Area resident, Kenny Stroup, is known by many names, the Magnet, the Ultimate Fan, and entrepreneur.
Stroup acquired these names by corresponding and receiving autographed pictures and items of celebrities from all genres, including entertainment, sports, and politics.
At last count, he has four to six thousand pieces in his collection.
Stroup recently wrapped filming on a documentary spotlighting his life and setting the stage for a possible motion picture.
“This has not been an overnight project,” said Stroup. “It's been a long process.”
That process began in 1970 when Stroup encountered two celebrities at a county fair.
“Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams, Jr.,” shared Stroup. “They were my first autographs.”
Stroup continued, “Hank invited us on his tour bus. That was amazing. He played the fiddle for my family on the bus.”
“It was more open then, with more access to get a picture or something signed,” he added.
Stroup continues to collect these artifacts, and along the way he has formed relationships with a few of his idols.
“It really touches me that people are decent enough, in their busy schedule, to be able to send me something,” Stroup stated.
He corresponds regularly with Carol Burnett and Dick Van Dyke, as well as others.
“I feel honored by that,” he said.
Among his other endeavors, Stroup has been an extra in movies.
“It started with the movie, Rudy, back in the early nineties,” informed Stroup. “I was in two scenes. I was able to rub elbows and talk to the actors, Ned Beatty and Sean Astin.”
Stroup is also a published author.
“I've wrote a total of six books,” he said.
Two of his more popular works are, A Five Letter Word Called Money, and Being at the Right Place at the Right Time.
“I also wrote a book on jealousy,” Stroup stated. “It's sad to say that there are people that resent the fact that I won't quit pursuing my dreams. They want me to give up.”
Stroup reflected on the origin of his most famous nickname, the Magnet.
“Coach Dickey Nutt gave me that name,” he said. “We correspond about every week. He gave me that name about eight years ago because I attract so many people.”
Nutt is also featured prominently in Stroup's new documentary.
“It takes time to do these kinds of things,” said Stroup. “It is now completed. I've watched it. I now have a documentary.”
Stroup continued, “If I don't get any further than that, Kenny Stroup, the Magnet, has a documentary.”
Stroup shared on the continuing process of trying to get his story to the big screen.
“Barry Aycock will assist me in presenting this to producers in the film industry,” he stated. “In fact Aycorp Media and their staff have been instrumental and helped me a great deal with this entire project.”
“Things are definitely moving in the right direction,” Stroup added.
Stroup reflected on his faith and the role it plays in his life.
“I sometimes wonder if I talk about spirituality too much,” he shared. “As I get older, I'm convinced that's where my success comes from, my faith and trust in God.”
Stroup stated, “He's helping me. I acknowledge the fact that God is in control of my life. If it wasn't for God I wouldn't have got as far as I have.”
As far as the future concerning the movie project, Stroup said, “Now, it's a waiting game. I have the documentary and now we hope for the motion picture.”
Stroup stressed,” Don't give up on your dreams. Don't get discouraged. Don't quit.”
He concluded, “If my life were to end today, I've been blessed. I could go on and on sharing about my blessings.”
“God knows the time, the place, and how it's supposed to be,” said Stroup. “Believe it.”