Well, hey, everybody, it's me Rosie O'Donnell. You have found the show onward? Well, it's not a show, is it as a podcast? A show? I don't even know. I have a special guest in my little opening segment today, my very close friend, more like a brother than a friend. Truthfully, how long have we known each other? Bobby Pierce, Tony nominated costume designer.

Well, hey, everybody, it's me Rosie O'Donnell. You have found the show onward? Well, it's not a show, is it as a podcast? A show? I don't even know. I have a special guest in my little opening segment today, my very close friend, more like a brother than a friend. Truthfully, how long have we known each other? Bobby Pierce, Tony nominated costume designer.

God, it's twenty nine years, maybe ninety four, right, thirty yeah, thirty years, thirty years, yeah, ninety four.

God, it's twenty nine years, maybe ninety four, right, thirty yeah, thirty years, thirty years, yeah, ninety four.

Thirty years. We have known each other and been in each other's lives. We met doing Greece on Broadway. Our good friend Jason Opsall rest in peace, Jason. He said to me, I know a great dresser for you when you start as Rizzo, And it was you, Boby Pears. Can you believe it's been this long time?

Thirty years. We have known each other and been in each other's lives. We met doing Greece on Broadway. Our good friend Jason Opsall rest in peace, Jason. He said to me, I know a great dresser for you when you start as Rizzo, And it was you, Boby Pears. Can you believe it's been this long time?

Years?

Years?

My god, I know.

My god, I know.

Can you believe how old we are now?

Can you believe how old we are now?

Bob?

Bob?

You and I lost a good friend. Yeah, the theater world lost a legend. Lisa lost her mom, the beautiful and talented Cheetah Rivera right, and I didn't know what to say, so I thought I would just call you and we would talk about you know, some of our favorite memories of her. How did you first meet Cheetah, Bobby?

You and I lost a good friend. Yeah, the theater world lost a legend. Lisa lost her mom, the beautiful and talented Cheetah Rivera right, and I didn't know what to say, so I thought I would just call you and we would talk about you know, some of our favorite memories of her. How did you first meet Cheetah, Bobby?

I used to design clothes for Gwen Verdon and I met Chetah through Gwen and I designed her tour, her concert tour, and then we've became fast friends after that.

I used to design clothes for Gwen Verdon and I met Chetah through Gwen and I designed her tour, her concert tour, and then we've became fast friends after that.

And you have done costumes for her entire career.

And you have done costumes for her entire career.

Yeah much, not all of hers, but but yes, I know who.

Yeah much, not all of hers, but but yes, I know who.

Aren't alive then? Right, exactly thirty years older than us, Chetah passed away in her sleep in her home and ninety one years old. And what an amazing life she lived. She is ever ever unkind to any person. She is such a supporter of people, and she was kind to every person in the world, and she went above and beyond to let you know that she loved you. Right, how would you say, how would you say? How would you describe her? Bobby Child?

Aren't alive then? Right, exactly thirty years older than us, Chetah passed away in her sleep in her home and ninety one years old. And what an amazing life she lived. She is ever ever unkind to any person. She is such a supporter of people, and she was kind to every person in the world, and she went above and beyond to let you know that she loved you. Right, how would you say, how would you say? How would you describe her? Bobby Child?

Well, I mean, Chitta, there's no one like Chietah.

Well, I mean, Chitta, there's no one like Chietah.

She really was a giant star. But she was just like a Broadway broad She's like everyone's pal, you know. She really considered herself a Broadway gypsy, just a dancer from the show to show, and she was like the queen of all the gypsies on Broadway. Like all the dancers loved her, all the crew loved her. I don't ever remember any any bad story or negative story about her ever from anyone who's ever.

She really was a giant star. But she was just like a Broadway broad She's like everyone's pal, you know. She really considered herself a Broadway gypsy, just a dancer from the show to show, and she was like the queen of all the gypsies on Broadway. Like all the dancers loved her, all the crew loved her. I don't ever remember any any bad story or negative story about her ever from anyone who's ever.

Met her, Nor do I.

Met her, Nor do I.

Yeah, she was just really really special and really really talented, you know.

Yeah, she was just really really special and really really talented, you know.

And I remember when we when you opened Taboo.

And I remember when we when you opened Taboo.

And yeah, I did a produced a musical that Bobby was nominated for a Tony Award for designing the costumes Taboo. What year was that, Bob, Because my brain's all.

And yeah, I did a produced a musical that Bobby was nominated for a Tony Award for designing the costumes Taboo. What year was that, Bob, Because my brain's all.

Jump two thousand and three, maybe.

Jump two thousand and three, maybe.

Two thousand and three, I think you're right. And so it was opening night, right.

Two thousand and three, I think you're right. And so it was opening night, right.

Right, And she didn't wanted to go see the show, but she had just had hip surgery, so she called me, she said, but I meet her at the car and help her to the theater after lights went down, and then wait, she'd wait her see after everyone's out of theater, and then help her back to the car. Because she didn't want anything to be about her. She wanted to be about you and your show. So she didn't want to be like Cheetah limping into the theater. So she wanted to make sure that no one saw her limp and no one saw her limp out.

Right, And she didn't wanted to go see the show, but she had just had hip surgery, so she called me, she said, but I meet her at the car and help her to the theater after lights went down, and then wait, she'd wait her see after everyone's out of theater, and then help her back to the car. Because she didn't want anything to be about her. She wanted to be about you and your show. So she didn't want to be like Cheetah limping into the theater. So she wanted to make sure that no one saw her limp and no one saw her limp out.

But imagine her showing up the.

But imagine her showing up the.

Day after data surgery.

Day after data surgery.

The day was unbelievable, yeah, you know. And shortly after that, you know, the reviews were not good, and it was I was in a very very very depressed place, and you were worried about me. You called Cheta Rivera and you said, I'm worried about Rosie. She's I've never seen her this down. I don't know, blah blah blah. And she called me up and like talked me out of it. She was so she was so maternal and so loving. And when we opened the school, Rosie's Theater kids, she was our most famous and most ardent, constant support. She showed up for years and years. It's twenty years now we've had that school open, and she showed up and taught those kids to dance and to believe in themselves. And you know what I love most about her, Bob, was how she was really all about family.

The day was unbelievable, yeah, you know. And shortly after that, you know, the reviews were not good, and it was I was in a very very very depressed place, and you were worried about me. You called Cheta Rivera and you said, I'm worried about Rosie. She's I've never seen her this down. I don't know, blah blah blah. And she called me up and like talked me out of it. She was so she was so maternal and so loving. And when we opened the school, Rosie's Theater kids, she was our most famous and most ardent, constant support. She showed up for years and years. It's twenty years now we've had that school open, and she showed up and taught those kids to dance and to believe in themselves. And you know what I love most about her, Bob, was how she was really all about family.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You would always see her brothers and every time she was anywhere performing or there was an opening night, oh this is my sister, this is my brother, these are my cousins.

