Posted by Jeanne Rose on Wednesday, 1 July 1998, at 2:11 p.m., in response to All who have met PW, AP, etc...isn't weird when..., posted by Old Soul on Wednesday, 1 July 1998, at 1:18 p.m.

No matter how hard I try to prepare for it, there is always this instant shock of recognition that only happens when you come face to face with an actor and look at each other. In your brain you know it's one-sided, so you try to ignore it, but it takes a second for reason to kick in and not to expect them to look at you with the same recognition. Especially when it's someone you have watched with lots of emotion involved. It feels like you have shared their deepest hopes and fears and love and pain. But of course you haven't. If you don't even know anything about the actor at all, then the gulf is even wider. If you do, then at least there is some reality to it - you can see the actor and not just the character. I'm sure it is quite unnerving to be on the other side of the table, and have all these totally unfamiliar people looking at you with such recognition (not to mention admiration, etc). Anyway, like I said, limited experience, but it seems to happen every time, at least to me, and knowing it's going to doesn't seem to stop it.

I am involved in sci-fi fandom through various groups and have spent time assisting both B5 and StarTrek actors at conventions. I had the opportunity this weekend to sit at a table with a Babylon 5 star while he was signing autographs and it was very strange. Jeanne Rose is right on the money with her assessment. As people approach the table, you can see so many emotions running through them. In most, you see that sense of recognition, then it's quickly replace by nervousness, amazement, and sometimes, fear. I think the sense of love that comes through from most people is what enables the actors to go through this. I know it drains them, and yes, signing your name 1500 times can wear you out, but dealing with so much raw emotion and trying to give each person that little bit of acknowledgment that makes it all worthwhile is tougher. Some, like Adrian, seem to look into your soul when you thank them, and make that 20 seconds worth the 3 hour wait in line. I think this is more a measure of the person than of their acting ability. Some that I consider great actors don't have it, and can't fake it. And after spending some time with them, you realize that they are not really comfortable with all of this and/or are not at all concerned about other people.

Thyme