Spin off: did you know someone before they were famous?

julezilla · 10-25-2007, 10:47 AM

How about it? Did you have a buddy in elementary school who's famous now?

I went to middle school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with Kristin Chenoweth. She's had roles on The West Wing, and she's in Pushing Daisies now. She was also in some Broadway Productions. She's super short, and was a cheerleader and always sang at assemblies - great singing voice.

Football fans might recognize Tim Ryan, former defensive lineman for the Bears, now a commentator for one of the networks. He went to my high school. He graduated two years ahead of me - real nice guy, always smiling and not the typical snobby jock. (Mike Holmgren was a coach at my school, too, but he moved on before I started going there. This was in San Jose. Oh and Marty Morninwheg went there too, but I didn't know him)

How about you? Anyone famous in your yearbooks?

anglingaddict · 10-25-2007, 11:50 AM

None here that I know of. I guess I'm just an average Joe even for knowing celebrities BEFORE they were famous!

Neat idea for a thread though. It's going to be interesting to see what comes up from our fellow ifishers!

Digifish · 10-25-2007, 12:26 PM

Goldie Hawn, as a teenager, babysat my wife when she was young.

No Wishin Just Fishin · 10-25-2007, 12:34 PM

Ben Masters was a year behind me at Corvallis. He was with Pierce Brosnan in "The Noble House" and in about 200 broadway plays both singing and dancing.

Maddie'sDaddy · 10-25-2007, 12:35 PM

My brother and his girlfriend used to party with the lead singer for Ratt, does that count

MD

newbeebob · 10-25-2007, 12:37 PM

Went to High School with Drew Bledsoe.

Bloom · 10-25-2007, 01:06 PM

I knew Frank Zappa when he was in high school (A.V.H.S, Lancaster, Ca.)He was one year ahead of me.I also ran with Don Vliet (Cap'n Beefheart) before he became sort of famous.His dad was our local bakery delivery guy.
I attended my 45th class reunion last year and talked with Sherwood a bit. He played with the Mothers for some time, but got burned out from the routine and schedule. Frank died awhile back from prostate cancer. Last I heard, Don was living out in the desert somewhere and has been painting a lot.(not a parking lot : )I wish I still had some of those old practice tapes from the '50's.

Ken Drifter · 10-25-2007, 01:07 PM

Played Football in High School with John Hagy, who went on to play for the Bills 88-90 and played in a Super Bowl. Same High School Priest Holmes went to.
Also when I tranfered Schools my Senior Year I went to School with Keith and Kerry Cash (twins) who went on to play Football for the Raiders, Chiefs, and a couple more teams I forget.

julezilla · 10-25-2007, 01:46 PM

yeah, a brother partying with the dude from Ratt counts.

p

p

I forgot - I babysat Danny Ainge's (Boston Celtics) kids once. His brother David and his wife lived near me, and when Danny was in town visiting, I watched all the kids.

Zappa - what a cool guy to know. I'd love to know what he was thinking when he named his kids.

wishin · 10-25-2007, 02:39 PM

In a few years we can all say we knew the famous outdoor film producer when he was on Ifish posting with the moniker "matthewc"!

Joe Schwab · 10-25-2007, 03:24 PM

My wife went to high school with Aldrich Ames, the infamous spy. His mother was her teacher also.

I stayed at a Holiday Inn once!

Oh and I met Jennie just before she became famous!

Big TULE · 10-25-2007, 06:00 PM

Played football with Rian Lindell, the kicker for the Bills. We were best friends in 5th grade. He was our Kicker and tight end in high school...

bad habit · 10-25-2007, 06:39 PM

i used to go to church with maynard james keenan

mpmax · 10-25-2007, 06:51 PM

I breifly dated the Klamath Basin Potato festival queen's older sister (circa 1978).

Hook-Line-N-Sinker · 10-25-2007, 07:02 PM

Went to high school with Katee Sackhoff who is in the new show "The Bionic Woman" on NBC -

Katee Sackhoff currently stars as the hotshot pilot Starbuck in the critically acclaimed SCI FI Channel series "Battlestar Galactica". In addition to winning a prestigious Peabody Award, the series has been honored as one of the 10 Outstanding Television Programs of the Year by the American Film Institute (AFI) for two years running. Entering its fourth season, Sackhoff continues to shine in the cult favorite which films in Vancouver, Canada.
Sackhoff, born and raised in Portland, Oregon, moved to Los Angeles upon graduating from high school and quickly garnered attention and praise as she secured some competitive leading roles in a variety of film and television projects. Her burgeoning career began with a lead role in the MTV pilot "Locust Valley", which led to a lead role in the series "The Fearing Mind" as well as a starring role opposite Jamie Lee Curtis in the film "Halloween: Resurrection". She also secured a lead role portraying the daughter of Richard Dreyfuss on the drama series "The Education of Max Bickford".
In addition, Sackhoff will next appear as the lead in Universal Pictures' "White Noise 2", the sequel to the hit original. The film is due for release in Fall 2007. She is also going to be seen as the star in the independent film "The Last Sentinel". Sackhoff currently lives in Los Angeles and her birthday is April 8.

