This is an excerpt from a 17-year-old cancer patient’s Make-A-Wish experience on the set of “The Hobbit.” The link to the entire post is at bottom. The whole thing is well worth reading–what a dream come true for this young Tolkien fan!–but I think this passage was of particular interest. And I found myself laughing and crying and feeling so ulifted. God bless RA and all the cast and crew who helped give Samm such an amazing time. And thank you, Servetus, for sharing this on your blog so I could discover this wonderful story and share it with you all XXOO
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. . . Then I turned back around to Peter and he saw my necklace move (Which is a keychain of The Key to Erebor, but I broke the keychain part off and made it a necklace because the necklaces are expensive and the keychains have more detail) and Mr. Jackson said “Oh, that’s Richard’s key!” then this little bugger totally tilted his head and gave a little smirk and said “I bet Richard would like to see that.” THIS SUCKER KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING. I LOVE YOU. So then, before I could let myself totally fangirl an make a mockery of myself, I said “I would love to show Richard my key!” and Peter turned to Sebastian and Phil and nodded like a little miracle worker and said “I think Richard would like to see that key.” And off we went!
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We walked out of that stage and across the lot to another stage. Phil and Sebastian went with us and said that Richard was just finishing up filming a scene. So when we entered that stage and there was another giant set. It was significantly darker in here than it was in the other stage, but I didn’t care one bit. We arrived and there were more lawn chairs and another TV on wheels thing set up but this one wasn’t on. Apparently it wasn’t working, and they tried so hard to get it working, and I told them it was really okay if they didn’t get it working! And they were like “noo it’s not okay!” But, you guys, it was, because we were so close to Richard Armitage filming that I could hear EVERYTHING.
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And I was so close to a camera that I was watching the screen on the camera. I was AMAZING. I watched Richard Armitage ACT. I am proud to say that, it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Inspiring, just any nice word you wanna throw out there, it was that. Then we heard “cut” and I saw him walk off set. And we all know how Richard is a method actor. He stays in character all day. He walked off the set with /the/ meanest look on his face and glared RIGHT at me. I GOT A THORIN STAREEEEEEEEEEEE. Then Sebastian walked over and whispered in his ear and literally it was like night and day. His face went from “imma kill” to “Flowers and tea, yay let’s go play” And I got up and walked over to him. He said (in the mst adorable accent on the planet) Hello there, I’m Richard.” Now guys………I love Richard Armitage ok. Proud member of the Armitage Army like come on look at my blog, so you can imagine what my insides were like when I was standing in front of him.
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He was sooo tall compared to me (well I mean everyone is, I’m 5’2) but I was like (in a really dorky tone because I was literally over the moon) “Hello Mr. Armitage!” and I was shaking a little becaUSE RICHARD ARMITAGE. And then he held up two swords that he was holding and was showing them to me saying how they were covered in orc blood and we were touching it together and he was like “Yeah it’s pretty sticky, I have it all over me” and then we had a conversation about something that I can’t say but damn I’m pretty sure it made me seem educated in the world of Tolkien. Then he turned away to look at something and I was like “Can I ask you something?” and he was like “Sure!”
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So I asked him if he really played flute or if it was just a rumor, and he was like “Yeah I do, why?” And I said “Well, I play too!” And he was like Oh, really!! What level are you?” Then in my brain I was like Oh awkward because in America (at least where I come from we don’t have levels) so I told him that I have been playing for 6 years, and then he rubbed his majestic beard and was like “You know, you should really check out this Skavinsky piece, it’s one of my most favorite things to play, you’ll love playing it.”
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So I told him I would, and then I told him I had to tell him something. I explained how The Lord of the Rings was a huge part of my life growing up in a rough childhood, and waiting for The Hobbit really helped me get through cancer, because it gave me something to look forward to, and I thanked him for bringing Thorin to life so beautifully. I started to get a little choked up because cancer was tough on me and he was like “Oh my, come here.” And pulled me in to a giant bear hug. I thanked him again even though my voice was muffled in his fur shoulder thing. It was such a great moment, and then guess what happened. Typical Samm moment. My earcuff I was wearing was dangly, and had these elvish looking leaves on them, and one of the leaves got stuck in Richard’s wig. IT WAS SO EMBARRASSING. Actually, at the moment it wasn’t because we were both laughing about it trying to get undone. And my aunt told me later that Richard was smiling like an idiot and looked like a little 5 year old trying to get untangled and he said “Oh! I think we may be stuck!”
