Misha Estrin

Outside of the Weisman Art Museum, hundreds of University of Minnesota students are wandering between classes, heads down, just trying to get through the week. Meanwhile, a tall, thin man in metallic-blue pants, a mustard-colored sweater, and a necktie around his head is holding a sign that reads, "Bad Advice." "Hey, do you want some bad advice?" he says to one passerby. She looks confused but intrigued. Skeptically, she agrees. "Okay, first thing: Throw your backpack off the bridge. Then, call your parents and tell them you're quitting school," he says. She laughs. He laughs. Then he holds up a sign that says, "Free Hugs." She gives him a hug without a second thought before hustling toward her next destination. Meet Misha Estrin. He wants to be your friend. A comedian, model, speed-friender, and all-around unique individual, Estrin can be easily spotted at events all over the Twin Cities, often sporting a full-body tiger costume and armed with a plethora of eye-catching, head-scratching signs saying anything from "Free Shrugs" to "Ignore Me." But who is he, really?