The Killing of the Mocking Bird at CCPT

To my special Thespian Leon, and the rest of my readers and friends at CCPT and beyond, I'm finally posting a bunch of photos I took at the wonderful final performance of To Kill a Mockingbird". I really and truly enjoyed the show and I'm VERY impressed with the three young actors playing roles in it. Of course all the actors were really great and it was like visiting with my family because I knew several of the actors from my involvement last year. Special Kudos to Leon, Eric, Milton, Hilary and Dean! On an emotional level it's a hard play to watch because of some of the themes address in the story, but it was performed well by all and I am deeply moved. Enjoy my slideshow (yes Leon, even though I'm not Jewish, a little guilt can be effective). Great job by all and of course I wish everyone MUCH SUCCESS in their life journey's whereever that may take you!

--Rex Hoss

100 pushups in 6 weeks - Week 4

If you've been following my posts, several weeks ago I mentioned that I'd started a new exercise routine called 100 pushups in 6 weeks.  After two weeks you do a strength test and depending upon your results you proceed with the training. Well after the third week, I wasn't completing the necessary amount of reps so my instructions were to repeat that week's workout. Well it took me two additional repitions of week three's workout to build the strength to complete it. That being done I moved on to week "four" which was really my sixth week, but it's all good. After successfully completing the week four workout last week I was scheduled to perform another strength test which I just did, and completed 42 consecutive pushups! So that means I'll be starting my week five workout tomorrow. 

Up to this point the workouts have consisted of five sets of pushup with varying amounts of reps in each set for example first set with say 25 pushups, 2nd set with 20, 20 18 and then 25 reps for the last set. Those numbers are just examples but it gives you an idea of what I've been doing. Each day of the week gets progressively more reps in each set - thus making it harder.  Week five pushes it up another notch by adding three more sets so I'll be doing a total of 8 sets (whew!).  If' I can't make it through this week with the required number of sets and reps, it'll be repeat time again. We'll see how it goes. But I do feel stronger and seem to even be bulking up my chest and triceps a little too.  Wish me luck! I'll keep you informed on my progress toward the goal of performing 100 consecutive pushups!

--Rex Hoss

My Trip to Boston

OK, so the title's a bit of a tease, but, I'm excited because I got to work background on one of my favorite shows today!  Boston Legal. For those who don't know, James Spader, William Shatner and Candice Bergen are the main stars, and the show is wonderful. Since this was a background roll, the majority of my time was spent waiting in the "holding area" talking with the other background artists. That in itself can be fun, but the real fun was when we were called to the set. The scene was inside a restaurant/bar where Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen's character) was having a business lunch with another of the shows characters (from another law firm) who's name unfortunately escapes me.  Both actors were amazing and professional. It's really fun for me to get to watch the "pros" work and also see some of the behind-the-scenes things that go on.

I don't do a lot of background work these days, but Boston Legal is one of my favorite shows and I've always wanted to be on it, so, today marked a milestone of sorts for me in that I got the chance to be on the show. Next time it would be nice to have a speaking role, but I'm so grateful and excited about just being around the wonderful people today, making some new friends and being involved in the amazing world of acting. 

--Rex Hoss

R.I.P. Bernie Mac

Wow, I as actually stunned and saddened to hear of Bernie Mac's passing today. I have this reaction because a few years ago when I was starting out in my acting career, I had the pleasure of being booked as a featured extra in the move "Guess Who" staring Bernie Mac and Aston Kucher. I was mostly seen in the marriage-re commitment ceremony scene near the end of the movie. I was struck by Bernie's professionalism and his concern for all the the people on the set. There was on night where all the actors were waiting for some technical things to be worked out. As the cast set ready to shoot in the cold night air of a backyard set, Bernie came out at about 1am to talk to the cast. It actually turned into an impromptu stand up routine for him and he had us all laughing and feeling better. I was so impressed that a star of his level would take the time to come out and entertain everyone for nearly an hour while we waited. This was above and beyond and cemented my opinion of him being a truly great person. On another day of the taping, I got positioned near Bernie for a scene and in between takes he struck up a conversation with me. It was simple talk, but it made me realize that this man was aware of, and grateful for, all the people who help him and work with him.

I later got to do some extra work on his TV show for an episode called "The Bah Mitzvah" where I played a Jewish parent in several scenes for the show. I feel a connection to him and am truly saddened that a great person, and wonderful entertainer has left us.

R.I.P. Bernie


--Rex Hoss

Acting - Naturally

Hi all. Well it's been a while since I've had any really exciting news on the acting front. I'm happy to report that's changed! I have had an incredibly exciting week for me. First, I was cast in a new Feature Film called "Good Guys Finish Last" which is currently in production. It's really cool because I'll be playing a Paparazzi in the film. What that means (in case you haven't been paying close attention to my blog, or my life), is that I get to combine two of my favorite activities - acting, and photography! How sweet is that? My scene shoots tomorrow so I'm looking forward to the weekend and this fun opportunity. I'll give you more details on the film as things progress. - Stay Tuned.

A second acting highlight is that I was also cast this week to be an ensemble player in the forthcoming production of "Grapes of Wrath" which will be held at the La Mirada Theatre for The Performing Arts. This will be a special showcase and the only two performances (so far) will be held October 23, 2008 - so keep your calendar clear so you can attend the show!

As you can see it's been a productive week for my acting activities. I've also been on a couple of other auditions this week and I hope to spread more good news your way in the next day or so. I'll have more information on both projects as things progress.

Thanks for tuning in, checking out my blog, and most of all being a partner with me in this adventure we call life! I am so very grateful to know that my friends, family and associates are a very import part of my life and I appreciate you all, though I may not get to tell you that personally, as often as I'd like.

(Special Thanks to Larry Matsui who took the above photo of me.)

--Rex Hoss