An Impractical Encounter: A Fan’s Unforgettable Day with James Murray (“Murr”)

The following article contains scenes of graphic stupidity amongst two lifelong friends who compete to embarrass each other… 

On August 28, 2018, at a Barnes and Noble in Livingston, NJ, I met James Murray from Impractical Jokers. Before diving into this awesome celebrity meet and greet story, let me preface this by saying I’m a long-time professional wrestling fan. Up until this moment, my encounters with celebrities were mostly confined to WWE superstars. This is relevant because this particular event was the catalyst for my continued love of these experiences.

Picture this: there was no line to meet Murr. Instead, we were seated in rows because he was conducting a Q&A session—a completely different setup for a meet and greet than I was accustomed to. 

Typically, lines for these types of events wrap around the block, rain or shine.

Here, I had the chance to sit, listen, and interact as Murr discussed his new book, shared stories from Impractical Jokers, and answered fan questions. Highlights included questions about his least favorite punishment from the Jokers’ experiences and requests to see his ferret tattoo and driver’s license (where he has no eyebrows). 

He was such a good sport, Murr obliged, dropping his pants to reveal the tattoo and then presenting his license!

Let’s rewind back to my love for wrestling. I run a social media brand called Wrestling Express and used to host my own podcast, Wrestling Express Podcast. This is worth mentioning because during the Q&A, Murr made an offer to the fans that we couldn’t resist; if we bought a second book, he’d fulfill any request asked of him, as long as it was appropriate. 

He dialed absent friends and family of the fans in attendance, took extra photos, and signed additional memorabilia. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I purchased a second book and asked Murr for a promo video endorsing my podcast. 

To my surprise, Murr delivered a 45-second promotional spot, far exceeding my expectations. He was the best for this.

Afterward, I got my picture and autograph from him, and somehow exchanged contacts with his co-author, Darren Wearmouth. I don’t recall how that happened, but it did. we’re still Facebook friends.

Overall, my encounter with Murr at the Barnes and Noble in Livingston, NJ, was nothing short of extraordinary. From the unconventional Q&A setup to his genuine interactions with fans, Murr’s generosity and warmth left a lasting impression. 

I was astounded by his willingness to go above and beyond for his fans, making it an unforgettable experience that solidified my admiration for him and the Impractical Jokers crew.

Well, that’s all for now! 

*Have you ever had a celebrity encounter? Submit your story and tell the Cyclone about it in our Ask The Cyclone segment!*