My Nora Ephron Connection

On a Seattle summer day in 1992, I lived through my 4th callback for the role of Jay in the film- Sleepless In Seattle. I began to have that feeling, the feeling that I always fought against myself in my acting days; I wanted the part. I really wanted the part, I could taste it. After the 3rd callback I was dizzy with the possibility. Jay was a small, but showy role & very funny. I had been able to keep Writer/Director Nora Ephron, the casting director & assorted producer s laughing with each read & Ephron had been encouraging & kind.

Leaving that callback, I found myself passing Rob Reiner in a hallway & after I tossed an “I love your work” to Reiner, I thought to myself: “I really admire Rob Reiner. I wonder what his connection is with Sleepless? Hmmm… he would be so cool to chat with. Maybe he will notice me as Jay & use me in something!”

My agent- Carol, called me later that day with the news that Rob Reiner was going to be playing Jay in the film.

I didn’t much like Sleepless In Seattle years later, viewed on VHS, on a boat floating on Lake Union not far from the films' location. Not being charmed by the film had little to do with my not being cast (how was I supposed to compete against Rob Reiner?), but I found it treacly & I felt that the filmmakers got Seattle all wrong. Maybe I need to watch it again.