Christian Lyon

11 years ago today I was involved in a cool staged reading of a new play that had a talented group of actors. It was directed by an old friend and talented actor in his own right.

Looking back there were many readings I was involved in, some saw the light of day, many didn’t, but all were great experiences surrounded by huge talent!

This makes me sad…

R.I.P. Gregory Itzin 😢🙏🏻

I had the great pleasure of acting opposite this powerhouse of an actor and it will always be a highlight of my career.

I first saw Greg on stage in the early 1990’s shortly after arriving in Los Angeles. He stood out to me and for whatever reason I remembered his name and over the years I would follow his career. He would go on to star on Broadway being nominated for a Tony and TV where he was Emmy nominated for his role on 24. He also acted in film opposite some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

In 2013 I received an email from the producer of this new play to come in and read for a part. I did, nailed it and the next day we had our first table read and who should walk in but… Greg Itzin! I was beside myself but played it cool. I would be starring opposite him where we were both FBI agents but I would be his boss, much to his chagrin.

During the first few rehearsals I wanted to impress him by knowing all my lines but I kept failing miserably. He said something that has resonated with me ever since, “Brick by Brick. Don’t try to build the whole thing tonight.” That took so much pressure, that I had put on myself, off and it progressed so much easier that way.

One point during the 2nd week of the show everything clicked. Greg and I were on stage and I put a little “mustard” on my line and gave him a zinger. He stopped ever so briefly and looked at me like “you little sh*t!” Being the pro he is I saw the twinkle in his eye and “Wham!” He spiked that ball right back to me and we were off to the races over the next few months. That interaction took all of 5 seconds but it let Greg know I was able to play with the big dogs and he appreciated that.

During the run of the show I invited my friend Harry Hamlin to see a performance. He told me he was college roommates with Greg and hadn’t seen him in many years. I was glad they were able to reconnect.

We would go on to an extended run, nominated for an Ovation Award for excellence in theatre and ended up one of the top 10 plays in Los Angeles for 2013.

While I’m sad for his passing please keep his family in your prayers, not me. 🙏🏻