You Heard It Here: Hollywood Surprise!
Happy New Year! Before I get into this month’s blog, I want to wish you all a very healthy and happy 2014!
One of the best things about working in Hollywood is it’s such a small town. (Since I’m one of those believers that it’s a really small world, imagine narrowing it down to a city in Los Angeles…) After working here for so many years, I’ve met a lot of people. Moving from show to show and interacting with new casts and guest actors is truly as fun as it sounds. (Don’t get me wrong – it can be nail-biting to not know when the next job will be, but after this many years I’ve learned to trust that work will come.)
The reason I bring this up is because it’s such a kick to see someone I’ve worked with in a movie or TV show, especially when I didn’t expect to see them. I’ve discovered it’s almost impossible to watch anything on television or any movie I go to and not know at least one person in the cast.
My latest sighting was this past weekend watching Saving Mr. Banks. The actress playing “Dolly” (one of Walt Disney’s secretaries) is an actor I worked with on a show called True Jackson, V.P. (for Nickelodeon). Her name is Melanie Paxson and she is one of the sweetest women I’ve ever worked with. She’s amazingly funny, extremely talented and so nice. Easily one of my all time favorites. And in case you haven’t seen it, Saving Mr. Banks was really fun! (Stay for the credits for a surprise I’ll bet most people miss.)
Here’s a shot of her from the movie.
Though we’re FaceBook friends and live near each other, I haven’t seen her in about four years so when she popped up on screen, I actually yelped. (I tend to do that when I’m surprised to see a friendly face.) Yes, I was very embarrassed. It’s just a knee-jerk reaction to seeing someone I hadn’t expected to see. I suppose I’ll only get worse with age as all the child actors I work with grow up and get more roles. I’ll get to say, “I knew them when.”
I just hope I get over that yelping thing in the middle of a crowd. I’m thinking I may need to start going to movies with duct tape over my mouth. What about you? Ever do something in the middle of a crowd that completely embarrassed you? Wanna share? I’d love to hear it.
That’s funny. I’ll bet it happens to you a lot. Dolly’s role was sweet. I liked her. Loved Saving Mr. Banks for more reasons than I can say here. I’m going for a second viewing. : )
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Hi Roben,
It does happen a lot. I really do need to consider tape. Haha.
Happy New Year to you too! Hope it’s a great one!
She was great in that movie. I loved her character. Happy New Year!
Hi Janie,
I agree. She made me laugh every time she was on the screen. Happy New Year to you too and thanks for dropping in!
thanks for the heads up about sticking around for the titles in Saving Mr. Banks. Can’t wait to see that one.
I love your story, and figure a lot of teachers must feel similar watching some of their students blossom and succeed in the community.
I know I embarrass myself in public regularly, but on the spot can’t think of an example.
Happy New Year!
Hi Lynne,
I never thought of it, but you’re right! Teachers must see a lot too. It’s okay… I kinda wish I didn’t remember all the times I embarrassed myself. LOL. Happy New Year to you too!
Happy New Year, Dee J.!
I’ll take your movie recommendation, though, knowing me, I won’t see it ’til it’s available on VOD–that’s how I roll right now. 😉
My moments of public embarrassment are to numerous to mention, but they usually involve me thinking I can zip out to the Starbucks/mailbox place/liquor store in wash-worn sweats and flip-flops w/o running into anyone I know. I have proved many times over that I can not.
Hi Sam,
LOL. You and I are living the same life. Worn sweats and flip-flops. I’ll go you one better with no make-up… And yes, running into someone I know. Ugh! The worst. I did enjoy the movie though. I really loved Melanie’s performance. She was worth the price of admission all by herself. Thanks for coming by and Happy New Year!