The Favorite Actor

I've been having an internal debate the past few years. Every once in a while I'll be talking to a friend about movies and theatre and am inevitably asked who my favorite actor is. For many years the answer was easy: Jack Nicholson. Jack is the total package. His portrayal as the Joker remains one of my all-time cinematic performances.

But Jack is so awesome, that Jack transcended being just my favorite actor. He became a category unto himself on my hierarchy. Of course this thought didn't come to mind until I started noticing another actor: William H. Macy.

William H. Macy is a character actor, who has been in a lot of movies. He garnered an Academy Award nomination for "Fargo" and should have been nominated for "the Cooler". I first took notice of him in "Pleasantville", "Mr. Holland's Opus" and "Oleanna".

He is a wonderful actor. I adore him.

So it was with great joy when I read that he was taking over for Jeremy Piven in "Speed-the-Plow". I have always been a fan of David Mamet plays and had seen the show with Jeremy Piven. But having Macy in the role of Bobby Gould was even more special because of his long friendship and collaborations with Mamet.

Last week, two of my friends foolishly agreed to see the show with me. We had orchestra seats and the show was great. We made an attempt to meet Macy after the show by the stage door. But between weather, time, and uncomfortable heels, we gave up after a half hour.

However, I had a second chance this afternoon. I was able to get a front row center seat to the matinee performance of "Speed-the-Plow". It was incredible. To see him up close and see his expressions and reactions and seeing firsthand just what a phenomenal actor he is. Even though I had already see the show twice, it was like seeing it again for the first time.

Afterwards I made my second attempt to hang out by the stage door. This time I only had to wait about five minutes. I got my Playbill signed and he was kind enough to pose in a photo with me.






*sigh*

Speed-the-Plow runs through February 22nd and I highly recommend seeing it if you have the chance.

William H. Macy is one of our finest actors. And my favorite.

Quote of the Day:
"Why are nickels bigger than dimes? They just are." -Charlie Fox, "Speed-the-Plow"