triangle man, triangle man
So, uh . . . there's a story about me in today's New York Times.
Oh my god. The New York Times. And it's incredible.
In 1000 words John Schwartz captures and communicates who I am, what I am, where I am, and (most importantly) why I am. I always hope that reporters will understand me, but John grokked me.
I spoke with John for about 90 minutes last week, and the story he wrote is in today's edition of the Times: A Computer Is Also a Screen, Wil Wheaton Discovers.
I was going to buy the reprint rights so I could put it up here, but the Times wants $1,000 from me for a year, and as much as I'd like to spare you all the annoying-but-free registration, I think that money would be better spent on some bills. The bugmenot plugin for Firefox calls . . . :) Update: or you can use this NYT-approved blog-friendly link. Thanks to countless e-mailers and commenters who pointed it out, and to Aaron Swartz who wrote the oh-so-useful code.
The absolute best part, the part that made me scream out in joy and run laps around my living room is:
Mr. Wheaton said that on the "CSI" set, he had to manage a potential conflict between his new writerly self and the professional actor. "It was unbelievably difficult for me the first two days I was working on the show to be very present," he said. "They'd say 'Cut!' and I'd say, 'I can't wait to write about this!'"If he was distracted, it didn't show, said Duane Clark, the director of the episode. Mr. Wheaton had originally tried out for a smaller role, a hotel clerk. But after seeing his audition tape, Carol Mendelsohn, one of the executive producers, suggested giving him the meatier role of Walter, even though the writers had drawn him as an older alcoholic. A younger drug addict, she said, might prove more menacing, more interesting.
At first, Mr. Clark said, the writers said, "Wil Wheaton, a crack addict - are you nuts?" But Mr. Clark said that Mr. Wheaton brought "a lot of scary volatility" to the role.
"He really dug his teeth into it," Mr. Clark said, "and on his own came up with a backstory of who Walter was."
"He really filled out what could have been a caricature. " he said.
Oh.
My.
God.
When I read that the producer and director believed in me, and the writers took a chance on me . . . well, I'm speechless.
And if all this wasn't enough, John helps me put some nails into that "former child actor" coffin:
To Mr. Wheaton, the experience on "CSI" is proof, if any is needed, that he's still in the game. "When you say a 'former child star,' you may as well say 'failed child star,' " he said. "The fact is, Jodie Foster is a former child star. Ron Howard is a former child star. I am a former child star. It doesn't have to mean anything."
I can't wait to watch CSI tonight, and see how I did. I haven't been this excited to see something I did since the first screening of Stand By Me.
Comments
Wow. WWdN got Farked pretty quickly once the story made the main page.
But the New York Times? Fuckin' RAWK! \m/ Most people would kill to have their obituary listed in that sucker, let alone an article written about them in it. Kudos, Wil!
Yeah, I'm behind the times and don't have TiVo like everyone else. But hey, the VCR still works! And it's set for CBS, 10pm, The Wheatching Hour (which is short for Wheaton Watching)!
Posted by: Eric in PA | March 10, 2005 01:11 PM
Wil,
That is truly badass. Great article! Sounds like they totally got you. And the comments by the producers, that's wonderful!
Can't wait to see CSI tonight. Gonna have to Tivo.
Posted by: Jason (xtra-rant.com) | March 10, 2005 01:47 PM
Cool, made the Times. Wil, I along with my wife would not miss the episode of CSI tonight. Enjoy watching it again with your family.
Posted by: lance | March 10, 2005 01:48 PM
"Doin' the things that a triangle can..." (c'mon, you all were thinking it when you saw the title.)
Very nice jorb, Wil. Tonight's CSI episode is one of two things I'm TiVoing tonight.
The other is the OC. I hate the show, but (damn you Fox Broadcasting!!!) the new Star Wars trailer is airing during tonight's episode. Fortunately, I can just fast forward past the crap and get to the important part. :D
Posted by: Kevin Gamin | March 10, 2005 01:49 PM
"Doin' the things that a triangle can..." (c'mon, you all were thinking it when you saw the title.)
Very nice jorb, Wil. Tonight's CSI episode is one of two things I'm TiVoing tonight.
The other is the OC. I hate the show, but (damn you Fox Broadcasting!!!) the new Star Wars trailer is airing during tonight's episode. Fortunately, I can just fast forward past the crap and get to the important part. :D
Posted by: Kevin Gamin | March 10, 2005 01:53 PM
Tivo is set.
I *HATE* that the times makes me register to read anything! Now I'll NEVER get to read the article!
FARGIN SNEAKY BASTAGES!
/pouts
Wait.
I live in Manhattan.
/off to buy the paper
Posted by: AJ | March 10, 2005 02:01 PM
Congratulations Wil! It's a great article and I'm glad to see you getting your well-deserved "props".
Now I just need to find someone who will let me watch CSI tonight with them (Network TV Free Zone here in the home). It's gonna be nice seeing you on the tube again!
Congrats again!