You would always see her brothers and every time she was anywhere performing or there was an opening night, oh this is my sister, this is my brother, these are my cousins.

These.

These.

She was very much family person, right, you know.

She was very much family person, right, you know.

And she treated other people like families. She she treated people she work with like family. You know, she was she was very, very loving, and we're going to miss her. She's so insanely talented.

And she treated other people like families. She she treated people she work with like family. You know, she was she was very, very loving, and we're going to miss her. She's so insanely talented.

You know. It's funny when I was looking at Instagram and TikTok, there wasn't one person on Broadway who did not put up a tribute to her, like all day. It was Cheetah all day, all day, as you know, deservedly. So she just did so much for so many And how do you feel, Bob, because we're the same age about losing our friends.

You know. It's funny when I was looking at Instagram and TikTok, there wasn't one person on Broadway who did not put up a tribute to her, like all day. It was Cheetah all day, all day, as you know, deservedly. So she just did so much for so many And how do you feel, Bob, because we're the same age about losing our friends.

It's really strange and it's really like Cheetah. I mean, Cheetah was ninety one years old. We knew eventually it was going to happen, but it's still a show. Of course, it's still a shock.

It's really strange and it's really like Cheetah. I mean, Cheetah was ninety one years old. We knew eventually it was going to happen, but it's still a show. Of course, it's still a shock.

It doesn't really matter how old the person was, because you know, you do expect it and we all know that that day is coming and nobody gets out without a check. Right right, here's the bill, Miss so Donald, I hope you enjoyed it. And it's still just it makes me weak in the knees, you know.

It doesn't really matter how old the person was, because you know, you do expect it and we all know that that day is coming and nobody gets out without a check. Right right, here's the bill, Miss so Donald, I hope you enjoyed it. And it's still just it makes me weak in the knees, you know.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I always.

I always.

Remember a quote that Queen Elizabeth said after nine to eleven, where she was doing a speech about the people who were her assistance. So she had lost in the Twin Towers, and she said that grief is the price of love.

Remember a quote that Queen Elizabeth said after nine to eleven, where she was doing a speech about the people who were her assistance. So she had lost in the Twin Towers, and she said that grief is the price of love.

Yes, And I.

Yes, And I.

So whenever I feel sad about something like this, I just feel like to be grateful because the.

So whenever I feel sad about something like this, I just feel like to be grateful because the.

Amount of grief that you have right now is just shows the amount of love that you had.

Amount of grief that you have right now is just shows the amount of love that you had.

You know.

You know.

So it's true, you know, And I don't like when my legends go. I know, I know, you know, it's so hard for me because these people that I looked up to and dreamed of knowing and then you know, get to know them and love them, and that's a pretty trippy thing.

So it's true, you know, And I don't like when my legends go. I know, I know, you know, it's so hard for me because these people that I looked up to and dreamed of knowing and then you know, get to know them and love them, and that's a pretty trippy thing.

You know.

You know.

I'm sure you felt the same way. Absolutely, But listen, this is just a little thing we wanted to do just to say what what a great person she was and she will be missed, but she will be remembered forever, absolutely, absolutely forever. Well, I love you, Bob, thanks for doing it. I'm sorry, I'm a sobbing. I know it's sad, not easy, but love big and you know this is what happens. But thank you, And I want to tell everybody else listening. We're going to be back with a wonderful interview I did with Derek Downey who has that wonderful little squirrel Maxine, and and what a story of squirrels and life and love and uh, that's what we got for you today. So stick around, would you. It's onward with Rosie o' donald.

I'm sure you felt the same way. Absolutely, But listen, this is just a little thing we wanted to do just to say what what a great person she was and she will be missed, but she will be remembered forever, absolutely, absolutely forever. Well, I love you, Bob, thanks for doing it. I'm sorry, I'm a sobbing. I know it's sad, not easy, but love big and you know this is what happens. But thank you, And I want to tell everybody else listening. We're going to be back with a wonderful interview I did with Derek Downey who has that wonderful little squirrel Maxine, and and what a story of squirrels and life and love and uh, that's what we got for you today. So stick around, would you. It's onward with Rosie o' donald.

Eric.

Eric.

It is so nice to get to talk to you finally after following you and having our text DM thing back and forth. I so admire you and you fill me with such joy and hope, and your story, I believe is my story.

It is so nice to get to talk to you finally after following you and having our text DM thing back and forth. I so admire you and you fill me with such joy and hope, and your story, I believe is my story.

Thank you so much for that.

Thank you so much for that.

And I must say it is a pleasure and an honor to share this moment with you right now. We are following each other for a year or two now, and just to have this connection it feels like, you know, for a theircle moment.

And I must say it is a pleasure and an honor to share this moment with you right now. We are following each other for a year or two now, and just to have this connection it feels like, you know, for a theircle moment.

Yes, yes, it's so funny. You know my first squirrel, and we're going to get into how you got Richard and Maxine. But my first squirrel was right after I left my show in two thousand and two, two thousand and three, and I had an ARC studio right by the water and I would blast the same five CDs on the disc changer back then. You know, every time I put on eminem This squirrel showed up and I'm like, this cannot be the same squirrel. Now, Initially I hated squirrels because I was an avid bird feeder person and they were ruining my bird feeder life experience. But this squirrel got to me and we became so close that it was crazy. My kids were calling me the crazy squirrel lady. But that connection and the nature and the being still, as you said, being still, that was my goal when I left my show, and that's my goal for me as I suffer with depression, as I know you do as well. How did you find your first squirrel?

Yes, yes, it's so funny. You know my first squirrel, and we're going to get into how you got Richard and Maxine. But my first squirrel was right after I left my show in two thousand and two, two thousand and three, and I had an ARC studio right by the water and I would blast the same five CDs on the disc changer back then. You know, every time I put on eminem This squirrel showed up and I'm like, this cannot be the same squirrel. Now, Initially I hated squirrels because I was an avid bird feeder person and they were ruining my bird feeder life experience. But this squirrel got to me and we became so close that it was crazy. My kids were calling me the crazy squirrel lady. But that connection and the nature and the being still, as you said, being still, that was my goal when I left my show, and that's my goal for me as I suffer with depression, as I know you do as well. How did you find your first squirrel?

Oh? Okay, so it, as you said, with depression, that's kind of how the connection with Richard happened.

Oh? Okay, so it, as you said, with depression, that's kind of how the connection with Richard happened.

So I woul all right, let me give you this.

So I woul all right, let me give you this.

So I was battling depression due to health issues that I was having, and I couldn't find any answers. I was going to all the doctors and to hear there's nothing wrong with you when I know my body right and I can see the changes that my body was going through. And to hear that and to get no answers, it was it took me down a dark place. I understand so I had to find my way out somehow, and that way was connecting with nature.