PapaHog · 10-25-2007, 07:43 PM

I was to dinner at Phil Knights house before Nike. My step children use to call him Uncle Buck. He and Penny both are very nice people.

Hare's Ear · 10-25-2007, 08:35 PM

I played on a Little League team and went to high school with Neil Lomax.

Riverbankslayer · 10-26-2007, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hare's Ear

went to high school with Neil Lomax.

Me 2

3riversBob · 10-26-2007, 07:04 AM

Went to school and lived a couple of blocks from Steve Prefontaine.

Bob

Wreckless · 10-26-2007, 07:07 AM

I dated Dave Smith's sister years ago

StickFish · 10-26-2007, 08:01 AM

One that was a flash in the Pan and a few I met. Sandy Schwab, the two of us were sort of the sand lot quarterbacks at our elementary school, he was a year younger and could really throw the ball. Story of the tape is he grew tall and I didn't. Sandy went on to rescue Northwestern University's sinking football program with a monster season and his picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

My sister used to be a pretty good hair stylist when she was having a, how do you say this, identity crisis

Anyhow she worked for this guy who was from the Vidal Sasson school. Lots of interesting folks came into their shop from the Bay Area Muisic industry. Met Denny Carmassi, who played drums for a pile of folks, Montrose, Hagar, Hart, he was playing for Montrose when I met him.

In the late 70's can't really remember which year. I was at a party a friend of mine was putting on and there was this lady there who played a mean guitar. I only got her first name, but we spent some time that evening talking about music. Her name was Bonnie - turned out to be Bonnie Raitt.

Jeremy · 10-26-2007, 08:22 AM

Went to High School with Holly from the Girls Next Door.

Troutinator · 10-26-2007, 10:49 AM

Played baseball with Larry and Harold Reynolds at Corvallis High School. And hung around with a group that included Meridith Brooks(singer) when she was way to young to be doing what we were doing... but that's another story.

MacFish · 10-26-2007, 11:49 AM

I got to play football in college for a year with Bobby Moore (aka Ahmad Rashad), with George Seifert (49ers) as head coach and a handful of other guys that ended up in the pros.

Pescadote · 10-26-2007, 12:18 PM

In college, I did my Junior Block (kind of a pre-student teaching) at Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana. One of my students was a 6'8" 9th grader. I asked the basketball coach about him and he said, "Remember the name, he's gonna be somebody someday." The kid was Sean Kemp.

MossyOarReelCreek · 10-26-2007, 12:49 PM

I went to high school with David Wood (NBA player, Rockets) Not a scrub but, not a star.

When I was in the NAVY and hitting the clubs in the Bay Area.. I would go to the Oakland Army Base club and partied with Tone, Tony Toni & MC Hammer as they peddled their records in the club scene in the early 80's

DTSportsman · 10-26-2007, 12:49 PM

Kyle Lohse, Philidelphia Phillies Pitcher is my Wife's cousin.

CATCH AND EAT · 10-26-2007, 12:53 PM

I knew Jeff Stone before he became the imfamous "Jeff Gillooly" WAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also met Sandi Patty before she became a big Contemporary Christian Music start.

Oh, and I met Jennie before there were 1500 members here. Does that count?

Matthewc · 10-26-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wishin

In a few years we can all say we knew the famous outdoor film producer when he was on Ifish posting with the moniker "matthewc"!

Sounds like a great plan to me

IM sure your all going to enjoy the a HUGE! project I just finished. It belongs to someone else though so IM not sure when its release date is.

Mr. Krabs · 10-26-2007, 06:51 PM

By marriage I am now somewhat related to Janis Joplin. It was weird getting a phone call from Janis' sister one night and seeing "Joplin" in the caller ID.

I went to school from K to HS graduation with a girl who went on to found a movie production company. Her partner is Morgan Freeman.

My nephew is a special effects guy in Hollywood. My kids still get a thrill watching his name scroll by on the big screen when he's worked on a movie that we've gone to see.

adobe wall · 10-27-2007, 08:38 AM

Col Oliver North (Iran-Contra Scandal) and family lived near my family, good friends with my parents.

regards, aw

Rocky · 10-27-2007, 03:01 PM

The most noteworthy person I knewed before he was was known was my cousin who was lead singer in Dante and the Evergreens but I was too young to realize anything. They did Alley Oop and Time Machine and a couple others that I think were quite good but I guess they had wrong timing or something......

