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A Zone’s Eye View with Dee Wallace Stone

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E.T. Phoned Home…

Kansas City, MO - Laura Alber (Entertainment Zone)

Kansas City native, Dee Wallace Stone was on hand today to talk to the media and the fans before a showing of the 20^th Anniversary Edition of “E.T. The Extraterrestrial” at the Dickinson Theater in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The media had time with her from 5-6pm upstairs in the theater, and from 6-7 the public got a chance to get an autograph from the famous mother.

I arrived early and went directly upstairs to the media area, and realized I was one of the first ones there. So, I jotted some notes, looked around the room for some good photo-op areas, and mingled with the others looking around the room. At 5:00 on the dot, Dee Wallace Stone made her way upstairs, and had not changed one bit since we saw her 20 years ago. Since there were still very few people in the room, I made my way over to her and introduced myself and the Entertainment Zone. She graciously took a picture with me and told me she’d be happy to answer some questions before the 6:00 autograph session.

Finally, the room began to fill up, both with media, photographers, and several of Dee’s friends and family. Her mother and stepfather included. She saw her mother and stopped what she was doing by frantically saying, “I have to say Hi to my Mother!” The two embraced, and you could see beams of happiness in her mother’s eyes. The family gave all of us chances for photo-op’s, and then Dee went back to work. What was supposed to be a media event, turned into a “Dickinson Family Meet ‘n Greet”! Kids everywhere, all wanting autographs from “Elliot’s mom”. She very graciously obliged. She even asked if the kids had any questions for her. I heard a few of them ask if  “E.T. was slimy, cause he looks like it”. She giggled and answered every question they had. There were even several kids from the Special Olympics that showed up for the occasion. Dee got up and each one of them told her their names, and she gave each one of them an autographed photo and was so pleased to see them there.

I was still waiting in the wings for a chance to ask her a few questions, we both kept saying, “Ok, just these few more autographs and then we’ll do it!” But, of course, the line kept growing! So, I chatted with Dee’s PR agent Kathy for quite a while. I also had a talk with the wife of husband and wife team, of the film department for the Dickinson Theaters. She felt so bad that it was taking so long for me to talk with Dee, so she gave me an “Exclusive” for the inconvenience! She told me that the Mayor of Kansas City, MO and the Mayor of Lee’s Summit, MO were there to officially proclaim April 5^th as “Dee Wallace Stone Day”. Dee had no idea yet. They were going to announce it at the autograph session after. Actually, I had quite a few people giggling at me and talking to me…”You are so patient” they said. I said, “sshhh, that’s just on the outside, how’s it working?”

I was not going to play the “Media Monster” and start throwing kids out of my way! So, I glanced at Kathy, Dee’s PR Agent and asked, “any suggestions?” She whispered, “Just go stand in line with the kids!!” So, there I was, the tallest one there, which is unusual, and waited with the kids. Dee had seen me several times during the event and gave me the “almost ready” look, but this was clearly the only way it was going to happen. Finally, I got to the table Dee told me to go ahead and ask away, that she could sign and answer questions at the same time. So, I shot off a few questions to her, the first being; “How did you find out about the Anniversary Re-Release, and how did you react?” She told me that Universal had called her to tell her about it, and asked if she would like to be a part of the events, and she said, YES!” She also said she was glad that the film was being re-released because it would be another opportunity to reach a lot more people. Dee also told EZ that she had just been in LA with the whole cast, and that she was so proud of Drew Barrymore. “She looks so good, and is doing so well considering what she’s gone through in the past”.

Dee and I also talked a bit about her Acting Studio in L.A. It turns out, it’s one of the largest in Los Angeles. She was saying what wonderful people she has teaching, and was obviously very pleased with the studio. She unfortunately hadn’t been able to keep in touch with Steven Spielberg much, as he is on the road so often. Pretty much the same story with the rest of the cast. By the time we finished, it was 6:30, a half-hour late for autographs! I looked over the balcony and there was a mob standing around the table set up for her. The film started at 7:10, so she didn’t have much time left for autographs. I didn’t stay for the signings; I knew she was going to be busy up to the last second. Plus, she was going to dinner right after. I also heard Kathy say that Dee was on a flight to Wichita tomorrow for another media event. So, I knew she was going to be tired. So, digital camera in hand for quick downloading at home, and notepad in tow, I headed for the car and made my way home to give a full report to the Entertainment Zone on this great experience.

Dee Wallace Stone shows no signs of slowing down; she’s done seven films released in 2001 and one so far for 2002. Not to mention her guest appearances on TV. Dee also does motivational speaking now, and uses her tapes and books in her acting studio.

It was such a privilege to meet Ms. Stone. I didn’t realize what a big part of my life E.T. played, but of all the things I’ve ‘forgotten’ about my childhood, I can still remember everything about the night I first saw E.T. 20 years ago. I also am a big fan of Cujo, also starring Dee Wallace Stone, but I can’t remember the specifics like I can with E.T. It will forever be a classic.

Apologizing for the wait, and the short amount of time left, Dee gave the Entertainment Zone a special note on her photo. It says, “Phone Home To The Entertainment Zone! J Dee Wallace Stone”. Included are photos of the evening. As you can tell, Dee is a lover of children and her family; this is so obvious in these photos. She is such a warm and friendly person, I’m very honored to have met and interviewed her. 

If you haven’t yet seen the newly remastered version of the movie, I would highly suggest it. It’s a totally new and wonderful experience now. We saw it first as kids, and now we get to see it all over again as adults. What a treat that is. The Entertainment Zone wishes Dee Wallace Stone all the best, and we thank her for her time with the Entertainment Zone!

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