THE BEST
1. Jay Leno
Jay Leno is one of the best autograph signers in the history of Hollywood. Day in and day out, Leno signs before, during and after The Tonight Show, as he has since the show became his in 1992.
Leno would have been our No. 1 Best Signer before, if the list weren’t compiled from reports around the world. With his full-time desk job, Leno doesn’t get around as much as the movie stars who typically top our list.
“I’ve been there hundreds of times for autographs of The Tonight Show guests, and not once has Jay not signed,” says collector/dealer Mike Aring. “And he signs for the audience during breaks.”
“He’s a superstar when it comes to signing,” says New York pro Anthony Risi, aka Mr. Stargraph. “He is still coming out of the show with his own marker, ready to sign.”
Leno is one Hollywood celebrity who can identify with fans and collectors. An autograph collector himself, Leno can be found asking guests to sign during breaks.
2. George Clooney
When he’s not promoting world peace, George Clooney can be found chatting with fans and signing autographs.
“What you see is what you get,” Risi says. “There is absolutely no pretense about him at all. In the moments a fan or collector spends with Clooney, they feel like they’re out with a buddy.”
The Burn After Reading star was spotted by TheInsider.com signing autographs on the set. Splash News and Pictures reported, “George Clooney really goes out of his way for his fans by signing autographs and posing for numerous pictures.”
Clooney, a frequent 10 Bester, has come a long way since his heartthrob role as Dr. Doug Ross on ER, but he is still as down to earth as ever. He treats his fans like friends, and never seems to run out of things to talk about with them.
3. Matt Damon
The star of The Bourne action films is killer at signing. Matt Damon has been near the top of our Best Signers list for years. A costar alongside George Clooney in a number of films, Damon and Clooney often run neck and neck, and both are good bets to make the top spot one day.
Mike Aring tells us, “Matt’s always gracious with fans, even after appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, when stressed-out security guards are always asking him to stop signing.”
Risi adds, “Not only is Damon as good as ever this year, he hasn’t really changed since his career took off. He still treats fans with respect and gratitude, and he’ll sign pretty much whatever you ask him to—and pose for pictures.”
If you’re ever lucky enough to meet this A+ of A-Listers, you’ll walk away smiling.
4. Rosario Dawson
A staple at conventions and signing events, Rosario Dawson is a fan favorite. Her career is heavy in sci-fi and horror where fans are rabid autograph collectors. Rosario doesn’t shy away—she races to meet fans at conventions and signs, signs, signs.
“She hasn’t found a collector she didn’t like,” says Aring.
When we met Rosario at Comic-Con this year, she was so nice we thought it was because we were press. But she was pleasant and talkative with everyone she signed for there. Based on collectors we asked who have met her, she’s always that way.
Rosario knows how to keep fans rooting for her.
5. John Travolta
The star of the upcoming 2009 thriller, The Taking of Pelham 123, John Travolta has been on our 10 Best list for years. “He’s my inductee to the Signing Hall of Fame,” says Aring. “He’s also very nice when it comes to having his photo taken.”
Risi adds that Travolta is one of the few celebrities who has never refused to sign when he’s asked for an autograph. “He’s soft-spoken, but he’ll engage in brief conversation when the crowds allow it.”
If there’s a downside to Travolta’s signing habits, it’s that his signature is little more than a line. But he makes up for it with the time he spends with the public. Like Jay Leno, who frequents classic car shows, look for Travolta at aviation events, where he won’t just be flying, but signing.
6. Martin Sheen
Joining Matt Damon and two other costars from The Departed on this list is first-timer Martin Sheen. At 68 years old, this Golden Globe and Emmy winner isn’t slowing down one bit.
In Wall Street, Sheen’s character tries to teach his real-life son, Charlie Sheen, the right way to go through life: with modesty and kindness. Fortunately for us, that’s how Martin treats his fans.
“He’s always nice and always friendly,” says Aring. And he may even bless you—he’s an ordained minister, after all.”
7. Mark Wahlberg
Martin Scorsese chose a brilliant cast for his 2006 film, The Departed, since Mark Wahlberg also is on this list. We spotted the producer of HBO’s Entourage at Comic-Con this year having a good time with fans and signing up a storm.
A lifelong good signer, Wahlberg pulls out his own pen when fans approach for autographs.
“He’s a class act,” says Autograph reader Charlie Sterbini. “Mark’s always a gentleman and will sign several pieces and pose for fans and collectors. In fact, he usually makes fans pose with him. He’ll talk with us on any topic, and doesn’t rush off when he’s done signing.”
8. Jack Nicholson
Another star of The Departed, Jack Nicholson is no stranger to this list. Risi notes he’s consistently good—if you play by his rules. “If he doesn’t sign for you entering a place, he will when he leaves. And he usually jokes with fans and collectors.”
We don’t recommend approaching him at Lakers games, but Australian collector Richard Simpkin says Nicholson sometimes will sign when leaving Staples Center—several things if they’ve won.
9. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Angelina, how did you do it? Angelina Jolie is often on our 10 Best list, while Brad Pitt used to haunt 10 Worst with Jennifer Aniston. But Mrs. Smith must have cast a spell on Mr. Smith, because Brad is now one fantastic signer.
“In spite of the paparazzi crush for them and their high profile lives, they always walk up to the crowd at events and premieres and sign up a storm,” says Aring.
What’s amazing about this couple is how good they are with crazed fans. Hysterical women constantly scream for Brad, and infatuated men keep hitting on Angelina. They handle them all with compassion and grace, calming them down as they keep on signing.
10. Megan Fox
Megan Fox is as much a rising signer as a rising star. Set to appear in this year’s How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, we’re happy to report that in real life she makes friends and delights fans. Her great response when asked to sign has earned her a well-deserved spot on our 10 Best list.
“She’s been compared to Angelina Jolie for her talent, her looks and her love of tattoos,” Risi says of this newcomer. “So why not compare their signing habits? This new Hollywood ‘It’ girl is amazing when it comes to signing. She’s just too cool. Not only will she sign several items per person, she’ll hang around and talk with us about what’s new and upcoming in her career. She loves her fans—and she shows it!”
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