Posted on 02/03/2007 11:28:37 AM PST by BurbankKarl
The buzz on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday was over the Chewbacca who police say crossed over to the dark side in front of hundreds of tourists at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
LAPD officers arrested "Star Wars" street performer Frederick Evan Young, 44, of Los Angeles in his furry brown wookiee costume Thursday on a charge of misdemeanor battery for allegedly head-butting a tour guide who complained about Young's treatment of two visitors from Japan.
The incident — witnessed by Superman and other impersonators — is the latest clash outside the landmark cinema between visitors and performers dressed as movie and cartoon characters. They collect tips from tourists who pose for pictures and watch them perform in front of the theater, where generations of stars have placed their footprints in concrete.
Two years ago, actors dressed as superhero Mr. Incredible, Elmo the Muppet and the dark-hooded character from the movie "Scream" were arrested for aggressive begging. More recently, an actor portraying slasher movie favorite Freddie Krueger was taken into custody for allegedly stabbing another man, although no charges were filed.
Thursday's altercation comes as police and Hollywood officials are trying to rein in the colorful assortment of actors and wannabes who perform for crowds.
A police source said that a Superman performer witnessed the altercation and was interviewed by police. Other street performers said that before police arrived Superman called producers from ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Show," which is taped across the boulevard from the theater, and a cameraman videotaped Young being led off by officers.
"The city will do something eventually. Yesterday's incident probably shortened that time span," said Thomas Fox, wearing a pirate's suit reminiscent of Capt. Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
That's one fat, small Wookiee.
The head may be Chewy, but the body looks like Yogi Bear.
Why's Young's head blurred? At 44, he isn't a minor.
Maybe he is a member of SAG.
"It's not wise to upset a wookie"
May the farce be with you.
Will he use the chewbacca defense in court?
Let the Wookie win.
http://abc.go.com/latenight/jimmykimmel/index?pn=video
there is a video here.... #2
Humans are so very strange.
If he's found guilty, his punishment should be to stand on Hollywood Blvd in a Chewbacca costume.
Appreciated.
Why's Young's head blurred?
Obviously a liberal.
I guesss they do this because they have nothing better to do?
Gee, it's people like this who give Wookies a bad name. This will just strengthen the anti-Wookie immigration movement on this planet.
That was one sad Superman.
Can't get a much better witness than that, huh...
1) dropped more Acid;
2) could write
3) wasn't dead.
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