Posted by: Ocean McIntyre | March 10, 2005 02:01 PM
Awww...what a great honor and compliment from The Times. I am REALLY looking forward to CSI tonight, and I hope that you and your family enjoy watching it as well. Soak it all in, you have earned it. I think is wonderful how you are refered to as a wonderful and successful writer now, and it is equally wonderful that people see how humble and real you are. WAY TO GO WIL!
Posted by: Quincey | March 10, 2005 02:03 PM
Congratulations on the good press!! I'm so proud of you! I can't WAIT to see the show tonight. Oh, and I love the Triangle Man song. (Although I liked the Particle Man verse better.)
Posted by: Random Amy | March 10, 2005 02:09 PM
That is freaking awesome about the Times! I can't wait to see the episode. Personally, I'm at a crossroads, do I watch the new O.C. with the release of Star Wars Ep III trailer? Or do I watch CSI? Well duh, of course I'm watching CSI!
Can't wait to see the crazy Walter in action!
Posted by: Snowball | March 10, 2005 02:09 PM
Great press! Congrats on the Times, can't wait to meet crazy ol' Walter tonight... I'll be making good use of my Tivo to analyze this fantastic make-up job you spoke so highly of...
--T
Posted by: t_knotts | March 10, 2005 02:18 PM
Heheheh, I posted the URL in one of the other blog posts - definitely a great article, Wil. My friends are still forwarding it to me as if I haven't seen it yet.
Nice plug for Acme too!
Posted by: Troy Rutter | March 10, 2005 02:19 PM
It's about bloody time that people started to see how talented you are. I'm so proud of you, sweetie.
Now I have to go bounce up and down for a while.
Posted by: Cookie | March 10, 2005 02:19 PM
Check your listings, everybody! CSI is on here at 9 instead of 10. Have the VCR set already. I've made my friends nuts for a week waiting for this.
Posted by: ~S | March 10, 2005 02:43 PM
Maybe it's because it's late and I'm tired and you're wearing a shirt with eagles on it in the NYT pic but you look a little like a young Johnny Cash. In a good way ...
Posted by: Jane Perrone | March 10, 2005 02:46 PM
Perfect! We are glued to the set at my house tonight (even if we are more of CSI Miami fans). Can't get enough Wil.
Posted by: OhBlahDah | March 10, 2005 02:50 PM
Awesome article! Wow, journalists do pay attention, who knew??! ;)
Go Walter! I hope your character gets off and Baldwin's goes down (darn him for selling his soul to jesus!).
Again, awesome and well deserved article!
Posted by: AngryRubberDuck | March 10, 2005 02:54 PM
wil, I am so happy that they profiled you in the NY Times... you totally deserve it! congrats :>...
for those who do not wish to register for the new york times site, try the following which generates an "anonymous" login for you:
http://www.bugmenot.com
alternatively, you can visit the following site and the wonderful little doo-dad here will generate a weblog-friendly (i.e. don't have to register) NY Times link for you:
http://nytimes.blogspace.com/genlink
you rock, wil!
renee, a canadian in chicago
Posted by: renee i.a.m | March 10, 2005 02:58 PM
Wish I could see the show -- something about a lack of TV makes that a bit difficult, though. I'll just have to track it down later on. :)
Also, a quick heads-up: the New York Times Link Generator lets you create NYT links that bypass registration and won't die after a few weeks, is completely legal and NYT-approved, and even has a handy little bookmarklet.
Here's your article, for instance.
:)
Posted by: Michael Hanscom | March 10, 2005 03:03 PM
Congrats on the Times article! I read it earlier when I clicked the Wil Wheaton link in your Google NEws Gets Cooler post. It was the first hit, I believe.
Anyways... you see, I told you two years ago, along with many others.. you are a great person, Wil, and the world is finally starting to stand up and take notice.
your bud, Terry
Posted by: oboeterry | March 10, 2005 03:03 PM
Three posts today! Someone is excitied about something. Wonder what it could be?
That quote with the writers stood out to me too. I think it shows there is a 'Weseley' type cast for you out there (aka 'non-edgy'), and that this role may be breaking that cast into tiny little plaster pieces.
And in bit of synchronicity, I used a TMBG quote for a blog title today too.
And in a bit of fandom synergy, TMBG will be playing in Los Angeles 3/24 at the House of Blues, and at a FREE 'family' show 3/25 at Amoeba Records.
Posted by: Alan | March 10, 2005 03:25 PM
The NY Times article is very good. A suprisingly nice and easy read. Great to see such a awesome event getting some press.
I will be tuning in tonight.
Posted by: spi | March 10, 2005 03:43 PM
Now there's an article that needs to be saved, printed out, and given a prominent place in the Wil Wheaton Wonderful Memories Scrapbook. That is just plain awesome, Wil. I expect that your public profile just jumped a few points, thanks to that excellent piece.
I'll be watching CSI tonight, along with lots of others no doubt. Looking forward to it!
Posted by: Dave Westbay | March 10, 2005 03:45 PM
The article is fantastic, congrats! You deserve the attention.
