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| Tom Clancy 1947 - 2013 |
In a former life, I was a restaurant manager at Planet Hollywood, Orlando.
It
was the late ’90s and I’d met and helped a bunch of celebrities during this heyday
of PH. (No big deal - whatever.)
I hadn’t, however, met any famous authors – until Tom Clancy walked
toward me in the middle of a shift.
When Mr. Clancy stopped directly in front of me, I was absolutely star struck.
Tom Clancy!
Is here!
In front of me!
I so knew I would break all the house rules by opening my mouth to say something, but I couldn't help myself.
I politely asked if he could/would share what Jack Ryan, one of his beloved-by-millions characters, was going to do next?
Mr.
Clancy smiled and graciously told me "You never know what can happen with that guy."
The human traffic jam cleared, he moved on and I'm sure it was a moment quickly forgotten by him, but that brief encounter remains a writerly highlight for me.
It was, therefore, a huge shock to hear that Mr.
Clancy, author of more than twenty-five books, many of which became Hollywood
blockbusters, such as The Hunt For Red October, had passed
away earlier this week - at the age of sixty-six.I could never hold a candle to the talent of Mr. Clancy, and while some literary snobs may sniff at his body of work, his amazing tales about Jack Ryan and John Clark working together to keep America - and the world - safe from harm and evil glady kept me awake for many a night.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Clancy.
We have the creative watch.
26 comments:
Hi Mark~ I was shocked to read about Tom Clancy's death, too. As with all artists who have left us with so much of their talent, we'll always have his books....and those movies to enjoy and remember him by.
What a great story, too, about your brief encounter with him!
I was really surprised. Sixty-six is way too young. Really cool you got to meet him in person.
I heard about this yesterday.
So sad. :(
I was surprised like so many others. He was still young. I've never read his stories but of course know of him. Hard to understand why some people would look down on his work. I'd love to do what he's done.
People can look down on his body of work, but he's one of the rare authors how made it to the top of the elusive triangle of fame and wealth. Kudos to him!
Great story of your encounter with him.
I had no idea he died. How sad. I, like you, really enjoyed is work.
I saw a RIP Tom Clancy on facebook and I hoped it was misinformation. But it was not. So sad. What a great memory and awesome tribute Mark.
I know, what a shock! And thanks for sharing such a cool and wonderful story!
Stay cool Mark!!
This is the first I've heard of this. Not read any of his works, but sad to see him pass at such an early age. And nice memory, Mark!
So nice that you met Mr. Clancy in person, Mark. Sad that he's no longer in this world. Such a remarkable talent.
What a neat story! He will be missed!
That, is an amazing story, Mark...
I'm SO GLAD you were witty on the spot and were able to say that! Because now you have this awesome story.
I wish I had known you back in those Planet Hollywood days. Haha--I bet you were a party! :)
May Tom Rest in Peace.
Yvonne,
I had no idea. So sad but cool that you met him.
He was an extraordinary talent, indeed. RIP, Mr. Clancy.
I now have a widget for followers if you wanted to follow me,
Yvonne.
You got to meet him? How fantastic! The legend lives on through his fantastic books.
So sad. I've been a huge fan for many years. He was too young!
Oh, what a great story and memory to have!
Mr. Clancy was such a talented author.
Hi Mark - that's great you met him .. if only briefly - he obviously had great talent with his characters and stories ..
66 is far too early .. but we never know what life holds in store for us - cheers Hilary
Hi Mark,
The sad passing of Tom Clancy was a major news story in Britain.
Glad you met him and I'm sure he was glad to meet you.
Take care, Mark.
Gary
I was surprised to hear that, too -- my dad's age, way too early to go. Haven't read any of his work, but I'm bound to someday.
I haven't read his stuff, but I'm sure I'd love it.
He was a great loss to the writing world, and at a young age too. Very sad.
I was shocked to hear this! 66 is way too young. He definitely was an amazing author and will be missed!
I've never read any Tom Clancy books, but it was still a shock. There are some people you always expect to be there, pouring out books.
I was so shocked to hear about his death! He was a great writer.
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