As one of the world’s biggest fans of Seinfeld, I was naturally interested in trying to meet Ian Abercrombie – the elderly gentleman who portrayed Elaine’s rich and spoiled boss Mr. Justin Pitt. He had performed in the reading of Casablanca to benefit the Actor’s Fund at the Pantages Theater on October 2, 2005. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a photo for him to sign but was hoping to meet him nonetheless. I was a bit disappointed when he didn’t come out with many of the other celebs from the performance after the show to meet and greet the press.
After getting photos and autographs of many of the other stars from the production (and a few who weren’t even in the production!), we left and headed for the car. Just as we were rounding the building, we heard some commotion from the paparazzi and autograph collectors waiting outside. They had discovered Anne Heche heading to her car. I had already met her inside so I was uninterested.
But there meandering around the lobby trying to get back inside the theater was Ian Abercrombie looking lost and disheveled. I asked him if he would mind signing my program and pose for a photo. He was happy to oblige and was very kind about it – reminding me somewhat of his Seinfeld character in his aloofness, but without any of the pomposity.
The celebs from Casablanca will continue…
Check out my next encounter with Ian Abercrombie five years later here…
Leave a Reply