February 23, 2001
I knew they'd crumble. Over a week ago I read for the role of DAVID in this pilot and thought I did a bang-up job. It's a great script and a good role, and I dare say I am perfect for it. And know who else thought I was? No one.
At least no one would could offer me the job. I read my two scenes and got some laughs and hit all the beats. I returned home to find out that they liked me. They thought I was good, but not right for the role of DAVID. They wanted to call me back in but for the role of the younger, slicker brother. I think it was my age that hurt me. (And if I ever get to read for the brother, it will be my lack of slickness that'll hurt me.) But wait...
We found out yesterday that the first group of Davids that went in front of the network did not do so well and they were "revisiting" the possibility of John Ducey in this role. I like that. I like the idea of swooping in and showing them how it was supposed to be done. "Where was this guy all along?!?"
I read just the additional scene today. They had replaced one of the original audition scenes with this one, but it was also very funny and I both looked forward to and enjoyed doing it. Upon its completion, the writer/creator gave me a note and I did it again. It was even better and I got the feeling the writer gave a little celebratory leap in his seat as I finished. His note really made the end come alive and I think he was glad he had given it and happy that I could make it work so well. It was in that moment that I felt this job was definitely mine.
It's not. They cast somebody else. I never even got to read for
anyone after that. No test deal, no studio test, no network test. The
same two people came to the same decision. No Ducey in the lead.