Earlier this year FACTS announced Sean Astin as a guest for their Spring Edition. However in the week before FACTS his mother died and he had to cancel (of course). As I am a big fan of the "Lord of the Rings" movies AND because I think "The Goonies" is a classic, I was very disappointed but of course it was more than understandable. You can imagine my happiness when Amsterdam Comic Con announced Sean. I immediately knew I wanted to meet him, I mean Samwise is a legend! And now brace yourself for Carola's confession:
I had never seen anything of the Lord of the Rings until a week before Amsterdam Comic Con (I know, right?) So, the thruth is out there immediately. Are you still ok? Can we move on? 1,5 week before Amsterdam Comic Con I was at a quiz night with colleagues. And there it was: A question about the Lord of the Rings. I saw my a colleague on the other team smile, telling me you don't know the answer... And I didn't. Luckily the other team members did!
And then, as a preparation to Amsterdam Comic Con, I started watching "Lord of the Rings". And I have to make another confession: It wasn't love at first sight. It was hard work actually (jaw hits floor). I'm not used to watching this genre. And there were so many characters, voices! I was having trouble to keep track of everything. But I'm a go-getter. I. do. not. give. up!! So I started on watching part 2. This was going in the right direction.. I had to admit to myself: These scenes with Smeagol were pretty awesome. I'll never forget that: "You don't have any friends. Nobody likes you.. Not listening, not listening."(Go Carola!) And so I kept watching. By the time that I was watching the third movie, I really enjoyed watching. I totally loved the Samwise - Smeagol scenes. I was excited to find out how the movie would end (Cue: a big applause).
Sean Astin's Q&A
I wasn't planning on meeting Sean Astin at Amsterdam Comic Con. Sean Astin was doing a Q&A at Amsterdam Comic Con together with Sylvester McCoy. It was a paid Q&A. I knew Liv wanted to go.(O hell yeah!) So I wanted to have seen the movies to get the Q&A a bit better haha. And to actually know Sean Astin for his roles. So I also watched the Goonies and Click. Sylvester McCoy played Radagast in "The Hobbit" and because of that the Q&A was renamed to Tolkien talk. I sure as hell did not want to miss that.
I have to tell you: I never know absolutely which actors I want an autograph or photo op from. No matter how much I like someone on a movie or series: If it just doesn't feel 'right' for me, I won't get the autograph. Now might 'feeling right' sound a bit strong. It's hard to describe. When I see an actor or actress on a convention or in a Q&A, I see the person. Not only the roles they played anymore. Of course the actor/ actress is at work so still is in some kind of a role. Still, you get the see the persons behind these roles a little bit. And sometimes.. I just don't feel a thing. I don't feel a connection, or can't relate. That can happen. That actually happened to us at FACTS this year. Laurie Holden (known for her role as Andrea in "The Walking Dead") was announced as a guest and before the Q&A I really wanted to go and get an autograph or a photo op. But during the Q&A it just didn't captivate us. I don't know if she had a bad day or something, but we just weren't that enthusiastic anymore, so we did not do it. No I won't go for an autograph then. It's not a problem. I don't want the autograph/ photo just for itself: But mainly so I can meet this person. Not the character they play. And it can happen the other way around. Even if I'm not familiar with an actor, or wasn't sure before the con: I can suddenly get the feeling I want to meet them. So to finally come to what i want to say: I loved their Q&A. And I was truly interested in what they had to say. And I felt like getting a photo op.
We will get back to that later, but first let's talk about the Q&A. From the moment Sean and Sylvester got on stage it was chaos. I mean chaos in a good way (as you can see on the picture). They were very vibrant and had great chemistry. The Q&A area was in the same hall as the wrestling stage and they made a lot of noise (which was quite annoying).
So a bit later I told Liv: You might not believe it, but I'm actually thinking of also getting a photo op with Sean. I already bought mine upfront so I was pleasantly surprised when Carola said she was going to buy a photo op ticket, but I couldn't quite believe it. She laughed and said 'Really'? Yes, I was thinking about it (I actually already knew it for sure, but always need some time to process my impulsive ideas).
As always: My decision came quite late. There was only 40 minutes left before the photo op. So I rushed to get a ticket. I was lucky: No queue. But not thát lucky: The ticket system was down. So I had to wait... and wait.. In the mean time Liv went outside for smoke. And I waited. But the ticket system stayed down. Eventually, I received a handwritten ticket. I was relieved, I could still get my photo with Sean Astin!
Sean Astin photo op
I went to look for the queue instantly. There I found myself in trouble again. This guy was calling people by group number. Guess what? Yup.. my handwritten note didn't have a group number. The guy seemed very strict and a bit agitated. So I gathered all my courage and asked. Or well.. Tried to ask! Before I could speak out, he told me I should queue in the last group. So Liv and I couldn't queue together. No problem, but less entertaining. Yes it was, luckily I could still see you at the back of the line, so we could exchange frightened glances, lol.
In the queue, I was quite nervous. I didn't plan this and hadn't really expected this to happen haha. So there I was on my own, without a plan. Without Liv. Not that courageous anymore haha. the queue went on pretty quickly. In the meantime I had already got my picture taken and I had a surprise for Carola. I had joked about giving Sean our Conmose card, like I did with Rick Cosnett. And when I entered the room I thought What the Hell and just did it. So I went to show it to Carola in the queue. That was nice! Soon, I was in the photo op room and could watch the pictures being made. Ok, I saw the pose he was doing. Check. Not that much to worry about. He seemed happy and nice.