I'm so excited about CSI! I have to admit that despite being 26, I squeed like a teenager when I found out you'd be on my favorite show. You and Eric Szmanda on one show, c'mon, I HAD to squee. I'm in Germany, so it won't be on TV for another six months or so. Dubbed, at that. I hope you'll get a good voice, I hate hearing actors I like with horrible dubbing voices. Anyway. First thing I'll do when I get up in the morning is get on the computer to download tonight's episode.
Posted by: Stef | March 10, 2005 03:53 PM
It was a really amazing piece, and I can't wait to see CSI tonight!
Congrats will, you deserve to have it all.
Posted by: drdrew | March 10, 2005 03:56 PM
Wonderful! (NYT Article) =) I'm looking forward to seeing the episode too, as are so many around here - because you happen to be in it. =) Don't forget the popcorn... !
Posted by: Kiri | March 10, 2005 04:03 PM
congratulations wil...you've had the talent to do these "meatier" type of roles for quite some time now...but now others have seen...and will see...and now you believe!...that last part maybe easier for you now...since you no longer depend upon being cast in a television or film project to define your life or career plans...seems that hollywood has come knocking on your door again...and this is likely only be the beginning.
Posted by: d. burr | March 10, 2005 04:07 PM
Congrats Wil,
Gonna go out and by that paper. Never read The Times before, but it seems like a good time to start. All ready for the episode, party goin on! I cant wait, neither can my family and friends. Phone is gonna be off, and I am just gonna watch and love my new favorite episode.
Posted by: cilesmom | March 10, 2005 04:14 PM
AIEEEEE!!! *squeals and bounces in her seat*
This is so fucking AWESOME! I'm watching the show while I tape it, then watching it again tonight with my husband.
So proud... so proud. *wipes away tear* ;D
Posted by: smirkingpunk | March 10, 2005 04:48 PM
I am so excited for you, Wil! I have never watched CSI before, but I am tuning in especially to see you =)
I don't know if anyone's mentioned this before, but are you aware of the livejournal feed of your blog? People comment there from time to time, and I wondered if you ever got a chance to see those comments.
Posted by: Elizabeth G | March 10, 2005 04:51 PM
Wil, I'm so happy for you! I can't believe it's already the 10th. I don't watch network TV and have never seen "CSI", even though it stars the man from the best made-for-TV-squid-movie ever, but I am begging friends to tape it for me tonight.
Have fun tonight after all the phone calls and emails start pouring in!
Posted by: Stacia | March 10, 2005 05:00 PM
All this does is confirm what I've already known and seen in you, and that is that you are LOADED with creative talent, not the least of which is your ability to act.
[Suck up mode on]
You gave a powerful and convincing performance in Stand By Me and something like that isn't a lucky coincidence, or a once in a lifetime performance. Only someone with real talent, ability, and discipline could muster something like that and those qualities do not diminish. You have always had that kind of talent and you will always have that kind of talent.
[Suck up mode off]
Posted by: Gizmo | March 10, 2005 05:04 PM
Congratulations, Wil.
I suspect that the phrase "he really filled out what could have been a caricature" could be applied liberally across the board, be it taking on computers, writing, or fatherhood.
You've done a lot to dispel the myth that celebrity equals whatever generalization we all seem to conjure. Humanizing a character is one thing, but doing so on a wider scale is all the more impressive.
Posted by: dennis | March 10, 2005 05:15 PM
Wil,
The NEW - YORK - FREAKIN - TIMES??? You have got to be kidding! No matter what else happens in your life, I bet this is something you will never ever forget. Wow. That is way cool!!
Neat!
I can't hardly wait for CSI tonight! (and I can't hardly wait to read what you write about the whole expierence!)
Tim in Nor Cal
Posted by: TimCalif | March 10, 2005 05:18 PM
Well, the mainstream media SHOULD pay attention to you, Wil!!! Imagine the kind of press you'll get after the show airs!
I'm dying... just dying of anticipation until it comes on... 36 minutes and counting!!!
Posted by: Sweetbug74 | March 10, 2005 05:24 PM
Hey Wil, So excited about CSI. I have been bugging my husband to death about it. I think he is sick of hearing it but I can't help it. Also, was glad to hear you like Wilco.. greatly underestimated band.
Posted by: kate_13 | March 10, 2005 05:29 PM
Long time reader, first time poster. Congrats Wil!
Posted by: Genetic Mishap | March 10, 2005 05:36 PM
Don't forget that he refers to you as Mr. Wheaton.
That's just icing on the cake, baby.
Posted by: Immutably Me | March 10, 2005 05:37 PM
You're probably going to get a whole pile of new posters due to your appearance tonight, enjoy the attention. :-)
Ten minutes 'til CSI airs here on the east coast, I can't wait.
Posted by: Oy Vader | March 10, 2005 05:55 PM
Hi, Wil-
CSI is coming on in a few minutes, and I am looking forward to seeing you on it. The NYT article was excellent, and has gotten positive airplay on places like BoingBoing.
