A wiseman once said ‘never meet your idols’. And I suppose this can be true for many people. However, in my very limited experience, it can just as easily be the opposite. Now, I wouldn’t say the voice actor I had met was my idol, as I didn’t particularly revere him in any way. He was one of my favorites, easily able to pinpoint his voice in any anime or game he happened to be in. At times I would stop walking through the room when that familiar voice came through the speakers of the television my husband was watching, adding a quick ‘J. Micheal Tatum?’, to which my husband would shrug. He doesn’t have the keen ear that I do.

 

Winter 2019. My daughter has always been into cosplay, and we decided to take her to a local convention for her birthday. To my delight one of the voice actors scheduled to be attending was none other than J. Micheal Tatum. Over the years he has voiced many of my favorite characters in various anime and video games. I thought it would be pretty neat to get a picture with him. Perhaps ask him a couple of questions regarding his time voice acting, or roles he has done. We attended a few panels he was running, and to be perfectly honest with you I considered this enough to satisfy my little fangirl heart. My daughter on the other hand insisted that I meet him in person and get his autograph.

 

The convention was held over the course of three days. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Our first day consisted of the aforementioned panels. The second day we set out to find something in the Vendor, and Artist halls to have the actor sign. This was part of the deal my daughter and I struck. If I found something I liked, a figure or picture perhaps, then I would build up the courage to meet him. These halls tend to be packed with people, which made shopping rather difficult. Not to mention the tight budget we were on. Several hours were spent walking up one aisle and down the next, stopping when something caught our eye or a fellow con-goer asked to take a picture with my costume-clad teenager. We were about to throw in the towel when a Funko Pop of one of my favorite characters poked it’s head out from around a display. My daughter had found it on the back shelf and, being the silly person that she is, playfully presented it to me as if it were playing hide and seek.

 

With our treasure in hand, I had no other choice than to anxiously walk over to meet this voice actor I have admired for years. I’ve always been a very meek introverted person, spending more time interacting with people online than I do in person. Speaking to a celebrity, even a minor one like J. Micheal Tatum, was nerve wracking. I could feel the familiar itch of a panic attack brewing the closer we got to the tables reserved for the convention’s guests. As I was just nearing the point of breaking down completely, chest tight and breath coming in fractured waves, we noticed that his scheduled meeting hours for that day were over. Relief washed over me for a moment. Then I realized that just meant I had to come back the next day.

 

Last day of our convention. We kept in mind which hours he was supposed to be at the table and made a note to be back so we didn’t miss him. After a few photo ops for my daughter, who by this time was lovingly named the ‘Tiny Toga’ of the convention due to her young age and stature while cosplaying a character named Toga, we attended a few more panels as well as the closing ceremony for the convention. As the day neared its end there was only one thing left to do: Get my Funko Pop signed.

 

When we walked over to the tables there were incredibly long lines for each of the actors. Since this was the last day we expected as such. Everyone wanted to get to meet their favorites while there was still time. The time waiting in line would allow me to keep that panic attack from yesterday from repeating itself.

 

Only…..J. Micheal Tatum didn’t have a line. Not a soul between his table and my panic stricken self. Once again my chest began to tighten in the familiar way only a panic attack feels. In an instant I felt the need to sprint from the room. Find somewhere to hide, and perhaps cry the anxiety out until I felt normal again. The ragged breathing returned. Deep gulps for air turned into shallow puffs, going between the two in an odd dance that left me a bit lightheaded. Sensing that I was about to bolt, my daughter took my hand and walked me over. I explained to his handler that I would like a photo and an autograph. At least, I tried to. My words were less than coherent in the gumbled way they passed my now numb lips. After paying the small fee I took a step over to meet him. We must have been a sight. A very calm thirteen year old and her clearly anxious thirty five year old mother.

 

With the calmness of a man that has seen this countless times, he merely made small talk while signing my figure. Who was my favorite character? Have I seen other anime despite the one I had the figure for? How long have I been a fan? He even reminded me to breathe several times, going so far as to ask if I needed to borrow a chair to regain myself. While it didn’t help me relax, I appreciated it all the same. He was kind to a fan that was obviously anxious beyond measure. He apologized for having to leave so quickly, his posted meeting times were at their end, however we did take a picture together. Before doing so, he asked if it was alright to touch me on the shoulder. A gesture that I truly appreciated.

 

As he left and our encounter was at its end, my anxiety was joined by absolute delight. I held the little box he had signed for me, happily reading the note ‘Melissa, welcome to the host club’ followed by his signature. With a delighted squeal I hugged my daughter tightly, thanking her for forcing me to do this. She later told me that this made the actor laugh as he walked behind us towards the door.

 

I still wouldn’t say J. Micheal Tatum is my idol. Favorite actor? Yes. And this encounter only solidified that for me. He was kind, and gentle when he had no reason to be. It would have been just as easy for him to sign my figure then send me on my way without any regard for my panicked state. However, it’s clear that this just isn’t who he is as a person. You see stories about how cruel celebrities can be. Mocking fans, or disregarding them entirely. This is why that saying was coined, I suppose. Luckily for me, I didn’t have that experience.