So I was battling depression due to health issues that I was having, and I couldn't find any answers. I was going to all the doctors and to hear there's nothing wrong with you when I know my body right and I can see the changes that my body was going through. And to hear that and to get no answers, it was it took me down a dark place. I understand so I had to find my way out somehow, and that way was connecting with nature.

It was walking.

It was walking.

Around my neighborhood and there's tons of squirrels where I live, but I would see Richard all the time, and I knew it was the same squirrel because they have Squirrels have different personalities.

Around my neighborhood and there's tons of squirrels where I live, but I would see Richard all the time, and I knew it was the same squirrel because they have Squirrels have different personalities.

They interact with you differently totally.

They interact with you differently totally.

So I would stop and have these conversations with the squirrels and I would say, hey, are you hungry? And he would just stop and I would run back to the house real quick and grab something and go and feed them. And that's kind of how the connection started to form.

So I would stop and have these conversations with the squirrels and I would say, hey, are you hungry? And he would just stop and I would run back to the house real quick and grab something and go and feed them. And that's kind of how the connection started to form.

Now, had you had any opinions about squirrels before you saw Richard.

Now, had you had any opinions about squirrels before you saw Richard.

No, I've always been a nature person, always loved all types of animals, and not to deviate off the squirrels. But my first pet was a hermit crab my teacher. My teacher gave me this crab at the end of I think this was first grade, because when the kids would go outside for recess, I would stay inside and just watch this crab do absolutely nothing. So she gave it to me as a graduation gift.

No, I've always been a nature person, always loved all types of animals, and not to deviate off the squirrels. But my first pet was a hermit crab my teacher. My teacher gave me this crab at the end of I think this was first grade, because when the kids would go outside for recess, I would stay inside and just watch this crab do absolutely nothing. So she gave it to me as a graduation gift.

That's a wild thing, you know, when you were saying about you were always drawn to nature For me with my depression, which is you know, chronic, and and I have to work hard to not go down that slippery slope, you know. And I would go to Miami. I lived in Miami for a long time, and I would take my boat out and all these dolphins that live in that bay would come to the boat because I would call to them. And so sometimes the coastguard would pull over and go, Rosie, you're not allowed to feed those dolphins. I'm like, I'm not feeding them, I'm talking to them. And so then my kids called me this crazy dolphin ladies. But it's been solace for me. It does something. It reminds you of your place in the universe.

That's a wild thing, you know, when you were saying about you were always drawn to nature For me with my depression, which is you know, chronic, and and I have to work hard to not go down that slippery slope, you know. And I would go to Miami. I lived in Miami for a long time, and I would take my boat out and all these dolphins that live in that bay would come to the boat because I would call to them. And so sometimes the coastguard would pull over and go, Rosie, you're not allowed to feed those dolphins. I'm like, I'm not feeding them, I'm talking to them. And so then my kids called me this crazy dolphin ladies. But it's been solace for me. It does something. It reminds you of your place in the universe.

Yes, and that is not just us.

Yes, and that is not just us.

We're not the center of everything that's going on in the world.

We're not the center of everything that's going on in the world.

Right.

Right.

It allows us to look out and to all look within ourselves and to connect with something that isn't just human and us.

It allows us to look out and to all look within ourselves and to connect with something that isn't just human and us.

Totally true. More with Derek and his squirrels after this, So, Richard, how did you get Richard to let you touch him? Because Julie Andrews is the only one of my squirrels that allows me to actually pet her Now. She also comes in my house sometimes, which I don't tell people because they think it's crazy, but she'll come if she wants another walnut. She will come in and look at me, and if the door's closed, she will jump and crash the door until I hear it.

Totally true. More with Derek and his squirrels after this, So, Richard, how did you get Richard to let you touch him? Because Julie Andrews is the only one of my squirrels that allows me to actually pet her Now. She also comes in my house sometimes, which I don't tell people because they think it's crazy, but she'll come if she wants another walnut. She will come in and look at me, and if the door's closed, she will jump and crash the door until I hear it.

It's so funny, let me tell you.

It's so funny, let me tell you.

So.

So.

The first occurrence that I had with Richard was he was on the fence and I sat him, and then it just started happening over and over again. The first video of what people know of me and Richard and Matt Sene's interaction was probably a year after this interaction started to form this relationship and.

The first occurrence that I had with Richard was he was on the fence and I sat him, and then it just started happening over and over again. The first video of what people know of me and Richard and Matt Sene's interaction was probably a year after this interaction started to form this relationship and.

Richard would come in the house.

Richard would come in the house.

Actually have a few videos of me letting him in the house. There was a time where he would come inside and we would watch TV together. He would also bang on the window and stand up on his hind legs like, hey, I'm here exactly. That's Drew.

Actually have a few videos of me letting him in the house. There was a time where he would come inside and we would watch TV together. He would also bang on the window and stand up on his hind legs like, hey, I'm here exactly. That's Drew.

That's how I know. People say to me, how do you know it's Julie Andrews. There were four squirrels when I rented this house. This summer, I rented this house. So we move into this house and we see the four squirrels and this one I start to sing getting to know you in the voice of Julie Andrews, it stops, looks at me, comes closer, looks at me. So I just kept talking and singing Wow. And then eventually it got to the point where now when she wants me, she knows to go to this one area on a fence thing and she swings her tail around like a helicopter to get my attention. It's the most amazing thing. Now your story. I know your story, and I don't want to tell it. I want you to tell it. So you had Richard, and you go online and people like me flip out and go I'm doing the same thing, or they go, I'd like to do that, right because people want to connect like that.

That's how I know. People say to me, how do you know it's Julie Andrews. There were four squirrels when I rented this house. This summer, I rented this house. So we move into this house and we see the four squirrels and this one I start to sing getting to know you in the voice of Julie Andrews, it stops, looks at me, comes closer, looks at me. So I just kept talking and singing Wow. And then eventually it got to the point where now when she wants me, she knows to go to this one area on a fence thing and she swings her tail around like a helicopter to get my attention. It's the most amazing thing. Now your story. I know your story, and I don't want to tell it. I want you to tell it. So you had Richard, and you go online and people like me flip out and go I'm doing the same thing, or they go, I'd like to do that, right because people want to connect like that.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, first, let me just say when you reached out to me blown away. First I thought it was scam likely. So I was like, ain't no way, Rosie O'donald the lady that was on my television in my parents' house, Like, ain't no way.

Well, first, let me just say when you reached out to me blown away. First I thought it was scam likely. So I was like, ain't no way, Rosie O'donald the lady that was on my television in my parents' house, Like, ain't no way.

She just emailed me. So I was in disbelief.

She just emailed me. So I was in disbelief.

I was at disbelief for a minute, but then I got myself together. I was like, let me respine, let me just say something. I don't want to say nothing too crazy, but I thank you for that. And I really do appreciate you for reaching out because it really.

