Did I ever tell you about the time I met Julia Roberts? Not to brag-- but she and I go way back-- Ever since she got her first real big screen break in the fab film Mystic Pizza in 1988.
I was in Milan, Italy, which is not where we met, but is where I first screened that film which helped launch her Hollywood A-List career. I was jet-lagged out of my mind at a film festival business thing and desperately in need of a nap. So I did what any respectable, hardworking advertising execs would do during a conference and slipped into a movie screening to catch a few Zzzzs in the dark.
Wowza! It was a fantastic little film with an unknown actress you couldn't take your eyes off. I didn't get that nap but I knew Julia and I would have a long relationship together-- Not in a stalking kind of way, but I knew I'd be seeing her way more on the big screen.
Turns out, I dated someone involved with Mystic Pizza so I got to do a "meet and greet" with Julia at a press conference for the film and well... "meet" is a loose term, but I'm pretty sure we made eye contact for like 3 seconds at the catering table and our friendship was launched.
Since 1988, Julia and I have crossed paths so many times we're on a first name basis, *ahem*at*least*I*am*cough* and have so much in common. She starred in Steel Magnolia-- I worked on the advertising campaign. Same goes for her smash hit Pretty Woman-- I did an ounce of work on that campaign too and although we didn't run into each other during the marketing process, I did give her a big wave and thumbs up at the Oscars that year. She was about 85 rows in front of me but I'm certain we connected across the auditorium like two long lost friends.
As her career skyrocketed, I kept an eye on Julia and, like any well-meaning friend, would definitely have advised her to wear a wig and not cut or dye her hair blond for Hook but who am I to butt in.
That was the same year she wore a long black gown with a pesky long train to the Oscars. We sat much closer together this time and I gave her a shout out to be careful cuz Keifer Sutherland was about to step on the dress and that would have spelled disaster. That's what friends are for, right? She appreciated it immensely and gave me a shy smile of thanks.
We hung out again, her photos and movie likenesses that is, on My Best Friend's Wedding and of course, Erin Brockovich-- Wow, she rocked that role and I cheered loudly when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Yes, we've been friends for more than 20 years. Gosh time flies.
My BFF Julia has a new film coming out, Larry Crowne, with Tom Hanks. I haven't seen it yet, but the trailers made me laugh and it's PG-13 with no bombs exploding and zero body count-- That's a plus in my movie-going book these days.
I'm out of the ad biz now but Hollywood is a small town so you never know, our paths might cross again and another meaningful connection is always possible. After all, we started out in the biz at the same time and have so much in common. *wink*wink*
I literally see more than a hundred movies a year-- not counting the ones I sleep through. I'm going to see Larry Crowne and support my old friend. It's in theaters July 1st. You can see it too-- for free!
$25 FANDANGO GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY!
Just leave a comment below telling me your favorite Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks or NiaVardalos movie to win a $25 Fandango Gift Card!
By the way, I've had a few Tom Hanks sightings over the years too (Gosh he's a nice guy.) and I really have met Nia Vardalos who co-wrote this movie. She's the writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but that's a whole other story.
So come on-- Enter to Win $25 towards movie tickets of your choice. Two gift cards are up for grabs along with Larry Crowne tee shirts and notepads. (One for each winner.)
EXTRA Entries:
1) Leave TWO MORE COMMENTS if you're a Follower.
2) Blog about this giveaway and link to this post. Then COME BACK and LEAVE THREE MORE COMMENTS with your giveaway link for your extra entries to be counted. Feel free to grab any of the creative here in this post for your post.
Giveaway ends June 27, 2011 at midnight PT. Sorry US and Canada only. Gift cards will be mailed directly to you by Universal Picture's peeps. Be sure to include your email so winners can be contacted. You must have a blog to enter. Random drawing, results are final.
What's your favorite Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks or Nia Vardalos movie?
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Note: I was not compensated for this post. The giveaway was offered and accepted as an opportunity for my readers.
What a great giveaway! With that cast, the movie has to be good.
ReplyDeleteI loved Pretty Woman, Castaway and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. (and more but I stuck with one each)
You are so cool! And Julia looks even more gorgeous than she did 20 years ago.
ReplyDeletenice...castaway or forest gump for hanks...pretty woman prob for julia or pelican brief
ReplyDeleteHow utterly fascinating Joanna. I am vewry interested in your former career and I just love that lady, Julia Roberts. Liked her in Pretty Woman and another film I thought was fabulous was Erin Brockovich. She is a wonderful actress and I musat admit I fancied her something rotten LOL.
ReplyDeleteLoved the post Joanna.
See ya soon ~ Eddie
my fave Julia Robert's movie would have to be Pretty Woman Joanna.
