Face-to-Face with
Dirty Harry Himself

Clint Eastwood is the toughest man to ever work in Hollywood. He was made to play tough-guy roles, and no one can do it quite like him. From cowboys to cops and beyond, Clint Eastwood will always thrill you. You only have to watch Dirty Harry (1971) to know what I mean.

I'm surprised he never played a gangster in a Martin Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola movie. He could've given Robert De Niro or Al Pacino a run for their money. In fact, I think he would've contrasted well with them. His still, stoic approach would clash well with De Niro or Pacino's more boisterous acting. And I'd definitely pay good money to watch that.

At least, there are still films like Dirty Harry to show us this icon at his finest. The movie itself questions the morality of its hero's methods, but Eastwood makes it so convincing. Even though he's technically bending every rule himself, you can't help but root for the guy.

I can only imagine what it'd be like to meet him in person.

Oh wait! I don't have to because I already did!

I had the pleasure of meeting Clint Eastwood for the first time when he walked the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards in 2015. His film at the time, American Sniper, was nominated for six Oscars that year, including Best Picture. And as producer and director, he made a rare appearance at the ceremony.

He was in his 80s by 2015, and he appeared in public less and less, so I already consider it lucky that he attended the ceremony at all. Everyone would've understood if he skipped it. But I like to think he showed up because he was proud of the film, front and center alongside Bradley Cooper, the movie's lead, as they arrived together.

I had even more luck since I managed to get his attention to ask for his autograph. He interacted with a small number of fans, myself included, and I didn't miss my chance to ask him to sign my movie posters. I felt shy about bringing two for him to sign.

Part of me was nervous that he'd be annoyed that I asked him to sign a Dirty Harry movie poster since this wasn't the film nominated that night. So I brought along an American Sniper poster, too, just to be safe. And I think it worked.

As usual, he didn't show too much emotion, but I did catch a faint smile when I asked him for his autograph. And when he gave the posters back, I thanked him and shook his hand. He didn't seem to mind that, either. He remained calm as always, while I was freaking out on the inside.

The guy in real life had the same intimidating aura he has in his films. Even with the faint smile I mentioned, that look could've conveyed a hidden annoyance as much as contentment. And with Clint Eastwood, you never really know!

I just like to think that I made his day before the Oscars that night. American Sniper didn't take the top prize, though it did win Best Sound Editing, but I hope I, and the other fans, showed him that he still has countless admirers, even among the youth.