What’s Gotta Stay

What is so fun about seeing people you know on TV?  Of course the most exciting is getting on TV yourself, but even seeing your neighbor, friend, or even someone you used to know is just plain fun.

The funniest part of this little joy we all feel about being broadcast on the airwaves is the way we often act when the opportunity presents itself.  You see it all the time.  The camera pans the crowd at a game and what do people do…their brain turns off and they turn into a crazy person.  Arms flail, tongue out and screaming at the top of their lungs, these fans do anything to get those few seconds on ESPN or the local broadcast.

We’ve all seen that on the spot news reporter describing some important story unfolding as they speak.  Only problem it is a bit hard to take them seriously when that goofball is aping for the camera in the background.

All of this humor aside, it is still cool when you see someone you know on the tube.  In my short teaching career - which was over when my student teaching requirements were met - included teaching a student named Corbin Allred. I had him in a high school chemistry class that was likely as much of a challenge for me to teach as it was for him to endure.  He was a great kid and I enjoyed having him as a student.  During the semester I taught him, he was gone from school for a week doing some commercial work, including one for IBM.  He worked with me to make arrangements for homework to make up for his time missed, and it all worked out.  I was always happy to work with responsible kids that took care of making sure their education came first.

I learned a bit from Corbin about how the financial aspects of acting in commercials worked.  I was amazed at the money you can make for something that is broadcast on a national level.  Too bad I don’t have any acting talent!  I am not sure Corbin even remembers me, but he was one of those students I have remembered.

I first saw him in a Friday teen sitcom that lasted a season I think, and then later in numerous single episode stints in shows such as Touched by an Angel and CSI.  He starred in a great independent film called Saints and Soldiers that if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.  Just tonight I saw him in a Wendy’s commercial (the one on an airplane joking about being in the middle as a good choice).

Every time I see him in anything I find it fun.  I feel happy for his success and hope he will find more.  For everything I dislike about TV, this is one thing I really enjoy.