Debbie Reynolds' Legacy Lives On Through TV Memorabilia Collector James Comisar

Picture this: a legendary singer and dancer, an Oscar-winning star of stage and screen, and the woman who lost her husband to Elizabeth Taylor. These are just some of the thoughts that pop into our heads when we think of Debbie Reynolds. Beyond being Princess Leia’s mom, Debbie was also synonymous with Hollywood memorabilia. She was known as the greatest collector and preservationist of film artifacts, a passion fueled solely by her love for Hollywood.

James Comisar, a world-renowned curator and preservationist, understands this passion deeply. “Debbie was not only a major motion picture star but also someone who knew everyone in Hollywood. She single-handedly collected these pieces using her own money, buying them wherever she could, all with the hope of preserving film history,” Comisar exclusively told Closer Weekly in a new interview. “But here’s the kicker—her greatest disappointment was never getting these pieces into a museum where they could be properly appreciated.”

James Comisar: The Debbie Reynolds of TV Memorabilia

James Comisar has earned the nickname "The Debbie Reynolds of TV Memorabilia," and he wears it proudly. In fact, Forbes crowned his personal collection "The World’s Greatest Collection of TV Memorabilia." His journey began with a bang when none other than Johnny Carson himself invited Comisar to his Malibu, CA home to hand over the iconic Carnac Turban. That’s like getting the keys to the kingdom in TV memorabilia circles.

A Legacy of Trust

This kind of endorsement from the King of Late Night Comedy goes a long way in the world of TV. Soon, Comisar found himself entrusted with the care of iconic artifacts from legends like Norman Lear, Sid & Marty Kroft, and Pee-Wee Herman. He’s been responsible for preserving irreplaceable moments in television and American cultural history, such as the toga worn by Star Trek's Captain Kirk in the scene that marked the very first interracial kiss on television. These are the moments that shaped our culture, and Comisar has been there to protect them.

Putting the Collection Up for Auction

Now, Comisar is preparing to put some of these artifacts up for auction for the very first time through PropStore.com. Among the items is Adam West’s Bat Shield from Batman (1966-1968), an item expected to fetch over a half a million dollars. While speaking with Closer, Comisar reflected on a conversation he had with Debbie after she reluctantly decided to auction off her life’s passion.