OT: I'm getting into Linux. It's your fault.
Posted by: Sunfell | March 10, 2005 05:55 PM
Did anyone else see the "Tiny Toon Adventures" version of Triangle Man? Plucky as Triangle Man, now that's funny. I'm recording "The Adventures of Walter the Crack Fiend" tonight. Stupid work getting in the way of my fan-boydom.
I can't wait to watch it when I get home.
Posted by: Squirrelgnome | March 10, 2005 06:05 PM
It's on!!! It's on!!!
Posted by: sonjaag | March 10, 2005 06:11 PM
I signed up for a TypeKey account just so I could mention that I've shown my face at the Wil Wheaton CSI premiere... and I'm hella excited! Wheaton's on CSI! Wheaton's on CSI! Wheaton's on CSI! HOO HOO HOO HOO HOO HOO HOO.
I want to be in the posse.
Posted by: Nebajoth | March 10, 2005 06:16 PM
Commercial break.
I'm guessing that the hotel clerk interviewed at the beginning was the part you originally auditioned for. He was pretty creepy. Perhaps he is the killer.
Posted by: Alan | March 10, 2005 06:17 PM
I'm watching CSI as I type this.. When your name came accross the screen I actually *squeed*, which was embarassing as my family walked past right at that moment.
I'm also impressed at the amount of blogging you have done in the two days I have been offline. That'll teach me to get sick!
Amazing about the NYTimes piece... I am totally linking that to my LJ tonight!
Have a great night watching your Eppy, and GOOD LUCK!!!!
Is it weird to know that you are being TiVo-ed and Recorded and such as we speak???
Jeannette
Posted by: Jeannette311 | March 10, 2005 06:18 PM
I'm one of the MANY who made a blog post about your appearance on CSI tonight. I can't wait to see it!
And that was a great NY Times article.
Posted by: joy | March 10, 2005 06:35 PM
...aaand there he is!
This is my sweater!
Posted by: Aaron M | March 10, 2005 06:39 PM
I know you guys are a few hours behind on the west coast...I just wanted to say...
WIL YOU WERE AWESOME!!!! I was jumping up and down in my office going "WOOO HOOOO...Wil is BACK BABY!!!"
Posted by: HollyS | March 10, 2005 06:41 PM
Damn, Wil! That is one freaky dude you are playing!
Posted by: Randy Rathbun | March 10, 2005 06:42 PM
Wil!!! You look...well, I am not sure great is the right word... :)
Freaky, yes. Crack addict, yes. Scary, oh hell yes.
Good job. Can't wait to see how it turns out!!
Posted by: rani23 | March 10, 2005 06:46 PM
this is awesome! as an afficianado of cop dramas, you are best freaked out, twitching, dreadlocked murderous hobo ever! baldwin is nothing next to you.
Posted by: power | March 10, 2005 06:47 PM
WIL! we're watching you now in NYC!
way to make a bad week much much better...
Posted by: yaldani | March 10, 2005 06:51 PM
This site is really fantastic. I just found it today.
Awesome job on CSI. Your character kind of looked like Neil from "The Young Ones" (if you're into British comedies from the 1980s).
I think you and your site is great and I wish you and yours the absolute best.
Posted by: Dork Angel | March 10, 2005 06:51 PM
Awesome JOB!
Posted by: drdrew | March 10, 2005 06:52 PM
watching csi as i type. Great episode, and excellent acting. I just want to know one thing before this episode is over. Did you kill that little boy?
Posted by: Terry | March 10, 2005 06:54 PM
Wow... that was great! Wish we had been able to see more of Wil, but damn - it was great seeing him on the screen even for just a few minutes.
Dork Angel: I was kind of thinking some of the same - with a bit of Father Jack Hackett thrown in. Kept waiting for Walter to say, "Drink! Arse! Feck! Girls!"
Posted by: Randy Rathbun | March 10, 2005 07:02 PM
Just watched your performance on CSI. Great work! It must have been fun to beat up the camera with a pipe for the requisite "crime scene theory" sfx shot.
Posted by: J0hnnyB | March 10, 2005 07:04 PM
Dude! I just saw it, and was thinking, "I know that voice... Who is that - WHA? That's WIL! Holy crap, that psycho crackhead hobo is WIL WHEATON! And he was doing so well..." :) But man, that was a good performance. Were it not for that definitive timbre of your voice I'd have been very hard-pressed to recognize you. Good job!
Posted by: Grey Hodge | March 10, 2005 07:04 PM
Holy crap Wil!! I don't watch CSI, but damn. That was just awesome. Oh, I left some crack under that bench in the park for ya. Yeah, that is how convinced I was.
Posted by: Widget | March 10, 2005 07:04 PM
First post AFTER THE EPISODE!!!
GREAT JOB!!!!!!
Loved it!!!!
Posted by: fremenusul | March 10, 2005 07:04 PM
You make one unbelievably convincing crazy guy....That was so far on the opposite spectrum of the roles I've seen you in before. It makes me wish I lived closer to the west coast so I could see you perform in person!
