Step Off!

21More Dan, But Less Melrose, I Suppose

The line between work and reality is a very fine one for actors, or anyone in the public eye, for that matter. As I referenced in the prior chapter, over a period of time, it became a bit difficult for me to just “be me.” Whether I was at work or in public, I found myself searching for an acceptable portrayal of “Dan” that would please others, but not necessarily myself. This issue can become even more convoluted when people associate you with a character you've played instead of you, the person who portrayed said character.

I was fortunate enough early on in my career to have the opportunity to audition for Hollywood legend and producer extraordinaire, Aaron Spelling. He'd created numerous hit shows over the prior three decades and, at the time, was riding another massive wave of success thanks to two new creations of his, Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place. I was asked to come in and audition for a new character on Melrose Place, Jess Hanson. He was the long-lost, evil half-brother of Jake Hanson, played by the talented Grant Show. The character of Jess was to appear in the last nine episodes of the season. Now, at that point in my life I'd never seen an episode of Melrose Place, but I obviously knew that this was one of the most popular shows on television, if for no other reason than its rabid adorning fan base.

A day before the audition, I was told by my stereotypically fast-talking, eye-twitching, never-trusted-him, if Ari-Gold-and-Spongebob-had-a-kid-it-would-be-him ...