I was sitting in the Provo Library last Thursday, waiting for toddler time to start, just sort of looking around, when I saw this guy behind me. My first thought was that he looked so familiar, and my second thought was, "That's Eric Stoltz." Then I thought, "That's crazy; what would Eric Stoltz be doing in the Provo Library at toddler time? And I told myself to stop imagining things; he must just be some good-looking red-headed guy. But I couldn't let it go, and I had to look again. Oh, it had to be him! I said, "I'm sorry--are you Eric Stoltz?"
He said, "Yes."
I recovered from my shock quickly, and managed to blurt out like an idiot, "Oh! I love your movies!"
I can't remember if he said anything here--maybe thanks?
Then I said, "What are you doing in Provo? Do you live here?" That was kind of a stretch, but honestly, why else would he be here? I should point out here that he was not alone at toddler time, but was with his pretty wife and super adorable daughter.
He said, "We're actually filming a movie--here and in Salt Lake."
"So what do you think of Provo?" I asked, my tone kind of implying that he couldn't possibly think much of it.
But he surprised me by saying that they liked it, and it was so family oriented, much more so than Manhattan and he gave an example of story time there, and how few kids come out. By then, toddler time was about to start, and so I told them I hoped they enjoyed Provo. As I sat there I thought first, that wow, I couldn't believe that had just happened, and second, that I had to get his autograph--I just HAD to! Of course, I didn't have pen and paper, so I went to the circ desk in the children's section, and asked for something to write with and paper. Back at toddler time, I had this wild idea that I would invite them to dinner, and then I fantasized about how we'd become friends, and stay in touch....
When toddler time was over, I turned to him, and said, "I'm kind of a geek, but could I have your autograph?"
He said yes, and then asked what my name was, and I told him, and spelled it. He said it was a pretty name and I said thanks, and asked them if they'd heard of Marlene Dietrich. They said yes, and I told them I was named after her.
I asked them how long they'd be in town and he said until the end of the month. Then I dropped my bomb and asked them to dinner. He laughed outright, and they were both nice about it, but quick to say they couldn't because he was always filming until late at night. I got up to leave, and we said goodbye and I said something again about how I hoped they enjoyed Provo (because Provo is so enjoyable) and that was it. So okay, maybe not the best moment of my life so far, but it ranks high. Thanks to Phil, and especially Erin and Shauna for squealing appropriately (not so much squealing from Phil) and saying things like "Wow!" and "Oh my gosh!" when I told them the story.
I can't remember if he said anything here--maybe thanks?
Then I said, "What are you doing in Provo? Do you live here?" That was kind of a stretch, but honestly, why else would he be here? I should point out here that he was not alone at toddler time, but was with his pretty wife and super adorable daughter.
He said, "We're actually filming a movie--here and in Salt Lake."
"So what do you think of Provo?" I asked, my tone kind of implying that he couldn't possibly think much of it.
But he surprised me by saying that they liked it, and it was so family oriented, much more so than Manhattan and he gave an example of story time there, and how few kids come out. By then, toddler time was about to start, and so I told them I hoped they enjoyed Provo. As I sat there I thought first, that wow, I couldn't believe that had just happened, and second, that I had to get his autograph--I just HAD to! Of course, I didn't have pen and paper, so I went to the circ desk in the children's section, and asked for something to write with and paper. Back at toddler time, I had this wild idea that I would invite them to dinner, and then I fantasized about how we'd become friends, and stay in touch....
When toddler time was over, I turned to him, and said, "I'm kind of a geek, but could I have your autograph?"He said yes, and then asked what my name was, and I told him, and spelled it. He said it was a pretty name and I said thanks, and asked them if they'd heard of Marlene Dietrich. They said yes, and I told them I was named after her.
I asked them how long they'd be in town and he said until the end of the month. Then I dropped my bomb and asked them to dinner. He laughed outright, and they were both nice about it, but quick to say they couldn't because he was always filming until late at night. I got up to leave, and we said goodbye and I said something again about how I hoped they enjoyed Provo (because Provo is so enjoyable) and that was it. So okay, maybe not the best moment of my life so far, but it ranks high. Thanks to Phil, and especially Erin and Shauna for squealing appropriately (not so much squealing from Phil) and saying things like "Wow!" and "Oh my gosh!" when I told them the story.
And for everyone who said, "Who?," shame on you.
5 comments:
That sounds great - you are so lucky! I am also a huge fan of his. What was he doing there though? I didn't think he had any kids....
I noticed you're a big Jane Austen fan (so am I, you really should see House of Mirth with Eric and Gillian Anderson. Its a really good period piece.
Marlene- I am so impressed with your ability to maintain your composure and have a normal conversation! I've always thought you were cool, but the fact that you invited a celebrity to dinner makes me think you are amazing...wow! :) That is a great story. PS Thanks for a great afternoon yesterday. It was so much fun to hang out.
Okay, maybe I just get HALF the shame. I recognize his picture, but if you'd said his name, I would have had NO IDEA who you were talking about. :)
And that cracks me up that you invited him to dinner. That is great! I would never have the guts to do that...but why not?
I think Marlene was pretty brave to ask him as well.
I would have been too shy to even say anything to him. Although I personally wouldn't have recognized him.
But if it was a celebrity that I liked then I think for sure I would have been too shy to say much.
I think Mar must have been remembering me when she said "shame on you". She told me about the encounter the next day, and I had no idea who Eric was. Now, weeks later, I still have no idea, even after seeing his picture. (I'm definitely not one who would recognize a celebrity.) I'll have to watch House of Mirth. Is there anything else of his that I need to see?
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