Posted by: Kandy | March 10, 2005 07:05 PM
Wow, what a weirdo u played! Great job! Just got one question - Wil, are you on crack??
:-)
Posted by: lucy | March 10, 2005 07:05 PM
Well, I just saw the episode.
Bra-vo! Even though I knew it was you, I still had no trouble believing it was Walter.
Excellent job!
Sauja
Posted by: Sauja | March 10, 2005 07:05 PM
Hi! Just watched my first ever CSI and ... Wow. Great show, great Ep and GREAT ACTING WIL! I didn't think your character did it, but like the one tech, I couldn't wrap my mind around a kid killing his little brother.
Posted by: Marsha M | March 10, 2005 07:06 PM
The fangirl part of me read this and screamed, "Look! Look at the awesomeness that is Wil Wheaton! Behold the special speciality of his specialness! Must print article, must find frame..."
The snarky part of me? Wondered if one should really be all that excited about having one's entire essence encapsulated in only 1000 words.
I shut the bitch up with chocolate.
Wil, you win at life.
Posted by: MtDewAddict | March 10, 2005 07:06 PM
Yay, dude! Excellent performance, Wil. I was wishing for a bit more screen time, but it was great to see you up there. Congratu-fucking-lations!
Posted by: J. Erik Lundberg | March 10, 2005 07:06 PM
Wil had a pretty good performance tonight on CSI... I was kind of hoping for more scenes then what was shown... I didn't think really get to see the character develop more than a few angry shouts - but that's what happens when you introduce a character with only 25 minutes left on the clock :o)...
Wil, was there anything that was cut that wasn't shown tonight? I'm curious if there would have been more interaction that was reduced due to the time constraints...
Posted by: Big Jim | March 10, 2005 07:07 PM
Wil, just saw CSI, you are amazing. You rock my world. .....yeah.
Posted by: brian | March 10, 2005 07:07 PM
Just watched the episode, and this is my first reply to your blog. Just wanted to say that it was a great performance... My fiance kept saying, "He's so cute." I think she was refering to Wil's ACTUAL appearance, but who knows, maybe she digs on that scuzzy homeless guy look...? I can't wait to hear about all the 'behind the scenes' info and 'deleted' scenes...
Posted by: Methusalen | March 10, 2005 07:08 PM
Wil... You were awesome on CSI tonight!! I'm so proud! :) Very good work indeed!!
Posted by: Michelly | March 10, 2005 07:08 PM
Nice job Wil. I almost didn't recognize you at first...loved it. :-)
Posted by: penelope_b | March 10, 2005 07:09 PM
Just finished watching. Nice job, Wil! And what a great article in the Times.
Posted by: G Zombie | March 10, 2005 07:09 PM
<csi> <goat/>
</csi>
Posted by: ez_bake | March 10, 2005 07:10 PM
Just watched CSI. ...dude... WOW!
Posted by: Jason | March 10, 2005 07:11 PM
Nice job! And congrats on the NYT article. Well done. And, yes, you did look a little like Father Jack.
Can't wait to hear more about what you thought of the filming process.
Posted by: uberlibra | March 10, 2005 07:11 PM
Well, Wil, I just finished watching your CSI episode and although I was disappointed that your role wasn't bigger I was impressed with your portrayal of 'Walter'. And OMG, I didn't know your voice was that deep; of course the last time I saw you on TV was ST:TNG so I guess I'm not the most reliable judge. I have both your books and enjoy your writing; you're the reason I started my blog. I look forward to seeing more of you on the screen, big or little.
Posted by: warcrygirl | March 10, 2005 07:11 PM
Freak'n fantastic.
Walter scared the heck out of me.
Loved the Walter voice. Very intense.
Thanks Uncle Willie for doing such a
great job. Best part of the show.
Posted by: ColleenS | March 10, 2005 07:11 PM
Just caught you on CSI tonight, Wil - awesome! It was great to see you on the tube again.
Posted by: Parity13 | March 10, 2005 07:12 PM
Wil - terrific to see you on TV again. But I get the sense that you shot a lot more than made it into the final edit (reminded of the stunt you said you did, something to do with your hair...?) Can't wait to hear your rundown.
Posted by: TryWhistlingThis | March 10, 2005 07:15 PM
I've never watched a whole episode of CSI (okay I've never watched it), but I am so glad I did. I just wanted to stop back and say how awesome you were when I saw your performance.
You.. dude. There are no words.
Congrats, Wil. You must ne sooo proud.
*Proud, too*
Posted by: Jeannette311 | March 10, 2005 07:15 PM
NICE JOB WIL!!! I'm so proud! No one could have made that homeless guy any better then you!! Not only were you in my favorite Star Trek, you are in my favorite Crime Scene show!! Wow, that is great! You were wonderful!!!
Posted by: Michelly | March 10, 2005 07:17 PM
Okay, that totally rocked. I mean, we aren't talking Oscar level, it was just too short. It WAS really, really creepy.
