ROBERT WAGNER

Century Plaza Hotel

Century City, CA

November 16, 2000

Photo credit: Robert Wagner

I was at a glamorous party in Century City. Aside from hobnobbing with the absurdly rich and unbelievably famous, the goal of this event was to raise money to help build the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Judging by the wealth in attendance, that place is going to be amazing. Quite possibly the greatest center of all time.

At this particular moment, I was in quick transit from the VIP backstage area to a ballroom where the dinner and entertainment were soon to begin. I was rushing down the hallway with a few other guests when I saw Robert Wagner standing against the wall. He was the only person I could see who wasn't headed toward this epic party. Instead, he was standing alone with a blank facial expression, but still looking dashing in his fine suit.

If I hadn’t recognized him, I might have thought he worked at the hotel as he seemed to be standing idle watching the rest of us pass by. He could have been an employee waiting for direction from a paying customer just as easily as he could have been a bigwig waiting for his beautiful date to return from the restroom.

Hmmm… Robert Wagner? Let’s see. I can’t name any of his movies pre-Austin Powers. And really, I only remember watching him on TV in Hart to Hart (while also eating dinner in my yellow bean bag—1970s, baby!), but I recognized his prestige and stepped away from my friends for a brief pit stop.

I said hi and without any explanation, I asked, “Will you take my picture?" Indifferent, he said, “Sure,” and he held out his hand. His dull response exposed his disinterest, though he seemed to be studying my face trying to determine my objective.

I could hear him thinking, Does she know I’m a legendary star from Hollywood’s golden age, or does she really just need a photo of herself? I didn’t have time to explain. He snapped a photo and handed me the camera. No one seemed to care on either side of our exchange and that concluded his brief cameo in my life.

I thanked him then worked my way back into the flow of traffic and off I went. I wasn’t expecting to have a heart-to-heart but this was a particularly cold and impulsive 60 seconds that neither of us would remember if it wasn't for this photo and my imperishable testimony.

Thanks, Mr. Wagner!