VINCE VAUGHN

Redwood Room, Greek Theater

Los Angeles, CA

June 23, 2011

Photo refused by: Vince Vaughn

I was at a post-concert reception at the Greek Theater. (In my estimation, this didn’t qualify as an after-party.) Alison Krauss and Union Station had just put on a fantastic show and people were filing in to mingle. Scanning the room, I spotted Vince Vaughn standing by himself near a complimentary plate of cheese. It's tough to miss him, he is 6’ 5".

I wanted to talk to him before the place got too crowded so I walked over. He ignored me. That’s okay, I know this game. I made my classic, second move and touched his arm. That prompted him to turn and look at me but still no smile.

Then, because I thought it might be polite, I tried something new and introduced myself. “Hi, my name’s Rebecca.” “Hello.” He shook my hand. That was encouraging until he saw my camera and continued, “I’m not taking any pictures today. I’m just enjoying a night out with my friends.” Trying to keep things peppy, I said, “Oh, okay. Then will you just take a picture of me?” “No, I'm not taking any pictures.”

I can understand that my request might have been puzzling since I hadn’t explained my project, but I was taken aback.

“Really, you won't just take a picture of me?” “Really,” he said. Clear, blunt and cold. But what if I had been standing in front of Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon? Would he take my picture then?

At this point, mine was a normal request made by any stranger but I didn’t go there. Instead, with nothing left to say, I resigned. “Okay then.”

And that was the end of that. Ol’ Mr. Good Time wasn't going to be helping me today.

I walked away leaving him as I found him—standing tall and alone with the free cheese.