THE WALKING DEAD & STEPHEN KING Memorabilia Benefit Red Cross in Support of Japan
Three time Academy Award-nominated director Frank Darabont, world-renowned poster artist Drew Struzan and special effects make up wizard Greg Nicotero have generously donated 100% of the proceeds from their 74 lots at Profiles in History, Hollywood Auction 44, to the Red Cross in benefit of the earthquake and tsunami victims of Japan. Included in their lots, Tim Robbin’s escape tools from The Shawshank Redemption, the “Andy Dufresne” carved figures, original Shawshank artwork signed by Struzan and Darabont, several props and costumes from The Green Mile, including the actualelectric chair and mouse traps from the production and several Walking Dead zombie masks and effects amongst many other lots. Also of note are poster artist Drew Struzan’s signed Artist Proofs of posters from other iconic films such as the Harry Potter, Star Wars and Indiana Jonesseries, film posters for the Los Angeles Olympic Games from 1984 and special edition posters of films you know and love. All the proceeds of which will go to the Red Cross.
In our next release we will detail a stunning lot of Disney memorabilia, including signed Walt Disney animation cels and concept art from their most well known films, a historic handwritten letter from Walt Disney written in 1924 to Mickey Mouse creator Ub Iwerks urging him to come out to Hollywood to be Disney’s lead animator, followed several years later by the mutual contract between the two releasing Ub, his rights & title, from Walt Disney Studios. Other items up for auction include John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics for “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” the original poster art for Cleopatra, the hero filming Chitty car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang estimated at $1,000,000 – 2,000,000. There will be over 1,600 lots between the two days of the auction with more highlights to be released shortly.
Profiles in History is holding previews April 18-May 13 by appointment only at their offices, let us know when you might like to see the collection.
About Joe Maddalena and Profiles in History
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the nation’s leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts. Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joseph “Joe” Maddalena learned early on how to turn his passion of collecting historical autographs into a career. Needing to support himself, Joe turned to his hobby of buying and selling historical documents as a potential way to earn revenue. On weekends he scoured old Hollywood bookstores for letters and rare books. Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985. A lifetime member of the Manuscript Society, Joe is widely recognized as the nation’s leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents. Profiles in History has held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia, establishing itself as the world’s largest auctioneer of original Hollywood memorabilia. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, they are proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the “Cowardly Lion” costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds” dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes ($356,500); Luke Skywalker’s light saber from Star Wars ($240,000); Margaret Hamilton’s “Wicked Witch” hat from The Wizard Of Oz ($230,000); and The Invisible Man 1933 one-sheet movie poster ($230,000).
Profiles in History’s location in Calabasas Hills, CA– virtually a stone’s throw away from every major Hollywood studio – ensures a constant flow of fantastic and rare collectibles. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, they are proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. www.profilesinhistory.com
Joe is also the host of Hollywood Treasure, a half hour show for the Syfy Channel, which follows him as he navigates his way through the intricate world of collecting showbiz and pop culture memorabilia, the second season premieres on June 1.