On Monday night, while attending ABC’s premiere party for season 3 of Ugly Betty, I made contact with the No. 1 person on my Celebrities I Want to Meet Before I Die List. Yes, PopWatchers, I got to shake hands with Vanessa (L. Yeah) Williams. Unfortunately, my hand was not the only thing that shook. Other affected limbs included knees, elbows, ankles, jaw, spleen, and, well, let’s just say I resembled a sheltered and skittish Chihuahua who suddenly finds himself on the 10-yard line during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl. I blurted something about her "Did you just gesture at me when you said Kwanzaa?" line on Betty, my deep appreciation of her classic Comfort Zone disc, and my outrage over her lack of a richly deserved Emmy. For her part, L. Yeah was totally gracious and sweet, which is to say she did not call security. (Good thing my colleague Michael Ausiello was there on official business, and snagged an official interview with Williams and a chat with her fellow Emmy nominee America Ferrera — do click and watch ‘em, people!)
Anyhow, I bring up my hellaciously somewhat embarrassing encounter because this Saturday, Sept. 20, EW will be hosting its annual Emmy party in Los Angeles. I’ve had a sneak peek at the likely guest list, and suffice to say there are more than a few A-list TV stars (and Emmy nominees) (and EWwy nominees) who are planning to attend. We’ll have roving reporters (including Mr. Ausiello) in attendance, and we’re hoping you’ll do our work for us help us brainstorm some questions for the stars of your favorite shows. Yeah, I know, I can’t share the guest list (my boss says it’s strictly verboten!) but dream big. In a week where I got to meet the woman who plays Wilhelmina Slater, anything is possible. Let’s just hope you (and your questions) manage to be a little more eloquent than yours truly.
So let’s hear it: If you could meet any current TV actor at our party, who would it be, and what would you ask him or her? (Check EW.com on Sunday and Monday for video from the EW party to see if your questions made the cut!)
I would want to talk to Damian Lewis (of “Life” and “Band of Brothers” fame). I don’t know that I could coherently talk to him about anything, but it would be great to try. I would like to hear his British accent – his American accent is so great, it is hard to believe it is not natural.
If I got to meet Hugh Laurie, I think I would have the same reaction as you Slezak! I absolutely love him! His portrayal of House is by far the best acting of anyone on TV. I’d love to ask him how he is able to put so much effort and emotion into the character week after week (it must be so draining). Also, where does he see the show going down the line in terms of House’s relationship with his “ducklings” (old and new) and does he agree with most critics that the show has become too crowded.
I felt the same way when I met the cast of Will and Grace at a book signing. Totally in awe.
If I ever met Madonna, I think I’d pass out.
“I’m hellaciously upset, Marc.”
Jumping on the I Love Laurie bandwagon… I’d love to come up with something witty to ask Hugh Laurie, but the mere idea that, somehow, my thoughts might be heard by him (via an EW reporter and not telepathy) renders me speechless and is liable to turn me into a blubbering pile of goo. No matter how I try, I would never be able to out-”wit” him, and would merely stand there, unable to form words. And then five minutes later, I’d smack myself for being an idiot.
That being said, could you ask him if his crew really does smell like freshly mown grass?
OHHH mine would definitely be Skeet Ulrich. I would be blubbering like an idiot I’m sure and shaking to my toes but what a memory it would be. I know this is a very strange question but I would like to know if his ear piercing was done professionally with the gun or the old fashioned way with ice and a needle??? It is just a curiousity thing on my part and something I’m sure no one else would think to ask. Gotta leave an impression ya know. LOL
I’d like to meet Neil Patrick Harris and ask him if he would be interested in pitching the producers of ‘HIMYM’ about having Lisa Dean Ryan (Wanda) and Max Casella (Vinnie) from ‘Doogie Howser’ guest as a former girlfriend of Barney’s and as a former “bro” who stole said girlfriend, prompting Barney to create the “Bro Code”. This could be a good parallel with Barney’s new relationship with Robin, former girlfriend of “bro” Ted. I hope this makes sense.
Neil Patrick Harris is #1 on my list too, but I just want to know when there’s going to be more Dr. Horrible!
I met Neil Patrick-Harris at last yrs Revlon party. He’s a really nice,funny guy and a great poker player(used to watch him play on TV)
I have a question for the cast of The Office. Stephen Merchant (the co-creator of the original The Office) recently directed an episode. How was that different from their regular episodes?
Slezak, I loved the Comfort Zone CD too! Who else could pull of a sequined tank top and brightly colored leather bomber jacket besides L Yeah? Nobody, that’s who! Congrats on meeting her. I’ve got to go now, because I-I, I’ve got work to do!
Tina Fey – ask her if she’s going to do any more Sarah Palin bits on SNL. If she says no, please start begging her to reconsider.
If I met Hugh Laurie, I’d pass out before I could get a word out! But once I recovered I’d ask two things: Other than House, what has been his favorite acting job? And are we ever going to see the sequel to The Gun Seller?
i would love to meet hugh laurie!!!! i would ask him: (1) what actor(s) would he love to work with in the future and (2) what is his favorite film and why. ohh hugh laurie!!! *swoon*
Nancy! Nice reference to V-A-N-E-double-S-A!