Tim Russert: Thespian

As an actor I have had the good fortune to work with many stars. But when I heard that Tim Russert was booked to do a cameo on Homicide: Life on the Street in 1996 I was thrilled. Tim was gracious, nice to everyone and obviously thrilled to be on the set. He acquitted himself very well, and performed like a "natural".

What I'll cherish most is how Tim listened to my particular brand of political discourse and patiently, but not patronizingly, corrected me when I was off base. He modified some of my views and much to my delight agreed with much of what I had to say. It was an all too brief tutelage that left me with an everlasting impression of this gift to humanity: Tim Russert.

Everytime I saw him at some event or other he always had a smile and a quip that made me feel that he somehow cared for and liked me.

I am so grateful that on Meet The Press Tom Brokaw and Tim's other friends movingly and eloquently shared with millions of viewers the love, friendship and and eternal fond memories that this gentle giant among men engendered.

Godspeed, dear Tim.

Comments

[XME]

Very nice...short and to the point.

Tim clearly had an effect on many people, and while some have complained at the amount of coverage on his passing, I think his family can be nothing be proud that so many feel the need to honor his with their own tribute.

[vaughan]

Cool post. I bet Russert loved being on the show. He seems like a crazy happy kid so much of the time.

[GlockGal]

Richard, that was a very sweet, very moving tribute and I'm not ashamed to say it made me tear up all over again about Mr. Russert's all too soon passing. I remember the episode you're referring to, very well in fact, and I'd always wondered if you'd had the chance to really talk with this great man whom we've lost. I'm glad not only that you spoke with him, but that you shared the experience with us.

Could you perhaps find a little more time to post here? There are a lot of us who truly miss hearing your views on a consistent basis.

[sangsue]

It sounds like it was an enlightening experience for you, Richard. Thank you for sharing it. I think that you are a mensch too.

[rzan]

I remember that episode of Homicide, Life on the Streets well, and Tim did very well. I thought maybe he done some acting previously.

[kellygrrrl]

speaking of "missing"
Richard, we miss you around here.

please write more often!

[darcy]

I second that, kellygrrrl.

[Dave Hollander - Huffpost Blogger]

Richard, I was always very fond of that episode. Reading your post and seeing the outpouring of genuine emotion for the man over this past week confirmed much of what I felt without having met the man: that he was true mensch. Thank you for this sweet remembrance.