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~ a few wee words from John ~
Not long ago, Roma Downey and I attended a funeral in Salt Lake City together. You should have heard the gasps from those in attendance. It must have seemed bizarre to spot the "Angel of Death" sitting quietly through a memorial service.
Actually, I like the role because death isn't something we talk about much in America. As a nation, we find it difficult to mourn or grieve, labeling tears a sign of weakness. Because of that, Andrew is a rather loud character, helping us face something we would rather ignore. But he does it so positively, assuring us death is not the end of everything but rather the beginning of a different kind of life.
I'll never forget the man who approached me after a very long day on the set. "Thank you," he said, "on behalf of my children. Because of you and the way you played this role they aren't afraid of death anymore. I don't think I could have taught them that as clearly as you did."
How could you not be glad to be part of a show that engenders this kind of response? From the moment I stepped onto the set, I knew something very important, something very special, was happening. Though our success has surprised a lot of people, I don't think it's a coincidence. My mom always says that "coincidence is when God remains anonymous."
Though I don't like the term "family values" because it's too loaded, I do think people appreciate a show that conveys clear values, ones that all of us share. All of us. Instead of dividing, Touched chooses to unite. I'm very proud of that. I also think the approaching millennium has been a factor in the show's success. People need hope; they need to find ways to draw closer to those they love; they need something to take away their fears. The show does that. We always choose love over fear. The show recognizes that people think. We ask them to consider.
But did I ever envision the success we have enjoyed? Though I expected the show to do well, I am as surprised as anyone about what's happened. Only a handful of the hundred of pilots that are created ever make is on the air. Of those, probably five percent last a full year. An even smaller percentage breaks the top ten. How could I not be surprised? Today I found out we had our highest ratings ever: The World Series, ER, and Touched. This is great! Good company, except that the Braves lost.
However long it lasts, I'm grateful to be part of a show that my own children will be able to watch and enjoy. I'm grateful for the chance to portray death as a promising beginning rather than a dreadful ending and glad to be able to consider the deep questions people are asking as we face the new millennium. It's very exciting.
It's also exciting that Andrew is getting to do "casework"-bridging life and death. Pretty powerful stuff. I'm not just lucky. I'm blessed. ~
John Dye
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