You Heard It Here: Did I Really Just Do That?
How did it get to be August 1st? This year is zipping by! The best thing about August is the release of Imminent Danger in just a few days! (Who knows… if you keep your eyes open it might even come up a little early!) Oh, but wait… I’m stalling!
This month’s story is one of my most embarrassing. I was reminded of it when a pal of mine commented on my FB page that he saw a certain guest star on Roseanne (uhm, yes, he meant me) about a week ago. (In the 4 years I worked on the show I appeared in 3 episodes. A restaurant customer, a nurse and a bar flousy – that last might have been my favorite!) Anyway… I remember being so nervous that I totally jumped my line. Actually, I guess you could say I jumped John Goodman’s line. He and Roseanne had a scene at the bar and I – as the customer – raise my hand and interrupt their conversation since I haven’t been served yet.
I was so nervous and scared to get it right, that I totally started my line before John finished his. The director called cut and we had to start over again. Yes, I was mortified. It wasn’t like it was that big of a deal, but you never want to screw up the leading actors of a hit sitcom. Anyway… <imagine flop sweat here!> We started the scene again and this time I made sure that John finished his line before I said mine. The scene went a little something like this:
Roseanne and Dan Connor are talking at the counter of the diner.
Customer is at table in the middle of the room: “Excuse me, miss… <raises hand> when you get a minute?”
Roseanne: “Yeah, you’ll be the first to know.” <she goes back to her conversation>
Classic Roseanne. I think we only shot 2 takes. Maybe 3. I don’t really remember. I do remember that it was over pretty quickly. And I remember being worried that John was mad at me for jumping his line. But honestly… shit happens and I think he knew I was nervous. I chalked it up to a learning experience. Actors need to listen to react. After all…acting is REacting.
So that’s it. What about you? What’s your “Did I really just do that” story?
I started off collegiate life as a music major, but changed my major when departmental politics became too much. I went back to it in my 30s to pick up a minor and was invited to perform with the university symphony. I was an experienced musician; I’d been playing in ensembles since I was 8 years old, but I was more nervous than usual before this performance, seldom a good sign.
I don’t know how it happened. I don’t know why it happened, but I managed to blow out a note in the middle of a grand pause. There it was, a huge orchestral silence…and then TWEET. It was mortifying. Needless to say, I wasn’t asked back.
Hi Alex,
Oh man! I feel your pain! You know the saying… “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Here’s to staying strong! Thanks for dropping in!
I feel for you, Dee J. but seriously, we always feel the awkwardness of those situations and carry them with us forever, whereas most everyone else forgets them by the next day. Congrats! on the nearly released Imminent Danger. : )
Hi Robena,
Very true. We all have something to carry with us. I’ve heard that most moments that cause an increase in adrenaline are the moments we remember the longest. Makes sense. And thank you! Looking forward to Monday!
For once I’m looking forward to a Monday…this next one, specifically, so I can download mah copy of Imminent Danger! I think my biggest flub in recent memory was my very first editor pitch session, a couple years ago at RWA. I was pitching to Brenda Chin, and I was so nervous, I walked up, shook her hand and said, “Hi! I’m Brenda Chin.”
I knew going in I was going to screw up my pitch somehow, but I (foolishly) thought I’d get MY OWN NAME correct. :}
Hi Sam,
OMG! I think I remember that! Seriously, that is priceless! And you know you’ve found a special place in Brenda’s heart because of it. She isn’t likely to forget you, which is a good thing in this business! BTW… very nice sentiment regarding Monday! Thank you. Oh…also, I’m patiently waiting for your next book since I’ve finished – and loved! – all your others. No pressure.
Hi Dee,
Seriously, I have gone thru a gazillion moments like that – awkward!!! And it seems we cannot leave them alone – It’s over – done with! Yet it stays with us – now – yesterday and at times a year from now it pops right back and then you feel it all over again – yep that’s me! With your episode – to be a professional like he is – it had rolled off his shoulders – next??? he’s thinking of his next scene and what must be done!!! lol
Looking forward to Monday – been counting with you…Cheers!
Hi Marie,
You’re right. That stuff does stay with us. I remember John’s eye roll and could read every second of it. “Here we go again. Another newbie.” LOL. At least he got over it! A lot faster than me, I can tell you that much! And the wait is almost over! Yay! Thanks for being there for the countdown!