People are strange
I cried today.
Hard.
A lot.
The interesting thing for me was that it was very, very easy to call forth the emotions necessary to bring this scene to life...but it was equally hard to let them go, again.
When we finished this scene, I wanted to go into my dressing room, and just sob until I got it all out of me...but there wasn't time, and I have this little knot in my chest, just below where my sternum ends.
Strange.
In a very bizarre twist of "six degrees of Anne Wheaton," a real-life doctor, who treated her for some stomach trouble earlier this year, was playing a doctor in the movie today.
Also strange.
Tomorrow is my last day with Isaac Hayes. I'm debating whether or not I should take my "Shaft" soundtrack and my 18" Chef plush toy and get an autograph.
Not sure if I will though...it could end up being strange.
Comments
Do it Wil. He'll probably bring his Wesley Crusher action figure (still in the box) for you to autograph!
Posted by: jim | November 5, 2002 10:48 PM
Heck yeah-take the stuff and get it signed-and take something signed of yours to give to him-seems like an appropriate gesture between professionals to me.
Posted by: ChaosInOrder | November 5, 2002 10:50 PM
Bring them! And bring something Trek-ish for you to sign for him. I think he'd like that. He's probably going to read WWDN soon anyway. :)
He might even do a bit of sound for Arena. (That bit where you and Travis "did Shaft" ["I'm just talkin' about Malinko."] might be reprised with "The Real Man" doing the music.) -- Too many parentheses, it feels like Slashdot. :)
Posted by: Louis_Wu | November 5, 2002 10:57 PM
Ah, c'mon Wil, just do it. ^^ If it's something that you want, don't worry about strangeness, just do it and enjoy the moment.
Posted by: e | November 5, 2002 11:04 PM
Oh, go on... be a fanboy.
I've always wondered... how does an actor call up all those emotions? I think that would be really hard for me. (or I could just go off my meds for a week and then I'd cry at the drop of a hat!)
Anyhoo, how's the back?
Posted by: Sunidesus | November 5, 2002 11:07 PM
Getting an auograph of Chef has got to be worth a little strangeness.
Besides you will treasure it forever, will you not???
Go.. be a fanboy ...
heh
Posted by: Annie UK | November 5, 2002 11:16 PM
I think you should totally get Chef's autograph! I have the 18" plush doll and I would die if Issac Hayes signed it, hehe. :)
Posted by: MagikSpork | November 5, 2002 11:19 PM
If you do go for it, I bet that will make a really interesting update. Hehe.
Posted by: Jay | November 5, 2002 11:22 PM
You could weasel out of admitting it was for you, by saying you want it for the kids... cause, ya know... kids love Chef.
But I don't think that would be as believeable with the Shaft 8-track...
Beau
Posted by: RevXaos | November 5, 2002 11:30 PM
Go on and do it-I think "Chef" will love it!
By the way, I know you have heard every remedy in the book-but try some Mineral Ice on your back-
better than aspirin/tylenol and it lasts longer!
Posted by: JTBWRITER | November 5, 2002 11:42 PM
But be prepared to suck his chocolate salty balls in exchange, buddy. I'm just warning you. How much is an autograph worth to you?
Posted by: Wookie | November 5, 2002 11:50 PM
People are strange. When you're a stranger.
The end. :P
Posted by: belinda | November 5, 2002 11:51 PM
Who's to say what's "normal" these days, anyways? Certainly not me. Go ahead, be strange! Bring the stuff!
Posted by: Phillip | November 5, 2002 11:57 PM
People are always asking you for your autograph. Why should you be any different? You respect his work and think he's way cool - go for it!
I have always wondered what kind of toll emotional scenes take on actors. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.startledfrog.com/beretwearingelitist/
Posted by: Katie | November 6, 2002 12:04 AM
Tell him it's for your ten-year-old nephew.
He'll surely believe that.
Posted by: tjeu | November 6, 2002 12:13 AM
Wil,
You should TOTALLY bring the stuff for Isaac Hayes to sign. Heck, it probably won't be weird - after all you are both famous people!
