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People
It might be what they are doing now or what they did then or just intrinsically who they are. This isn't a list of the most moral people though many qualify. There is something next-level about each of them that I find influential, intresting, engaging, etc. They've caused me to think, change, emulate or grow in some way.
Not pictured: Mom & Dad - In no particular order...
Jim Varney
He talked me out of becoming a Botswanian lumberjack. A hilarious, understanding friend to all - always happy to prop you up, even if he stooped down.
Mr. Rogers
The excavator episode was a personal favorite. He shared an accent with my grandparents, it was easy to love this guy.
Paul Reubens
Funny in so many different ways over time. From before I could even ride a bike through watching him make my kids laugh today. Uniquely special, kind natured and giving person.
Kurt Cobain
Everybody has their big one and Kurt is mine. I instantly and obsessively fell in love with grunge the moment I heard SMTS as a 5 year old tagging along with the older kids.
Norm MacDonald
Weekend Update, Dirty Work, Billy Madison; he imprinted fairly early for me. His sensibility and perspective will never be replicated.
Don Herbert
The first sparks of enjoying learning were set by Mr. Wizard. He also scared the fuck out of me. Half-hardass, half-genius, half-magician.
Trevor Strnad
Trevor was such a kind and unique guy. Everyone has a Trevor story because he was everpresent in the community both as a fan and a performer. A tragic and terrible loss.
Bruce Campbell
We all wish we were Bruce Campbell. I suffered through Burn Notice just to soak in The King baby. Start with Evil Dead naturally...Don't skip Bubba Ho-Tep and grab his book to really meet him.
Geddy Lee
My dad showed me his music early and Geddy always stood out. Weird hes the guy from Rush that's listed as a drummer. He just resonates with style of vocals and instrumentalism.
Aaron Franklin
BBQ Beast - Purist
Tanner Serpa
Aesthetically gifted and dedicated to nailing it. I so often find myself using his videos like source material, it's really stepped up several of my projects. The GOAT!
Jim Konya
He was either making you laugh or giving you the shirt from his back. The metal ambassador of Cleveland, left too soon, was a force for good and will never be forgotten.
Tim Heidecker
Changed comedy forever. Always generating new material and does it well.
Eric Wareheim
The other half of Tim & Eric. Carol is what sealed my lifelong appreciation for this guy. I enjoy all of his output.
John Grisham
I read A Time to Kill cover-to-cover overnight without sleeping as a 6th grader and have never looked back. Sound legal principles, too - you'll learn something.
Harold Ramis
Egon! My childhood would be dogshit without the Ghostbusters and his body of work. Ramis addict since 89!
John Gallagher
Quiet, intense and dominant. Grooves in death metal exist in their modern form because of this guy.
Robert Ballard
Nothing is cooler than the Titanic to me. Alll thanks to this guy. He's a topic unto himself; learning about his expeditions and submarines as a child was magic.
Patrice Oneal
The wold would be a better place if we all listened to Patrice. A mind like no other, I receommend finding his O&A appearances and listening through. You'll never look back.
Catherine O'Hara
I feel like she's my backup mom. She's just been there every step of the way and I have never seen her miss.
Dave Haley
The best drummer you've never heard before. Changed my fucking life. Incredibly giving with his time and conversation. He's melodic with legendary cymbal work.
Troy Goldberg
Troys Tropical Garage is absolutely no shit. Youngstown lifer, too.
Dr. Bob Smith
Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Ohioan. The amount of families that have been fixed by AA is astounding.
Skinny Felton
I get choked up when I reflect on what Skinny did for us as teens. Treated us like equals and let us behind the curtain of our favorite act.
Levar Burton
This man was so excited to read to me. A complete icon with an incredible philantrhopic background.
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