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Ok, time to start the stories!
My favorite actor in the whole world is Doug Jones. You have probably seen him in many things, but you may not know it, because he does a lot of creature work and is usually in heavy latex/prosthetics. He was The Faun and The Pale Man in Pan's Labyrinth (possibly my favorite movie, and certainly in my top 5), Abe Sapien and assorted creatures in the Hellboy movies, the body actor for the Silver Surfer (yes, that movie really sucked, but he did a good job), and the lead Gentleman in the Buffy episode "Hush."
I found an interesting interview with him, and posted it on my Facebook wall. My priest saw it, and commented, "Oh, you're familiar with his work? He did a short film I really like, and I got him to come speak at the church later this year." Cue Joi squeeing like a fangirl and running around the house.
In May, the day arrived, and I was NERVOUS. I'm shy as it is, so the prospect of actually meeting an actor I liked so much had me terrified. I figured I'd listen to his talk, and then get up my courage to ask him to sign my copy of Pan's Labyrinth afterward.
When I got to the church, I saw that he had just walked in from the back entrance, and I proceeded to freak out. I kept my back to the door, and tried to calm down, while my friends teased me. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder, and looked back to see my priest grinning, with Doug Jones standing behind him. "I knew you'd be too nervous to introduce yourself," he said, "so I brought him over to you. Doug, this is Joi. I told you about her, she's a big fan."
Me: *stammering and blushing like crazy*
Doug jones: Awwwww! That's so sweet! *gives me the biggest hug ever*
Me: *stunned into silence*
Then he stood and talked with me and my friends for 30 minutes or so until dinner began, and he was seated at the head table. After a little while, we noticed that no-one had been seated with him, except for the friend he'd brought with him. After a whispered conference, we invited them to sit at our table...and they did! So we had a great time talking during dinner.
After his talk, he signed my copy of Pan's Labyrinth AND took a picture with me. Seriously one of the best moments of my life. He was also probably the nicest person I have ever met, and I am not exaggerating. He has a gift of making anyone he talks to feel important and welcome and happy.
(I also tracked him down at Comic-con to say hi, saw his film "My Name Is Jerry" at the Burbank Film Festival and said hi again AND HE REMEMBERED ME! After that, I won a contest on his Facebook page, and he sent me two signed photos and a very sweet note.)
My favorite actor in the whole world is Doug Jones. You have probably seen him in many things, but you may not know it, because he does a lot of creature work and is usually in heavy latex/prosthetics. He was The Faun and The Pale Man in Pan's Labyrinth (possibly my favorite movie, and certainly in my top 5), Abe Sapien and assorted creatures in the Hellboy movies, the body actor for the Silver Surfer (yes, that movie really sucked, but he did a good job), and the lead Gentleman in the Buffy episode "Hush."
I found an interesting interview with him, and posted it on my Facebook wall. My priest saw it, and commented, "Oh, you're familiar with his work? He did a short film I really like, and I got him to come speak at the church later this year." Cue Joi squeeing like a fangirl and running around the house.
In May, the day arrived, and I was NERVOUS. I'm shy as it is, so the prospect of actually meeting an actor I liked so much had me terrified. I figured I'd listen to his talk, and then get up my courage to ask him to sign my copy of Pan's Labyrinth afterward.
When I got to the church, I saw that he had just walked in from the back entrance, and I proceeded to freak out. I kept my back to the door, and tried to calm down, while my friends teased me. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder, and looked back to see my priest grinning, with Doug Jones standing behind him. "I knew you'd be too nervous to introduce yourself," he said, "so I brought him over to you. Doug, this is Joi. I told you about her, she's a big fan."
Me: *stammering and blushing like crazy*
Doug jones: Awwwww! That's so sweet! *gives me the biggest hug ever*
Me: *stunned into silence*
Then he stood and talked with me and my friends for 30 minutes or so until dinner began, and he was seated at the head table. After a little while, we noticed that no-one had been seated with him, except for the friend he'd brought with him. After a whispered conference, we invited them to sit at our table...and they did! So we had a great time talking during dinner.
After his talk, he signed my copy of Pan's Labyrinth AND took a picture with me. Seriously one of the best moments of my life. He was also probably the nicest person I have ever met, and I am not exaggerating. He has a gift of making anyone he talks to feel important and welcome and happy.
(I also tracked him down at Comic-con to say hi, saw his film "My Name Is Jerry" at the Burbank Film Festival and said hi again AND HE REMEMBERED ME! After that, I won a contest on his Facebook page, and he sent me two signed photos and a very sweet note.)
That is so cool, getting to meet a performer you really like! And great picture; I'm sure it's framed and hanging in a spot of honor. 
I can be rather Machiavellian when need be, and he posts appearances on his Facebook page all the time. which, I guess, makes me a Facebook stalker, but not the creepy kind! 
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