I mean, you totally nailed "frakked-up crackhead". If I hadn't known it was you, I totally would have missed it, until the part where the detective asked when you found the shirt. That was really good work. Good enough that I can't honsetly say that i would have recognized you if I hadn't KNOW it was you from the beginning.
I'm no actor, so i don't know what it's like on the inside. I don't know if you had much of clue how short the apearance would be. Judging by the pacing of the ep, I can only guess that the script gave something of an idea.
That makes all of the work you hinted at putting into Walter seem that much better.
It never, IMO, broke the fourth wall. The whole time Walter was on screen (Excellent psycho attack for the garage height simulation scene, btw), I knew it was Wil Wheaton, but I didn't see anyone but Walter.
Here's hoping they let you have some more edgy roles.
Oh, and the Hotel Clerk role...it soooo rocks that you didn't get that one. Walter was MUCH better.
Posted by: Maverick | March 10, 2005 07:17 PM
You were scary! Nice job! I hope this opens up some more acting doors for you even though you are this big successful writer now and everything!
I can't wait to read more about your experiences on the set.
Posted by: Luci | March 10, 2005 07:18 PM
Good job, Wil. Very... edgy
/currently reading JAG
Posted by: Shky | March 10, 2005 07:18 PM
Tonight was the first time CSI didn't suck for a while, you can justifiably feel proud ^^
Posted by: Alina | March 10, 2005 07:19 PM
Initially, when I saw all the responses I figured I wouldn't bother adding my own but everyone in this household was so alive just seeing your name pop up I thought, "Wil needs all the encouragement he can get," so even if this comment is drowned out amongst the throngs of adoring fans, I'm going to offer my bit.
We loved your performance, Wil. There wasn't enough of you. The voice, the mannerisms, shifty eyes... amazing.
My wife's comments were, "your 'homeless' person gave me the creeps! I guess that's a... compliment?"
A M A Z I N G ! Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Immutably Me | March 10, 2005 07:20 PM
Great acting job! I'm not sure I'd've recognized you if I hadn't been looking for you. A much better role than the hotel clerk, for sure.
And that article was awesome!
Posted by: cerebus19 | March 10, 2005 07:20 PM
Awesome work! Maybe the casting people can finally see you as someone other than Wesley now.
Posted by: mike3k | March 10, 2005 07:21 PM
Very awesome performance Wil. Tuned in for the first time just to see ya. Crime drama's are cool. Until they did the reenactment I wasn't sure who did it.
To bad you didn't get that much screen time. I kept looking at the clock wondering when you would show up.
Posted by: spi | March 10, 2005 07:22 PM
yeah, I did the same as spi just above me. 8:17, no Wheaton. 8:33, no Wheaton. Finally, we get Wheaton-age, and it was good, and hey, where'd he go? Ok, he's back in semi-transparent form, and then poof, fresh out of Wheaton.
Wil, you just know your adoring fans are going "Yeah, the episode was good, but we had a fever, baby, and the only prescription is more cowbell, er...Wheaton!"
Posted by: Chris the Tiki Guy | March 10, 2005 07:25 PM
My... name... is Walter. Awesome! I really liked the blue phase-shift Walter near the end. And you played it up so cool. No... not just cool. Edgy. F'ing edgy.
Posted by: Super Genius | March 10, 2005 07:25 PM
w00t!
Dude, you totally rocked as Walter! The rest of the episode was kinda flat (especially that Baldwin guy, is he famous or something?), but it was worth the wait to finally catch you on a quality show again!
Posted by: Eric in PA | March 10, 2005 07:29 PM
YOU WERE GREAT!!
My mum practically watched you grow up on TV and didn't even RECOGNISE you! You *were* Walter... and you were incredibly believable.
I'm so glad it wasn't Walter who murdered the boy... I wouldn't have been able to shake your scary face from my head if that had been the case LOL.
Posted by: jude | March 10, 2005 07:34 PM
Wil, you were soooo awesome. I made everyone at work watch the show just for you and they all agree that you did a wonderful job. We all enjoyed it very much! I tuned in to the show for the first time and I'm afraid I'm gonna get hooked.
I totally agree with Maverick's comment about knowing it was Wil Wheaton but seeing only Walter. You really got an excellent grasp on this character and portrayed him to the fullest. You rock \m/
Posted by: Darcy | March 10, 2005 07:36 PM
I felt sorry for you, "Walter"...had to suffer the cold, as well as crack addiction. Glad you found that sweater... = )
Great job, Wil! Look forward to more guest appearances on other quality shows!!
Take care,
Posted by: Mark | March 10, 2005 07:39 PM
And, to add, I was quite surprised to tune in expecting you to have pitched your voice more like Wesley's only to hear Mr. Stitch...which also rawked. You're just full of surprises, Wil. \m/
Posted by: Chris the Tiki Guy | March 10, 2005 07:42 PM
Wil,
It's been great, reading about all your success as a writer and a performer. Seeing you on "CSI" tonight was great. It was nice to see that "the other guy" didn't get that part.
