Throwback Thursday to Damian Lewis as a Teacher? Yes, Please! *UPDATED*

Recently, Romesh Ranganathan reminded Damian Lewis that he once said he wanted to be a teacher. Damian’s response? He laughed and said he probably gave that answer to the classic question: what would you do if you weren’t an actor? Still… it’s not a random answer. Because in many ways, he’s already done it. Damian also mentioned that he’s given acting masterclasses over the years—sharing what he’s learned with younger actors. So this feels like the perfect moment to revisit one of those: the masterclass he gave to young stage actors during his West End run in The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? back in 2017. Professor Lewis, anyone? We’re taking notes.

Continue reading “Throwback Thursday to Damian Lewis as a Teacher? Yes, Please! *UPDATED*”

Helen McCrory: Celebrating A Phenomenal Woman and Her Life

Helen McCrory would have been 57 today. While I am old enough to know that life is unfair, I still cannot wrap my head around her passing and the sadness her family had to go through during her illness and her untimely death.

I have always known that Helen was a brilliant actress but I also know now about what a class act she was in life and death. The way she chose to live, bravely, focusing on her family, work and charity rather than on her illness, is a lesson for us all about how to live and die with dignity. She was such a bright star that I know she will keep on living through her brilliant work and the two wonderful children she raised with her beloved husband. And we want to celebrate this phenomenal woman and her life today.

Continue reading “Helen McCrory: Celebrating A Phenomenal Woman and Her Life”

Helen McCrory: Celebrating A Phenomenal Woman and Her Life

I have always known that Helen was a brilliant actress but now I also know she was such a class act in life and death. The way she chose to live, bravely, focusing on her family, work and charity rather than on her illness and death, is a lesson for us all about how to live and die with dignity. She was such a bright star that I know she will keep on living through her brilliant work and the two wonderful children she raised with her beloved husband.

Continue reading “Helen McCrory: Celebrating A Phenomenal Woman and Her Life”

Helen McCrory: Celebrating A Phenomenal Woman and Her Life

Helen McCrory would have been 55 today. While I am old enough to know that life is unfair, I still cannot wrap my head around her passing and the sadness her family had to go through during her illness and her untimely death.

I have always known that Helen was a brilliant actress but now I also know she was such a class act in life and death. The way she chose to live, bravely, focusing on her family, work and charity rather than on her illness and death, is a lesson for us all about how to live and die with dignity. She was such a bright star that I know she will keep on living through her brilliant work and the two wonderful children she raised with her beloved husband. And we want to celebrate this phenomenal woman and her life today.

Continue reading “Helen McCrory: Celebrating A Phenomenal Woman and Her Life”

Throwback Thursday to London, The Goat, and Meeting Damian Lewis

Damianista’s Note: JaniaJania and I were extremely lucky to see Damian Lewis in Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? and meet with him after the performance exactly six years ago. So, on the sixth anniversary of this fabulous experience, why not join JaniaJania today on a trip back? Enjoy!

The times I can see Damian in person are few and far between. It was at Damianista’s urging, i.e. pretty much taking me by the hand and flying me out to NY, that my first “sighting” and “meeting” even happened. (I have no idea what those quotes mean or why I used them, just go with me here) I vacillate often between “I’d be fine if I never saw him in person again, good riddance to that level of stress-filled gut-wrenching fangrl angst” to “Fine, I’ll see him on stage or something, but no reason to talk to him privately, is there? Can’t we be normal people for once and just go home and not talk to him?” to “OMG, when are we going to see him again, in what circumstances, for how long, can we possibly have it go longer, and what if…etc. etc. etc.” Truthfully, I spend about equal parts brain energy on those three states of fangrl-ness. Quite similar, in fact, to the brain energy allocation of an average 17 year old girl around prom time. Continue reading “Throwback Thursday to London, The Goat, and Meeting Damian Lewis”