One of the great benefits of being on a show that people like is that cool people come to the set. At the end of last season on Brothers and Sisters, Governor Schwarzenegger came by and smoked a stogie with me. A week into our second new season we had a surprise visit from His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. When Arnold came he presented us with a beautiful plaque, thanking us for shooting in California and not Canada. His Majesty, (yes that is how you address him, the protocol detail gave us strict instructions beforehand) was taking his son, the Prince, on a tour of California. Our set was the stop between In and Out Burger and riding Harley’s up the Pacific Coast Highway.
The King is a warm, open man and happily, a big fan of the west and all things American. He is known for his progressive outlook and support of our country, as well as having a very smart and beautiful wife, Queen Rania. I was able to spend a little time with the King and really liked him.
On Brothers and Sisters there are an inordinate amount of scenes in the kitchen making salads. God forbid the King and his entourage of 70, show up for something innocuous like that. Not a chance. Instead they happen to come on a day when Calista Flockhart and I are rolling around on a bed in a cheap motel room. Just what the royal protocol division was looking for I’m sure. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, but I thought I saw a number of them cover their eyes.
But seriously, everyone was in good humor, I even asked His Majesty if he had any pointers on how the scene should be played. He chuckled softly. They watched a few takes and breezed off to sample some more of the Sunshine State.
That’s the great thing about being an actor. Some days you’re just gutting it out trying to make a scene compelling, and other days you’re part of an international summit of friendship and understanding. It makes it all worthwhile. Even if it does take place in a cheap motel.
