One of my favorite places to visit in Hollywood is the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Yes, I know it’s touristy, but guess what? I am a total tourist when it comes to Hollywood. One of the first times we visited, my husband had his picture taken with a Wonder Woman impersonator. He tipped her, but those days have come to an end as the LAPD has banned the superhero characters from appearing in costume. Christopher Dennis, who has dressed as Superman for 19 years, was arrested earlier this month for loitering.
Dennis’ defense was “They charged me with loitering, but tell me this: If I’m loitering, aren’t all the other tourists?” Maybe so Dennis, but they aren’t dressed as Superman and accepting tips.
I had to laugh when Dennis said that as soon as he and Batman, who was also arrested for loitering, were taken to the police station, one of the officers asked to have his picture taken with him.
Dennis was eventually freed on bail, but said the $200 it cost him was set aside for food. He said this ban is hurting his livelihood and he may not be able to make his rent this month. He’s hoping the American Civil Liberties Union will help him with his case.
Meanwhile, Dennis is trying to form a union for the impersonators so they can create a code of conduct and have the characters take classes to learn to properly deal with tourists.
Some superheroes are just giving up. Joe McQueen, who has been dressing up as the Hulk for ten years, called it quits, saying, “I don’t need the hassle. I’ve moved on. I don’t have time to fight the police. We’ve actually tried to help them by breaking up fights. If this is because of strong-arm soliciting, I get it. But now you’re arresting people who’ve starred in a movie. Get rid of the bad ones, but don’t just start bullying people making an honest living.”
In case you are wondering what movie appearances Joe is talking about, he appearedin 2005’s Serial Killer Scavenger Hunt and 2008’s Buckets.