Hello My Name Is...
Hello My Name Is...
Rusty's Electric Dreams :: Issue #360
I've been living in L.A. for almost five months now, and I just got my first real taste of Hollywood.
I have SiriusXM in my Tacoma, and the other day, I wondered if I could listen to it on my laptop (spoiler: you can). While I was on their site, I stumbled upon a sweepstakes page and noticed they were having a ticket giveaway for a live taping of Kevin Hart’s podcast, Gold Mines. The guest? The legendary Jamie Lee Curtis (JLC)! Both of them are in the new Borderlands movie, and the premiere was later that evening, so I figured it was some kind of press junket, but I entered anyway. Recently, I’ve had a love/hate thing with JLC from her role in The Bear and thought it’d be cool to be in the same room with her.
That was Friday. By Sunday, I got an email saying I’d won. And by last Tuesday, I was sitting in the second row, maybe ten feet directly in front of her, in a tiny West Hollywood studio. If there were 30 people in the audience, I’d be surprised.
The podcast was more casual, spontaneous, and funny than I expected. It was also surprisingly deep and inspirational. They did talk about Borderlands, but only at the end, more as a necessary afterthought. JLC shared some fantastic stories, including her thoughts on aging naturally, how she reluctantly got her start in acting, and a lovely on-set tradition she has: everyone wears a name tag so she can learn their names.
"I just want it to be equitable because it’s an important thing," she said. "It’s art—there isn’t hierarchy in art. It’s supposed to be a group of people.”
She also shared a moving moment from taping the 2018 Halloween film. Just before she was about to film an emotional breakdown scene, she felt deeply supported by the crew, "The entire crew stood in silent solidarity, hands behind their backs, all wearing name tags that said, 'We are Laurie Strode.'" I was unfamiliar but Laurie Strode is the character she’s been playing since 1978 and that was the role that really catapulted her acting career.
After about an hour, Kevin started wrapping up the podcast. It became clear that once the taping was over, both Kevin and JLC would be leaving. There wasn’t going to be an opportunity for anyone to get a selfie or snag an autograph. But I knew I had to get her attention, even if the thought of it made this introvert uncomfortable.
As soon as the podcast was done, I bravely raised my hand, looking right at JLC. She looked back at me quizzically and pointed, “Yes? You.”
Now, I’m not usually the type to ask for autographs, but when I was leaving Willis Wonderland that morning, I grabbed a new Sharpie and rummaged for something they could sign, just in case. I just had a feeling I should. What I found were name tags—those classic "Hello My Name Is" stickers. That’s what I brought for them to sign, without any idea about her name tag tradition.
“This is crazy,” I said, “But I actually brought name tags for you to sign today.”
The surprise on their faces was clear. She gave a short laugh and asked why.
I explained that it was all I could find and thought it would be fun. Kevin asked how I knew about the name tags. I said I didn’t.
When she started talking about the name tags during the taping, I got chills. From that moment on, I was just waiting for the right opportunity to share this crazy coincidence with them, going over and over in my head what I would say.
I had been right. After some publicity shots were taken, they were done and on their way out. But not before JLC pointed at me and said, “You. Bring those name tags over here for me to sign.” She signed them and then looked around for Kevin, “Kevin Hart, get over here and sign this name tag.”
Thanks to the gal sitting next to me, Chelly Smith, I have the following proof:
If you’d like to hear the whole podcast for yourself, and peep me in the audience, head here.
— Rusty Blazenhoff
P.S. Thank you to all the new and continuing paid subscribers! Your support always surprises and humbles me. I’m deeply grateful every time I get a notification that someone has chipped in to help me make this crazy thing. And to all you non-paid subscribers, I love you too! Thank you ALL for being part of this years-long creative experiment.
As seen on the Internets
For your consideration:
:: Let’s normalize bringing this everywhere.
:: Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones.
:: Please invite me to this kind of gathering.
:: Like a Little Library, but for Jibbitz
:: Smooooooth
:: Wild playa experience but in Utah
:: Hot dog, this is so wholesome!
:: I’m in love with this woman’s art.
:: Those who can’t, teach.
:: Wingnuts
Real Thing That Actually Exists: Nay!
Apologies for this one: Really, I’m sorry. I almost didn’t share this with you, but it epitomizes the concept of “Real Things That Actually Exist” in the worst way ever. Normally I prefer the “surprise and delight” variety but this was just way too bizarre not to add. Gentle readers, the Trumpy Bear comes complete with an American flag that stuffs into... his... back. And not just any American flag, an American flag plush blanket. Don’t think less of me.
Real Phone Case That Actually Exists: PETA, where are you?
Ok, you earned it after those. Here’s your palate cleanser:
Featured Events
BAY AREA, CA+
[Bay Area :: ongoing] Go join an Explorers Guild event. Be part of the Raining Chainsaws art collective, or just go to one of their amazing shows. Attend a Wholesome Circle. See what the Church of Clown is up to. If it’s lowtide, head to TEPCO Beach. For more fantastic and affordable Bay Area happenings, check out Richie Rhombus’ Cool Happenings list (beautifully described as an “in-the-know guide for intimate, quirky, thoughtful events as well as ridiculous parties and larger gatherings outside the mainstream”). Also, keep an eye on the calendars for Artists Television Access, City Arts & Events and The Marsh.
LOS ANGELES, CA+
[L.A. :: ongoing] There’s always something going on in L.A. and, not surprisingly, many of the events revolve around pop culture and entertainment. In no particular order, here are a few I’ve learned of:
Electric Dusk Drive-In: A pop-up drive-in in Glendale showing classics.
Vidiots: Eclectic films on the big screen and video rentals for the smaller ones.
1iota.com: Get free tickets to show tapings and fan experiences and not just in LA. I just got some to see Jeff Goldblum host Jimmy Kimmel Live with guests Awkafina and Paul Downs!
Groundlings: The improv and sketch comedy school that’s launched numerous careers also offers hilarious and fun live shows on the regular.
Cosm: Immersive theater for “shared reality” experiences, including arts, entertainment, music, education, and sportsball games—like a mini, artsier version of the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Puppet Up!: “Puppets behaving badly”…“brought to life by a cast of world-class comedian puppeteers from The Jim Henson Company.” I mean.
Largo at the Coronet: My understanding is that entertainers often perform here to test out material they’re working on. Tickets are reasonable and if the show is advertised as “and friends,” that means other well-known people are taking the stage too.
Dynasty Typewriter: This venue is hip and offers quirkier shows. Case in point, when I first got to town, I caught a hilarious comedy-variety show hosted by Dana Gould performing as Dr. Zaius from Planet of the Apes.
Cinespia: Shows over 30 annual screenings of classics at venues like Hollywood Forever Cemetery and The Greek.
❤️[L.A. :: 9/14] Speaking of Cinespia, they’re hosting a special tribute screening of Pee-wee's Big Adventure in honor of Paul Reubens at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Pro tip: watch this first.
ELSEWHERE
[Stops along the Ohio River :: This summer] Catch Jason Webley’s FLOTSAM!, a troupe of musicians, circus performers, and puppeteers, as they travel the Ohio River on a handmade raft, offering free shows in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville, and beyond this summer.
❤️[Portland, OR :: 11/2] Portland All Souls River Procession: An absolutely lovely, solemn ritual art procession along the Williamette to honor the dead, led by a local art collective.
❤️= I plan on attending!
The name tag coincidence is just TOO COOL!!!😃🥰
So swell as always to see your posts.
JLC! Though I have never seen the Halloween movies ( not my genre ) I have seen her in many other films. Whatta trip!
Cheers!