ADRIAN GRENIER

The Beverly Hilton

Beverly Hills, CA

April 28, 2015

Photo credit: Adrian Grenier

I could have bought a car with the money it cost to purchase a ticket to this event.

Instead, I was at a wonderfully impressive fundraising conference in Beverly Hills. Top-shelf panel discussions were being held right in front of my very eyes between foreign dignitaries, founders of mammoth companies, and other leaders in their respective fields. I was soaking up some valuable knowledge that I was sure to forget hours later.

This morning's important, consciousness-shifting topic: Millennials and Philanthropy. I was happy to find that Adrian Grenier was part of this panel. Besides being an accomplished actor and the star of the HBO hit series Entourage, he is an environmental activist working to heal the oceans and create a healthier planet.

He wanted to inspire his hard-to-reach young fans to give some of their time or money to benefit the globe. So, from his heart, he used this powerful angle to motivate his impressionable market: “I think you get laid more if you donate,” he said.

I listened from the front row as I sat shivering on a white leather couch in an overly air-conditioned pavilion. Once the talk was over a few people went up to the stage, mostly men offering their business cards hoping to discuss possible deals. Mr. Grenier saw that I was waiting to talk to him but the money-men kept coming. Fortunately, I’m patient. There was a lot of wealth in this room. Turns out there were quite a few young girls that were interested in talking to this hunky star as well. I didn't have the patience for them.

As the men left, the giggling herd of girls approached but I cemented my position in line and said hello. "Hello," he kindly said. Then, suddenly, a miniature woman darted in and cut in front of me to approach him. She was small but mighty. She interrupted us by asking for a photo with him saying her son loved him in Entourage. He realized she’d cut me off but flashed me a look asking me to wait a little longer. To her, he politely said, "Thanks.” Turns out this woman’s son was also murdered. She felt the need to elaborate and carried on her one-sided conversation for several minutes. Admirably, he offered her nods, smiles, and condolences until she went on her way. At that point, the giggles picked up behind me, but I had his eyes.

The girls were watching closely as he and I restarted our conversation. I smiled and said, “Hi again.” With an expression just shy of rolling his eyes, he sighed and looked relieved to see me. I gave him a minute to collect himself then I proceeded, “This is kind of weird, but I have this Celebrity Photo Album.” I explained the concept and asked if he'd take my picture. "Sure,” he said.

He seemed to think it was a neat idea. And thanks to the grieving mother that went before me, getting him on my bandwagon was a piece of cake.

With the camera in one hand, he said, "I'll just do this.” In front of the lens, he held up his other hand and gave a thumbs-up. Happy that he wanted to play, I said, "Oh, yay!" and I held my thumb up as well. He pushed the button and glanced at his work. "Is it good?" I asked. "That depends on your definition of good,” he quipped. He handed my camera back and after I checked the photo I excitedly said, "Oh, it’s great!" We smiled. I thanked him and disappeared into the swarm of fertile admirers.

After further review, I noticed his photo beautifully captured the young lady who was standing behind me. She looks so perplexed by our exchange. Her head, so cutely cocked to the side, seems to say, What's going on? Why isn't he in the picture? Why is he giving her the thumbs-up? It’s the same adorable look my dog gives me when I say the word bacon.

It was nice to run into him. I’ve always imagined he was a cordial person and it turns out he was. Since we met that day, he's been appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. So Adrian, thanks for taking the time to play with me, and thank you for your commitment to the Earth. I really like the photo you took but I have to admit the work you are doing to preserve our planet ranks higher under my definition of good.