JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE HAIR & MAKE-UP TRAILER

In a previous article, I told you about a portion of my experience on the set of the upcoming blockbuster movie Logan, the latest of the Wolverine films in the X-Men franchise.  Marvel Entertainment has spent a reported 127-million dollars on this film, and I’m happy to say a very teeny-tiny, infinitesimal portion of that budget was spent on me.  Having said that, I doubt what I earned during my five days of work would even cover the cost of driving Hugh Jackman from his hotel to the set for one day.  And I’m not even talking round trip.

That’s not my real hairline. Sadly, that is my real phone case.

Speaking of Jackman, when I arrived on set for my first day as the body double for actor Richard E. Grant – who plays the villainous Dr. Zander Rice – I couldn’t help but wonder if he would be there.  One look at the call sheet though, confirmed my suspicions – Hugh Jackman had the day off.  Instead, his stunt double would be filling in for him, taking the necessary licks that most actors avoid while sitting out such choreographed mayhem, safely relaxing in their Star Waggon™ brand trailers.

The first two days went by, with very little star power on set.  This came as no surprise, though, as we were filming re-shoots.  The bulk of the film was shot outside of California, and had already wrapped up production, but for whatever reason, Marvel execs decided some new scenes were needed.  It’s not uncommon for studios to supplement re-shoots with stunt doubles and body doubles, whenever possible, and avoid paying the already well-compensated stars even more.   In fact, that’s why I was there.

Jackman’s stunt double on the run, presumably having missed an earlier call for lunch.

The third day was going along much like the first two.  I’d arrive, get coffee and a quick breakfast, then head immediately to the hair and makeup trailer.  Once seated, the stylist, Anthony, would fit my head with a tailor-made wig, matching Grant’s actual hair.  Seated next to me for the first two days was Jackman’s stunt double, getting his Wolverine-style mutton chops affixed to his face.   We made small talk, but about what, I can’t remember.  Day number three seemed like the days number one and two.

So, as I sat down, I caught the familiar mutton chops out of the corner of my eye and said hello.  The small talk continued as Anthony forced me to stare straight into the mirror and not move a muscle.  Turns out, fitting someone with a tailor-made wig is a precision craft, so I obliged without barely so much as a nod. Anthony, Mr. Mutton Chops, his stylist and I talked about everything and nothing. The night before there was a wildfire near the set and we babbled on about that for a good twenty minutes.  We also talked about a bad accident that had caused traffic hassles earlier in the morning.  It was pretty much the usual stuff people talk about when they’re forced to spend a few minutes together and want to avoid awkward silence.

With that, Mr. Mutton Chops gets up from his chair, turns to me and extends his hand.

“It was a pleasure talking with you.”  He said, before slightly underscoring his name.  “I’m Hugh.”

Sure enough, it was indeed some guy named Hugh.  And all of the sudden, that voice with the distinct Aussie accent was recognizable.  Working regularly on television and movie sets, I’m not the type to get easily star-struck.  But I couldn’t help but be taken aback by the fact that I spent the previous half-hour babbling non-stop about daily minutia to one of the biggest stars on the planet.

“I’m Ron,” I said as I shook his hand   Then I added…. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.  What did you say it was?  Lou?  Stew?  John Woo?”

This might have been Hugh’s reaction to my “alternate ending.” I couldn’t risk it.

Okay… I didn’t really say that.  But I thought it made a better ending than me just sitting there with my mouth agape and my tongue tied.

I’ve got one more story to tell from my five days on the set of Logan, and it involves that same small-talking superstar saving me from certain doom.  I’ll detail that heroic moment in the next My View from the Set.