It's too bad "Walter" can't become a regular on the show. I liked the performance. It must have been fun to shoot.
Posted by: Patrick Cleary | March 10, 2005 07:42 PM
Great article! YAY!
I missed CSI tonight but will watch it on the weekend. I'm avoiding reading spoilers until then.
Posted by: AT | March 10, 2005 07:46 PM
Holy Crap!!! Dude, I've seen just about every single acting performance you've ever put to celluloid, and I have NEVER seen anything so intense or focused!!!
I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you start getting some more acting opportunities from this!!!
Posted by: Gizmo | March 10, 2005 07:46 PM
Yay, Wil.
I wish there had been more, but you could tell that you put a lot into it. That made the character pop in the short time he was there. I honestly would not have recognized Walter as you had I not known ahead of time.
Kudos, and here's hoping for more (although I enjoy your writing better - it's more...you)
Posted by: TrshTwns01 | March 10, 2005 07:47 PM
Hey Wil... Looonngg time reader, first time poster. I just want to let you know how excited I am for you. I just read the article from the New York Times Website. I thought it was fantastic! I live in Lexington, KY and CSI is not on at its normal time tonight because of the SEC Baskteball tournament. I have set the ol' VCR to record CSI at 12:30 am and I can't wait to see it. I would stay up and watch it, but I gotta go to work in the morning. As much as I love reading about your (relatively) new life as a writer, I hope this role leads to bigger and better things in the acting world! You deserve all the great things that I think (and hope) will be coming your way. That's my positive Mojo for the day - aimed directly at you my friend. Best of luck! Cheers from the Bluegrass State. Hope you enjoy a nice, frothy Guiness while you're watching CSI! :)
Posted by: Plate_C | March 10, 2005 07:49 PM
i saw you on CSI tonight. you were great. i was hoping to see more of Walter though. you still kick ass even if you are a former child actor :)
Posted by: Dianne | March 10, 2005 07:49 PM
Hi Wil,
You were great tonight on CSI. I told all my friends to watch it - It's great to show everyone that you still rock at acting, and I hope this opens the door to more spots in your future!
btw, you played your character much better than Stephen Baldwin. Thanks so much for making us fans proud!
Posted by: aleixa | March 10, 2005 07:52 PM
Yay, Wil. (I guess lots of people are posting because the site is CRAWLING) :)
I wish there had been more. You did great, and you could tell that you put a lot into the role. It made it pop that much more for the time you were there. I would not have known it was you had I not been told beforehand. You certainly shed the sparkling WC persona.
Here's hoping to see more (although I favor your writing)
Posted by: TrshTwns01 | March 10, 2005 07:55 PM
Hey, congratulations on making the Times and prime-time this evening. Great job. Also, thanks again for signing my old-school Newton 120!
Posted by: bugboy | March 10, 2005 07:56 PM
Wow, I'm going to say it, "Geeks only say 'Da Bomb'" and Will you were Da Bomb!
WARNING SHAMELESS PLUG HERE:
I wrote a bit about it on my blog. Check it out. Just click the name. LOL
Posted by: Snowball | March 10, 2005 07:56 PM
Mr. W,
Nice work on CSI tonight. I like the long 'do, you should consider keeping it. Did they let you keep the sweater at least???
Posted by: Lenny's Mum | March 10, 2005 08:00 PM
It's gonna be fun dusting off Monolith Press this year, eh?
Nice jorb.
Posted by: Russ | March 10, 2005 08:03 PM
Well, after much registering, I am finally able to say how much I enjoyed your performance tonight on CSI. LOL It was really well done.
Posted by: kimber_mcleod | March 10, 2005 08:09 PM
wil...excellent job on CSI tonight. I just wish there had been more of you. Nick mentioned 'the homeless guy' and my roommate and I started yelling 'Wil Wheaton Wil Wheaton!'...OK, maybe it was 'Wesl-er-Wil Wheaton Wil Wheaton!', but hey, we're two nerdy Trek girls. Anyway, you were awesome, I loved all the little things you did with the character. I hope this is the start of a slew of interesting roles, you certainly deserve them!
Posted by: Aethera21 | March 10, 2005 08:11 PM
Hey Will -- I had never watched CSI before tonight, I am not a real big TV guy. The format of the show confused me a little, I was waiting for the two storylines to cross. Anyways, I'll echo the "good jorb" of above... very intense, very visceral. I wanted to see more, maybe an apology or the release or something. Anyways, entertaining.
BTW, why didn't Carl Johnson roll through Las Venturas and kick those cops' *ss while they were harrassing your character?
Posted by: AO | March 10, 2005 08:12 PM
Oh you were so awesome on CSI! Fabolous job!
I must say if you hadn't said you were gonna be on the show I wouldn't have recongized you.
Anyway that was very exciting see you on the show :)
Posted by: JenniferB | March 10, 2005 08:12 PM
The ep will only show here in Mexico in a few weeks but just to say: I'll make sure I'll catch it.