I was at disbelief for a minute, but then I got myself together. I was like, let me respine, let me just say something. I don't want to say nothing too crazy, but I thank you for that. And I really do appreciate you for reaching out because it really.

Didn't touch me.

Didn't touch me.

Well you know why, I really did see we were doing the same thing. I was feeding the squirrel in Beverly Hill's peanut every day, and you were doing the same thing. And then you started building the house, and then you started you were so creative, You're so handsome, you're so loving. I love your voice, so of course I reached out. I felt like we were kindered spirits.

Well you know why, I really did see we were doing the same thing. I was feeding the squirrel in Beverly Hill's peanut every day, and you were doing the same thing. And then you started building the house, and then you started you were so creative, You're so handsome, you're so loving. I love your voice, so of course I reached out. I felt like we were kindered spirits.

Thank you in your words. I was a cutic.

Thank you in your words. I was a cutic.

Cotuita yes indeed, yes we are.

Cotuita yes indeed, yes we are.

Thank you. But yeah, So the story of the creative.

Thank you. But yeah, So the story of the creative.

Side of everything, right, I've been on content Creator for probably two thousand and five.

Side of everything, right, I've been on content Creator for probably two thousand and five.

Wow, and my.

Wow, and my.

I just loved bringing my imagination to life. So when people started like following this journey, I was like, Okay, how can I make this more than just feeding the squirrels? So my mind went crazy. I was like, okay, well, we can build a house. We can put a white picket fence around it, because why not. We can put a television inside of the house and have them watch TV. So my mind went everywhere, and I created it. People loved it, they enjoyed it. And what I loved most is receiving messages from parents saying, hey, this is content that I can watch with my kids like. It's wholesome content. Yes, And here I am an adult just living my kid like life right.

I just loved bringing my imagination to life. So when people started like following this journey, I was like, Okay, how can I make this more than just feeding the squirrels? So my mind went crazy. I was like, okay, well, we can build a house. We can put a white picket fence around it, because why not. We can put a television inside of the house and have them watch TV. So my mind went everywhere, and I created it. People loved it, they enjoyed it. And what I loved most is receiving messages from parents saying, hey, this is content that I can watch with my kids like. It's wholesome content. Yes, And here I am an adult just living my kid like life right.

Yes.

Yes.

And it resonates with so many people. And I never would have imagined that. I never would have imagined that I would be in this position bringing light to so.

And it resonates with so many people. And I never would have imagined that. I never would have imagined that I would be in this position bringing light to so.

Many people that came out of a dark place with me.

Many people that came out of a dark place with me.

That's so beautiful. Really, is how I know you had Richard, you built the house, Maxine got involved? At what point? When when did Maxine join your party?

That's so beautiful. Really, is how I know you had Richard, you built the house, Maxine got involved? At what point? When when did Maxine join your party?

Matt Scene showed up in the courtyard of my property, and I was just trying to build connections with other squirrels, and I was speaking like affirmations into her words of encouragement because at first she was very stand offish, so it took her a while to warm up to me. So I started showing that experience and it took about I would say, three months for her to warm up to actually touch me. Matt Scene is more close to me now than Richard. She would jump on me, she would eat sitting on my lap. So yeah, it took. That relationship probably happened a few months after I showed you the internet my relationship with Richard. Now, Matt scene is like the center of attention.

Matt Scene showed up in the courtyard of my property, and I was just trying to build connections with other squirrels, and I was speaking like affirmations into her words of encouragement because at first she was very stand offish, so it took her a while to warm up to me. So I started showing that experience and it took about I would say, three months for her to warm up to actually touch me. Matt Scene is more close to me now than Richard. She would jump on me, she would eat sitting on my lap. So yeah, it took. That relationship probably happened a few months after I showed you the internet my relationship with Richard. Now, Matt scene is like the center of attention.

Well, she's stole your heart by giving you grand babies.

Well, she's stole your heart by giving you grand babies.

Yes, oh my goodness.

Yes, oh my goodness.

Now this story is magic many times over, Derek, it's magical, the story of the babies and the cutdown tree. Tell everyone about this.

Now this story is magic many times over, Derek, it's magical, the story of the babies and the cutdown tree. Tell everyone about this.

Okay, So I forgot which dad was, but I know it was a sunny day, a sunny, windy day, and I went outside and across the street there were landscapers who were doing work to my neighbor's home, and I was like, okay, they're cutting down the tree. I hope I pray that there isn't any squirrels up there. So fifteen minutes passed and I noticed that they actually did trim the tree, and they were looking at the another tree, like just staring at it, And I was like, why are they staring like there's nothing going on here? So I went over there and I saw four baby squirrels in this tree. They took the squirrels because they cut the branch, the nests fell and they relocated the squirrels to this small tree, and I said, okay, that like, we can't leave them here because they're on the sidewalk. People walk their dolls. If adults, they can't run, they're.

Okay, So I forgot which dad was, but I know it was a sunny day, a sunny, windy day, and I went outside and across the street there were landscapers who were doing work to my neighbor's home, and I was like, okay, they're cutting down the tree. I hope I pray that there isn't any squirrels up there. So fifteen minutes passed and I noticed that they actually did trim the tree, and they were looking at the another tree, like just staring at it, And I was like, why are they staring like there's nothing going on here? So I went over there and I saw four baby squirrels in this tree. They took the squirrels because they cut the branch, the nests fell and they relocated the squirrels to this small tree, and I said, okay, that like, we can't leave them here because they're on the sidewalk. People walk their dolls. If adults, they can't run, they're.

Too young to move.

Too young to move.

So I said, okay, I have to take these babies and figure out what I'm going to do. I don't know what I'm gonna do because I never raised a squirrel as a baby.

So I said, okay, I have to take these babies and figure out what I'm going to do. I don't know what I'm gonna do because I never raised a squirrel as a baby.

I've never done that.

I've never done that.

So I started searching, researching everything how to feed a baby squirrel. I went to pet Smart, grabbed some things, and then my neighbor. Right when I failed at trying to feed these squirrels, my neighbor texted me. He said, hey, Matt Seon just fell out of a tree. And then immediately I said, oh, she is stressed. I believe these are her babies. She fell out high out of this tree because she's searching for them. So I said, okay, I'll be over there, just give me a second. I took the box that they were in with the nest, took them over to my neighbor's house and she looked in the nest and she took the babies one by one another tree. Wow, this is something that you cannot make up.

So I started searching, researching everything how to feed a baby squirrel. I went to pet Smart, grabbed some things, and then my neighbor. Right when I failed at trying to feed these squirrels, my neighbor texted me. He said, hey, Matt Seon just fell out of a tree. And then immediately I said, oh, she is stressed. I believe these are her babies. She fell out high out of this tree because she's searching for them. So I said, okay, I'll be over there, just give me a second. I took the box that they were in with the nest, took them over to my neighbor's house and she looked in the nest and she took the babies one by one another tree. Wow, this is something that you cannot make up.

