In the wake of the recent Hollywood strikes in 2023, I found myself grappling with uncertainty and disappointment alongside fellow writers and actors in Los Angeles and New York. Our fight for fair wages, better healthcare, and protections against the rise of AI had taken a toll, and the prolonged strikes had left many of us anxious about our futures. Just when I thought hope was fading, a script for a holiday movie titled ‘Our Little Secret’ landed in my lap, featuring none other than Lindsay Lohan. The role of ‘Leonard’, a man in his sixties, seemed like a far stretch for me, as I was not prepared to embrace such an older character. Yet, the allure of working with Kristin Chenoweth, a seasoned actress I admired, was hard to resist.
Despite my reservations about the part’s limited scenes and dialogue, I remembered my early days in acting when I would have jumped at any opportunity. After some internal debate, I decided to accept the role and headed to Atlanta for filming in February.
The experience turned out to be far more rewarding than I had anticipated. Working alongside a talented cast, including Ian Harding, Jon Rudnitsky, and Judy Reyes, I found a new sense of camaraderie and friendship blossoming. Kristin and I dove deep into our roles, bringing authenticity and depth to our on-screen marriage. Together, we crafted a believable family dynamic, which was essential to the film’s success.
As filming progressed, my character evolved from a mere background figure to a more integral part of the story, revealing layers of history and secrets as the plot unfolded. Our friendship grew, and I felt a profound connection with my castmates, something I will cherish for years to come. The film, ‘Our Little Secret’, premiered on Netflix on November 27th, reminding me that saying ‘yes’ can lead to unexpected joys and collaboration in the world of acting. Who would have thought that creating a family on screen would require the same warmth and bond off-screen?
