Guest Cancellations

One of the biggest complaints I hear about from other attendees…

and one that I can honestly say I have voiced is guest cancellations.  Often, guests scheduled to attend conventions are forced to cancel.  This can happen at any point once the guest is confirmed.  I have seen it happen days after confirmation all the way until hours or even during a convention. 

Reasons are often given to the attendees ranging from

• last minute scheduling conflicts
• injuries
• personal reasons. 

While we are all excited to see our favorite celebrities and are extremely disappointed (maybe even angry) when it occurs, we must remember that cancellations are a part of the process.  Actors have very fluctuating lives.  An audition, a job, or a re-shoot can occur at any given moment.  It is part of the business.  And as such, commitments must often be changed, cancelled, or postponed.  Here are a few examples of times cancellations had happened and how I reacted.

I was at a convention for my favorite television show.  One of the lead actors was scheduled to attend.  The convention began Friday but the actor was only scheduled for a Saturday and Sunday appearance.  At the time of my photo opportunity on Saturday, the guest had not arrived, and we were informed that they were shooting late into the night, and that the guest was delayed.  However, they would still be attending.  Several hours later, the guest had to cancel as reshoots had to take place.  A few hours later, the guest showed up saying that the shoots went quicker than expected.  They were only available for about an hour, but they did their best to be there.  

Another time I was going to meet one of my favorite actors from one of my all-time favorite shows.  I was super excited.  I packed all my items to get signed into my suitcase and left for the airport as the convention was in another state.  While at the airport I received an email stating that the actor had cancelled. 

I was totally bummed and in fact angry. 

I later found out that the reason for the cancellation was that the actor’s mother had passed.  I felt like a complete jerk.  Here I was upset about not getting an autograph, while this fellow human being was dealing with something tragic.  (Side note: I did get to meet that actor at another convention months later, and while I loved them on TV, they were not great in person.)  

Another time, a different actor had been added to the cancellation list.  While I began to get frustrated, I soon found out that the actor himself had passed.  Imagine the dread in my gut as I realized I was bad mouthing someone who had just passed.

So, while I understand the frustration of having a guest cancel, especially last minute, remember that these are not just actors, or creators, but also human beings.  Unexpected life moments are going to occur for them just as they occur for us.  It is best to stay calm and try to enjoy the remaining guests.  Those that do attend are usually happy to see you and have fun in sharing the excitement you have with them and the work they do.