That Time I Insulted Colm Meaney (Unintentionally)

Colm Meaney (Source)

While you may not recognize the name "Colm Meaney" immediately, you'll probably recognize his face.  He's an Irish actor who has 105 credits to his name (according to his IMDB page).  Most notably would be his 7 year stint as "Chief O'Brien" on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and most recently he was seen as "Thomas 'Doc' Durant" in AMC's Hell on Wheels.  He's a brilliant actor who often plays character roles of detectives and other generally angry men.  But I remembered Colm from a film called The War of the Buttons.

The War of the Buttons told about the young people of two rival towns in Ireland.  One town was more affluent, the other a bit more ragged, and the two would fight over "territory" regularly.  It was a fun film that I always enjoyed.  It premiered to two screens in the US on September 29, 1995 and grossed a total of $12,712.  (To put that into perspective, that was probably the cost of catering for one day of shooting).  To say the least, the film was a financial failure.  But alas, I loved it.

I got the chance to work with Colm on a film called The Conspirator directed by Robert Redford in 2009.  The cast included a number of well-known actors including Academy Award nominees and winners, so suffice it to say that I was very excited about working on the film.  The first day Colm came on the set I just had to go and introduce myself.  When will I learn that I should just not talk at all sometimes?

Colm was very nice, introduced himself as I did.  We shared a very brief chit chat about how we were so happy to be shooting in Savannah, Georgia. Then, I had to share with Colm how much I loved the film he'd probably forgotten he'd ever been in.  "I loved The War of the Buttons," I told him [author's note - coincidentally the head Costumer on Conspirator was Louise Frogley who was also the head Costumer on War of the Buttons].  Colm's face widened, his eyebrows raised, and he posed the question that would prompt me to insult him only a minute or so after meeting him.

"You saw that?" Colm asked incredulously.

[wait for it, wait for it]

"Yeah, I was the guy," I replied As in 'I was the only person that ever saw your movie.'

Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) stood next to me and threw me the side-eye shade.  The instant I said the words I knew I'd screwed up.  Why do I speak, ever?!?  Colm threw me what was probably a very conservative amount of attitude and promptly turned his body completely away from me.  He continued to talk to Norman and did not speak to me again for a few weeks.

I felt like SUCH an asshole.  I remember sitting in the makeup trailer (I spent about an hour and half in hair and makeup each morning) and talking to Corey, my makeup artist, about how stupid I was.  Corey's initial response was "Yeah, that's probably not the best way to introduce yourself to someone." Actually, that was pretty much everyone's response.  I kept telling Corey I had to apologize to Colm. I felt terrible.  I was genuinely excited to meet the guy, and specifically because I really liked that film.  It was a silly kids movie that just reminded me of how fun it was to be young and free.  I never thought I'd actually meet someone who was in it.  And I'd gone and insulted one of the people I was most excited to work with.

Corey told me it was best to just let it go.  I'd probably make things worse if I brought it up again, and (my favorite quote from Corey, summarized) "Not everyone in the world is gonna like you. Put him on that list."  I couldn't let it go, but I didn't address it.  I figured I probably would make it worse.

Weeks passed, and after our final night of shooting several of us met at a pub in the heart of Savannah for some celebratory drinks.  I had a few drinks, and I chatted with several of the other actors, and when Colm was sitting at the bar by himself I decided I would approach him.  I said hello and reminded him of my name.  He was very polite.  Finally I brought up the 'incident,' and told him how sorry I was.  I explained how genuinely excited I was to meet him and hated that I'd insulted him.  He could have said "oh yeah, I remember your stupid comment, get away."  Instead he said (in his thick Irish accent) "you've really been worried about that?  Hell, I didn't think anything of it.  I literally think only two or three people ever saw that movie.  Don't worry about it."

I was so relieved, and we went on to talk a little about the business.  He gave me some advice, I thanked him, and I reminded him again how great it was to meet him and get to work with him.  I was so glad he didn't flip out or hold a grudge.

Feeling quite confident at this point, I went to the "private" room in the back of the pub where sat Justin Long, Badge Dale and four of our producers.  I "fished" for a compliment by asking the producers about my audition, and they acknowledged remembering clearly the night they cast me.  They were very pleased with my audition, and though I looked absolutely nothing like the real-life character I'd be portraying, they decided to cast me anyway.  More confidence!

Which brings me to Justin Long . . . Justin didn't speak much the entire shoot, and I kind of just thought he was an ass.  So in my newfound confidence I decided I'd pick at him.  I introduced myself to him again, and he asked where I was from. I told him Nashville, and he said "I was just there recently at Bonnaroo with my girlfriend."  To which I replied (wait for it . . . wait for it . . .) "Awesome. I love Renee Zellweger."

Tune in next week to find out how Justin responded . . .