Hey Ricky!

I'm a Mormon, yes I am. So is Ricky Schroeder. And since some of you have a hankering for the dude, and since my mom reminded me of this experience, I thought I'd share my personal encounter with him a few years back.

(Setting: A foyer at a Scottsdale LDS chapel. Church is ending for one congregation, while another is having their big sacrament meeting. A college-aged girl who should have appreciated her beauty and body at the time, but did not, walks into the foyer, waiting for her family. A man with shaggy blond hair sits opposite, holding a young girl.)

Me: (Staring at shaggy blond dude, wondering, "How do I know this guy? He looks so familiar.")

Ricky: (Makes eye contact.) Hi!

Me: Hi! I know you from somewhere, don't I? Did we go to seminary together?

Ricky: Um, no.

Me: Were you in this stake growing up?

Ricky: No.

Me: Did you go to the high school across the street?

Ricky: (Growing increasingly uncomfortable.) No.

Me: Huh, you seem so familiar to me.

Ricky: I think you know me from TV. I'm Rick Schroeder.

Me: That would be it.


Another time I caught him chatting with Steve Young in the hallway. I wondered what their conversation was like. Here's how I think it went down:

Ricky: Sucks to be famous, huh? All these Mormons staring at you - asking you to participate in the next youth conference.

Steve: Or thinking you're an apostle.

Ricky: But I sure am a big fan of yours. I was a huge 49ers fan.

Steve: Actually, I totally loved you growing up. That train that went through your house was awesome.

Ricky: Well, it actually wasn't my house.

Steve: Man, I can't believe I'm talking to Ricky Schroeder.

Ricky: It's Rick now.

Steve: Sure, Ricky. Do you still talk to Alfonso?