#7

In 1996, I was sent a script for film with an adorable supporting role I immediately fell in love with. Auditioning for the young and talented director, only made me want it more. I got very excited when the feedback was good and I was in contention for the role. Unfortunately, days later, I found out the studio wouldn’t approve me even though the director did. This is Hollywood my friends and not the first or last time I would hear this decision. To my surprise the casting office then called back saying the director requested me for a special table reading of the script. Um, sure!

On an early Saturday morning I showed up at an LA hotel conference room. There was a full buffet off to the side and a long table with chairs in the center. Casting told me to find the seat with my name. Nerves and excitement took care of any adrenaline I needed. No caffeine was required on this morning. So I sat at my seat trying to look cool like this was something I did every day. But as I read down the day’s cast list I found at my seat, looking cool got harder and harder.

The actors strolled in one by one. Some were successful and on TV shows. Some I recognized from auditions. Producers sat down to observe. The director sat across from me right next to the seat for the actress playing the lead role of the movie. She wasn’t here yet, but the actor who my character was romantically involved with arrived and sat down next to me. He was unshaven and dare I say, un-bathed. He mumbled a hello and all I was forced to pretend to work on my script. Of course I stayed up all night preparing, but it sure didn’t feel like it at this moment. I recognized him. Although he was Australian, he had starred in a couple of American movies. At this point in my career I had already worked with celebrities, but he had confidence that made me feel 5 years old.

We were all still waiting for the big name already cast who would drive this vehicle to a box office hit. Just when I thought I might be forced to actually leave the safety of my chair and walk over for a muffin, all conversation stopped. She finally arrived, hiding behind a hat and glasses and apologizing for being late but ONLY making eye contact with the director. We could finally start. All the actors introduced themselves and scripts were opened.

Table readings are nerve-racking even under the best circumstances. Judgments are being made, opinions being formed. Even though I knew this part wasn’t mine, I secretly wished I could somehow overturn the decision. But the reading wasn’t about me. It was about an actor on the rise, Russell Crowe winning the approval of a star, Julia Roberts. Lots of acting was going on, but little having to do with the script. I just tried to keep up and remember as much as I could. I remember it being fun despite the pressure and I was so proud to be there. But I was also relieved when it was over.

The director and casting people could not have been more gracious. But conversations needed to happen and most of us were done with our job. I verbalized a goodbye to my scene partner and he nodded his. I’m not sure it was as much fun for him. Julia was out the door and we were free to leave.

I think we know the rest. Russell Crowe didn’t get the part and Dermot Mulroney did. Megan Ward didn’t get the part, Cameron Diaz did. My Best Friend’s Wedding made $287 million worldwide and I got a story to tell...