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Ben Murphy Official Web Site |
Shades of L.A. | |||
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I interned as a PA on Shades of LA in '90. That short
series was released, I believe, in only a few major markets; LA, New
York and perhaps a few other cities. Actor John D'Aquino starred (a
solid down-to-earth guy by the way.)
(Premise of the show: a gunned down near-death cop is revived, after
experiencing limbo, where he's seen others trapped in the same fate.
Each episode had D'Aquino connecting with the shades, limbo characters,
people who died with major issues unresolved; and of course the
empathetic protagonist's job was to resolve said issues & so release
them from limbo.)
Hope that makes sense :)
As for Ben Murphy: He was the "shade" guest star in the first episode,
played a pilot or astronaut, I forget which now. I arrived on the set
during shooting, sat with the crew and watched several takes of an
interior scene featuring Ben. The scene in the can, there was finally a
break for a new setup. Instead of walking off to the dressing room as
usual guest stars did between takes, Ben came over and sat with us and
chatted.
Now here's what's very telling I think of his character; Ben seemed to
notice me as a new face in the background on the set. I was sitting
behind the others in the crew; Ben rose and smiled and extended his hand
to me, said "Hi, I'm Ben Murphy."
We then talked a while, mostly about "Alias Smith and Jones" - the
details of which I've forgotten. Ben was engaging, articulate, very
friendly and easy-going to a fault. He was called back to the set as we
talked and when he left - I kid you not - one of the crew guys turned to
me and said, "what's alias smith and jones?"
The other thing that stands out in my memory was Ben's physical
appearance. Totally fit, tan, athletic. I judged him 35 or so - I had no
clue as to his real age. Turns out he was nearly 50 at that time. Hard
to believe when I think of it...
In my brief stint in Hollywood, I'm grateful for my contact with
Ben. Everyone should know he's a standup guy.
- Jake
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