I've decided that I'm going to celebrate June by celebrating friends. Each day I will tell you a bit about a friend that I love and why they are so awesome. It could be that they are awesome just because they are awesome. I think you'll think the same. No rhyme or reason to which friends I pick. No order. Just random picks. If I leave someone out, it means we broke up and I'd like my pants back.
Even though she played a speedster on the hit NBC show Heroes, she wasn't fast enough to escape becoming a Jubilation June honoree! Yup, that's Brea Grant I'm talking about. That's us up there a few months back when she took time out of her extremely busy schedule to co-host the podcast while she was in town. I first got to know Brea by contacting her for an interview for my podcast COMIC NEWS INSIDER. She graciously agreed and we chatted on the phone for quite awhile back in 2008. It wasn't until the following year at San Diego Comic Con that we finally got to meet in person after staying in touch post-interview. We got along swimmingly and stayed in touch over the years. Usually only hanging out at a various convention or two each year as we are on opposite coasts. She has come on the podcast several times and it's always great to see her and hang! If you know her acting work, then you know she's amazing. Well, I've got a few more reasons.
- When I contacted her via her old Facebook page back in 2008 (it's gone now, so don't bother, ya mooks), she graciously responded. Even though she was starring in a hit NBC show at the time (Heroes...duh) and directed me toward her management team to set up the interview.
- She has a great blog! And stays pretty accessible to fans and friends alike online. Updating frequently about whatever project she may be working on at the present. Or posting new headshots or articles or interviews. Great stuff!
- Oh yeah. I should have gotten the obvious out of her way. She's a super beauteous looker. Easy on the eyes. Just striking. I'm sayin' she's durn purty, ya crackheads. She manages to walk that line between beautiful and adorable. When you see her you are taken by her beauty and at the same time just want to run up and give her a big ol' hug. (Please don't do that though).
- She's a fantastic actress. I've seen her in quite a few things from Heroes to Friday Night Lights to Dexter. Not to mention the many independent films/web series/shorts she has worked on. I've had a chance to see a few of them and she always stands out.
- Speaking of independent films. She recently wrote/directed and starred in a film called Best Friends Forever. I've yet to see it but can't wait for it! I have a lot of friends in the business and know from them that this is a huge thing to accomplish. It's available through VOD in July on multiple platforms and you can pre-order on iTunes right now!
- She writes comic books. SHE WRITES COMIC BOOKS! She and her brother Zane have co-written a few and I have enjoyed them all. She likes to explore things in the horror/supernatural realm. Which, as you may know, is a favorite of mine. I know she has some more comic book goodness on the way and I look forward to it.
- I mentioned her love of horror. She knows it well. Zombies, vampires, monsters, werewolves and more. Ask her about an old classic horror film and she's probably seen it. Twice. She puts my monster knowledge to shame!
- Recently, I have been thinking of getting back into acting. (Remember when I did that?) I've reached out to many of my friends in the business whom are doing well. Some gave a short reply, some said they'd get back to me and some didn't reply at all. Hey, people are busy. I get it. But Brea took the time to write me a lengthy and informative email explaining her ideas and suggestions of what I should do if I was indeed serious.
- I go to L.A. after San Diego Comic Con each year. A few years back, a mutual friend of ours was supposed to pick me and a friend up at the train station but got delayed at work. Brea to the rescue! She came and picked us up and took us back to her place to chill until the friend could come get me.
- Last year at SDCC, she invites me to a small hotel room party. And with whom has she been hanging? Oh, just The Doctor and Rory from DOCTOR WHO! Yup, I got to party with Matt Smith and Arthur Darville for a bit. I don't tend to nerd out on famous people when I meet them but it was an unexpected pleasure all due to Brea!
- Besides being on the podcast as a guest and co-host, Brea even did some interviewing for us at SDCC one year! I thought it would be fun for her to interview a friend for a project she was working on and it came out great! She's a natural! I'd actually love to hear her do more interviews with other creative types as she knows just what to ask and keeps it engaging.
While we live on separate coasts and certainly aren't BFFs by any means, I appreciate her in my life. She's an inspiration with her acting and writing and someone whose advice I've heeded several times. She always tries to find time for her friends and I'm humbled that she includes me when she can. Last year when I was in L.A. for a few days, she called me to see if our tight schedules could coincide for a hang. Alas, they couuldn't but the fact that she made the effort really meant a lot. I've a feeling that if we lived in the same city that we'd be going to nerdy movies and hitting the comic book stores. Heck, I'd even have a vegan meal for her. I'll probably be seeing her next month at SDCC and/or in L.A where I'm pretty sure she'll be wanting me to star in her next film. Ah, whom am I kidding? I'd cater her film if she asked. Here's to you, B Money!
Our first official meeting in person. That's her brother Zane with us at San Diego Comic Con 2009.
At the Pop Cult party at SDCC 2009 along with her bro Zane & our mutual pal Jen Grunwald.
At the Marvel Party after NYCC. 2011, I think.
Same night much later in a diner. My favorite picture of us.
At my NYCC Dead Dog party.
Last year at SDCC. Matt and Arthur are feet away!
Shopping around SDCC 2011.
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