Hey, if you want to make it weird, you could bring something that represents you, sign it and give it to Isaac!
Posted by: Habanero | November 6, 2002 12:33 AM
My husband and I are disagreeing on this one LOL. My first instinct was no, that's tacky. Rick said, "No, it's ok they are both actors."
Would you want him to ask you for your autograph? Do you like it when fans ask for yours? I suppose it is different, you are both at work.
hmmmm
Posted by: nancyann | November 6, 2002 12:34 AM
I would have to say go for it! What's the very worst that could happen? Him refusing to sign the stuff? Seriously, he's too cool to say no to ww... What would be screwed up, is if you took one of your action figures and asked him to sign it...now that would be strange... :) well, good luck...live the dream!
Posted by: dh | November 6, 2002 12:55 AM
Wil,
Totally bring the stuff. The soundtrack is a must, the doll is optional.
Do it Wil, you know you want to ...
Posted by: Josh | November 6, 2002 01:44 AM
I agree with the others. You should take them with you. He COULD be flattered that 'that kid that always made the adults look stupid' (OK, I'm paraphrasing) wants his autograph. :)
Posted by: Theo | November 6, 2002 02:33 AM
Go on Wil... do it!
You know you want to.
Anyway, what's the worst thing that could happen? Chances are, he'd be touched, and say "Sure!"
Posted by: Kouros | November 6, 2002 04:40 AM
Come on Wil, bring the doll! ^^ is right, what's the worst that could happen?
It would be soooo cool.
Posted by: Abe | November 6, 2002 04:53 AM
Do it do it do it do it do it do it.
If not, you'll be kicking yourself.
And we all have to have a *little* fanboy/girl out.
Posted by: LittleGuy | November 6, 2002 05:11 AM
Wil,
Do it. I regret to this day not having Terry Gilliam autograph my coconut horse that I made when I was cast in "12 Monkeys". Have him sign them and take LOTS of pictures.
Take care,
Bart
Posted by: Bart Manzella | November 6, 2002 05:20 AM
Hey Wil,
Amidst all this, I hope you had time to vote.
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Feyrer | November 6, 2002 05:35 AM
You shouls be the fanboy that you are!!!
You'll regret it if you don't
NO REGRETS, WIL!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Stargazer | November 6, 2002 05:54 AM
You should be the fanboy that you are!!!
You'll regret it if you don't
NO REGRETS, WIL!!!!!!!!!
Damn Typo's are following me around.
TPW!!
Posted by: Stargazer | November 6, 2002 05:54 AM
Since he geeked out too when you met, it's totally appropriate. Go for it!
Posted by: T.W. Lewis | November 6, 2002 06:00 AM
FAN-BOY! FAN-BOY! FAN-BOY!
You'll hate yourself later if you don't.
Sorry about the crying fits. Hope it's all better now.
Brock
Posted by: Brock | November 6, 2002 06:29 AM
Ah, the dangers of even remotely using the Method. It can make for some incredibly compelling performances, but the lingering effects can be a bit difficult to purge.
I'm learning more about my own craft from reading about yours.
Kevin
Posted by: Renpiti | November 6, 2002 06:44 AM
I hope you decided to bring the stuff in. He'll get a kick out of signing them.
And you think you cried a lot yesterday, can't wait to hear how much you're crying today.
Posted by: Mary | November 6, 2002 07:32 AM
Maybe you should just steal his half eaten bread crust instead... that way he'll never know. :)
Posted by: Tiffany | November 6, 2002 07:32 AM
Take the stuff with you....Place them in your trailor...then ask Isaac if it would be alright to get his autograph. If you ask in a polite and calm way I can't see it being a problem. Then you go to your trailor and get your stuff to be autographed. This is Isaac Hayes....he is a cool person. Go for it.
Posted by: Artisticspirit | November 6, 2002 07:34 AM
Don't you remember the nice things he said about you when you first met? How honored he was that you played his music at your wedding?
