I have wanted to talk to Neal since seeing him in Angels in the Outfield, Tin Man, White Dwarf and Band of Brothers. When I told him that, he laughed about Angels. And while he plays a real bad-ass bad guy, I like him playing good guys. But he said he liked to have money coming in and the bad guy characters paid. I have no problem with that. Especially after talking with him; I spoke to him over the course of the day about six times. Then I went to his panel. OMG. If I didn’t have admiration for this man before, it increased ten-fold listening to him talk.
I don’t get fan-boy about a lot of stars. I understand they are humans and put on their pants one leg at a time. And also they are portraying a character that may be different than they actually are. But the ones I do get star-struck are because they have portrayed characters that I love. Like I said, from Angels, Tin Man, White Dwarf (which Neal & I both agree should have been a series) to Band of Brothers. Neal spoke about how he almost gave up acting, what brought him back, how he met his best friend-his wife and the love for the craft. He also spoke about his faith in God and that he is a Republican. He was funny and kind, had stories about some of the famous actors he has acted with, and so much more. He is not shy about his faith, and perhaps being a Republican and an actor may not get him as many parts as others who don’t see it the same way as he does, but he spoke how he has stuck to his guns about certain things he won’t do in film. Integrity, not mercenary for money, made such an impression on me. It hearkens back to the classic movie stars of years ago, and not the ones that will do anything for money and then turn around and complain about those same things.
You can hear it in his voice about the love he has for his wife (the wife is always right) and the pride he has for his kids (5 of them!). I could have listened to him talk for more than the time allotted. And the way he interacted with other fans was remarkable. Words like class, compassion, & nice (immediately spring to mind), easy to talk with and so many other words I would like to use to describe him. When Neal plays a good guy, I do believe he is just being himself. Just like in Angels in the Outfield.
In closing, let me reiterate: Stealthcon is a great con and I am anxious to see when it is next year and who they are having. I love seeing people that I have seen at other cons. But here, you have the chance to talk to them without the massive crowds or hustle that comes with thousands of people (Oh My Sophi and Triple Diamond Cosplay). Tricia was as lovely and nice and TALL! I never really got how tall she is, and she is as professional as they come.
I have fan-boy over Neal enough, but the last time I spoke to home, I said that I had attended a military school (as I was wearing one my Kemper shirts). I then told him the best compliment I could give, and I rarely, ever say this, and usually never to the person I am talking to: I told him he would have been a heck of a Kemper Old Boy. To meet him, hear how proud he was to have been in Band of Brothers and to listen to him talk about his work, and everything else; Kemper Old Boys would understand.
Thanks for a great day Neal.
