Friends in High Places

My wife reminded me last night that she is Facebook friends with Harvey Fierstein. She is one of more than 3000 and she is fairly certain that it really is Mr. Harvey Fierstein based on the online interactions he has had with her and others. Strange world this internet place is. Not sure how she swung this online friendship with Broadway royalty, exactly, as she is not friends with him in real life. Although we both have met him more than once.

We both met him for the first time at a party hosted by a friend here in Akron after Mr. Fierstein had spoken at a local fundraiser. He was dutifully making the rounds talking to everyone and I was getting inreasingly nervous for reasons I do not understand even now. I was not feeling that good to begin with as my stomach was a little upset but by the time Mr. Fierstein had gotten around to my wife and me I was in a full-on sweat. Not a pretty sight I am sure.

Mr. Fierstein looked to me from about ten feet away and spoke.

"Oh, sweetheart," he said to me, "What's the matter? Haven't you ever met a celebrity before?"

I stammered a response I do not recall.

He said, "You are adorable," as he grabbed my face and planted a kiss on my cheek. Flashbulbs were going off all over the room -- or maybe I just thought they were. I don't remember any more details but he moved on to talk with other guests and my wife and I made a respectful retreat.

A few years later we saw Mr. Fierstein in HAIRSPRAY in NYC. My wife and I stood side-by-side at the stage door along with our student travelers. Mr. Fierstein was working the crowd again. He was signing autographs, posing for pictures, and chatting up just about everyone.

My wife asked permission to take his picture and he easily agreed. While lining up the shot she said, "We have met before."

"Could be," he replied simply as she snapped the photo.

"It was in Akron, Ohio," she told him.

"Could be."

"You kissed my husband."

"Could be," he concluded with a noticable twinkle in his eye. It was a classic comic moment and got a few laughs from those nearby.

It probably won't be long now before she reminds him again that he once kissed her husband. Since they are online buddies and all.

She is also Facebook friends with George Lucas. I have not been kissed by him.