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But now that I look back at it I kinda die with embarrassment lol but I guess how many girls can say their earring got stuck in Richard’s wig? Not many 😉 But after we were unstuck I was like “I’m so sorry!” and he was like “no no, it’s fine, but i really like your earring!” I told him thank you, it’s my elvish cuff, i wore it just for today, and he was like “Aaah! I’m wearing one too, see!” And he pulled his wig hair back with his giant dwarf prosthetic fingers and revealed his dwarven ear cuff on his right ear. Then idfk why i said this i was like “Wow! We’re twinning!” =__= don’t ask my mind wasn’t on earth. Then he was like “Would you like a picture?” So we took a normal picture together, and then he handed me a sword and my cousin one and he was like “Alright, take a swing at me.” And I was like “????????? I don’t wanna hurt you! I’m really clumsy” and he was like “You won’t, just do it like this” and then he pointed the end of my sword at his chest and he acted like he was getting stabbed, and we took the picture like that and I just can’t believe how creative that was and sdfghjkl RICHARD ❤ So then after that I gave him another hug and said goodbye and then we were off to lunch! . . .
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The entire account, including encounters with Orlando Bloom, Aidan Turner, Lee Pace (my side crush on him has simply increased after reading how sweet he was to this girl), Peter Jackson and more is at link below. You Will want to read it all . . .
What a great encounter! Thanks to Samm for sharing, thanks to Make a Wish for making it happen, and thanks to the TH team!
Isn’t it just lovely?? It really lifted my spirits, and as you know, they’ve needed it. My nephew who has since passed away got to experience a special trip thanks to a similar organization and he met Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during his trip. I will always has a soft spot for that man, because he sat down and really took his time to talk to and listen to my nephew, pose for photos, and so forth. Jeff was over the moon about that experience.
Thanks for finding this great story!!!
Isn’t he cute????
I am so happy for that girl!!!
Serv is the one who first shared it, so she’s responsible.:D Richard is so sweet. Can you imagine his giggles when the earcuff got tangled in his hair?? And that bear hug he gave her. “Oh my come here . . .” Haven’t we ALL wanted to do that–go into those long, strong arms?? *sigh*
Well it is not the first time Serv caused wet eyes and deep sighs while I was sitting in front of my comp 😉
I would love to hear that giggles live on day…..and a bear hug from RA sounds like a dream *sigh*
No, I am sure it isn’t. 😉 Imagine the thrill of hearing his speak his lines and watching him act right THERE as it happened . . . and then seeing the flip side, sweet, kind, giggly RA. And him hugging you like that!!
Oh my…. *faint*
I wouldn’t speak any reasonable word *lol*
I fear my legs would turn to jelly and I would be a gibbering idiot.
I wouldn’t even be able to gibber 😆
What a wonderful story ! Funny and moving !
I read that she wasn’t allowed to bring a camera to the set but said pictures will follow on Facebook soon.
I found myself reading it aloud in a teenage girl’s voice. 😉 I am sure they take the usual security precautions to make certain no “secrets” get leaked out, but how wonderful they did pose for photos with her. Richard really is an overgrown lad, isn’t he?? Having her pretend to stab him. And such a sweet one . . .
As though I needed any reason to love him more than I already do (I don’t), this would have done it. He is such a big kid sometimes, and I love that, too. Thank you for sharing this, Angie–it’s too wonderful.
This was just too wonderful NOT to share. I am sure along with the tears my face was wreathed in smiles after reading it. A day-brightener and spirit-lifter to be sure.
A lovely story. It’s nice to see that there are human beings behind those big names, and they feel compassion and responsibility to lift someone’s spirits up. They all seem to be a lovely group of people – Bloom and Pace came across very well, too.
It really is. My late nephew got such a treat through a similar organization granting wishes to seriously/terminally ill children and it was such a dream come true for him. Yes–Orlando and Lee were so thoughtful and kind, too. I do have a crush on Lee, too–not as huge as my crush on RA, nothing can equal that–and he really impressed me in her account. 😀
I sent a message of thanks and support to her and she was so sweet and kind in replying back. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer girl – although the price is far too high. These organisations are doing wonderful work.
