Her Story:
Eighteen years ago, I was on the final call backs for an audition of a new television drama called, “Moe’s World.” I was really excited and especially focused because the audition called for me to be very emotional. Tears flowing, the whole bit.
Anyway, I walked in the door and politely greeted hello to everyone. All the actors in room knew each other; Black Hollywood is a small circle. I smiled as I entered and quickly scanned the room, so I could see who I was up against and/or who seemed open to practicing my lines with me. Actually this time, I saw someone I didn’t know. This new guy seemed out of place. He was wearing basketball attire. He wasn’t sitting on a chair or anxiously pacing, like everybody else. He was sitting on a table chillin’. Out of my peripheral I noticed his eyes following me, as I found the only open seat, near the table he was sitting on. The scowl he wore on his face, which today I have come to realize is his “game face,” forced me to have to look his direction to see if his serious gaze was meant for me…yup, it was.
I said, “Hi.”
Hard-faced, he answered casually, “Wassup.” Offhandedly examining me; he continued, “Duane…I’m a friend of Kadeem’s” (Hardison)
I said, “Oh, tell him I said hey…Do you wanna’ read together?” He looked at me as if he didn’t know what I was talking about. I thought; this guy has GOT to be green.
“Run lines?” I explained. Duane continued to stare at me blankly.
I tried to clarify, “Do you want to rehearse with each other a couple of times; we’re in the scene together. We can practice.”
“Ohhh…yeah,” he answered coolly.
So we rehearsed a couple of times and after we were done, I finally saw him crack a smile. Cute smile. Nice legs. Big-ass calves…Whoa, what am I doing?! Tisha focus.
I didn’t waste too much more of my time giving him the once-over. I had a job to get. The director (Kevin Sullivan) was going to put one actor and actress in the room together to read before him and his casting director so I went and found another guy, who was auditioning for the same part as Duane, to read my lines with. I saw Duane looking at me incredulously as I rehearsed with the other person. I kept thinking, what is this guy’s problem?
After we finished, Duane walks over, grabs me by arm, and says, “How are you gonna’ ask to rehearse with me and then ask my competition?!”
” Get off of me!” I scoffed. “Are you crazy? It’s customary! That’s what we (actors) do in auditions!” I rolled my eyes and he watched me walk away, looking at me as if I betrayed him or something. I thought, “What an asshole,”…Nice lips. Broad-shoulders. Big hands. Oh shit, even bigger feet! …..Awwww damn it, Tisha FOCUS!
This had to be the longest audition process I’ve ever encountered. I had to cry all day and was exhausted. The director even felt so bad that he asked if he could take us all out to dinner. I was tired so I declined. As the elevator doors closed I saw Duane anxiously looking at me as if he wanted to say something. I smiled and waved goodbye. He stared at me and of course, he didn’t wave back.
The next day I got a call from my agent, I thought they were calling to tell me I got the part. She says, “A Duane just called here for you.”
I said, “Who?”
She repeated more poignantly, “A DUANE, he said he met you on an audition. He’s staying with Kadeem.” I thought of course, that’s how he knows to contact me through my agent, Kadeem and I have the same agent. Kadeem probably lost my number.
My agent continues, “He wanted me to give you Kadeem’s number where he’s staying. He doesn’t know anyone else in L.A. and wants to know if you guys could hang out.” I thanked her and called Duane back. He told me he was bored, Kadeem was working all the time, and he’s been stuck in the house, so would I mind hanging out. I told him I didn’t mind for a little while but I was going to see my boyfriend later.
He said, “Yeah? You got a boyfriend? What’s his name?”
Uhh…Harold.
Harold?! Duane inquired.
Uh yeah, he’s in the record business. An executive.
Okay, okay, I lied but that was the only name I could think of at that moment. I could have thought of a better name than Harold but I’m a terrible liar. I just didn’t want him to think any funny business was gonna’ happen. I hung up and later I picked him up in my old-ass car and took him to the beach. Subsequently, we both got the pilot and worked together, playing opposite of each other. We became friends and then eighteen years later….
His Story:
She was on my nuts!!