Over the years of my career in showbiz, I have worked with many celebrities. Some I liked, some I didn’t. Some were everything I had ever imagined, and some were major disappointments. My all-time favorite celebrity however, was the one of the Three Tenor’s…
Placido Domingo
He was in town performing for The Los Angeles Opera and took a day off to promote one of his cd’s. I was hired to work on the commercial. Thus, I had a front row seat listening to Placido Domingo sing with his glorious voice a cappella for 8 hours. It was an absolutely amazing day and I felt like I should have been paying HIM. I literally got chills.
He was a gracious and charming man who obviously liked women, (but not in sleazy lothario sort of way.) He was also incredibly handsome, or as my co-worker said, “he has aged impeccably.” My job required that I interact with him a great deal, and it was so mind blowing to hear Placido Domingo calling my name to ask me something. SWOON! There was also a Mrs. Domingo, swathed in expensive cashmere and big diamonds, watching him like a hawk. I didn’t blame her, I would have done the same thing. We had a still photographer on set all day and for once I broke my own rule.
“Placido, (yes I called him by his first name at his insistence!) I never ask this but I am hoping you won’t mind. Would it be possible to get a picture taken with you at the end of the day?”
“Of course Lisa, it would be my pleasure.” Placido said, dripping Italian charm.
“I really appreciate that.” I replied as I tried not to visibly turn to mush.
We continued to shoot and they finally called a wrap. The work lights immediately went off and the stage went dark. Placido started to walk away then came back. All of the sudden through that darkened room he boomed out “WAIT.” Everyone in the room froze. It was like an EF Hutton commercial. All eyes went to Placido.
“I promised to take a picture.” he firmly said. The lights went back on, Placido motioned to me and said “Lisa?”
The photographer scurried over and quickly set up his camera. He then took the picture of us. Placido smiled at me and said “All right?”
I said “Thank you SO MUCH.” as I smiled back.
Suddenly three or four other people sheepishly walked over and also had their pictures taken with him.
That picture of the two of us still sits in a place of honor on my desk, and I will adore Placido Domingo until the day I die.
That is so cool. Wow, what a really neat story!!
very, very cool indeed. however, I must admit I am partial to Pavarotti… It’s really a shame they were born in the same period. I know there’s a deep down rivalry between them.
The Mom adores him. Her favorite song is Perhaps Love.
LB, it takes class to appreciate class
Fabulous story, LB! That is one treasure of a memory.
How cool is that that he remembered and came back for the picture. Always nice to hear that some celeb’s are down to earth and decent to deal with.
Have a great week Lisa!
How cool is that? I agree with you that Placido’s voice is to die for! Love the fact that he remembered the picture! I don’t have near as much class as you, Lis. Whenever I want my picture taken with a celeb, I just use the same old line… “Do you mind if I have my picture taken with you for my refrigerator?” They always go for it because it’s such a goofy request!
OMG…when you said he called out your name, dude, I seriously got chills all over! How awesome is it when celebrities call you out by name?! It was like that time when I went to Hollywood to go to the Jimmy Kimmel Show, and Jimmy called out, “David” it made me all happy. Course, he had to go and ruin it all, by adding “Alan Grier” to it, but it was all good. And I’m curious as to what line of work your in, that you get to interact with celebrities…that would be a dream job…
Placido is an amazing man-you are not the first person from whom I have heard this. A good friend of mine had dinner with him many moons ago, and said the same thing. But a photo? That is just fantastic. I have mine with Mike Mcready from Pearl Jam(got to talk “shop” for about an hour before a show), and I thought I was cool! I have to say, however, that my favourite voice from the 3 tenors is Jose Carraras(Hope I spelled that one right), but I would NEVER turn down Placido’s voice for 8 hours. Amazing-lucky you! I don’t ever want to hear that you have a crappy job ever again!
The Dom looks pretty hot in that bottom pic. I’ve got a thing for dark eyed men.
Lisa, good to see you back at the blog. You were missed. Placido is a great talent, but his charm is Spanish, not Italian. Nice to know he has class, it is a rarity these days, especially among celebrities.
He’s such a HUNK!! (and he has a lovely voice.) You lucky girl!!!
Uisce – Thanks Hon!
Denny – I know they are rivals but Pavarotti never did it for me although I thought he also seemed charming.
GW – The Mom has good taste!
Glo – You classy gal you! Mwah my friend!
Trubs – Thanks dear. I love that memory as well.
Mike – It made me feel like a million bucks that he remembered.
You have a good week too!
Last Girl – Thanks Hon. He was such an elegant man that to give him anything less than classy behavior back just seemed WRONG you know?
I love your approach as well!
David – It gave me chills too
Moket – I am very lucky indeed.
However, for every amazing job like that one, you get a a boatload of crappy ones to make up for it!
Buffy – That was a younger pic of him but he was absolutely gorgeous in person.
HWS – Thanks Dear! Very appreciated.
And thanks for the correction, that’s what I get for writing a post when I’m tired
Nat – Aren’t I just? LOL!
Hey sweetie! You know I’ve seen that photo of you two together and it is a great picture… of both of you! A very, very nice photo.
Wait! I was expecting to see a picture of you two at the end of the post!
That’s great that you had that experience. Most celebrities whom I have met sort of disappointed my image of them. I’m glad you had a positive result!
I wish I could take a picture w/Jerry Springer. No class knows no class.
DAMN! he is hot!!! you lucky girl!
LisaB…I just curious…was there a reason you answered my first question and not my second?
They say you shouldn’t meet your heros. But you have proved them wrong.
I want my pic taken with crazy motherfucking Nick Nolte.
I just got done telling Se7en that I was jealous he got to be in New York City and now I’m green as the wicked witch of the west with envy at the fact that YOU got to meed Placido Domingo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I could just be famous now so I could meet these kinds of people!