Rough Stone Rolling

Living in Southern California has its obvious perks. For example, it’s late November and today was a sunny 70+ degrees. We’ve got this swell ocean slamming against our multi-million dollar properties. There’s Disneyland (we’re going there on Thanksgiving), Universal Studios, Hollywood, Malibu, BH 90210, etc.

And, of course, our landscape is bursting with celebrities.

I’ve had the good fortune of meeting some of my favorites. For example, when Miss D. was a baby she appeared in a mediocre movie called Baby Geniuses. We were waiting for D’s scene in craft services, a soggy Oreo all over her face, when in floats Kathleen Turner. “Hello, everybody!” she says with a flourish. Next thing I know, she’s focusing on the kid on my arm and approaches. “Why hello,” she gushes in that sexy Marlboro voice of hers, “who is this?” “This is D–” “Hello, D—. Do you like that cookie?” She then smiles at me with those fiery diamond eyes and come-hither dimples, putting out her hand. “Hi, I’m Kathleen.” “Yes,” I reply stupidly, “I know.” How could I NOT know– she was only my pinup girl when I was just a college knob! Then, somehow I manage, “I’m David.” That was a moment in time for me.

I’ve met a number of others, but the only other one I’ll mention is Anthony Hopkins. We were at a free screening for Remains of the Day and when we emerged into the lobby, there he was saying goodbye to a circle of fans and heading for his limo. The next minute proceeded in slow motion: I followed him to his car and just before he could climb in, I put my hand on his shoulder. He turned and I said, “I just wanted to tell you, the film was wonderful.” (Not to mention Lion in Winter, A River Runs Through It and, oh!– Silence of the Lambs!!) Well, he grabbed my hand with both of his and said, graciously, “Thank you so much! Tell your friends! Tell your friends!” I did.

I only bring this up because I was thinking of the cult of celebrity recently, and my thoughts turned to the Church. We have our share of celebrities, too. General authorities, authors, actors– temple movie actors, that is… Back in the 70’s some of the GA’s were virtual rock stars: McConkie, Peterson, Packer and, of course, LeGrand Richards. It was common knowledge that Bro. Richards frequented Snelgrove’s Ice Cream Parlor in Salt Lake City, and many the member did drag their family there in hopes of catching a glimpse of him or one of the other notables. My mission president had a good LeGrand/Snelgrove’s story. One day he and his wife went to Snelgrove’s and, sure enough, there was the apostle, enjoying some ice cream. My MP called the waitress over and told her he wanted to pay for Bro. Richards’ bill. When the apostle wanted to settle and was told the bill was already paid for “by that gentleman over there,” he squinted at my MP from several tables away and yelled, “Are you a man of money?!” To which, my MP chuckled, “Well, enough to buy ice cream.”

It is interesting how members treat the general authority– particularly the prophet and apostles– and other LDS recognizables as celebrities. They report “sightings” and inform of familial, or once-or-twice-removed situational, affiliations. Oh, she married David Bednar’s son… or… I saw the blonde Eve at the Chik-fil-A today!

Everyone has a story. Including me. A friend of my wife, who grew up in our ward, married a popular news personality who is a non-member. She even brought him to Church at least once that I recall. I think it was Fast Sunday because someone at the pulpit was saying something preposterous and the news guy was whispering animatedly to his wife. Welcome to my world, pal. 

I guess the calvacade of today’s LDS celebrities would have to start with President Hinckley. He certainly “represents” when it comes to the new face of the Church. The man has his own IMDb (Internet Movie Database) page, for heaven’s sake: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2500992/  (They spelled his name wrong)  Pres. Monson also gets around, at least he seems to with all the people he runs into per his stories. Outside of the GA, I guess Richard Bushman could be considered a name, although he doesn’t hold a candle to the heady days of Nibley & Skousen.

I have a Hugh Nibley story!

When I was studying at the University of Utah in the early 80’s, I was in my ward’s EQ presidency when Bro. Nibley’s youngest son, Alex, was there. As fate would have it, I became Alex’s home teacher and would frequently pester him to ask his father to do a fireside for us. After two years, Nibley, Sr. finally did book a date with our humble group. We were ecstatic! We pulled together a fine array of refreshments and spread the word from the rooftops– this was a big deal. Finally, the time came and the house was packed. Bro. Nibley, author of Since Cumorah and An Approach to the Book of Mormon was going to address us! As he started, I found following his talk much like following his writing– in other words, I wasn’t entirely sure where he was going. Finally, it started to become clear– to me and others– what the subject of his talk was on: It was a warning of the Trilateral Commission (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilateral_Commission), an organization believed by conspiracy theorists to be a “secrect combination” of global puppetmasters. Well… all right, then.

On a side note, I remember Alex telling me his father hated writing No Ma’am, That’s Not History and every other apologist work he was asked by Church leaders to put together. I can’t say I blame him, brilliant and spiritual man that he was. He had so many better things to do than dignify the rabble with responses.

I’m disappointed in how my Hollywood Walk of Fame star came out in the thumbnail after having put so much work in it. You can’t tell, but the name on it is Joseph Smith and the medallion in the center has the Angel Moroni on it. If you’re interested, I could email you the cool full-size photo.

Then you could tell your friends you know the guy who made it.