Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Academy Award Winner Jon Voight

I met Jon in 2001 when I worked at a division of his production company. We had talked a few times but he didn't spend much time in the office as he was often busy working. One of the execs, curious to see me act, had asked me to perform a monologue for Jon. When I was done performing, Jon told me that while he watched me he had to hold back from standing up and acting with me right there. He was being hyperbolic, I'm sure, but he made me feel great. Then he spent the day making fun of the way I walked and talked because I fidgeted a lot around the office. But, outside of doing some errands for him we never spent much time together. I've run into him a few times over the years but I only worked there a short time and I know he has no recollection of me. Still, I always liked him.

Today I was heading home with some friends when I saw Jon sitting in his car outside of Al Schwartz's apartment. Al's always told me how good Jon's been to him over the years. I normally leave them alone when they're chatting in his car but after interviewing an Oscar winner yesterday, I felt it was pretty serendipitous to find another one at the end of my block. I didn't want to miss a good opportunity. So, I walked over to Jon's car and Al lowered the window. I said Hi to the guys and asked Jon if he had seen the interview Al gave with me. Jon said he hadn't. (You can see Al telling Jon about his advice at the opening of the clip.) Jon told me he didn't want to talk to me for the blog - "I'm not old enough." I said, "Don't worry. You're old enough." He laughed.

My friend walked over to the car - a Hasidic Jew with a long beard. Jon perked up, "Who's this?" I introduced him to Shmuly and I knew Jon would be hooked. He had been working with Chabad (the Lubavitcher Jewish organization) for years, helping them to raise money for their telethons. I remember when I worked for Jon, I asked him why he cared so much about the Jews. I said, "You're as goyish as it gets." He told me he wanted to be a Jew. I don't know if he meant it. But then he told me how much he loves Chabad and what they do, and he said that's why he helps. He genuinely cares about people who care. And, after he gave me his advice I knew I still liked the guy.

Jon Voight, Actor.

Bookmark and Share
Posted by Seth Menachem at 11:12 PM
Labels: , , ,

11 comments:

  1. My Rabbi told me he wanted to convert to Judaism, but Rabbi Cunin told him, "No. You can help us more by NOT being Jewish, than being Jewish". LOL. That crafty Cunin! (regardless, obviously Voight didn't pass the "3 Rejections First" Test!)

    BTW, fascinating that he thinks Cunin helps people. How does he help them? By exploiting his small sobriety clinic to raise mega-millions, to help pad his real estate coffers? He barely gives anything to his cadre of Chabads w/that money.
    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice work, Seth...I once read lines with Voight when I was a set PA on U-Turn. Found him to be very likable and focused. His slow, deliberate way of talking is really just a way of getting the things he does say...right.
    ReplyDelete
  3. What a wonderful moment to have for yourself and share with us all. This blog is a joy. Always loved Voight. And isn't he just the best "heavy" now?? Carol
    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm surprised you like him..Isn't he a Republican?
    ReplyDelete
  5. Jon Voight is an honorable, honest man who lives his life and follows his beliefs with great passion. The world would be a much better place if more people did the same.
    ReplyDelete
  6. Is he driving a lebaron?
    ReplyDelete
  7. His advice reminds me of his Oscar speech. You what with the what where?
    ReplyDelete
  8. "Don't cross against the light"
    ReplyDelete
  9. jon voight played mostly despicable roles and now acts holyier than thou. scum of the earth made money depicting a man being violently raped and forced to squeal like a pig. now he is a good american conservative republican...makes me sick
    ReplyDelete
  10. What he should have told you if U want to live a long and healthy life, U should cut out salt sugar & fat, take long walks, eat lots of fish, whole grains, nuts, take your Vitamins, laugh a lot, have much fun, and when you can get sex have it too, and most important think positive at all times. We own our body for a short time, so we have to take care of it.
    This is from a healthy 69 year old woman in Canada.
    ReplyDelete
  11. somebody Anonymous has him confused with Ned Beatty in "DELIVERANCE". Who played the ROLE of a man being raped. Ned himself was NOT raped. Deliverance was a MOVIE. In a movie, thing seem to happen because they are written into a script and acted by actors. (Unless it is a filmed documentary of actual events.DELIVERANCE is not one of those, it is from a NOVEL of the same name). That aside, I think it is wonderful that somebody outside of the Jews themselves, cares about the Jews themselves.
    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)