What are the chances, Derek, what are the chances of all the squirrels. There's a lot of squirrels, you know, there's a lot. And when they hear the things are good at your house, they seem to be more coming, you.

What are the chances, Derek, what are the chances of all the squirrels. There's a lot of squirrels, you know, there's a lot. And when they hear the things are good at your house, they seem to be more coming, you.

Know, Yes, yes, oh absolutely we have so. We have mat Seene. We have Niblet, who's one of Maxine's babies. We have Nibbelin, who is also one of Maxine's babies. We have Richard, we have Hector, we have Low. We have so many it's becoming hard to keep track. Yeah, but people, and I know you get this a lot too, Like how can you tell the difference?

Know, Yes, yes, oh absolutely we have so. We have mat Seene. We have Niblet, who's one of Maxine's babies. We have Nibbelin, who is also one of Maxine's babies. We have Richard, we have Hector, we have Low. We have so many it's becoming hard to keep track. Yeah, but people, and I know you get this a lot too, Like how can you tell the difference?

How you know it's the same squarel?

How you know it's the same squarel?

Isn't that funny that people ask that? And they're so unique to me? Of course I can tell which is.

Isn't that funny that people ask that? And they're so unique to me? Of course I can tell which is.

Wine, and I can tell by afar, like I can see matt Seine across the street and I can just look at her.

Wine, and I can tell by afar, like I can see matt Seine across the street and I can just look at her.

Eyes and know that it's her right right, like.

Eyes and know that it's her right right, like.

Her, like everything about her, the energy when she stops and looks at me from across the street, right right, and she will stand up and once she hears my voice, she just runs across the street and comes to me.

Her, like everything about her, the energy when she stops and looks at me from across the street, right right, and she will stand up and once she hears my voice, she just runs across the street and comes to me.

So squirrels don't do that.

So squirrels don't do that.

You know. I was gone for Christmas for two weeks and I came back and there was no Julie Andrews for like two weeks. I could not be worried. Oh my god, beyond beyond and there are all these other new squirrels. I'm like, where did you even come from?

You know. I was gone for Christmas for two weeks and I came back and there was no Julie Andrews for like two weeks. I could not be worried. Oh my god, beyond beyond and there are all these other new squirrels. I'm like, where did you even come from?

You know?

You know?

But Julie Andrews what she did? All of a sudden, I hear this new I'm like making a TikTok, and I hear a noise and I look and she's like making noise in the tree like crazy. And I look and I see her, and then she's staring at me. I'm like, it's me. Come down to the roof. And stared at me from the roof for like five minutes, and then I started to sing again, Julie Andrews songs, and the down came Miss Julie. I think I heard her feelings by being gone.

But Julie Andrews what she did? All of a sudden, I hear this new I'm like making a TikTok, and I hear a noise and I look and she's like making noise in the tree like crazy. And I look and I see her, and then she's staring at me. I'm like, it's me. Come down to the roof. And stared at me from the roof for like five minutes, and then I started to sing again, Julie Andrews songs, and the down came Miss Julie. I think I heard her feelings by being gone.

Yeah, yeah, you were gone too long.

Yeah, yeah, you were gone too long.

I was gone too long. She thought, what the hell happened? We had a good thing going.

I was gone too long. She thought, what the hell happened? We had a good thing going.

You were gone too long. So she said, I'm gonna take a break too, exactly I'm gonna go away.

You were gone too long. So she said, I'm gonna take a break too, exactly I'm gonna go away.

You know.

You know.

I don't know if you know her occupation, but maybe she's a nanny.

I don't know if you know her occupation, but maybe she's a nanny.

It could be.

It could be.

Now, you moved out here to California to become an actor?

Now, you moved out here to California to become an actor?

Yes?

Yes?

Yes?

Yes?

And where did you? Where were you before this?

And where did you? Where were you before this?

I was in Charlotte, North Carolina, So I'm from I was born in Durham, Durham, North Carolina, raised in Atlansa, but I was living in Charlotte for ten years. And it has always been my dream to do something within entertainment. I loved every aspect of it, like being in front of the camera, being behind it, editing like I enjoy I can all my time can go to that.

I was in Charlotte, North Carolina, So I'm from I was born in Durham, Durham, North Carolina, raised in Atlansa, but I was living in Charlotte for ten years. And it has always been my dream to do something within entertainment. I loved every aspect of it, like being in front of the camera, being behind it, editing like I enjoy I can all my time can go to that.

And I'll be completely fine with that.

And I'll be completely fine with that.

And what made me move out to LA five years ago was that I began to look at my future five years ahead if I didn't make the move, and it almost caused me to have a panic attack because I knew I wasn't living within my purpose. So after I had that moment, I decided to start traveling out here sign with an agency for commercial work, and they thought I lived out here, so I said, okay.

And what made me move out to LA five years ago was that I began to look at my future five years ahead if I didn't make the move, and it almost caused me to have a panic attack because I knew I wasn't living within my purpose. So after I had that moment, I decided to start traveling out here sign with an agency for commercial work, and they thought I lived out here, so I said, okay.

In order for me to work in this city, I got to actually.

In order for me to work in this city, I got to actually.

Live here, so I got in my car, I pat that car up, and I drove out here two weeks later. Didn't really have a plan.

Live here, so I got in my car, I pat that car up, and I drove out here two weeks later. Didn't really have a plan.

Had you studied acting? Had you done acting in college or community theater? No? Never, never did anything.

Had you studied acting? Had you done acting in college or community theater? No? Never, never did anything.

No study. The only work that I've done.

No study. The only work that I've done.

Was being in front of my own camera doing comedy skits. So I yeah, I enjoyed comedy and showing up in a goofy way. I would do parodies of different like either viral moments or movies, and that was my you know, my experience. I moved out here and then started taking classes. But yeah, no classes prior to me.

Was being in front of my own camera doing comedy skits. So I yeah, I enjoyed comedy and showing up in a goofy way. I would do parodies of different like either viral moments or movies, and that was my you know, my experience. I moved out here and then started taking classes. But yeah, no classes prior to me.

And did you know anyone, Derek when you moved out here? And how old were you when you did it?

And did you know anyone, Derek when you moved out here? And how old were you when you did it?

Like?

Like?

How old are you now?

How old are you now?

I am thirty one?

I am thirty one?

Okay, so you were in your twenties and you knew if I didn't go, now, I'm not going. And so yes, you came and you yes, and you did you like it right away? Did you feel comfortable? Did you make friends easily?

Okay, so you were in your twenties and you knew if I didn't go, now, I'm not going. And so yes, you came and you yes, and you did you like it right away? Did you feel comfortable? Did you make friends easily?

