Space Centre’s projector Harold announces semi- retirement
Harold, we hardly knew you. As the star projector at the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre, Harold has entertained millions of visitors.
Now, at the same time we learn he has a name ( and even that he’s a he), we’re learning of his retirement.
Well, semi- retirement. His days of full- time employment end July 28. He’ll return to work part- time in November.
In the meantime, though, he’ll be tending his Twitter account ( Twitter. com/ harold_ hrmsc). And who knows, maybe he’ll hit the lecture circuit with Canada’s Space Boyfriend, Chris Hadfield. Q You’ve been at this game for 45 years — since 1967. That’s a long time to project stars onto a domed surface.
A You’re telling me. And do my back gears hurt. Q Is your retirement part of an industry- wide phenomenon? Are there cutbacks to other planetariums and space centres?
A I only know what they tell me, and believe me, that’s not much. I do know I’m being replaced by six younger digital machines. Q Everything’s going digital these days. Are you bitter?
A Nah, I’ve had a good run. Laser Floyd is a young machine’s game. It’s time to let someone else have a turn. Plus, I never have to hear Dark Side of the Moon again. Q Chris Hadfield’s recent mission has helped spur a renewed interest in Canada’s space program. At least you were around to see that.
A Hadfield! Don’t get me started on that guy! When he was just starting out, when he was a nobody. I said, “Chris, let’s do something together.” And he’s like, “Yeah, you bet, Harold!” And then the big space mission, and not a word! Anyway, did you see that song he did with the Barenaked Ladies? Even I have more dignity. Q You’re originally from Germany, where you were built in the ’ 60s by the Carl Zeiss Company as one of its Mark IV series. It seems like those were the golden days of planetariums and star projectors. People were excited about the space race, and anything was possible.
A ah, the stories I could tell! But I have to save something for my memoirs. Q Apparently you were named after a character from the cartoon Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.
A I don’t know what they were smoking when they named me. Probably what they smoke at Laser Floyd. Q You’ve done 80,000 shows. Does this make you the hardest working projector in showbiz?
A I’m up there. But then, you have to look at Maureen over at the Manitoba Museum. She was at this nearly as long as I was. Ah, Maureen ... what a central axis on her! Q Any last words about your tenure as Vancouver’s premier star projector?
A It’s a living.