Bronco · 10-27-2007, 03:08 PM

I knew Dave Johnson before he became a fishing guide.

gerry · 10-28-2007, 06:09 PM

That's a good one Mpmax. I actually am married to the 1988 Klamath Basin Potato Festival queen. Sorry, she doesn't have any sisters.

Fast Water · 10-28-2007, 06:25 PM

I met Bill and Melinda Gate's Daughter (Jennifer?) at their house (during the late phases of construction) as she toddled around the corner toward the kitchen with the help of her Nanny. Mr. and Mrs. were in Europe at the time.

sinker · 10-28-2007, 06:38 PM

I grew up down the road from Kasey Kahne. Worked at a farm supply store in high school and his folks used to come in all the time, I remember him when he was about 4 feet tall. :grin:
Guess I used to know his parents but never seen the sense in knowing a 10 year old. LOL

Tick Camper · 10-28-2007, 07:13 PM

My Grandfather David Van Houten was the Sherrif of Union, Oregon.
He may not be famous but he meant a lot to me, he was and is my idol.

mpmax · 10-28-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerry

That's a good one Mpmax. I actually am married to the 1988 Klamath Basin Potato Festival queen. Sorry, she doesn't have any sisters.

Live the dream brother!
Turns out I only got the date because by buddy in Merrill was her ex, so it was a spite date (but she did have a nice car).

gottafish · 10-29-2007, 03:09 AM

Modona, was my cousins best friend. I think I hit her pretty good with a rotten tomato from grandmas garden.

I actually know lots of country singers. My aunt Kay set up all the country concerts in Saginaw Michigan for years. The always had parties at my aunts house after the shows and my mom and Dad would go and of course my sister and I would be there. some of the ones are getting old now
Barbra mandrel
Roy Clark
Buck Owens
Tom T Hall
Hank Williams JR
Alabama (everybody)
Reba
Earl thomas Connley
John Connley
Ronni millsap
Conway twitty
Crystal Gale
Thats All I remember. lots of booze and good food. ( I was to young to drink for most of that but it was fun to watch. Quick story My aunt got in a fist fight with Hank JR. LOL

That was good they were both drunk.

I have met Ted Nuggent in the woods hunting. This year I met Tred Bart.

The Number one most famous person Ive ever met. Fred Bear. at Ernos Archery. in Michigan. I worked there and Fred came in after close. he was a good friend of my boss. I talked to him for over an hour. awsome man.

SilverFly · 10-29-2007, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big TULE

Played football with Rian Lindell, the kicker for the Bills. We were best friends in 5th grade. He was our Kicker and tight end in high school...

Rian is my fiance's step brother. Real nice guy too.

Threemuch · 10-29-2007, 08:48 AM

James Iha (smashing pumpkins guitarist) dated one of my high school girlfriends before I did, and kind of stalked her, but I didn't really know him.

One girl from my high school class wound up an actress in Ferris Bueller, Lucas, and Three O'Clock High, her name is Ann Ryan, not exactly famous.

freespool · 10-29-2007, 02:15 PM

Steve Prefontaine and I were friends in high school and college.

jordanb38 · 10-29-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julezilla

yeah, a brother partying with the dude from Ratt counts.

p

Salty1 · 10-29-2007, 03:31 PM

My dad thought it a Big Deal - a neighbor two doors away who while attending the same elementary and high schools I did, was on her way to stardom well before I was born. If you've seen the original movie "Mr Roberts", you'll have seen an actress named Betsy Palmer who played Lt. Ann Girard in the movie. She also acted with people like Anthony Perkins and Henry Fonda. While a long list of credits, you might know Love Boat, Password, and Knots Landing.

About a block away lived the original DoubleMint Twins Jayne and Joan Boyd Dang... they were to old for Me too!

In high school I and golf with Travis Preston - who now is a Big Shot producer of Broadway Plays

In the 60's I bass fished along with two really driven guys named Al and Ron Lindner..hmmm

Another dyed in the wool fisherman who was repaired our copy machines - and fished walleye tournaments professionally. Hard work and long hours later he is Ted Takasaki, now the President
Lindy-Little Joe, Inc.

Last and I mean LAST - I grew up 7 miles from the home of Michael

Jackson That's one I usually don't talk about!!!

goflipper · 10-29-2007, 05:36 PM

The I-5 Killer (Randy Woodfield) lived right down the street from us when I was a kid. And I was mad because my mother wouldn't let me ride my bike home after dark!! She still says.. "I told you so"!!!

jmg · 10-29-2007, 06:26 PM

I and Twitch's Tackle grew up and went to school with Jacoby Ellsbury! I sure thought he had a chance for WS MVP. Not to bad of stats for a kid who started the season in AA ball.