Congrats on the NYT article. I am emitting a proud, geeky glow to actually have known most of what they write. :-)
Posted by: mangosorbet007 | March 10, 2005 08:17 PM
I know that what I've got to say is just echoes of echoes of what's already been said, but... All I can say Wil is good job! I thought you did a great job with Walter. I didn't tell my wife you were on and when she saw you she said, "Hey, it's, it's... oh crap, what's his name!" She knows who you are as we both eagerly await your column in Dungeon magazine but she couldn't come up with it. I think it was the fact that she had to put up with seeing Stephen Baldwin earlier in the program. That will screw with anyone's mind. ;)
Posted by: zzzirk | March 10, 2005 08:18 PM
Hey, the aforementioned dialogue about how geeks should be revered and stuff -- they wrote that in 'cuz they knew you were gonna be on the show, didn't they? :-)
I thought that was the perfect setup for Walter's big scene. You were one cracked-out hobo, I tell you what. Way to freak all the kiddies out. You, sir, are da bomb.
Posted by: dgcopter | March 10, 2005 08:25 PM
Hi Wil! I've been reading your site for awhile but this is my first time commenting. ("Hello strong bad I'm a long time watcher first time writer.""oh a l.t.w.f.t.w.") You were incredible on CSI tonight! I wanted to watch your scenes over and over, which I probably will and show that episode to everyone I've ever met. You were totally Walter and I loved it!
Posted by: Antoinette | March 10, 2005 08:25 PM
thanks to you...walter was a seriously bent character...you even twitched!...great performance!
Posted by: d. burr | March 10, 2005 08:26 PM
aw, wil. you were great tonight! i only wish they had actually shown you more. much better part than the hotel clerk though. very believable, very rough. and yes, i did notice the dirt under the fingernails (but i think that's just because you had mentioned it). i can't wait to see you in more stuff.
Posted by: Lewis | March 10, 2005 08:35 PM
Yet another compliment - nice job tonight. Watched just for you and kept hoping you were the killer just so you'd have more screen time.
Posted by: mygreenheaven | March 10, 2005 08:52 PM
Psh, and they say you aren't 'edgy' enough.
You're an inspiration, Wil. Thanks.
Posted by: Scars of a Muse | March 10, 2005 08:56 PM
Hey! We now have new Wil Trivia!
What CSI Actor is as tall as Wil Wheaton?
I suppose the answer could be called a spoiler, so I won't give it.
Posted by: Maverick | March 10, 2005 09:00 PM
You did such a great job, Wil! Wow, Walter was really intense... yikes. That took some hard work! Excellent, excellent performance. *applause* :oD
Posted by: LolaGabanna | March 10, 2005 09:12 PM
Wil,
Way to go on CSI!! You were GREAT! You brought Walter to life better than anyone else could have done. It is about time they get a great actor out there. Big time congrats on the article about you in the NYT. They hit it right on the nail. That stupid Hooters waitress ought to have her words shoved up her butt. Your acting is a millon times better than these so called "Good" Actors these days. If I were an actor, you are the one I would look up too. Even though I do not know You I still look up to you as a friend. I know, it's a one sided friendship, because you do not know me. Maybe some day I hope!! Thank you for a awesome website! Again, Fantastic job tonight! The best always to you and your family!
Posted by: JCade | March 10, 2005 09:12 PM
Only one problem with tonight, Wil. You didn't get enough screen time! ;) Great job.
Posted by: Bev Walton-Porter | March 10, 2005 09:15 PM
Good job. The last thing I saw you in was Deep Core, and let's just say you did a much better job in CSI.
Posted by: greree | March 10, 2005 09:26 PM
Fantastic job tonight, Wil! They didn't use Walter nearly enough, though. I have to say, Walter is truly a scary sob...but there was a pitiful side of him too. Like you could feel his desperation and confusion. He's living his life the way he sees it, but what he sees doesn't have much bearing on reality. Totally believable portrayal. Kudos!
Posted by: Rodan | March 10, 2005 09:41 PM
Favorite CSI Lines:
"Finders Keepers"
"When did you find the sweater?"
"Yesterday...A few days ago...I don't know"
Posted by: jeffmeucci | March 10, 2005 09:45 PM
i'm watching it right now!!!!!!!!! this is so cool!!!!!!!!!! you're crazy wil!!!!!!! did you do it??? i cant wait!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jessie | March 10, 2005 09:48 PM
Wow. I've heard of people losing everything in Las Vegas, but it really didn't take you long to hit the skids when you got there, did it!
Posted by: Leo | March 10, 2005 09:49 PM
Another one:
"So you must have had your vasectomy reversed..."
Posted by: jeffmeucci | March 10, 2005 09:50 PM
Wil, you were so damn scary, I totaly forgot it was you on the screen...man, Walter gave me goose bumps.
Congrats,
Al from Rhode Island
Posted by: RhodieAl | March 10, 2005 09:54 PM
Wil, you don't know me at all, obviously, but I've been visiting here long enoug