In the Fall of 2023, the aftermath of the dual strikes in Hollywood left many writers and actors, including myself, anxious about our futures. After months of protests demanding better wages and protections, the industry had been turned upside down, leaving us all in a state of uncertainty. Just when we thought hopes were dwindling, I received an unexpected script for a festive movie titled ‘Our Little Secret’ featuring none other than Lindsay Lohan. I was offered the role of Leonard, a character in his sixties—a significant departure from my actual age. In Hollywood, the unspoken rule is to always aim for younger roles. Nevertheless, the scarcity of work pushed me to reconsider, especially since I would be paired with the talented Kristin Chenoweth. As the audition process unfolded, I worried about the limited scenes and dialogue Leonard had. I felt almost embarrassed to take on what seemed like a minor role. After discussions with my representatives, some urged me to hold out for something more substantial, yet I couldn’t ignore the reality of my situation. The pandemic had already taken a toll, and waiting for a better opportunity felt futile. I remembered advice from Shonda Rhimes, reflecting on how I once yearned for any chance to act. Ultimately, I decided to embrace this opportunity, saying ‘yes’ to the role and heading to Atlanta for filming in February. The experience turned out to be incredibly rewarding. I formed a deep bond with my co-stars, including Kristin, and we infused our on-screen marriage with real emotions, creating a believable family dynamic. Under the guidance of director Steven Harek, Leonard’s character evolved into an integral part of the plot, revealing layers of complexity and history as the story unfolded. The friendships I developed during this process are now among my most cherished, and I am grateful for the journey that led me to take this role. ‘Our Little Secret’ will premiere on Netflix on November 27th, reminding us all of the importance of saying ‘yes’ and fostering connections, both on and off screen.