Well, thanks to social media, I knew people already, so it wasn't that hard to how they say, fine.

Well, thanks to social media, I knew people already, so it wasn't that hard to how they say, fine.

A tried right.

A tried right.

I had people that I could lean on when I did move out here.

I had people that I could lean on when I did move out here.

I had a friend whose name was Terrell.

I had a friend whose name was Terrell.

He allowed me to stay with him and I was sleeping on his couch for a few months, and then I got a job, a part time job because friends were running low.

He allowed me to stay with him and I was sleeping on his couch for a few months, and then I got a job, a part time job because friends were running low.

And from there I stayed.

And from there I stayed.

With another friend, and then I eventually moved to where I live now. But throughout the entire process of figuring out where was I going to be, what was I going to do, there was no worry. Even there was a moment where I was living sleeping in.

With another friend, and then I eventually moved to where I live now. But throughout the entire process of figuring out where was I going to be, what was I going to do, there was no worry. Even there was a moment where I was living sleeping in.

My car for like two weeks.

My car for like two weeks.

I promise you there was not one doubt or ounce of worry in my heart or mind because I knew that everything would be okay. The storm always goes away, and as long as I see it through, everything will be all right.

I promise you there was not one doubt or ounce of worry in my heart or mind because I knew that everything would be okay. The storm always goes away, and as long as I see it through, everything will be all right.

So true.

So true.

Yeah, how did you get so wise for such a young man? You're so wise. I really feel the calmness inside of you, and it comes through on the camera and your love for your squirrels and just talking now, you're really some exceptional human being, Derek.

Yeah, how did you get so wise for such a young man? You're so wise. I really feel the calmness inside of you, and it comes through on the camera and your love for your squirrels and just talking now, you're really some exceptional human being, Derek.

I would say I get that from looking at life, right, not just my life, but looking at how other people deal with situations.

I would say I get that from looking at life, right, not just my life, but looking at how other people deal with situations.

Learning to oh, I don't want to have that.

Learning to oh, I don't want to have that.

Experience, so I'm not going to do it right. I don't want to go down this path, so.

Experience, so I'm not going to do it right. I don't want to go down this path, so.

I'm not going to do that.

I'm not going to do that.

I also have my grandma, my mom my sisters to thank for what they instilled within me. But I've always, as a kid, been very observant of what was going on around me. At a young age, I would hang out with an older crowd just because that's what I gravitated towards. I never really hung out with my age group. There really wasn't nothing stimulating to my mind within that group.

I also have my grandma, my mom my sisters to thank for what they instilled within me. But I've always, as a kid, been very observant of what was going on around me. At a young age, I would hang out with an older crowd just because that's what I gravitated towards. I never really hung out with my age group. There really wasn't nothing stimulating to my mind within that group.

Nothing nothing, no shade, nothing against that.

Nothing nothing, no shade, nothing against that.

But that wasn't where I thought exactly. It wasn't where you were, right. But it takes a strong person to listen to that inside voice like that. You know, did they ever find out what the medical thing was that was going on and did that get taken care of? Or it's still no, no.

But that wasn't where I thought exactly. It wasn't where you were, right. But it takes a strong person to listen to that inside voice like that. You know, did they ever find out what the medical thing was that was going on and did that get taken care of? Or it's still no, no.

No, I still don't know I went to When I say I went to so many specialists, it was it was really draining. But I still don't know to this day. What I can say is that through it all and through other methods that I found, I.

No, I still don't know I went to When I say I went to so many specialists, it was it was really draining. But I still don't know to this day. What I can say is that through it all and through other methods that I found, I.

Know that I'm on a incline.

Know that I'm on a incline.

I'm on a better track, I know, like my body, I'm starting to put on weight again.

I'm on a better track, I know, like my body, I'm starting to put on weight again.

My mental clarity is back. My headaches are gone.

My mental clarity is back. My headaches are gone.

The digestive issues I was having, that's gone now.

The digestive issues I was having, that's gone now.

They tested for everything like lime disease and all that and long COVID or something, you name it.

They tested for everything like lime disease and all that and long COVID or something, you name it.

They tested for Okay, yes, chromes, like, they tested for everything, and it was.

They tested for Okay, yes, chromes, like, they tested for everything, and it was.

All coming back normal.

All coming back normal.

Like even I had a Pollnosky endosopy and they looked at my insides because you know, a lot of digestive issues and my colon and everything looks great. So I'm like, oh my god, what is that. I was like, please just tell me something bad. I wanted to hear something bad that would have gave me the relief. Yeah, but you're telling me that there's nothing wrong. I can't do nothing with that.

Like even I had a Pollnosky endosopy and they looked at my insides because you know, a lot of digestive issues and my colon and everything looks great. So I'm like, oh my god, what is that. I was like, please just tell me something bad. I wanted to hear something bad that would have gave me the relief. Yeah, but you're telling me that there's nothing wrong. I can't do nothing with that.

I can't. I don't have no approach for nothing is wrong.

I can't. I don't have no approach for nothing is wrong.

Right. There are so many people online going through similar things not being able to get a diagnosis, and you know, it's very scary. I mean, you're a young, strong, handsome smart man. Your body shouldn't be, you know, disobeying you with this time in your life.

Right. There are so many people online going through similar things not being able to get a diagnosis, and you know, it's very scary. I mean, you're a young, strong, handsome smart man. Your body shouldn't be, you know, disobeying you with this time in your life.

You know, right, right, right, but I found other methods. I started doing more holistic approaches, breath work, different herbs that I use. All of it, I believe brought me back to some sense of what I would say was normal.

You know, right, right, right, but I found other methods. I started doing more holistic approaches, breath work, different herbs that I use. All of it, I believe brought me back to some sense of what I would say was normal.

Yeah at the time, right, so you're definitely feeling better. Though you're feeling better?

Yeah at the time, right, so you're definitely feeling better. Though you're feeling better?

What, Yes, I feel great?

What, Yes, I feel great?

Don't go away more with Derek right after this? Hey, how did you ever learn to feed those baby squirrels? How did you you just trial and error or did you have someone come over and help you?

Don't go away more with Derek right after this? Hey, how did you ever learn to feed those baby squirrels? How did you you just trial and error or did you have someone come over and help you?

No, I searched online.

No, I searched online.

The first thing you want to take care of is their hydration before they like eating anything, because if they're dehydrated, they won't eat, and if they're too cold, they also won't eat. So I had to get a space heater, put them in a blanket, make sure that their bodies were warm, and then I tried to feed them, but.

The first thing you want to take care of is their hydration before they like eating anything, because if they're dehydrated, they won't eat, and if they're too cold, they also won't eat. So I had to get a space heater, put them in a blanket, make sure that their bodies were warm, and then I tried to feed them, but.

Most of them wasn't home.

Most of them wasn't home.

