The West Wing is one of my all-time favorite dramatic television shows – and one of the show’s key main characters is C.J. Craig, portrayed by Allison Janney. In fact she played this particular role so well that it garnered her four Emmy Awards and two additional nominations. She has also starred in the Academy Award winning film American Beauty, and other acclaimed films such as Nurse Betty, Juno, and The Hours. Disney buffs might know her as the voice of Peach in Finding Nemo.
But there are two other reasons for me to be a big fan of hers. Number one, she is from Dayton, Ohio – and number two, I met her and she was very nice to me. Bob and I had just enjoyed her live performance in 9 to 5 on Saturday night, October 4, 2008, when we staked out the stage door behind the Ahmanson Theatre. The performers generally came out to greet their fans in the reverse order of how the play was billed, and this night was no exception.
Bob and I first met the other female stars of the play, and then finally top-billed Allison Janney, who had played the role of Violet Newsted, came out and said hello. I had her sign my program and a photo for Bob along with my cast shot from The West Wing – which Bob had picked up for me a few years before and had acquired in-person signatures of Janel Moloney and Bradley Whitford for me already. As if she hadn’t ever seen West Wing photos before, Allison remarked how different her hair looked in it.
9 to 5 program, signed by all three of the principles: Stephanie J. Block, Allison Janney, and Megan Hilty
Cast shot of The West Wing, now with three signatures
But she really perked up when I told her that I had brought the photo with me all the way from my home in Dayton, Ohio. She told me how she had been raised in Oakwood and I told her that I had grown up in Beavercreek and currently lived in Fairborn. I also asked if she knew my friends Larry and Jenny Smith. They had told me how they were friendly with her, but I was still rather surprised that she immediately knew who I was talking about and spoke very highly of them, remarking how she had a poster that they had given her hanging in her office.
Fellow native Daytonians talking shop
Bob chatted with her a bit too. At a previous affair, Bob had presented her with Goldfish crackers which her character C.J. was fond of on The West Wing. She either remembered this incident well, or did a good job pretending that she did. It’s hard to tell with an actress of her caliber. Bob had her sign a couple photos too and then we let her get on with the others waiting in the crowd. It’s always tempting to try and monopolize celebrities, but I’ve seen far too many fans wear out their welcome quickly.
It was very nice to meet such a great performer who also has such class and such respect and gratitude to her fans. Thumbs up, C.J.!!
Return to Saturday in California…
I know you work for Kroger, but you should have asked her if she use to shop at Dorothy Lane Market in Oakwood for me. Inquiring minds want to know.
Bev
November 1st, 2008