Growing up in New York (born & raised in the other Brooklyn, Staten Island), we (New Yorkers’) always felt we were above the “Star Struck” world of the rest of the country. There were many opportunities to run into or meet celebrities. Whether it be Don Imus at the Garden Open Tennis Tournament or Danny Divito at Katz Deli, there were always plenty of celebs roaming the City.
Having a best friend who was a Sargent at the police Precinct 6 doors down from Studio 54 in my 20’s provided ample opportunities to meet & greet many of the crazy’s that frequented the club. I’m sure you all heard many stories about the club, and I can tell you, most are true (loved the Bar with no seats and a floor mirror surrounding the bar! Hooray for mini skirts). Besides never having to pay for a drink due to my friends Police status at the club, they were many times with access to the VIP club. Great times from what I remember (I did tell you, FREE BOOZE).
Working for a company in the Cosmetic Packaging Industry , I had the opportunity to develop Fragrance’s for many Celebs. Those meetings with the likes of Cher (kind of dull) , Cindy Crawford (at the telephone bank of the Revlon Building ), Liz Taylor (even at her advanced age, one of the most stunning and sweetest ladies I ever met), Ivanka Trump (spent most of the meeting on the phone with her “pool Boy”) (it may seem like I am name dropping, as of course I am, but just in the context of the story) were always exciting, but never came close to the time of meeting my all time Love, Christie Brinkley.
From the first time I saw her in that red convertible (of course the Pool scene clinched it) in the National Lampoon movie and through out her swimsuit and Movie career, she was always the girl of my dreams (until I met my wife in case she reads this). I never held the Billy Joel thing against her. I never had a song written about me, so who am I to judge.
Every year, the Fragrance Foundation held it “Fragrance of The Year” Ball at Lincoln center. It was a black tie affair which many of the celebs attended. Every year they had a special guest host. It was happenstance and luck that year it was Christie Brinkley. Normally, not one of my favorite events (there were many others, like the Victoria Secret Runway show, one of my biggest customers at the time. Sorry, last name drop!) but I was super excited. Of course, leading up to the event, I spent countless hours trying to figure out a way to meet her without looking like a Star Struck clown (as we New Yorkers’ are not).
I remember standing out front at the Red Carpet as she arrived. Just as beautiful in real life as the movies & magazines. The Star Stuck clown was starting to emerge from me.
Of course, through the night she was surrounded by people much more important than me, so no real opportunity to make my move.
Then around two thirds into the night (and around 6-7 vodka’s. Thank god for liquid courage), I was heading to the Bar and low and behold, there she was, sitting at a table with just Billy Baldwin ( who in typical Baldwin arrogance wore Jeans, Black sport coat with open neck white shite to a Black Tie event) . After a quick thought and pep talk to myself, I made my way toward the table. Being a Black Tie affair, I figured she had no idea who I was. Maybe someone important (not), so probably would be cordial. As I approached, Billy was in deep conversation with her. I was happy I was able to speak and I am sure my “Hello Christie” was a little loud. But as I thought, she was very cordial and sweet. I could only image how Billy Joel must have felt when first met his (Up Town Girl)? After a few minutes of my rambling on (such a big fan, loved your movies, yada, yada), I realized that I never let go of her hand. I remember looking down and thinking, “ wow, so soft & beautiful” ( Super Star Struck!!!) . I finally let go and wished her a good night, and as I turned to tell Mr. Baldwin that I was sorry for interrupting, the look on his face said a thousand words. Let me translate: WHO THE HELL ARE YOU AND HOW DAREYOU COME BARGING IN WHILE I AM SPEAKING TO CHRISTIE!.
So instead of apologizing, I just mumbled “Eh” and walked away.
Needless to say, it was some time before I washed that hand! I told my friend Frank about my encounter with Christie Brinkley and the parties I attended at studio 54 and he thought it would be a great addition to his new book which is about a collection of short stories. Well, here it is, I hope that you enjoy reading it.
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