One of them drank a little bit, but thank god, my neighbor text me because.

One of them drank a little bit, but thank god, my neighbor text me because.

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

I called so many wildlife et sperts, trying to take them somewhere to get the proper help, but they were all full, like everybody was filled to capacity because around that time, a lot of you know, landscapers cut down trees that's made in season, so baby snood baby squirrels fall out.

I called so many wildlife et sperts, trying to take them somewhere to get the proper help, but they were all full, like everybody was filled to capacity because around that time, a lot of you know, landscapers cut down trees that's made in season, so baby snood baby squirrels fall out.

Of the trees, so they just get filled up with Yeah.

Of the trees, so they just get filled up with Yeah.

I'm just happy that people care enough to take them to the place to save them.

I'm just happy that people care enough to take them to the place to save them.

You know.

You know.

I'm just so happy that that, you know, because some people write me and they are rats with tails, and I'm like, I used to feel that way. I understand what you're saying, but I have to tell you I got such a thrill yesterday when she came back because I I honestly, I don't even know how to explain it. I felt like, where'd she go? Did a cat get her? Did another territorial thing happened? Because there was one guy I haven't seen him around either, Mister Big. He was he had Mister Big was like a big old guy and uh, he was sometimes not nice to the to the girl ones or the littler ones.

I'm just so happy that that, you know, because some people write me and they are rats with tails, and I'm like, I used to feel that way. I understand what you're saying, but I have to tell you I got such a thrill yesterday when she came back because I I honestly, I don't even know how to explain it. I felt like, where'd she go? Did a cat get her? Did another territorial thing happened? Because there was one guy I haven't seen him around either, Mister Big. He was he had Mister Big was like a big old guy and uh, he was sometimes not nice to the to the girl ones or the littler ones.

You know, that's how they are, That's how the males are. Matt Scene would come on the patio. It's just her, It's all cool. But as soon as like good rat Raymond sometimes Richard Luther anytime the male squirrels come around, they bully her. All yeah, and I'm like, come on now, like, listen, stop.

You know, that's how they are, That's how the males are. Matt Scene would come on the patio. It's just her, It's all cool. But as soon as like good rat Raymond sometimes Richard Luther anytime the male squirrels come around, they bully her. All yeah, and I'm like, come on now, like, listen, stop.

Doing that, y'all.

Doing that, y'all.

I feel the same way.

I feel the same way.

There's no reason to do that. We got plenty of food. You go on this side of the patio, and she could stay over here.

There's no reason to do that. We got plenty of food. You go on this side of the patio, and she could stay over here.

But you know what I did. I just said, you know, I went away for the weekend. And so I was like, saw her right before I went away for the weekend, and I knew it was her, and I talked to her and she came really close and she looked for a none in my hand, but I didn't have any, but she let me pet her, and then I said, I'm going away for two days. I'll be back. And when the day I got back, I just sat out there and did what I normally do, just talk loud and say I'm here. You want some nuts, come on and suing them. They come. It's like I'm doctor Doolittle.

But you know what I did. I just said, you know, I went away for the weekend. And so I was like, saw her right before I went away for the weekend, and I knew it was her, and I talked to her and she came really close and she looked for a none in my hand, but I didn't have any, but she let me pet her, and then I said, I'm going away for two days. I'll be back. And when the day I got back, I just sat out there and did what I normally do, just talk loud and say I'm here. You want some nuts, come on and suing them. They come. It's like I'm doctor Doolittle.

Yeah, yep, yeah. I had a similar story to that where I was actually going home, going home to North Carolina for my great grandmam homegoing, and prior to me leaving that day, I didn't see that scene for like two weeks and right before I got into uber.

Yeah, yep, yeah. I had a similar story to that where I was actually going home, going home to North Carolina for my great grandmam homegoing, and prior to me leaving that day, I didn't see that scene for like two weeks and right before I got into uber.

When I was leaving the house.

When I was leaving the house.

She showed up, and I knew that was that moment for her telling me it's going to be okay, right right, you know, I'm going home to lay my beautiful great grandmama to rest. But that was that reassurance that she was giving me. Yeah, So they show up just in time, right on time.

She showed up, and I knew that was that moment for her telling me it's going to be okay, right right, you know, I'm going home to lay my beautiful great grandmama to rest. But that was that reassurance that she was giving me. Yeah, So they show up just in time, right on time.

Some people have said to me, do you think it's your mom? You know, because my mom died in seventy three. And I don't know if I believe that, but I do believe that there is a God spirit and every living thing, and all you got to do is be open to that channel in whatever form. Now. To me, God is nature, right, God is the dolphins jumping in your wake, swimming in the ocean, you know, watching a sunset. That's when I feel the most present in my own life in world, and so you know, it's it's very helpful for my depression. I'll tell you that. And you know what else is the light? The light is the sun out here. I don't know if you feel the difference from Atlanta, but the sun here to me is life affirming, like it is every day you wake up and you feel the brightness and the possibility and the hope, and sometimes growing up and living in New York, you know, getting through those seasonal affect disorder months of you know, November, December, January, February. By the time mark came around, You're like, get me. You know, it was hard.

Some people have said to me, do you think it's your mom? You know, because my mom died in seventy three. And I don't know if I believe that, but I do believe that there is a God spirit and every living thing, and all you got to do is be open to that channel in whatever form. Now. To me, God is nature, right, God is the dolphins jumping in your wake, swimming in the ocean, you know, watching a sunset. That's when I feel the most present in my own life in world, and so you know, it's it's very helpful for my depression. I'll tell you that. And you know what else is the light? The light is the sun out here. I don't know if you feel the difference from Atlanta, but the sun here to me is life affirming, like it is every day you wake up and you feel the brightness and the possibility and the hope, and sometimes growing up and living in New York, you know, getting through those seasonal affect disorder months of you know, November, December, January, February. By the time mark came around, You're like, get me. You know, it was hard.

I enjoyed like going to the beach because I skate a lot, so I like going to Manhattan Beach and just being out there in the sun skating. It really does I mean scientifically it's shown that the sun helps with depression. Yes, right, yes, so just getting outside, getting that fresh air, it does make a difference. And I find myself connecting with God early in the morning, early in the morning, and when I'm in silence, when I'm solitude by myself, all of the answers come to me, even when I'm not actually asking for anything, like the things, they just come to me. And I wanted to point something out earlier about purpose when I said, these squirrels have given me that m hm. I moved here to pursue acting, but I didn't know what what it looks like like. I didn't have a goal, and you had lean away on here.

I enjoyed like going to the beach because I skate a lot, so I like going to Manhattan Beach and just being out there in the sun skating. It really does I mean scientifically it's shown that the sun helps with depression. Yes, right, yes, so just getting outside, getting that fresh air, it does make a difference. And I find myself connecting with God early in the morning, early in the morning, and when I'm in silence, when I'm solitude by myself, all of the answers come to me, even when I'm not actually asking for anything, like the things, they just come to me. And I wanted to point something out earlier about purpose when I said, these squirrels have given me that m hm. I moved here to pursue acting, but I didn't know what what it looks like like. I didn't have a goal, and you had lean away on here.

