But I’m always happy to join you for a photo or to sign something: it’s a pleasure. And, let’s be frank about this, it’s also my job.
When I left Israel in the early Seventies with my manager, Shipi (he’s my brother-in-law too, these days), we promised each other that every day would be a holiday. And we’ve lived up to that promise, but we couldn’t do it on our own. Millions of people helped - you’ve joined in psychic experiments, you’ve flooded TV stations with your calls, you’ve phoned your votes in on TV shows and, of course, you read this column!
I’m an entertainer at heart, and I need an audience. That’s why, if you meet me at a book signing or after a show, I’ll want to know more about you than simply your name: I’ll ask about your family, and your ambitions, and your beliefs, and I’ll try to write an inscription which sums up our unique encounter. Often I’ll add a drawing on the flyleaf too.
I draw my energy from my audiences. Every time people tell me they remember a TV appearance that opened their minds, or remind me of an autograph I signed decades ago, I get a buzz of sheer positive energy.
So don’t be a stranger. Come and say hello!