My bf gave me this Peter Quinn t-shirt and an HL cap as soon as he realized my obsession. We were binge-watching Homeland and it didn't take me long to fall in love with this "inside softie, outside toughie" badass, hot assassin. Obviously, t-shirt was a memento to keep.
Fast forward year and a half later, when I heard Rupert would be at Mandy's Walk of Fame ceremony, the t-shirt, a permanent pen, and HL cap (with Quinn's name glued on it) were ready to go! I was carrying them in a bag waiting for the right moment.
Don't remember how, but people around us found out about the t-shirt way before celebs arrival, and were giving ideas how to approach Rupert. After a thorough planning with @dragoLV and my bf, I finally situated myself right at celebs drop off location. Mandy and wife arrived first. Few people asked for his autograph right off the bat. He came forward and graciously and happily signed few pictures.
I became even more excited, cause I thought same thing would happen with Rupert. Can't tell you enough how ridiculously and embarrassingly nervous I was at that moment. Then his car arrived, and THERE HE WAS! Literally few yards away from me.
He helped Aimee get out of the car, and started walking away. I called his name, twice, asking for his autograph. He looked, smiled, and kept walking! I called Aimee, but she did the same. I was genuinely heartbroken(!!!) and told my bf (of all people) that "Rupert ignored me!" Bless my sweet bf heart, who not only was understanding but also gave me some encouraging words!
Luckily, there was still enough room for me to stand right behind Rupert and Aimee as we planned. I put away the t-shirt, convinced it would never happen, and focused on taking pictures and posting them on Twitter.
At this point, I was overwhelmed by this odd, unpredictable opportunity that was given to me. In spite of this, I was shamelessly pushing myself here and there for better angles. Must say that in addition to immense help from @dragoLV and bf, I also got some help from nice people (including a young tourist from India, and a couple, also tourists, from England) without even asking for their help.
Now, here we are, after ceremony ended and celebs pictures were taken next to Mandy's star. And then a moment later, unbeknownst to me, Rupert was standing right beside me just outside of my peripheral vision signing autographs.
@dragoLV started telling me that Rupert was there, "Get the t-shirt! Get the t-shirt!" I turned, and all I saw was Quinn standing there with those big blue eyes, and I was just frozen like a deer in headlights with my cell in one hand, handbag in the other. I snapped out of it when my bf snatched my cell phone out of my hand saying, "Get the shirt out!"
As soon as I pulled it out of the bag, Rupert saw his likeness and said, "Oh, what is that?" I handed him the shirt (which had Quinn portrait and the word "Knight" in bold letters), and bf briefly explained that it was from Showtime online store. Rupert seemed a little surprised at the piece of merchandise and signed it very carefully.
I thanked him, of course, and yet stayed motionless, hypnotized by his amazing blue eyes that were looking right at me. Next thing I remember was both @dragoLV and bf telling me to pose next to Rupert and hold the t-shirt for a picture, which I did (not one of my better pictures, but definitely my biggest smile ever!)
I was so thankful that when he was about to go to other fans, my bf kept him little longer to tell him that he was looking forward to seeing The Death of Stalin. You could tell that it was a favorite subject for Rupert, and he happily said that it was coming up in two weeks. I told him that I couldn't wait to see it.
Thinking back, it was indeed amazing and so impressive that Rupert patiently stayed with us for so long. I just wish I had a video of it! And oh, I can never forgive myself for not even shaking his hand when I had a chance.
And that, my friends, was the story of my Quinn t-shirt.
Oh, one last thing: When they were all walking towards the place for lunch, Mandy was shaking fans' hands on his way, to thank them for coming to his ceremony. Apparently, he had put his hand out to shake mine as well, but I was so mesmerized by Rupert that I didn't even notice him. So embarrassing!