Oh, I am so glad. DJ has her photo from Tumblr posted at Heirs of Durin and I snaffled it to add to this post. She’s precious! ❤
Oh!!! Awesome. Am going to read it now. Getting some kleenex before I do, though. :} xoxo
You will likely need it. Be sure and read the whole thing. Really sweet.
What an amazing day. I think I would have been completely spent – would have needed to sleep for a couple days to recover!! lol It sounds like she got the royal treatment. What a wonderful thing to do. :}
I love all her little asides–as someone said, sort of stream of consciousness. Description of RA’s transformation from lethal warrior to cheery playmate. I swear I could hear him say, “Hullo, I’m Richard.” And that “Oh my, Come here” I think he truly is a nurturing soul. She truly seemed to enjoy and treasure every moment of it! I hope those guys get to read this and realize just what a fantastic day they gave her.
Yes! 😀 I loved the stream-of-consciousness aspects of it, and she’s quite good at writing in other people’s “voices” as well. I really enjoyed reading it. And I loved the dudes popping up like Santa’s elves with weapons and armor as well. lol
I can see PJ’s eyes twinkling, too, as he says “Richard should see that key.” What a droll sweetie! What a fun day had by all, I am sure. It must have felt a lot like Christmas with everybody playing Santa’s elves! Good on them. 😀
At the risk of repeating myself–he is such an angel. In this case, they all were.
Yes, indeed, they needed someone handing out wings and halos, too.
Actually, i thought he already had them.
Not sure they ALL did, though. 😉
No, but maybe they take them out for special days like this. For Richard, I think it’s an always thing, even when he’s being naughty sometimes.
His are under the pelt right now…You can tell, the pelt is all of sudden extra wide.
Sweet, touching story!
Isn’t it, sis? I keep thinking of Jeffrey and how much he enjoyed that trip to Florida and getting to meet the Rock. He was so very excited. I am really glad he got to have experiences like that, you know?
Ok, I’m done for the day. After reading this and looking at some pix on Lady “O’s site, I can just lay on the floor and do nothing and it’s only 7:17am. Thank you RA for a wonderful day I enjoyed myself tremendously.
I have only the highest respect for MAW! They’ve touched my life as well with a nephew who has MD. His was a wish to get some guy on a Hockey team (I’m not a hockey fan) autograph. The ENTIRE team came to visit him in the hospital, signed shirts, sticks. Made arrangements for him and family for season tickets to their home games.
It’s like getting to be someone’s fairy godmother (well, you’d know about that, wouldn’t you? ;)) They are a great, highly reputable organization. I have to think for athletes and actors and other celebs who participate in making those dreams come true that it has to be a very satisfying experience for them, too. 😀
“I have no idea what you’re talking about..”.**she says as she reaches for the eye of newt…*
*giggle* Oh, you Arkenstone, you.
I want to see that picture haha ❤ Lovely
Me, too, July, and welcome. 😀
Just getting around to reading the other blogs before taking off to do my errands. Yes, we’re all getting a huge boost from this wonderful story. I think I’ll have permanent grin today … 🙂
This news and the fact we have glimmers of sunshine out there . . . makes my day. 😀
So many nice people in one place *sigh* I was crying like a beaver, Angie ;).. and Richard was great (as usual :)) and..and stop behave like that Lee ! cuz I may fall in love! 😉
Lee is SUCH a sweet, charming fellow, too–what is it about those tall, dark-haired drinks of water with great cheekbones and dazzling smiles?? *sigh* Sir Peter knows how to pick ’em.
What an absolutely wonderful thing to read! They were so terrific to her. It just reinforces our belief that Richard is an angel! It’s also lovely to find out how special so many of the other guys are, too! She wrote about her experiences so well that I felt like a fly on the wall! You go Samm!!!
Samm did a great job, and I have to share this sweet note she sent to me earlier via email:
I just wanted to stop by and thank you so much for your beautiful article. It warmed my heart beyond belief. I can’t even begin to form words to thank you and the kind people who commented on it. i am beyond words, you have brought my spirits up so much, I know I sound like a broken record, but thank you.
~Samm
What a touching and beautiful story… thanks for sharing it. 🙂
I have a question. Reading this writing, I became very curious who “skavinsky” is. Although I am not good at flute to play his piece, I just want to hear it. Could you help me to find it? I couldn’t do it..ㅠ_ㅠ
I think it might be Stravinsky, who did write some flute solos, Sun young, but I am not sure of the actual composition. Perhaps someone else can help us?