As an actress, there’s an iconic line that I loved and pictured myself saying one day, even if just for fun: “I’m ready for my close-up.” A phrase that carries so much weight in Hollywood history, thanks to Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard. Little did I know I’d finally get to say it in the most unexpected way—while working on a pilot for E! called Juicy Stories.
The show, which was about the rise of the Juicy Couture brand that took over LA in the early 2000s, had me cast as one of the five central characters: Hafiza, the mysterious seamstress. Yes, mysterious seamstress. I was so excited about this role, and from the first callback, I was completely charmed by Michael Patrick King, who was producing and directing the pilot.
One day on set, I was dressed in a head-to-toe lavender Juicy Couture outfit—fitted, glamorous, and very extra. My hair and makeup were perfection, and I felt absolutely incredible. At one point, the makeup artist came over to give me a touch-up, and for some reason, I thought it was time to head back to set.
So, with full confidence, I walked over to my on-set station—a spot where Hafiza would sit and sketch designs or do her seamstress work. I sat down, all poised and fabulous, and said it: “I’m ready for my close-up.” It was a moment of pure indulgence, and I felt like I was living my Hollywood dream.
That’s when Michael Patrick King stepped in, looked at me, and, without missing a beat, deadpanned, “Anne, you’re not in this scene.”
I couldn’t stop laughing. It was such a perfectly timed reality check. There I was, ready to bask in the spotlight, and I wasn’t even in the shot! But Michael, being the gem that he is, humored me. I joked, “Well, someone at least take a picture!” And Michael pulled out his iPhone and snapped a few photos of me in my full Juicy Couture glory.
Moments like these are what make this career so special. The joy of being on set, the camaraderie, and those little unscripted moments of hilarity that remind you why you fell in love with acting in the first place.
And though I didn’t get my close-up that day, I got something better: a story that still makes me laugh, and a reminder that sometimes the best moments in life are the ones you don’t see coming.
