I met Debra Messing....

On my honeymoon, in an elevator...my husband and I met Debra Messing. Star of the shows 'Will & Grace,' and so it struck me right away that this could very well be THE Debra Messing who played Grace for years!

It was Sunday, March 8th and Colin & I were walking back to our car after having spent the day with my dad, step-mom and sisters! Colin and I don't get to see our family's that often, so to us, our wedding/honeymoon was another chance to catch up with them (yes, we had our own time alone, don't worry!) and when we left my dad/sisters/step-mom, I was crying SO hard my husband had to literally carry me away. It had been a long day, we had been married for just over 24 hours and I was tired, hungry, and sad (to leave my family).

Colin and I get into the elevator at Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade and go up a few floors. The doors open and in walks this GORGEOUS red-headed woman. And I thought to myself "hey, that looks kinda like Debra Messing, from Will & Grace." So I stared at her some more. She had her son with her, and I think her father; some older man that I know was not her husband. Anyway, they were talking and I kept looking at her and then it dawned on me "That is 'Grace,' from Will & Grace, should I ask her, should I not ask her?" Finally I said to myself--in my head--"Sarah, if you don't ask, you'll wonder for the rest of your life!" So I very politely said, "Excuse me, are you Debra Messing?" This woman smiled wide, shook her head and said "Yeah." And that was that. About two floors later she got out, running after her son and racing him and the older man to their car. It was so cool!

My husband and I got off at our floor and went to our car. I said "Damn, babe, that WAS Debra Messing, she sure is beautiful! TV does NOT do her justice!" He replied with a "Yeah, I know, she's hot!" Good thing I'm an understanding wife who realizes that although we're married now, we're not blind! But he's right, she was pretty hot, and I don't play for THAT team! Anyway, I laughed and said "damn, if she hadn't been with her kid I would've asked her for a picture, or an autograph or something. No, not a picture, I look like crap." I opened the car door and got in, I pulled down the visor and looked in the tiny car mirror. "Oh my God! I like HORRIBLE, Colin, just my luck...the ONE time I have a celebrity encounter, I'm not even close to looking human!" To which my husband kindly replied "She was with her son and her dad, I don't think she was looking at you, besides, you had your sunglasses on." I said "oh yeah." The truth is, that wasn't my first celebrity encounter, I've met a few country singers--but it was my first HOLLYWOOD celebrity encounter. My husband grew up in LA, so he ran into celebrities ALL the time--at one time, he worked at Enterprise Rent a Car and even picked up celebrities as clientelle. What a job! Anyway, I'm happy to report that Miss Debra Messing was incredibly kind and nonchalant. She was gracious and unassuming, and not at all acting celebrity-like. I think having kids does that to people. But, still, she was very nice and absolutely gorgeous! I mean, seriously, folks, the TV does NOT do her justice! She had very little make up on and a nice ivory pant suit. She was dressed up in a wealthy mother kind of way, not an "I'm an actress--look at me" kind of way. I don't know why I ran into her there, or what she was doing in that elevator--besides going to her car. But, still, it was cool! It's cool that I can say that on my honeymoon--I met a celebrity. And if I ever have the (fat) chance of running into another one--I'll be sure to ask for autograph--if they're not with their kids. They're people too, you know, and I feel we have to respect that. At the end of the day, they all poop and pee and take a shower just like we do. And Debra Messing was chasing after he kid (although he was well behaved) just like all the other mothers do. But, I learned a lesson in this: when you go to California, be preapred--look the part, at least presentable enough for a picture with any celebrity you might run into! I'm happy I met her, and I'm even happier that I have my husband as a witness! (Technically, he met her too!) So, here's to actors and actresses everywhere, and the everyday lives that they lead! Except for their very cool, well-paying jobs; they're really not that different than us!

In Light N' Love,
-Sarah Liz :)