FA+
Shop
Meeting Nathan Lane
15 years ago
General
I've already shared the story with several friends earlier. Here it is again for everyone else. ^.^
I had a wonderful time last night in New York with my father and my mate, Iffy. One that I'll remember forever. Everything went smoothly, even though I was scared on the inside and limping because of a slipped disc. The Adams Family show was ridiculous and funny, and Nathan played the part of Gomez with style and grace, as expected.
I was told that Nathan doesn't leave through the same exit as the other actors. He sneaks out another way where he can't be ambushed by a mob of people. He's happy to meet with fans, but only through certain arrangements. After the show, my contact(one of the head prop guys) met us at a secret hidden door and took us into the back to meet him.
When Nathan did come down, I could tell he was tired, which is understandable since he just performed in a 2-hour play. So, given that and the fact that my back and leg were still in pain, I was going to keep it brief. I shook his hand, made introductions and said some heart-felt words to him, including how I admired him as a person and an artist.
And then I gave him the drawing. The whole time we were there, Nathan was very mellow, polite and gracious. Not a lot of energy like you'd be used to seeing in his performances. But he smiled at the picture, said it was very nice.
Now, from the point of view of an artist who spent months drawing a gift: if the reaction Nathan gave was from anyone else, like a non-celebrity, I'd say it was underwhelming, perhaps even disappointing. But again, this is a 54-year old guy who just spent 2 hours in a show. On top of that, he's used to getting fan worship and gifts. So I couldn't fault him at all. He accepted a copy, and I was happy with that.
Before we parted ways, I asked for his autograph on a Lion King DVD and he was happy to oblige. I had a camera on me as well, and I REALLY wanted to ask him for a photo, but at the time I felt it may have been asking too much. I didn't want to overdo it.
After Nathan sneaked out of the building through his secret exit, we were shown the way out, through the exit that the rest of the actors use. By then, all the other actors had left. So we exit, and are faced with 100 people with cameras, sharpie markers and pads. There was a brief awkward pause as they looked at us, and you could tell they were thinking, "Who the hell are they?"
It was then that I realized that I hadn't put away my autographed item yet, and it was out in the open for all to see. So as we made our way through the silent crowd, I saw them looking at us, and at the autograph I had in my hands. And by some of their looks, I could tell the gears were turning as they slowly figured out that Nathan was long gone. I felt bad for them, but I can't honestly say that I didn't feel good for myself at the same time.
I've been asked a number of times how I feel, now that I've met my celebrity hero. I'm feeling pretty good about the whole thing, coming away with a sense of fulfillment and closure. I truly wish that everyone I care about can have a wish like that come true someday
I had a wonderful time last night in New York with my father and my mate, Iffy. One that I'll remember forever. Everything went smoothly, even though I was scared on the inside and limping because of a slipped disc. The Adams Family show was ridiculous and funny, and Nathan played the part of Gomez with style and grace, as expected.
I was told that Nathan doesn't leave through the same exit as the other actors. He sneaks out another way where he can't be ambushed by a mob of people. He's happy to meet with fans, but only through certain arrangements. After the show, my contact(one of the head prop guys) met us at a secret hidden door and took us into the back to meet him.
When Nathan did come down, I could tell he was tired, which is understandable since he just performed in a 2-hour play. So, given that and the fact that my back and leg were still in pain, I was going to keep it brief. I shook his hand, made introductions and said some heart-felt words to him, including how I admired him as a person and an artist.
And then I gave him the drawing. The whole time we were there, Nathan was very mellow, polite and gracious. Not a lot of energy like you'd be used to seeing in his performances. But he smiled at the picture, said it was very nice.
Now, from the point of view of an artist who spent months drawing a gift: if the reaction Nathan gave was from anyone else, like a non-celebrity, I'd say it was underwhelming, perhaps even disappointing. But again, this is a 54-year old guy who just spent 2 hours in a show. On top of that, he's used to getting fan worship and gifts. So I couldn't fault him at all. He accepted a copy, and I was happy with that.
Before we parted ways, I asked for his autograph on a Lion King DVD and he was happy to oblige. I had a camera on me as well, and I REALLY wanted to ask him for a photo, but at the time I felt it may have been asking too much. I didn't want to overdo it.
After Nathan sneaked out of the building through his secret exit, we were shown the way out, through the exit that the rest of the actors use. By then, all the other actors had left. So we exit, and are faced with 100 people with cameras, sharpie markers and pads. There was a brief awkward pause as they looked at us, and you could tell they were thinking, "Who the hell are they?"
It was then that I realized that I hadn't put away my autographed item yet, and it was out in the open for all to see. So as we made our way through the silent crowd, I saw them looking at us, and at the autograph I had in my hands. And by some of their looks, I could tell the gears were turning as they slowly figured out that Nathan was long gone. I felt bad for them, but I can't honestly say that I didn't feel good for myself at the same time.
I've been asked a number of times how I feel, now that I've met my celebrity hero. I'm feeling pretty good about the whole thing, coming away with a sense of fulfillment and closure. I truly wish that everyone I care about can have a wish like that come true someday
I know I would!
I went to a couple of They Might Be Giants concerts and got right up next to the stage and got sweat dripped on me by the dark haired John as he sorta swung his guitar around.
I had a chance to go to book signing by Bruce Campbell but decided against it because I know how big a crowd he attracts.
A good lead-in is to ask them about their interests outside what they are famous for (in Nathan Lane's case, acting and characters). If they are decent human beings (and it sounds like Nathan Lane definitely qualifies) then you'd be amazed at how quickly that tired veneer may drop when given a chance to talk about themselves...especially about things that interest them, rather then simply how they make their living.
THEN you hit 'em with the gift. They'll go away thinking you're buttered bread, and if you're very lucky / the chemistry is there, you may make a new friend.
But you can always try and lever your prop contact into delivering a message or forwarding one along to Nathan. "Hi! I'm the fellow you met after the performance on [x night]; I was a bit nervous and I knew you were preoccupied, but I was curious about..." and lead in. It may fall on barren beach, it may start a little seedling growing, who knows?
Always remember first and foremost that behind every celeb is a simple human being, with all their foibles and warts. likes and dislikes and interests. It's a great test of effort to simply ask, for example, "If Nathan Lane had never had his name in lights, if he were just a stranger at a con, would I still enjoy his company?" And if the answer is yes, then he's worth a little genteel courting.
Wisdom gained the very hard way, through some spectacular flameouts, and some very good successes. And a nice signed bit from Glenn Shadix (think Otho from Beetlejuice) as well.