Get the autograph! Have no regrets!
(But don't take something of yours to give to him ... that's tacky. Bring something and keep it in your trailor in case he asks for something and doesn't have anything, but don't offer anything if he doesn't ask).
Posted by: Ulysses | November 6, 2002 07:36 AM
Wil, do it. You know given half a chance we all would. Why should you be any different? besides he already knows you admire him so what could it hurt???? do it, go for it, have fun with it!! After all this IS chef we are talking about!!!!
Posted by: Brook | November 6, 2002 08:00 AM
SO..UH did ya???(..or will we have to wait for
"THE Book"..to find out?)..ha!
Posted by: bluecat/redblanket | November 6, 2002 08:13 AM
Hey Wil-
Just wanted to say that I'm glad you're having a good (if tiring) time making this flick. Nice to see one of the good guys get a break once in a while. Hope more good shit comes your way.
Posted by: John | November 6, 2002 08:24 AM
Do it, Wil! Bring the plush toy! I'm sure he'd be happy to autograph it. I have a gigantic Kenny plush toy (close to life size, if there is such a thing for a cartoon) and I'd love to get it signed someday! Knock yerself out, buddy! We all wish we were in your shoes!
A longtime fan,
Tracey
Posted by: Tracey | November 6, 2002 08:25 AM
If you have to work up any more tears for your scenes today, just think of four more years of Gray Davis. That should do the trick. *grumble, grumble*
Posted by: zootnarf | November 6, 2002 08:27 AM
Man, I completely forgot you were in the Secret of Nimh.
Posted by: gmcg | November 6, 2002 08:53 AM
Strange - heh. Who cares? So what if you get percieved as a fan. Its no worse than being an actor.
Posted by: Donna | November 6, 2002 09:05 AM
Many years ago when I was learning acting, it occurred to me that one reason actors are often so wacky is that they put themselves through so many gut-wrenching emotional experiences, to an extent well beyond what most people go through in ordinary life. Or, maybe acting just attracts wackier people than other walks of life.
Gotta take care of that knot, dude.
Posted by: Dude | November 6, 2002 09:18 AM
Yes, Wil, Yes...
Posted by: ze-mag | November 6, 2002 09:27 AM
I just read Issac's blog. He said he's debating bringing his Wesley action figure and asking for an autograph. ;)
Posted by: PatrickD | November 6, 2002 10:19 AM
Rent a Marx Brothers movie or something incredibly stupid and funny and laugh your ass off over it; that'll loosen up that knot in your chest like magic, guaranteed.
Posted by: Janis Cortese | November 6, 2002 10:26 AM
Do not do it Wil.
Would Patrick Stewart do it?
Posted by: buntz | November 6, 2002 10:28 AM
Funny thing. When you first said "Chef", I thought of the BBC series (URL:http://us.imdb.com/Title?0108723).
It never occured to me you might be referring to the South Park Chef. ;)
Posted by: Darren | November 6, 2002 10:32 AM
Did you cry because the Republicans wiped up in the elections? Sorry Democrat dudes! It's adult swim now; all kiddies out of the pool. Oh and Saddam, watch your back.
Posted by: F | November 6, 2002 10:47 AM
You are such a crybaby aren't you??? I love it...
Posted by: Edina | November 6, 2002 11:03 AM
Wow, talk about bringing back memories of the class in university where I had to present a monologue and call up some vivid memories - wow - like a ton of bricks. The remainder of the class was cancelled. So I hear ya Wil - and I like the movie suggestion - pull some other emotions out.
Posted by: Jodie | November 6, 2002 12:20 PM
Wil, I'd say go see a doctor. I don't want to be all paranoid or anything, but as a guy who forces himself to do what many of us try to avoid, you are prone to stomach woes. Stress gave me an ulcer, and the place it likes to sit is right about where you just described it. It has to burn and ache pretty bad to be an actual ulcer, so I don't want to worry you, but it is worth looking into. Be well.
