Tom Hanks

I was invited by a friend to attend a premiere showing of Apollo 13 on the big IMAX theater screen at Kennedy Space Center in Titusville.

Before the show, we went to a private reception with about 100 people. As I was walking around the room, I looked to my right and there was Tom Hanks, talking to two people. I had my camera with me and snapped a couple of photos, and he was looking right at me.

Strangely enough, I didn't feel one bit nervous despite having a huge star standing about eight feet away! Within minutes after I noticed him, others in the room did, too, and he was quickly surrounded by adoring fans. I was able to take a few more pictures and at one point, for just a few seconds while security personnel were getting him away from the crowd. At one point he was standing right next to me.

We later went to the IMAX theater and were sitting in the front row, waiting for the film to start when Tom Hanks, Ron Howard (director of the film) and Jim Lovell (commander of the actual Apollo 13 rocket) walked into the room to talk briefly about the film. I was in shock! I did get to speak with Ron Howard that evening, and he is an incredibly nice person.

What a magical evening it was -- one I'll never forget!