O.C. fans of ‘The Closer’ attend series finale red carpet event
OC Register: Pedro and the Watcher
August 9th, 2012, 12:05 pm · · posted by Roxanne Hack
'The Closer' actor G. W. Bailey, left, greets Register winner Mason Mac.
Register winner Joanie Valasek, left, with 'The Closer' actor Raymond Cruz.
After seven award-winning seasons as cable TV’s highest rated drama, “The Closer” — along with TNT and Lincoln — offered VIP fans access to a red carpet closing party on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Nine lucky OC Register readers won tickets to the star-studded event, where they met their favorite detectives on the red carpet, and enjoyed a special screening of the final episode with the cast at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.
Show creator James Duff was the first to step onto the carpet, and appeared genuinely humbled by the warm reception he received from the bleachers of fans, who he subsequently approached to shake hands. His gracious greetings were followed by a procession of Lincoln automobiles driven by the show’s detectives themselves, who exited their respective cars then quickly moved to the fans to sign autographs and take photos. Following the carpet, fans were treated to a catered reception, where they could sneak one of Deputy Johnson’s favorite treats — a foil-wrapped Ding Dong — and snap more photos with the cast.
'The Closer' actor Anthony John Denison greets fans at the series finale red carpet event.
'The Closer' actor Michael Paul Chan signs autographs for fans at the red carpet event.
As the lights dimmed for the screening, the room surged with tension and bursts of applause for a nail-biting finale. The screening was followed by a jovial Q&A with the cast, director, and creator, and moderated by TNT president Michael Wright. Throughout the evening as fans got up close and personal with the stars, it was apparent the ensemble truly encapsulates a family bond, as they shared inside jokes, warm smiles, and stories of their shared philanthropic causes.
“Meeting most of ‘The Closer’ actors was a real treat. They were all so humble … thanking the fans when asked for photographs,” said Joanie Valasek, one of the Register’s winners. “These are actors who really realize who got them where they are today, which was so nice to see.”
The 10 members of the ensemble cast who were in attendance returned the compliment, sincerely thanking their fans and viewers for such a rewarding show run.
Corey Reynolds, who played Detective Sergeant David Gabriel, spoke for his peers in saying, “Beyond the paycheck, the fame, all the things people think we do this for, watching this episode here with the fans — I thank you for giving me that.”
Noticeably missing at the event was the closer herself, Kyra Sedgwick, who won the 2010 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for her southern belle portrayal of Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. Sedgwick’s departure from the show will be noticed as a majority of the cast will roll over to its new spin-off, “Major Crimes.” Also absent at Tuesday’s event were Mary McDonnell, who will move to the new show, and J.K. Simmons, who won’t.
The series finale of “The Closer” will air Monday, Aug. 13, on TNT. It’s a must-see episode, even if it’s your first. The series premier of “Major Crimes” will immediately follow.
Register winners pose at the red carpet event.
