I started collecting E.T. items in 1982, I was 4 years
old. Well I guess I can’t say I was collecting, more like receiving E.T.
items, I was 4 years old, what did I know.
My
mother took me to see E.T. in 1982 but I don't remember. I do remember
opening my first talking E.T. doll at my grandfather’s house, I think that's
one of the reasons I love the movie now, because it reminds me of my
grandfather. I would receive E.T. items growing up here and there from
family or ask my parents to buy something if I seen it. Not until I reached
my later teens did I kind of start looking for it. My parents are collectors
which meant weekends we would go to the flea markets, yard sales, etc. I can
remember picking up a couple of carded (still in package) E.T. figures. I’m
kicking myself for not buying them all now, oh well, haha. When I turned
21-22, is when I started to really collect. I started to buy stuff off of
ebay, garage sales, in junk stores, flea markets, etc. Friends and family
started to realize this hobby of mine was starting to turn into a nice size
collection, now they started to look out for E.T., trying to always find
something I don't have yet.
In 2001 me and 2 other friends dressed up like Elliot (red hoodies) and rode
our bmx bikes with E.T. in the front basket, through NYC on Halloween, this
was the start of the annual riding of the NYC Halloween parade (for pics.
click on "THE PARADE").
In 2002 the re-release of the movie came out in theaters, this opened a
whole new door of E.T. collectibles, it got me stoked to collect again. I
started checking ebay at least 2 times a day using all different kinds of
searches.
The fall 0f 2002 I went to Universal Studios for the first time to
ride the E.T. Adventure ride and of course stop by the gift shop and
Universal outlet stores. It was an amazing trip! I had to by a extra
suitcase for the trip home because of the $300 something dollars I spent on E.T. items.
The collection doubled, maybe tripled in a month or two.
Then I was contacted by VH1 to be on there show Totally
Obsessed. They flew in from California, filmed my collection, my friends,
did some interviews. It was a crazy 2 days. That summer the VH1 episode
finally aired. Man I got so many phone calls, emails, it was kind of weird.
The next fall when we were at Universal again, I was recognized by the
employees from the E.T. ride, it was very exciting and funny at the same
time. As of writing this I’m getting ready to go to Universal for the 5th
time in 4 years. I live in NYC NY, work in the wonderful world of film and t.v.
production (set dressing ,props ,art department etc.), I’m also a part time
bike messenger (NYC messenger since 1998) I don't always check ebay anymore
like I used to just because I don't have the time or the space anymore for
the collection. Don't get me wrong I’m still buying, if you have something,
you think I might not have, email me. Who knows, it might just end up in my
collection. I’m also selling E.T. items that I have doubles of, please check
the link on the home page.
A. I received my first E.T. when I was 4 so if
that counts 23 years.
3. Q. Why do you collect?
A. Everyone needs a hobby, I’m not your average
mid-late 20’s guy, I would rather spend my money on E.T. then beer and a
fancy car.
4. Q. Why E.T.?
A. I was really close with my grandfather, and
he passed away so its kind of a remembrance kind of thing. plus the movie is
amazing!
5. Q. What are you going to do if you move or when
you get older.
A. I don't know, I’m not thinking that far
ahead. Honestly, probably sell it to put my kids through school or something
like that.
6. Q. How many times have you ridden the ride E.T.
The Adventure?
A. I don't know but this fall (2005) will be my
5th time to Orlando’s Universal Studios.
7. Q. What is your favorite E.T. item?
A. My talking E.T. doll I received from my
grandfather in 1982, I can still remember opening it up at Christmas time in
his den.
8. Q. What is your rarest E.T. items
A. I have a gold record from one of the
producers of the soundtrack, a mushroom prop used on E.T.’s ship, some
candid photos of the making of the ship from a ILM employee, crew gear, etc.
9. Q. What is your craziest/weirdest item?
A. A piece of E.T.’s foot, the E.T. electric
toothbrush, maybe the E.T. glasses.
10. Q. What are you still looking for, for your
collection?
A. I would really like to get more screen
used props, anything used in the movie, also the E.T. big wheel