ReplyDeleteI'd say Pretty Woman! :)
ReplyDeletefollower :)
ReplyDeletefollower 2 :)
ReplyDeletefave Julia movie is Pretty Woman, could watch it over and over and over and over.....
ReplyDeletefave Tom movie is Sleepless in Seattle (and same as above!).
My favorite Tom Hanks is Forrest Gump but Apollo 13 comes in at very close second.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower and have been for a long time
ReplyDeleteI loved Pretty Woman, and Tom Hanks movie BIG is a favorite of mine! Would love to win these tickets, because I already plan to see the movie!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteI am not just a follower, I am a long-time follower, since can't remember when!
ReplyDeleteMystic Pizza is a movie I like to see now and again, primarily because I am a Julia fan. But Pretty Woman is my fave.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked Tom Hanks in Big; however, my favorite is Philadelphia.
Of course I am a follower!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and one of your BFF!
ReplyDeleteI'd say my favorite Julia movie would be Pretty Woman also! Have to say-your blog name caught my eye. I'm now 52 and trying to figure things out! I think I knew more in my 20's and 30's. I was also in advertising, but stopped working when I had kids! The commute to NYC was 1 1/2 each way! Couldn't do it all. Now they're almost in college-and I'm confused and too old to get my old career back! :O That's why I started my blog!
ReplyDelete-Lynn
I really enjoyed reading all your 'connections" my my why aren't YOU famous yet? favorite movie, come on that's like having a favorite child. I'll just say my B-F-G wedding was GREAT!
ReplyDeleteWell....now I feel very important...I blog with someone who is a BFF with Julia Roberts....
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and I suppose my favorite movie starring Julia would have to be Pretty Woman...Of course, I am a huge fan of hers...Our youngest daughter has a lot of her facial features, which I think is great...Man, I sure hope I win these tickets...
thanks for sharing..
shug
Dan and I both love Julia Roberts; she is just an awesome person...and we don't know her like you know her! I enjoyed your story! And I hadn't heard about this movie! Sounds great!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your interesting and amusing Hollywood reflections. I always thought "Pretty Woman" was overrated. But Julia Roberts is not. I agree she's fantastic. My fav. is probably "Sleeping with the Enemy," and "Erin Brockovich" too.
ReplyDeleteTom Hanks? Yeah, I liked "Big." But his best has gotta be "Saving Private Ryan," a truly great movie.
Woo hoo, your and Julia are BFFs. I have never met her or even seen her in person, but my SIL's parents live across the street from her in Malibu.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite of her movies are "Pretty Woman" and "Mystic Pizza."
I love Julia Roberts too. Mystic Pizza is a vintage classic for me. I have to admit, I can watch Pretty Woman over and over too.
ReplyDeleteTom Hanks is fantastic in "Philadelphia" and "The Terminal".
ReplyDeletemami2jcn at gmail dot com
My favorite 'Tom' movie is Appollo 13 and Philadelphia and Julia, The Pelican Brief...love both of them and two of my favorite people...I'm jealous you 'met' her :)
ReplyDeleteErin Brockovich, hands down that is my favorite one. Castaway is good but I have to say Forest Gump is my favorite Tom Hanks movie!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower also!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower #2!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say Pretty Woman. I just loved that movie=)
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to know someone who knows someone!
Lethea
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
Take 1
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower GFC~Luvdaylilies
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
Take 2
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower GFC~Luvdaylilies
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
My Julia Roberts favorites, #1 being my top choice, are:
ReplyDeleteSteel Magnolias--it's on cable all the time, and I've seen it so many times I know the dialogue by heart. Julia's Shelby was funny, spunky, and chose the life she wanted to live, without regret.
Pretty Woman--Julia and Richard are magical together, but I like the part when she's flossing her teeth in the bathroom and Richard's character thinks she doing drugs.
The Pelican Brief--with Denzel, of course. After Thomas' car is blown up, with him in it, Julia's Darby sits in a motel room shaken up badly. I thought she did this so well.
I've been a follower for awhile. My favorite Tom Hanks movies are Cast Away (I always love it when Wilson is lost at sea) and the Toy Story movies (all of them, because Tom IS Sheriff Woody).
ReplyDeleteLast comment: I also love Julia in Runaway Bride, also with Richard Gere!
ReplyDeleteI feel weird reading all these double and triple comments, so I'll just leave one. I love Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, and Tom Hanks in Castaway and Forrest Gump.
ReplyDeleteIt may lower my chances, but I just wanted to show you I'm reading and playing along.
aw, what a fun story! or shall I say, STORIES! I love Tom Hanks and I think my favorite movie with him would be BIG.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
lauren51990 at aol dot com
This may not endear me to you at all, but as a general rule we aren't big J.R. fans in this house. That said, we do end up seeing all her movies. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go with MBFGreekWedding as a favorite flick.
