Jon was such a delight – walking around, and giving hugs, remembering people’s names. Just so lovely.
So, we’re in a late rehearsal. And I know the day is gonna be busy.
I thought maybe I’d try to hand him his card after the full staff picture. But figuring I didn’t have any time to lose, as he might get whisked away by a million other people then, I left rehearsal between acts 1 and 2, sprinted upstairs, grabbed my card and came back down.
At that point, I could still get in the back/side stage area that we see whenever we go in the studio, but with cameras and everything now in place for act 2, I couldn’t really go to the seating area – which is actually fantastic, because now I’ve just accidentally trapped myself side-stage with Jon Stewart.
He’s talking to the contributors who are about to go out. Once they all leave, he’s standing there alone. And they’re just showing a clip package in the studio, so I’m not interrupting much to talk to him.
I walk up to him and tell him I’ve written cards for everyone on staff, and here’s his.
He makes this fantastic big facial expression. “I get a card?!” he says enthusiastically. “I didn’t do anything though,” he adds.
“Well, you helped make the show possible!” I tell him.
Then he tells me he’ll humbly accept the card.
And this is the best part!
I tell him, “I say this in the card, but I also want to tell you, I’ve said to many people now, ‘Jon Stewart changed my life,’ and I’m so happy I finally get to say those words to you. So many of my dreams came true here, because of this show, and in large part because of you. You have changed my whole life.”
He told me that was very sweet. “Thank you, Aurora. But no. You changed your own life. You earned your spot here.”
He then went on and told me, “Every person in this building is some of the best at what they do, and that includes you. Your tenacity. Your creativity. Your talent. Your personality. You worked exceptionally hard to get here. You earned your spot here. You got yourself here. It was you. It wasn’t me.”
And I almost cried because it was the most beautiful mini-speech I’ve ever heard.
Then I asked for a picture and we looked around. Everyone was a little busy, so he suggested we selfie it. He thankfully took beautiful angle so my face didn’t look humongous – because he seems to be one of the sweetest people on the planet.
One of the absolute top days of my life. Best mini-speech ever. Coolest moment. *Contented Sigh*