March 7, 1999. 6:03 pm.
Just got back from standing outside the SAG Awards in the freezing cold where I was rewarded with another visitation by Nick himself (so, if you're not taping the awards, catch the re-run, because he's definitely there!) Here's the nutshell version of the story: with regards to "Harsh Realm," he said he'll find out tomorrow.
Now for the longer version:
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Leigh, for suggesting on your site that Nick might be there; I've been so swamped with work that it otherwise would never have occurred to me that he might be there and maybe I should try to ask him about "Harsh Realm."
I was standing in the third row of the grandstand, but since everyone knew I was there for Nick Lea alone, I was graciously allowed to rush up to front row during the time he was walking down the carpet (and let me tell you - it's really a bit sad when you've watched the show for only a year and you manage to be the one to spot Nicholas Lea before everyone else). Very polite crowd - I've sat outside the SAG Awards before (in 1997) and I highly recommend it. You really do see everyone and you don't have to camp out like people do for the Oscars - I got there at 3pm when arrivals started to show.
Nick was pretty much racing to get in before the doors closed, but I did manage to get some pictures of Him, Chris Owens, Mitch Pileggi, James Pickens, Jr., a very giddy William B. Davis... oh, and Wendy Malick since she was an X-Filer. Later I got a couple of David and Gillian. I'm taking the pictures in tomorrow - PRAY at least one of the many I took of Nick turned out 'cause I will definitely post them on the site!
Here's a run down of non XF people I saw: John Forsythe, most the cast of "Ally McBeal," "The Practice," "Friends." "Third Rock from the Sun," "Law and Order," "Seinfeld," Emily Watson, Roberto Benigni (*sigh*), Geoffrey Rush, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, Kirk Douglass, Laura San Giacomo, David E. Kelley (didn't see Chris Carter, though - kinda bummed about that - I think the DGA Awards were that night), Brenda Blethyn, the actress from "Central Station" whose name I'm blanking on, James Garner, David Hyde Pierce, Noah Wyle, Anthony Edwards, Meryl Streep, Lauren Bacall, Jeremy Davies and Adam Goldberg from "Saving Private Ryan," Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie (yes, Beth, I took a picture, leave me alone now). There are probably others I'll remember later - not too shabby all around.
It ended up being a good thing I was standing next to autograph hounds because that was the only way we could get Nick and Chris over to talk to us. But, as I said, they were racing to get in, so I only had time to take pictures and ask him very quickly about "Harsh Realm." The conversation went something like this:
"Nick, have you heard about 'Harsh Realm'?"
"What?!"
Realizing it's not easy to yell "Harsh Realm" coherently above the din without sounding like Elmer Fudd, I just went for it:
"Have you heahd about 'HAHSH WEALM'??!!"
Fortunately, Nick speaks Fudd: "Tomorrow." He nodded. "Tomorrow."
From the lips of Himself himself. Jeez, I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight.
I didn't get a chance to tell him about all our letters and support - only had enough time to hold his gaze (which seemed somber and hopeful, so I really don't think he knows yet), cross my fingers and give him one of those determined we're-all-pulling-for-you looks that probably came across more like I had indigestion... but I think he got the message. ;-> Then he was gone. He said hello to Mitch, hugged Arlene Pileggi, and was whisked inside the Shrine.
A few random observances:
So, that's it. My birthday was March 4, and I couldn't have asked for a nicer present than seeing Nick Lea.