Closest we ever got to Tom Hanks, my love and I went to NY. I had purchased Chicago tix months before, 2nd row. It's a favorite of my loves and we had seen the play in Ashland (not the musical) and she had seen the movie about 100,000,000 times. Anyhoozle, by chance our night at Chicago was Rita Wilson's debut night. Tom was there, as well as a bunch of other famous folk, to support Rita's first night. And it was my love's birthday. Pretty much a perfect night. Got Dan Akroyd's autograph.
I'll stop now.
Cheers,
Casey
Fav is Pretty Woman! tracietrump@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletegfc 1! tracietrump@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletegfc 2! tracietrump@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteFavorite Julia film: Runaway Bride
ReplyDeleteFavorite Tom film: Castaway
I guess I'd have to vote for a Tom Hank's movie. Only because his body of work covers a broader range.
ReplyDeleteAh, Julia. When she shines (Mystic Pizza, Notting Hill, Best Friend's Wedding), she is such a STAR!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope I win - I'm planning on seeing this one because I'm one of those 'older' college students. Well, I have been off and on for the past 20 years. Currently, 'off' due to lack of funds. sigh. Anyway, Mystic Pizza for Julia, although it's tough to choose. Also loved her in Runaway Bride and Pretty Woman. Tom Hanks - gotta be Big or Forest Gump.
ReplyDeletecomment #2 Oh, I hope I win - I'm planning on seeing this one because I'm one of those 'older' college students. Well, I have been off and on for the past 20 years. Currently, 'off' due to lack of funds. sigh. Anyway, Mystic Pizza for Julia, although it's tough to choose. Also loved her in Runaway Bride and Pretty Woman. Tom Hanks - gotta be Big or Forest Gump.
ReplyDeletecomment #3 Oh, I hope I win - I'm planning on seeing this one because I'm one of those 'older' college students. Well, I have been off and on for the past 20 years. Currently, 'off' due to lack of funds. sigh. Anyway, Mystic Pizza for Julia, although it's tough to choose. Also loved her in Runaway Bride and Pretty Woman. Tom Hanks - gotta be Big or Forest Gump.
ReplyDeleteYou met Julia Roberts?!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Hummmm... My all time fav Tom Hanks movie is Forest Gump and Julia Roberts would be Pretty Woman.
ReplyDeleteIs it Ok that they're not the same movie?
Pretty Woman, is my all time fav...
ReplyDeletesuzi f.
suzifailing@att.net
Hands down The Pelican Brief.
ReplyDeleteOh wait... I did love Steel Magnolias.
And um... Erin Brockovich
And that one where she faked her death from her abusive husband? LOVE that!
Pretty Woman, awesome.
And one of my favorite old movies is Mystic Pizza. That Mr. Big Stuff song... LOOOOOOOVE it.
Ah the memories.
But I'll say Pelican Brief. lol.
*snicker* *snicker* *giggle* I LOVE this post.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite movie HAS To be Pretty Woman. Love love love it. And I've never seen Mystic Pizza. I may have to go find that one.
Okay, the post is up on my blog about your giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thetechnobabe.blogspot.com/
Check it out.
I blogged about your giveaway here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thetechnobabe.blogspot.com/
I blogged about your giveaway here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thetechnobabe.blogspot.com/
I don't need to be part of the drawing because I can't go to the movies; can't sit in a chair with a normal pitch.
ReplyDeleteShe's one of my favorites. The two movies I've seen over and over again are Sleeping With The Enemy and Pretty Woman. The one that first caught my eye was Mystic Pizza. The one I like the least is Steel Magnolias and the one with the best line in it is My Best Friends Wedding.
Loved this post ... and hey, you should do background extra work like I do, and you will be hanging out with celebs all day, up close and personal! :-)
ReplyDeleteLoved this post ... and hey, you should do background extra work like I do, and you will be hanging out with celebs all day, up close and personal! :-)
ReplyDeleteMy Best Friend's Wedding is my fave JUlia Roberts movie
ReplyDeletelittlegray88 at yahoo dot com
I am a follower.
ReplyDeletelittlegray88 at yahoo dot com
I am a follower
ReplyDeleteentry 2
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
Nia Vardalos - My Big Fat Greek Wedding (she is just gorgeous!)
ReplyDeleteTom Hanks - Forrest Gump (he becomes the character in his films - so amazing)
Julia Roberts - The Pelican Brief (how young she was to be such a great actress in that one)
I'm a follower (#1)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower (#2)
ReplyDeleteOh oh oh oh I love this..what fun to have met her!! I can't wait to see this one..looks wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteDid I ever tell you my hubby kissed Jodi Foster? My sis and BIL are in the biz there and I have met a few folks over the years...is fun huh??
