Paul Reiser is known mostly for his starring television roles, my personal favorite being the highly successful "Mad About You". The show was so successful in fact, that in the final 1999 season Reiser and Hunt were paid $1 million per episode for the show. Now that's what I call a good payday! Well I was hoping to have a great payday of a different sort when Paul Reiser came to town, of course I mean getting his autograph (although a million bucks would be awfully nice). Paul Reiser was in town to host an event that honored a music composer that he respected.
Unfortunately Sterling and I were involved in a stage production of a play called "Ubi Roi" and didn't know if our schedule would give us time for the outing, but we planned on trying. When the day finally arrived Sterling came down with the flu and didn't think he would be able to last play, no less an autograph outing. I hadn't ever tried for an autograph by myself, so when my autograph buddy threw in the towel, I considered doing the same. Thankfully I came to my senses and after I was done working on the production, headed for the Reiser event.
Since I was late because of stage duties the event was already underway and meant that my only chance would be after the show. Having never been to this venue, I quickly searched for all exits to the building and decided where I would wait after the show. There were some nice looking cars parked outside one of the doors so I thought it was the door he would most likely be coming from. I briefly took a peak inside the event just in time to see Paul Reiser tell everyone good night and have a safe trip home.
I ran back outside and waited by the cars. People were filing out of the benefit, but there was still no sign of Paul. The orchestra members that played that night came out and got in their cars and now it was only a jeep that remained. Of course I had my doubts, but was almost positive that this could be the only exit.
Suddenly the door thrust open and out came Paul Reiser, along with another man (manager?). I was star struck but since I couldn't rely on Sterling backing me up, I had to quickly compose myself and ask for an autograph. Paul immediately came over and signed my picture. He was very friendly and I can see how he started out as a stand up comedian because he's very funny as well. When I asked about getting a picture with him, he said, "You don't have a warrant out for your arrest do you? Because it would look bad for my reputation to be in a picture with America's most wanted" Reiser said with a chuckle.
He had a few more witty comments, especially when I got two pictures with him because our photographer couldn't' work the camera. I thanked him for everything and was happy that my first solo autograph hunt ended with a great success!On my way home I looked over and was surprised to see Paul Reiser riding in the car right next to me. I don't know if he noticed me, but it was sure funny driving a few blocks next to him on the road. It was just an end of a great day.
