By Josh Board with Steven Cyrkin
Autograph December 2008
Is refusing to sign a sign of the times? You’d think so, with so much press devoted to stars behaving badly. But we’re happy to report that the answer is no. Sure, there are bad signers, but they are the exception. Today’s celebrities encounter the public at almost every turn. They may sign a little, they may sign a lot. But most are nice and friendly, and offer a smile, an autograph and will even take a photo with a fan when they can. That’s all we ask, and we appreciate their kindness.
Then there are our 10 Best and 10 Worst Signers. The Best Signers love to show fans that we matter to them. They laugh and sign autographs for everyone around, take pictures and talk to us like friends. Some, like Rosario Dawson, even go to conventions and sign for free. The Worst Signers rarely if ever sign, ignore fans and even treat them with contempt. Some yell at fans and demean them just for asking for a snapshot or signature.
After three years as our Best Signer—and more as one of the best—Johnny Depp is taking a well-deserved break. He’s still a good signer and unfailingly nice, but he wasn’t in public as much this year. And when he was, he didn’t have the enthusiasm for signing that he used to. Thanks, Johnny—for treating us so well for years. We hope to see you back on the list soon.
And now, Autograph’s 16th Annual List of the 10 Best & 10 Worst Hollywood Signers
10 BEST
1. Jay Leno
Jay Leno is one of the best autograph signers in the history of Hollywood. Day in and day out, Leno signs before, during and after The Tonight Show, as he has since the show became his in 1992.
Leno would have been our No. 1 Best Signer before, if the list weren’t compiled from reports around the world. With his full-time desk job, Leno doesn’t get around as much as the movie stars who typically top our list.
“I’ve been there hundreds of times for autographs of The Tonight Show guests, and not once has Jay not signed,” says collector/dealer Mike Aring. “And he signs for the audience during breaks.”
“He’s a superstar when it comes to signing,” says New York pro Anthony Risi, aka Mr. Stargraph. “He is still coming out of the show with his own marker, ready to sign.”
Leno is one Hollywood celebrity who can identify with fans and collectors. An autograph collector himself, Leno can be found asking guests to sign during breaks.
2. George Clooney
When he’s not promoting world peace, George Clooney can be found chatting with fans and signing autographs.
“What you see is what you get,” Risi says. “There is absolutely no pretense about him at all. In the moments a fan or collector spends with Clooney, they feel like they’re out with a buddy.”
The Burn After Reading star was spotted by TheInsider.com signing autographs on the set. Splash News and Pictures reported, “George Clooney really goes out of his way for his fans by signing autographs and posing for numerous pictures.”
Clooney, a frequent 10 Bester, has come a long way since his heartthrob role as Dr. Doug Ross on ER, but he is still as down to earth as ever. He treats his fans like friends, and never seems to run out of things to talk about with them.
3. Matt Damon
The star of The Bourne action films is killer at signing. Matt Damon has been near the top of our Best Signers list for years. A costar alongside George Clooney in a number of films, Damon and Clooney often run neck and neck, and both are good bets to make the top spot one day.
Mike Aring tells us, “Matt’s always gracious with fans, even after appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, when stressed-out security guards are always asking him to stop signing.”
Risi adds, “Not only is Damon as good as ever this year, he hasn’t really changed since his career took off. He still treats fans with respect and gratitude, and he’ll sign pretty much whatever you ask him to—and pose for pictures.”
If you’re ever lucky enough to meet this A+ of A-Listers, you’ll walk away smiling.
4. Rosario Dawson
A staple at conventions and signing events, Rosario Dawson is a fan favorite. Her career is heavy in sci-fi and horror where fans are rabid autograph collectors. Rosario doesn’t shy away—she races to meet fans at conventions and signs, signs, signs.
“She hasn’t found a collector she didn’t like,” says Aring.
When we met Rosario at Comic-Con this year, she was so nice we thought it was because we were press. But she was pleasant and talkative with everyone she signed for there. Based on collectors we asked who have met her, she’s always that way.
Rosario knows how to keep fans rooting for her.