They Were All So Nice!

So after worrying for hours that I was going to be ignominiously turned away as I tried to make my downstairs, it was no problem whatsoever! I just walked out one of the exits and headed down to the lobby.

Of course, I headed straight to the champagne stand so I could partake of a little liquid courage before trying to chat with any of the celebs. It was $11 a glass, but considering the martinis were going for $22, it seemed like a real bargain.

The first star I talked to was Terry O'Quinn. I told him how pleased I was that he had won the Emmy and he shook my hand and thanked me. At this point I wasn't ready yet to ask for a photo, so I continued mingling.

I walked past one of the bars and saw Creed Bratton from The Office standing in line and calling to Oscar Nunez, also from The Office, who was a few people ahead of him. (I only caught on recently that several of the show's characters have the same first name as the actors who play them.) Oscar didn't hear him, so I tapped him on the shoulder and they said something to each other. When Oscar turned away, I turned back to Creed and told him how much I love him on the show. (Seriously, is he hilarious or what?) I also wished the show luck, since they were nominated for several awards (although by that point, a couple of the actors had already lost in their categories.) He seemed really pleased with my comments, but for some reason I still hesitated to ask for a picture so I walked away again.

I got myself another glass of champagne (the expensive stuff goes down real smooth!) and wandered some more. I saw Oscar again, only this time he was standing by himself. So I went up to him and told him how much I enjoy his work and love the show and he also seemed genuinely pleased that I had said that. I then decided he would be the first person I'd ask for a picture, using the logic that a lot of guys like him wouldn't get as many requests as some of the better known actors, so maybe wouldn't find it a nuisance.

I asked him if I could take his picture and he got a huge grin on his face and said yes. As I started to point my camera, he then said, "wait, you should be in it too." I told him I didn't have anybody with me to take the picture and he said, "oh, we'll find someone!" There was an employee of the show standing nearby who heard us, so he said he would be glad to take the photo.

After thanking Oscar, I moved on, a newfound confident spring in my step. I headed toward the other side of the lobby, and saw Adrian Pasdar from Heroes there. I waited until he had collected his drink than tapped him lightly on the arm.

Now, before I continue, I have to say that if I were to design the perfect male face, he would look exactly like Adrian Pasdar. I just think he is stunningly handsome. I've been a fan of his since I had first seen him years ago on an episode of Touched By An Angel, then on a series called Mysterious Ways with Rae Dawn Chong. He's also married to Natalie Maines, the lead singer of The Dixie Chicks, which is one of my favourite groups and I especially love her voice. It has such a unique quality. So talking to Adrian was definitely a major “catch” for me and, when he turned toward me, I came this close to swooning!

I had already managed to get a decent shot of him on the red carpet...

...But I REALLY wanted a picture with him. :)

I told him how much I enjoyed his work. He seemed amazed that I knew him from Mysterious Ways (it was a Canadian production and I don't know if it was even distributed in the States). As we were chatting, Zachary Quinto, who plays Sylar on Heroes came up to us as well. I told him that he was the creepiest, scariest guy on TV, but that I meant that in the nicest possible way, and Adrian assured me that he's actually the sweetest guy you could ever meet. So I asked them if I could take a picture of them and, again, they insisted that I should be in the picture (this technique served me well for the rest of the evening). Unfortunately, the person who took the picture didn't give us any warning of when he was going to press the shutter button, so this is the ONE shot where I'm yakking, our eyes our closed, etc.

Oh, well. It's not like I'm going to be forgetting what he looks like any time soon!

After they moved on, I saw Greg Grunberg, also from Heroes, now in the line, so I tapped him when he was done as well. I told him I'd been a fan since he was on Felicity and that I thought he was the best thing on Alias. (He gave me a hug for that one!) Then I told him he really nailed the role of Dead Pilot on LOST, and he laughed and said, “Come on, right? Who could have done it better?” He was obviously having a great time at the show, even though he looks rather serious in the picture.

As I moved away, I saw a rather large contingent of actors from The Sopranos go by me, including Michael Imperioli and the guy who played Big Pussy. I didn't try to talk to any of them because I never watched the show, and I just don't think it's right to take up these guys' time if you don't sincerely enjoy their work. I also saw Mary-Louise Parker from Weeds (another show I don't watch) run by on her way outside.

I kept moving and was thrilled to see Phil Keoghan chatting with a few people. I've blogged about him here before and I actually interviewed him once for a magazine article, so I felt I had an “in” with him. I went up and introduced myself and reminded him about the interview and he graciously said he remembered it, even though I'd be shocked if he actually did. :) I asked him when The Amazing Race was coming back, since I hadn't seen any ads for it for this season, and he told me he thought it was going to be a mid-season replacement this year (bummer!).

When I looked at the photo later, I was surprised to see that I had put my arm around his shoulders. I don't remember doing that at all (and I don't really think it's appropriate, but oh well... :)

Next (and final) installment: In which I come across like a crazed fan and discover exactly where I belong on the totem pole of Hollywood power players...

Comments

[Ruth]

Omigod....today's blog had me in stiches. What a way with words you have! When I saw the photo of you and Phil, I noticed right away that you had snuck your arm right in there. Good for you! But how hilarious that you hadn't realized it til you saw the shot. Can't wait for the next installment....great teaser!!

[Anne]

I totally love Adrian Pasdar too and used to drool over him in Mysterious Ways. I think I even like him wearing glasses better. Great job on getting all these photos. I'm noticing a trend here though...no women....hmmm...???