Now that I’ve gotten the silly out of my system in regards to the I Saw Something Fine Flash Fan Event theme, I thought I’d turn contemplative for this post and explore what it is that separates Richard Armitage from all of the other crush-worthy celebrities out there; what makes Richard fine to me.
My first impressions of Richard were based on his acting abilities, the eerie way that the individual souls of his characters come seeping out through his eyes. It wasn’t a physical attraction that pulled me in at first, that’s not to say that I didn’t find his looks appealing, just that nothing in particular stood out to me overly much in that department; he just seemed normal.
Once I had a few of his performances under my belt, I wanted to make sure this mesmerizing actor wasn’t a deplorable man. So I started to familiarize myself with his personality and the way he handled himself in public.
Richard remarked that he’s most like Harry Kennedy in real life. I have a soft spot for Harry, so Richard was already racking up points by comparing himself to playful Harry Kennedy!
The way that Richard handled himself in interviews was also a plus: his knowledge of the character he was portraying and how he fit into the story that was happening around him, his attentiveness to the questions being asked and his attempts at giving concise answers that weren’t repetitive, and just Richard’s general way of remaining friendly and approachable; gave me the impression that he not only cared about his work but he cared about those who were interested in it.
As I continued to observe, a dry and often self-depreciating sense of humor started to emerge as well. Richard Armitage enjoyed his job, inside and out, and that was refreshing to see.
His intention is not to lead but to share, he doesn’t loftily preach but shows by example instead, he does not strive for attention but merely for a chance to keep on meeting the challenge.
There is much for me to classically admire in Richard Armitage: dedication, initiative, modesty, patience, etc. etc. but I also admire the everyday struggles: he occasionally says the wrong thing, he’s sometimes a little flippant or a bit too aloof, unusually quiet and not able to get past himself; he’s human, just like me.
Richard is someone I could bump into on the street, someone I may find myself standing behind in line, someone who might be sitting at the next table. This has made me more aware of those I encounter in my life; they could be somebody’s Richard.
I may not have Richard’s drive but there are things I’m dedicated and determined about, in my own ways. There are things that are important to me that I’m passionate about; So when I’m wrapped up in pursuing those things: I’ll try to be a little more understanding of others, be a little more generous and gracious, show a little more respect with my preparations, try to be a little more friendly & sacrifice my unease for someone else when I can, and try harder to acknowledge when others do these things for me.
As The Arkenstone recently said, “He makes you want to be a little bit better than you already thought you were.”
Now this is not to say that Richard is my Guru, that I look to him for spiritual guidance (that would be a heavy weight to carry) I’m not wearing a WWRD bracelet or hanging his quotes upon my wall ( those dwarf phrases of his would make excellent conversations pieces though…) No, Richard is simply someone I can learn a bit more about myself from, by exploring his characters with the depth that he gives them and the simple way he continues to live his life with grace.
It’s that subtle charisma, that special something that makes Richard who he is, that separates him from all the rest. And it’s through finding that something in Richard, that I’ve discovered that something in myself as well.
I saw something fine…and it was me.
Thank You, Richard.
Nowhere in Particular RA 