A couple of episodes ago.

A couple of episodes ago.

Lean Away is a friend of mine.

Lean Away is a friend of mine.

Oh yeah, and I.

Oh yeah, and I.

Was something else, man, I really amazing.

Was something else, man, I really amazing.

She has been a great support for me in my journey out here. I had a.

She has been a great support for me in my journey out here. I had a.

Moment where I was at her place and she asked me. She was like, what are you, Like, what are you doing out here? Like because nobody know, they just see me on social media, like, what are your goals? Like? What are you I was like, well, I moved out here to pur suit acting, but I don't necessarily know what that looks like.

Moment where I was at her place and she asked me. She was like, what are you, Like, what are you doing out here? Like because nobody know, they just see me on social media, like, what are your goals? Like? What are you I was like, well, I moved out here to pur suit acting, but I don't necessarily know what that looks like.

I said, I'm just having fun and she said okay, And I.

I said, I'm just having fun and she said okay, And I.

Knew she was asking me to try to figure out, you know, ways to guide.

Knew she was asking me to try to figure out, you know, ways to guide.

Yes, of course I didn't know that.

Yes, of course I didn't know that.

I was just giving her the god honest truth, like, I'm just out here. I know that I'm supposed to be out here. What for don't know, but the squirrels led me to where I'm at now. So when people ask me this question now, the answer is completely different. It's in the same vehicle, it's going the same place, but it's now with purpose. I walk into places now with purpose. The acting, the entertainment, the what I'm bringing to the world looks different.

I was just giving her the god honest truth, like, I'm just out here. I know that I'm supposed to be out here. What for don't know, but the squirrels led me to where I'm at now. So when people ask me this question now, the answer is completely different. It's in the same vehicle, it's going the same place, but it's now with purpose. I walk into places now with purpose. The acting, the entertainment, the what I'm bringing to the world looks different.

Creating something within my own.

Creating something within my own.

And you know what it is, Derek. Authenticity is the only thing our culture now craves in a deceptive world. And you're so authentically you that it's inspiring to watch you fill my heart with lots of dopamine or whatever that's in my brain, I guess, but you fill my heart with joy and you know and I want you to know that. And your TikTok, which I know you have over a million people or something, and all of this is supposed to happen because you made it happen, or more accurately, you allowed it to happen. Yes, you allowed it to happen. Now listen, let me ask you. I saw you saw Oprah? What was that about? Wasn't that you saw what happened? Did you meet Oprah before and then you saw and you had to go in there to new skinny Derek? What was that about?

And you know what it is, Derek. Authenticity is the only thing our culture now craves in a deceptive world. And you're so authentically you that it's inspiring to watch you fill my heart with lots of dopamine or whatever that's in my brain, I guess, but you fill my heart with joy and you know and I want you to know that. And your TikTok, which I know you have over a million people or something, and all of this is supposed to happen because you made it happen, or more accurately, you allowed it to happen. Yes, you allowed it to happen. Now listen, let me ask you. I saw you saw Oprah? What was that about? Wasn't that you saw what happened? Did you meet Oprah before and then you saw and you had to go in there to new skinny Derek? What was that about?

Yes? So me and Oprah had all right. Like I told you, I used to create comedy skits, right Oprah. This was I believe, right before the pandemic. She announced her new book book Club, and she did like a promo for it and everything.

Yes? So me and Oprah had all right. Like I told you, I used to create comedy skits, right Oprah. This was I believe, right before the pandemic. She announced her new book book Club, and she did like a promo for it and everything.

So I did a parody to it.

So I did a parody to it.

I had this horrible wig on that I know Oprah wouldn't.

I had this horrible wig on that I know Oprah wouldn't.

Dare to look at.

Dare to look at.

I had this like everything was just you know, the funny of it.

I had this like everything was just you know, the funny of it.

And I did the.

And I did the.

Exact replica of her promo video. She saw it, Gail. They put it on the news to talk about the book club, and she send me a personal video back.

Exact replica of her promo video. She saw it, Gail. They put it on the news to talk about the book club, and she send me a personal video back.

Wow.

Wow.

So she was saying, Hey, I love the video you did, but next time, I'm gonna send you some girls, meaning her wig. She said, I'm gonna send you some batter hair because what.

So she was saying, Hey, I love the video you did, but next time, I'm gonna send you some girls, meaning her wig. She said, I'm gonna send you some batter hair because what.

You what you had on with, we can't do that again.

You what you had on with, we can't do that again.

Right.

Right.

So a few years later, what a few months ago, at.

So a few years later, what a few months ago, at.

The the Color Purple premiere in La.

The the Color Purple premiere in La.

I saw her walking and I.

I saw her walking and I.

Was like, I'm not too cool, Like I'm not going to play that. I'm not too cool to go up to anybody. So I said, this is my moment. Let me just go up, introduced myself. Uh, and that's exactly what I did. I said, Hey, Oprah, I'm Derek, not true if you remember? Then she said, oh yes, I do remember, And mind you, everything moves fast like you know, so we're still moving, we're walking, and I said, do you mind if I get a picture with you? She said, absolutely, we can take a picture. Mind you, I wasn't ready at all. I'm like, oh my goodness, I'm fumbling.

Was like, I'm not too cool, Like I'm not going to play that. I'm not too cool to go up to anybody. So I said, this is my moment. Let me just go up, introduced myself. Uh, and that's exactly what I did. I said, Hey, Oprah, I'm Derek, not true if you remember? Then she said, oh yes, I do remember, And mind you, everything moves fast like you know, so we're still moving, we're walking, and I said, do you mind if I get a picture with you? She said, absolutely, we can take a picture. Mind you, I wasn't ready at all. I'm like, oh my goodness, I'm fumbling.

I'm like, well, that's my fall.

I'm like, well, that's my fall.

Lord, She said, are you ready? I said yes, Oh my goodness, I wasn't ready. I got that picture and it was so blurry.

Lord, She said, are you ready? I said yes, Oh my goodness, I wasn't ready. I got that picture and it was so blurry.

Oh that's too good. But you did it, man. You know that is that is a powerful uh powerful testament to who you are.

Oh that's too good. But you did it, man. You know that is that is a powerful uh powerful testament to who you are.

Right.

Right.

Not everybody will go right up to Oprah and say, excuse me, miss oh remember I sent you a video, you know, but I loved the color purple. Didn't you love that movie? Yes, oh my lord, I saw the Broadway Musical many times. Of course, the original is epic, but I think this is a joyful, beautiful, wonderfully artistic movie. I loved every minute of it.