Posted by: jeffroDOH | November 6, 2002 12:31 PM
Wil,
Go for it. Celeberties ask for each others autographs all the time, just look at the episode of the osbournes when Jay Leno asked Ozzy to sign a cd for him, or the other day when Bill shatner had leonard Nemoy sign a copy of his new book for him at his book opening, and they are best friends.
Anyway I say go for it. He could sign it KING SALTY BALLS..........LOL Later Wil..........
Best to you and your family......
Matt......
Posted by: matt | November 6, 2002 12:32 PM
Hey, F, good one. Adult swim. Yeah baby!
Posted by: Mary | November 6, 2002 01:20 PM
You should bring him in an advance copy of some of your blog entries from your upcoming book. Tell him a bit about it and wwdn and us monkeys, and then ask him if he'd mind signing Chef and the soundtrack....maybe he'll even put "Chef" along with his name on the doll somewhere.
Loyal Monkey #24601
Posted by: Ryan_W | November 6, 2002 01:35 PM
Yes, Wil, people are strange, and life is strange too sometimes. But isn't that great? Too much 'normality' could make you crazy or dull. And for the little knots in the chest or in the throat, sometimes a nice hug makes the trick. Of course, you have to wait until get home... The Best for You! (from a fan in Perú)
Posted by: Melisa | November 6, 2002 01:47 PM
When you look back on this which would you regret more, getting the autograph or not getting it?
Posted by: Zeno | November 6, 2002 01:53 PM
Go for it! And yes, be nice and bring something Trek (or related to your works) for him.
Posted by: Eric | November 6, 2002 02:46 PM
RE:" I'm debating whether or not I should take my "Shaft" soundtrack and my 18" Chef plush toy and get an autograph. "
Hey! Get a lock of his hair too! I would...
Posted by: Boots Malloy | November 6, 2002 02:51 PM
Take em in, Wil. You'll be kicking youself for ages of you don't.
Posted by: fluffy | November 6, 2002 03:01 PM
There's nothing wrong with strange.
Posted by: kevver | November 6, 2002 03:04 PM
Dude!!! Do it, you'll regret later if you don't- and get a picture too-- proof for us monkey boxers!!!
Love ya man!!!
Posted by: Andie-Gypsy_girl | November 6, 2002 03:25 PM
re: the chef stuff...i say do it...i mean it's daft, of course, but how many times do you get to meet Isaac Hayes (in my case, exactly 0)
Of all else fails...blame it on william shatner or something.
Posted by: lectique | November 6, 2002 03:49 PM
i often burst into tears for no apparent reason. like when i'm washing dishes or driving home from my day job in which i feel as though i am trapped in one of the nine rings of hell. i think it's much healthier than say, road rage. :)
btw, caught your bad guy role in an episode of the invisible man the other day. [i tape them so i watch them later than everyone else] very cool though. you play a great bad guy.
Posted by: j.la | November 6, 2002 03:58 PM
I say... take the stuff! And may I suggest that you bring and extra hat that you dont mind loosing in case 'chef' desides he needs something from you too.. I mean... who wouldn't!
Posted by: Danielle | November 6, 2002 04:34 PM
Hey Wil,
As someone who has pestered you for autographs many times, I feel uniquely qualified to give you some advice on this matter... Take the Shaft soundtrack for an autograph and leave the action figure at home! Half normal usually works... hehe.
Laterz, Alex
Posted by: wilwheatonfan | November 6, 2002 05:28 PM
Wil,
I say go for it. As they said on Cupid, "He who hesitates, sleeps in an empty bed."
Posted by: Ben | November 6, 2002 07:49 PM
Wil,
Ask him to sign a copy of Dianetics. You may have acted in a sci-fi series, but, as a Scientologist(c), Isaac is living a sci-fi life.
That being said, hanging out with Chef is cool.
Hipnerd
Posted by: Hipnerd | November 6, 2002 11:30 PM