I met Erik Estrada in 2009 at the Hollywood Collector’s Show in Burbank and our encounter stands out as one of my favorite celebrity interactions.

He was super “energetic” and friendly when I approached him.  Ultra-talkative, happy, smiling, full of anecdotes.  When I pulled out the sexy shirtless picture of him from “Honeyboy” he was full steam ahead chatterbox!  He said that the training for the movie put him in the best shape he’d ever been in, we discussed fitness, he feigned some punches and boxing stances on me and complimented me on my physique. I told him, genetics, since I was part Puerto Rican also, so he launched into a discussion about our mutual heritage.  “Keep up the hard work, cousin!”.  Notice my pictures are inscribed “Your cousin” Boricua unite – HA!

He was like a non-stop engine of words and stories – and I loved every minute of it.  Although I had him sign a “CHiPs” photo, we didn’t talk much about the series, but more about his appearance in "The Surreal Life" and how much he loved Tammy Faye Bakker.

I would run into him multiple times during my 2 days there and he would always remember my name and greet me or chat.  He didn’t stay seated long at his table unless there was a line.  At one point he was out in the lobby with a “CHiPs” cycle taking photos (for a fee) with whoever wanted to get on behind him.  “Jump on, Bobby” – I was like “Nah, I’m good”.  He nodded his head over to some woman sitting on a bench and said, “I need to get her on this bike”.  It was slightly lascivious, but also perhaps a bit jokey.  He was definitely in a spirited mood, a great sport and fun guy to be around.

Interesting to note that I think Larry Wilcox was there that day also, but I didn’t interact with him at all.  Hmm.  I should have gotten a double signed “CHiPs” photo.

The other photo in my collection comes from "Kim" Kardashian's personal collection. HA!