I also posted this elsewhere, but it's work-related, so I figured I'd contribute:
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On my walk into the office, who should I run into completely out of the blue? Michael Richards, in black, with Fedora and tripod-ed Nikon D-SLR, standing, STARING at a street performer dressed as Boba Fett, playing the accordion. True story.
We chatted for five minutes. About my job (and how he thinks its cool), about his job (not working on anything - "they're scared of me...they're scared of their own shadow!"). We also discussed living in NY (too expensive) and if he goes to comedy clubs anymore. He was cool, totally engaged and interested in Locations work (not in working in it, but in the way it works).
My favorite part was when I asked if he'd work on old buddy Jerry Seinfeld's new show "The Marriage Ref" and the generally aloof and spacey Mr. Richards snapped into complete lucidity, scoffed and said "I'd never do that."
It took me a minute to realize I wasn't being punk'd or something (because he wasn't moving, he was just chilling, totally immersed in the Bounty Hunter's act) - when I did come to my senses, I suggested a photo and was overwhelmed by the amount of technology I had on me and took an awkward MySpace-style jam with the DSLR (first draft came out chinny and he judged me). I should have used Flip, but I didn't think of it in time.
Yes, I gave him my info and invited him to a show. He'll be sitting with Robert Smigel in the "Hell's Frozen Over" Section, with all celebs I've invited.
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Now, since then, I've run into him again. Next day. Same spot. Yes, Boba Fett was there too. It was surreal. Mr. Richards was staring at a real-estate poster and I commented on how there were some really nice apartments around there that we'd shot in. I mentioned the penthouse we recently shot in - with the all-white everything and the windows. He replied with something like "Of course the penthouses are nice." I wanted to fire back something about how he could afford it because he's probably crazy rich, but then I froze, because I was being presumptuous (Madoff?) and I didn't want to hurt his feelings (because the next time we meet would be the third date - and, well, I want it to go well).
He said he liked my Superman T-shirt, and I said I liked dressing for the job I want (super-hero). We chatted about looking the part is important and how people call him "sir" when he's in a suit. We went our seperate ways...he disappeared fast.
I'm still not sure I'm not the secret guest of a new hidden camera show: "So You Think You're Not Dreaming".
Yesterday we were in Far Rockaway and he wasn't there. I hope I see him one more time...I think he's the kinda guy you bring home to the folks, you know?
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