Celebrity meeting

Have you ever met a celebrity while in Vegas that was cool or did you meet someone who was a total jag?

I met Wilt Chamberlain while he was playing a slot machine at the RIO. He was involved in a stupid argument with a slot person about a payoff. He wasn't supposed to have gotten anything. Anyway, I interupted to say "hello" and he said rudely, "Can't you see I'm trying to get this straightened out?" I fired back, "Can't you see there's nothing to straighten out, since you're not supposed to get paid!" He didn't like that too much, but I didn't care, since Wilt was one of my all time favorite players.

I met and spoke to George Jones, Vince Gill, and the late Conway Twitty and Waylon Jennings years ago in Vegas. All were very friendly.

I have run into Mike Tyson twice- on Park Ave in NYC (pre-tattoo inn the 80's) and literally..ran right into him in Venetian (post tattoo in the late 90's).

Steve Wynn- I gave him a nod and spoke he smiled and spoke back. I was afraid to approach him not knowing how security might react. This was about twelve years ago I would probably aproach him now.

Cris Angel- Total class act super nice guy talked for a couple minutes and posed for a picture with my wife.

Tommy "The Hitman" Hearns-helluva nice guy we ran all over each other at MGM one night, I quickly turned around to snap at him and I guess he saw the shock in my face. He laughed we talked for a minute shook hands and went on our way.

Bruce Willis- Total rude asshole.

Probably spotted a couple dozen more but no personal interaction with any others.

I saw 2 while in Vegas:

Shaq and Oscar De La Hoya at their press confrence for a fight at PH. This was for the show Shaq vs. Both walked passed me on their way upstairs. I have a pic of Oscar on the escalator.

Ed Begaly Jr. he was shopping in one of the stores between Bally's and Pairs.   David Hasselhoff in McCarran he was waiting to depart in the gate next to mine as I waiting to depart. He looked like he had a rough night, but he was very magnanimous to everyone that approached him.

Nevemet but saw Redd Foxx,Jimmy Johnson,Donn Mills and Gordie Howe.

I played craps at Binion's (when it was still the Horseshoe!) many years ago with the poker player TJ Cloutier. He was not overly nice or friendly. In fact, he was annoyed that I didn't just clear out so he could have my corner. He lost his money quickly and then left.

I was in line behind Britney Spears at the Hudson News in McCarran. She bought some gum. It was very exciting.