a craving. So I was on my way back from Borders (they didn't have a chocolate croissant) to rejoin the family when I spotted Ken Shamrock and what was presumably his teenage son walking towards me. Just as we were about to pass I had to say something considering how big a fan I've been all these years. Star struck, I came up with very little. I said his name to get his attention as we passed each other and he quickly spun around, "yeah?". I'm guessing he gets stopped a fair amount since I know millions of people know who he is. "I'm a huge fan" is all I was going to say as I extended my hand for a handshake. He obliged and simply said, "thanks, I appreciate it". That was about it.
His persona and character is one of a tough guy but he seemed intense in real life. I'm sure he's a fairly intense guy in general or he wouldn't be in the professions he's chosen. Anyway, I was stoked to have had that brief exchange. Of course I'd liked to have had a picture or autograph or something but oh well. ABC featured Ken Shamrock on a television program and gave him the nickname "World's Most Dangerous Man" and that has stuck with him ever since. Even though he's not really the world's most dangerous man, I wouldn't tell him that. He could easily take me out as well as dispatch of any other individual in the mall that day.
Too cool buddy! I know what you are talking about when it comes to talking to celebrities. I spotted Kirk Hammett walking out of a bar in SF and did the same thing you did. Said hello, told him I was a big fan and shook his hand. It was nice, but I felt like a tool because I couldn't think of anything smart to say.
Posted by: Matt | June 18, 2007 at 01:59 PM