Hugh Jackman – Eddie the Eagle

At the last minute, I found out that Hugh Jackman was coming to town for a red carpet event. The movie was Eddie the Eagle and it was going to be at the Plano Cinemark Theater. This was more or less in my backyard.

I scurried to find a photo and to get out of work in time to find a place to stand on the red carpet. I was able to accomplish these goals and arrived in time to hang out with my friends.

When Hugh arrived, the crowd was lined up on both sides of the red carpet.  He got out of his SUV and waved to the crowd with a huge smile. Then he jumped right into signing and taking selfies.  He slowly moved from fan to fan. Two handlers accompanied him. They watched the crowd and mentioned that Hugh was only going to sign one item per fan.  They also were keeping track of where Hugh stopped when he wandered to the other side of the carpet.  Everyone was working for one goal: the goal to give everyone a chance to get some attention from Mr. Jackman.

It was organized. It was smooth. It was practiced. It was friendly. As a fan and autograph collector, it was great to see. As a fan, you always worry about the celeb giving up and rushing inside. This was not one of those events.  

Everyone got their selfie and autograph.

Everyone but your humble narrator.

I was behind my friends. They got their autographs. I reached forward with my 8x10 when they asked for selfies. Hugh obliged them and I pulled my photo back so I won’t photo bomb them. When that was done, I presented my photo to Hugh but he moved forward to the next guy in line. I was missed.

I tried to scurry down the line to get another opportunity but the crowd was 4 or 5 people deep. I had no chance.

Okay, I’ll admit I was ‘down’ afterward.  All of my fellow hounds got their items signed.  I was slightly jealous.  However, I was lucky enough to get Hugh Jackman’s autograph last summer at SDCC. So I can’t be too upset.

I do want to repeat, the way he treated the crowds was awesome. He was very generous with his time and he was dedicated to seeing as many people as possible.

Very classy.

AH