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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2008 > June > 24 > Entry
hangin’ out with Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman and his co-author Daniel Lenihan were in Dayton recently - that reminded me of an evening I spent with them 5 years ago in Chicago.
I was there for Book Expo. A friend of mine asked if I wanted to go with him to a book signing that Hackman and Lenihan were having that evening at a bookstore downtown. We went to the Drake Hotel and met the the authors out front, then walked over to the bookstore with them.
There was a huge crowd waiting to get Gene Hackman’s autograph. My friend got me a prime seat right next to the signing area. I watched for hours as this famous Hollywood star interacted with his fans. He was extremely patient and pleasant even with the mob of autograph collectors who had stacks of posters and photos for him to sign. He autographed everything with a smile.
An off-duty Chicago cop was there providing security. I sat there quietly observing. When the signing was finally over the police officer came over to me and said: “Hey, I enjoyed working with you!”
I was puzzled by his statement. I said: “What do you mean?” The cop looked at me and said: “You’re Gene Hackman’s bodyguard, right?”
After I got done laughing I explained that I was merely a spectator. He said: “Well, I just assumed by your demeanor and body language that you were his security detail.”
His comments got me to thinking and as we returned to the Drake with Gene Hackman I decided, hey, if I look like a bodyguard then I might as well pretend that I am one!
It was a lovely June evening in Chicago. As I walked behind Hackman through the throngs of people crowding the sidewalks on a Friday I stood tall and strode with the purposeful authority that I imagined a security guard would present as he protected a famous client.
It was really fascinating because I could see people as they approached us and their double takes whenever somebody recognized him. Women in particular would gasp and say to their friends: “was that?! No, it couldn’t be!?”
When we got to the Drake Hackman invited us into the bar for drinks. Hackman’s wife was with us, along with his co-author, his editor, and my friend from Chicago. We talked books for over an hour as the place buzzed with excitement - the patrons of the establishment were quite aware of Hackman’s presence there.
I kept my mouth shut - just drinking it all in. What an experience! At one point they were discussing Cormac McCarthy - Hackman is well read - he turned to me and asked me what I thought of “the trilogy?” All I could do was look at him. Speechless I was- astonished - and delighted to be there on that warm evening in Chicago at the bar of the Drake Hotel.
Vick Mickunas
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Comments
By prose
June 25, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Must admit to being envious of your good fortune. Hackman is one of my all-time favorites. Nice knowing he’s also a great guy. You book reviewers sure get around the country and hang out with jet set!