Bootstrap

Nicknames are a funny thing. I've had a few in my life, some I've not necessarily wanted, but as nicknames often go, they stick no matter what. "Rookie" is one that I never understood, and still don't to this day.

At work, I've received the nickname "Bootstrap", which I didn't understand immediately, but upon pondering the matter, I realized I'm nicknamed after "Bootstrap" Bill Turner from the Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy. Often this nickname is accompanied by stereotypical pirate cries of "Yar", and the like. Now this name has since branched-off from "buckle my boots" to "Buckles", but the core name still remains.

Now, onto this week.

Battlestar Galactica was a blast. I worked with two other actors who were on for these "Webisodes", and we all got along smashingly. We all had a similar dry sense of humour, and we cracked each other up on numerous occasions. The regulars on the show were fun too, and the crew was very laid-back and easy-going.

I play a pilot on the Webisode, and anyone who has seen the show knows that all the pilots get nicknames. "Starbuck", "Boomer", "Racetrack" and "Helo" are what some of the main characters have, so what did I suggest when they asked what my nickname should be?

"Bootstrap."

"Yeah, 'Bootstrap', that's a good one."

They actually "label" the ship with the pilot's nickname, so when I later saw "Shark", I didn't quite understand why I'm flying some other guy's ship when I then realized that they didn't take my suggestion. Not that I'm complaining about "Shark". The fact that the name of a character I've played has been plastered on the side of a spaceship, while I wear a flight suit with a helmet and a gun strapped to my leg is the coolest thing I could ever ask for.

But the "Bootstrap" fun doesn't end there.

At work last night, one of the porters comes back to tell me,

"Those guys from that awful show 'Supernatural' are at the bar, and one of them is actually flexing for a fan."

Oh, I had to see this. I do a very clever thing when scoping celebs at the bar, which is I pretend I'm looking for someone else so I don't look too obvious. Oh yeah, I'm smooth. Sure enough there was Sam and Dean Winchester, the guys I play almost every time I read on the North Shore. So, I see 'em, and think "cool, I've seen 'em," and go on about my business (because it is "my business") when I later get assigned to bathroom-checking duty.

So I'm wiping up the counter that seems to never be dry, when lo and behold the Winchester boys bust in, laughing and cavorting, as often brothers do. I step out to grab some c-fold paper towels, and go back in where Jensen Ackles (AKA Dean) is talking to the guy they're with. One of the off-duty kitchen guys comes in to relieve himself and acknowledges me with a "Bootstrap!"

"Bootstrap?" inquired Jensen.

"Yeah it's my nickname," said I.

"Bootstrap?" he persisted, still curious.

"Well yeah, my name's Will, so it's like 'bootstrap' Bill Turner from 'Pirates of The Caribbean."

"Oh. I just said 'nice shirt' to that guy, 'cuz it's got the big letters on it, and he just says 'bootstrap'."

"Oh, so he totally ignored you?"

"Yeah."

"Weak, man."

And then, I couldn't resist. I had my opening.

"You know, I read for your show all the time."

"Really?" he said, smiling big.

"Yeah, actually one of the girls who works here was on the episode that aired last night."

"Which one?"

"Oh, she was the girl at the doctor's office in the '70's episode."

"Oh yeah, I remember. Hey man, I'm Jensen what's your name?"

I then shook his freshly-washed (I hope) hand, and went on my my way. I could have shot him a "see you on set one day", but that would have been a bit much.

Or would it?