Yes please add me to the fun giveaway hon!! Thank you and hugs to you, Sarah
Look at me, way down here in position #67... late as usual. But I got an invite to come from a personal friend of Julia Roberts... so here I am. And as they say... better late then never.
ReplyDeleteSo. Loved Julia in Eat, Pray, Love because I read the book and couldn't wait to see all those exotic places on screen (and Julia's adaptation of whiny Elizabeth Gilbert). The movie was eh, but the scenes. Oy! And when she made love to that plate of spaghetti... but I digress.
As far as I'm concerned Nia Vardalos has only made one move: My Big Fat Greek Wedding. So that gets my vote.
Tom Hanks...? So many great performances, but he'll always be Forrest Gump to me.
So there you have my humble votes. Fabulous post as usual my friend. I need to stop by more often but I'm kinda out of the blogging biz except for an occasional rant. Really proud of the success you are having though and am honored that you still remember me from my Casa Hice days. You are a treasure and I really do love you lots.
PS: My son Jordan lives on Lanewood Avenue, two blocks from the Jimmy Kimmel auditorium. Know the area? He loves Hollywood, even though the cost of living is eating him alive.
I'm here through Technobabe, but I'll be back. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteJulia - Mystic Pizza
Tom - Forrest Gump
Nia - My Big Fat Greek Wedding
I wouldn't be able to use your prize, but just want to say anyway - loved your post! :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved Mystic Pizza and knew she was going to be a star....that laugh and natural looks! So cool you two are BFF wink wink she is the lucky one!
ReplyDeleteErin Brocavich was a good one, too! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Julia in Mystic Pizza, but my 2 fav's of hers are Steel Magnoilas and Pretty Woman. Both movies that I could watch again and again. Oh but wait I'm also a total fan of the Pelican Brief - she rocked that movie too. I can't pick a favorite - I love them all!!
ReplyDeleteYou are hilarious! I bet you're going to run into her at the gas station. You'll have your chance to let her know just how much you two are BFFs.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan...I mean, follower of yours! LOL
My favorite movies...Castaway by Tom and Pretty Woman by Julia!
My fave Tom Hanks movie is That Thing You Do. Love that he even wrote the songs!
ReplyDeleteMystic Pizza was a grand movie. I have to say that I love her latest: Eat Pray Love. She played it so low-key, so genuinely, that I was sucked right in to the character's psychology and vision.
ReplyDeleteI had not expected to enjoy it so much. Another little gift.
You are so hysterical, Joanna! But I can picture you and Julia Roberts as friends. I loved her in so many movies...Erin Brokovich, Knotting Hll. I liked Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump and so many more. Together, they were great in Charlie Wilson's War.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win tickets to her new film!
Lessee, I have to leave two comments because I am a follower, so here's one.
ReplyDeleteLOL
Aand, here's two.
ReplyDeleteAnd finally, my favorite Tom Hanks film is Big. Others come close, but if I run across Big on TV, I'll stop what I'm doing to watch it.
ReplyDeleteLove love love Miss Julia Roberts.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
I blogged about the giveaway, so here's #1 of my extra chances (I really want to win! lol)
ReplyDeletehttp://barbarashallue.typepad.com/musing_in_long_hollow/2011/06/just-three-things-and-a-friday-favorite-photo.html
I blogged about the giveaway, so here's #2 of my extra chances. Thanks for allowing them!
ReplyDeletehttp://barbarashallue.typepad.com/musing_in_long_hollow/2011/06/just-three-things-and-a-friday-favorite-photo.html
Whew, last one. Here's the link to my blog post about the giveaway. Thank you!
ReplyDeletehttp://barbarashallue.typepad.com/musing_in_long_hollow/2011/06/just-three-things-and-a-friday-favorite-photo.html
gosh, i love tom in forest gump, castaway, the green mile.....
ReplyDeleteand julia.....eat pray love and pretty woman might be my favorite two movies of hers....wait, i did love her in erin brockovich too :)
xo
I just posted you to my blog, and now I have to do it twice more, right?
ReplyDeleteThis is twice.
ReplyDeleteAnd this makes three.
ReplyDeleteWhat nice prize to win (for the lucky one) And what a great job you have.
Thanks for the chance.
Tom Hanks - not a movie - Bosom Buddies
ReplyDeleteJulia Roberts - Notting Hill
Nia Vardalos - My Life In Ruins
I'm a follower (bonus entry 1)
ReplyDeleteStill a follower! (bonus entry 2)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Tom Hanks movie is Philadelphia.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI will follow you, wherever you may go.
ReplyDeleteTHIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO TECHNO BABE AND COTTAGE GARDEN STUDIOS FOR WINNING!!!!
ReplyDeletexo jj
I am a real Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks fan too. I'm glad to know someone who knows them so well. :-)
ReplyDelete