Dave G · 10-29-2007, 06:33 PM

Paul Revere & the Raiders bought me a couple of pitchers of brew in Tacoma in the 80s

txaggie · 10-29-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threemuch

James Iha (smashing pumpkins guitarist) dated one of my high school girlfriends before I did, and kind of stalked her, but I didn't really know him.

One girl from my high school class wound up an actress in Ferris Bueller, Lucas, and Three O'Clock High, her name is Ann Ryan, not exactly famous.

Now that's funny right there...just when I thought I didn't know anyone "famous" I remember that about half of my high school class of '88 skipped school to go be extras in "Three O'Clock High" in the fall of 1986 filmed at Ogden High in Ogden, Utah. Yeah, they were big-time stars--or so they thought.

gottafish · 10-29-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty1

In the 60's I bass fished along with two really driven guys named Al and Ron Lindner..hmmm

Ha I fished aginst Al Linder in a walleye tourny on Saginaw bay in the late 80's We were the two front runners. He also did a seminar at my high school. He's a cool dude. LOL

grandsalami · 10-29-2007, 11:17 PM

I played football with Jeremy Steven at River Ridge High School in Lacey, Wa, He was a senior when I was a freshmen. I also played against Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart. He went to my rival high school and his uncle worked at my high school.

Jennie@ifish · 10-30-2007, 06:14 AM

I don't know if Joni is famous, but I think so! Joni Harms was my best friend in kindergarten through elementary years.

She's a country singer. Anyone heard of Joni?

Anyhow, I got a call from her a couple years back, when the same day we had a story in the Oregonian. She said, "Who woulda thunk?"

Funny... but I "quit" her country band right before she was discovered. DOH!

Anyhow, that's my only claim to fame except I was on the speech and debate squad with the guys who developed those water sprayers on the veggies in grocery stores.

Jen

Irish Pennant · 10-30-2007, 06:55 AM

It is Halloween
Robert Duval the Straight Satin biker gang member. He was busted on the ranch with Charles Manson. His sword was used in one of the murders and he was mentioned in the book Helter Skelter. Roberts son Bobby and I were best friends when we were growing up and it was always kinda cool when the bikers would go over to Bobby's house. I never seen any drugs or violence, just some sweet custom bikes. Bobby was famous around our part for his dads exploits. His dad wasn't involved with any of the murders, just his sword.

Jaws · 10-30-2007, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennie@ifish

I don't know if Joni is famous, but I think so! Joni Harms was my best friend in kindergarten through elementary years.

She's a country singer. Anyone heard of Joni?

Anyhow, I got a call from her a couple years back, when the same day we had a story in the Oregonian. She said, "Who woulda thunk?"

Funny... but I "quit" her country band right before she was discovered. DOH!

Anyhow, that's my only claim to fame except I was on the speech and debate squad with the guys who developed those water sprayers on the veggies in grocery stores.

Jen

I remember Joni way back when she played a couple times at the spinning wheel(?) in Canby. I think she wasn't even 21 then.
But I could be wrong! Whod a thunk it, Canby with two famous girls!

Bait O' Eggs · 10-30-2007, 10:48 AM

Evidently I had the waddling bandit for a teacher in HS

Merch · 10-30-2007, 11:34 AM

I got to know Krist Novoselic, the bassist from Nirvana, when he and I were working on election issues. I sent him some voter outreach swag and we corresponded for a little while.

He is a really down-to-earth guy and super nice. He learned to fly and flew his private plane to Olympia and I gave him a ride back to the airport where he let me check out his plane and offered me a ride. Along the way we talked about what it was like when Nirvana hit it big, a fascinating story.

Merch

Paddlefish · 10-30-2007, 03:02 PM

All I had to do was to go to Grant High School assemblies in order to see musician Tom Grant and actress Sally Struthers.

mandinga · 10-31-2007, 06:32 AM

Leon Russel is a relative...does that count?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_u72N4Ojcc

alaskan · 10-31-2007, 10:50 AM

Did anyone watch The Tonight show last night? I missed it but I heard that a classmate from highschool was on.

wishin · 10-31-2007, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandinga

Leon Russel is a relative...does that count?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_u72N4Ojcc

Are you kidding! A great musician, and a great lyricist. I about wore the vinyl out on his "Carney" album in the 70's. Remember "Tight Rope"?

"I'm up on a tightwire
One side's ice and one is fire
It's a circus game with you and me"

SeaSparrow · 10-31-2007, 11:50 AM

Anyone heard of Eliza Gilkyson? My mother almost married Eliza's father, Terry Gilkyson (who wrote "Bare Necessities"). Eliza's brother Tony is also a great musician. We all hung out and played music together back when Eliza was still Lisa (60s and 70s)!