And then it was my turn! I wanted to walk up quickly but he looked at my dress. And of course I wasn't prepared to say something or have a conversation haha. Sean Astin just looked at my dress and said "Oh wow, such a colorful dress!". I just remember that and not even what I said haha. Probably just a mumbled thanks. Again, I wasn't prepared haha. But I loved it. He just took initiative with everyone for the pose. And he was very kind and happy. It was a wonderful photo op and I'm very glad I did it. At the next convention (maybe FACTS) I might go for an autograph as well! Are you going to a convention that Sean is attending? Lucky you! Fan of the Goonies or Lord of the Rings? I really recommend meeting him!!
Cheerio!
Write a comment
candy (Saturday, 10 September 2016 00:20)
It took me awhile to get into Lord of the Rings, I have seen all the movies. Fun meeting Sean Astin.
Malaika Fernandes (Saturday, 10 September 2016 13:39)
Lucky you got to meet him just absolutely in love with his character Sam wise Gange from Lord of the rings
Gabrielle Crystal RoseBonniee ~ (Saturday, 10 September 2016 14:46)
Someone said Lord of the Rings? Hmmm .. I saw a few scenes from the films but .. I just couldn´t bring myself to watch the whole films. I don´t know why, because I like this film genre but LOTR isn´t suited for me, haha. But Hobit,this is something different! I really love this one ♥
Nancy G (Saturday, 10 September 2016 14:59)
For starters, I really enjoy your writing style. Its funny and draws me in to want me. Would you believe I haven't watched Lord of The Rings either? *Hides face* But after this read am now intrigued. Wonder if like you I will enjoy it...And to echo Sean "Oh wow, such a colorful dress!" ;-)
Hang Around The World (Saturday, 10 September 2016 15:19)
As always a great post. We really adore reading your blog, you're so professional :)
Good quality, always!
mr.M (Saturday, 10 September 2016 15:24)
I love the way how you describe your meeting with your idol. I can see that you was very happy, and that is the most important thing. I did't watch so much the Lord of Rings, but I am happy to hear that you had amazing time on convention.
Jon (Saturday, 10 September 2016 17:52)
I recognise Sylvester McCoy more from being Dr Who and such a shame you had to queue separately.
teaab (Saturday, 10 September 2016 18:32)
I'm planning to watch Lord of the Rings for so long. It's definitely a movie that everybody should watch.
Jm (Sunday, 11 September 2016 01:23)
You are very lucky the meet him and have that solo photo with him. I am a LOTR fan and i would definitely love to meet him and some of the cast.
Ree (Sunday, 11 September 2016 09:21)
I love lord of the rings so this is brilliant! I had to watch them all a few times though to understand every thing that was going on ! Ree Love30
Bethany Naismith (Sunday, 11 September 2016 13:37)
You have no idea how jealous I am right now... I'm a total Lord of The Rings geek and I love the Goonies, I would die if I met Sean Astin! You're so lucky :)
Nica (Sunday, 11 September 2016 13:48)
You are one lucky human being! I'm drowing in jelousy right NOW hahaha! Love Lord of Rings forever! I watched the movie around 5x already and can't get enough of it :)
Sal (Sunday, 11 September 2016 13:55)
That must be really fun meeting Sean! I read the books when I was much younger but never watched the movies.
Ruxandra (Sunday, 11 September 2016 14:17)
That photo is great! I understand your anxiousness, but in those moments, you just go for it!
Klaudia Scheffler (Sunday, 11 September 2016 16:08)
Wow, that is exciting stuff ! I have seen some different posts about people you have met , I am still wondering how you manage tho ! The Lord of the Rings is such a BIG thing , who doesn't know ?! I have only seen short trailers and excerpts , but my little nephew owns loads of games and figures and things , and I must admit I like that :) The photo of you and Sean is really brilliant , he seems to be a funny guy :)
Joanna (Sunday, 11 September 2016 16:50)
I know him, he played in sooooo many movies! I actually remember him from the comedies he made. You were really lucky and he seems such a nice guy, I love the pose he did in the photo. :)
Rowena (Monday, 12 September 2016 17:15)
SAM!!!! oh I remember lord of the rings when I saw this post of yours. He looks funny and witty. Glad that you saw him in person :)
Queen B's diary (Monday, 12 September 2016 19:12)
He looks so funny in all the photos, no reasons to be in any kind of fear next to him! My brother is the biggest LOTR fan, by the way!
Anna Nuttall (Monday, 12 September 2016 22:26)
Lucky for you on meeting him. He look a great guy to hang out with. Great post. xx
Dunja (Wednesday, 14 September 2016 22:41)
I'm so happy that you got to meet him :) Lord Of the Rings is an amazing movie!
Louisa (Saturday, 08 October 2016 14:37)
I loved him in Goonies and thought he was hilarious in 50 First Dates. I was a big Lord of the Rings fan even when it first came out. He played his role so well. I guess he's not as "famous" as the others but his roles are memorable.