Think You Know Your Parents?

Filed Under anecdotes, being creative, humor, life changes, people, small happinesses

Don’t be so sure. My mom and dad just clued me in to my dad’s big secret: He’s an ACTOR.

Scene from yesterday afternoon: HS's Dad Auditions

So I’m just chilling with the DH, having lunch at the house of the parental units, when my dad says, “Hey, watch this video, and let me know what you think of it.” He hands me a burned DVD that I promptly pop into my laptop. It appears to be a movie. I ask, “What’s this?” My dad says only, “Watch it!” As the credits roll, I recognize streets from Portland, so I start thinking, “Hmm. Is some old friend of mine in this or what?”

And then - several minutes later - there’s my dad’s face on the screen! He plays the suspicious bus driver. I couldn’t believe it!

Of course I want to know, “Dad, how did you get in a movie?”

His reply? “I have an agent.”

WHAT?! Yes, my dad has an agent. Turns out that in addition to being in this 30-minute indie flick, he’s been in about ten medical videos for Wired MD, playing patients who have heart and stroke problems. He’s also been in Into the Wild, a movie directed by Sean Penn that hasn’t come out yet. (All he could say about the experience is that Sean Penn is “real little!”) And he’s doing voice acting. He’s got some kind of shoot today. I’m still so surprised, but very proud.

I also found out that his recent foray into coaching boxers has blossomed. The gym he was working at is moving into a 25,000 square foot facility, and he’ll be getting his own office! He’s also going down with one of the fighters for a professional match in California - as the corner man!

As you can imagine, I was beaming the rest of the day. Not only is Dad is having a great time, but Mom is happy, too. I get to create a page for my dad on IMDb now! You can view a 30 second clip of my dad right here.) He doesn’t look quite like that anymore; he lost a lot of weight this Spring - because he’s also my client - and a certified Senior Health Advisor. Busy man!

Comments

3 Responses to “Think You Know Your Parents?”

Shelby Meyerhoff on July 30th, 2007 7:24 am

That’s wild! Congratulations to your dad on TWO career advancements.
hafidha sofia on July 30th, 2007 10:44 am

Isn’t it? I suggest everyone ask their parents very specific questions. “How’s it going?” apparently doesn’t suffice “Been on any auditions lately?” would have been more in order in my family’s case.

It really makes me happy that my dad is pursuing things that interest him, make him happy, and don’t involve sitting at a borrowed desk 10 hours a day.
Elandria Williams on July 31st, 2007 11:06 pm

That is so cool. I am so happy for your dad and tell him and the other fam hello for me.

Elandria