A tale of two Johns
Sep. 12th, 2003 12:40 pmCash and Ritter. Two people who couldn't have been more different, yet I am deeply affected by both their deaths. Cash was not unexpected... listen to his latest album, see that video... in fact, I'm listening to said album right now. This is a man who knew he was dying. It makes the songs all the more powerful.
But John Ritter? What? Where the hell did that come from? I remember, I went to the Shakespeare Theater for some show (Hamlet, I think) and in the lobby during intermission there was Ritter and Henry Winkler, obviously taking a break from performing in Neil Simon's latest play. I walked right past them. Shit, I wish I saw that show now. Ritter was just on Conan O'Brien, the man was hilarious! I had no idea he could be so funny! He was telling a story about a viewer who complained because in one episode, for a split second, one of Ritter's tesitcles can be spotted escaping from those too-short-shorts of his. Ritter suggested that Nick at Night run both an edited version and the original, because "sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't."
I only learned about the wonder of Cash a mere three months ago, when I saw the video for "Hurt." If you haven't seen it yet, go here: http://www.markromanek.com/video/14.html or here: http://www.nme.com/features/104451.htm and watch. You might hate country music, I sure as hell did and still do. It doesn't matter. Pay tribute to a great man.
As for Ritter, when I get home I'm going to rent "Sling Blade" and "Panic", two of his greatest "staight" (pun) roles. See the latter, especially. A wonderful indie flick with William H. Macy, Donald Sutherland, Neve Campbell, and Tracy Ullman. Ritter was a greatly underappreciated, and I for one will miss him.
But John Ritter? What? Where the hell did that come from? I remember, I went to the Shakespeare Theater for some show (Hamlet, I think) and in the lobby during intermission there was Ritter and Henry Winkler, obviously taking a break from performing in Neil Simon's latest play. I walked right past them. Shit, I wish I saw that show now. Ritter was just on Conan O'Brien, the man was hilarious! I had no idea he could be so funny! He was telling a story about a viewer who complained because in one episode, for a split second, one of Ritter's tesitcles can be spotted escaping from those too-short-shorts of his. Ritter suggested that Nick at Night run both an edited version and the original, because "sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't."
I only learned about the wonder of Cash a mere three months ago, when I saw the video for "Hurt." If you haven't seen it yet, go here: http://www.markromanek.com/video/14.html or here: http://www.nme.com/features/104451.htm and watch. You might hate country music, I sure as hell did and still do. It doesn't matter. Pay tribute to a great man.
As for Ritter, when I get home I'm going to rent "Sling Blade" and "Panic", two of his greatest "staight" (pun) roles. See the latter, especially. A wonderful indie flick with William H. Macy, Donald Sutherland, Neve Campbell, and Tracy Ullman. Ritter was a greatly underappreciated, and I for one will miss him.
no subject
Date: 2003-09-12 10:39 am (UTC)and yeah, if its got william h macy you can bet i'll be renting that one in the near future. (i had to go squee in the middle of my house the other night when i read his name in my acting textbook referring to the practical aesthetics technique he used to help teach. the man is a god. most definitely on my top 10 fav actors of all time, if not top 5. i am actually inspired to list them now on a future entry... yay! something to do.)
Macy
Date: 2003-09-12 10:46 am (UTC)