FROM THE VALLEY: A $6 million phone call

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Tom Valley

January 21, 2010

Anonymous The Lockport Union-Sun %26 Journal Thu Jan 21, 2010, 04:04 AM EST

Last week, I sent an e-mail to my nephew, Mark. I’ve written about Mark in the past — he’s a West Point graduate/Iraq War veteran turned actor. He’s appeared in several movies and has had some plum roles on various television shows. It feels weird at times, not only knowing, but, being related to someone who’s ... well ... famous. He admitted to me, recently, that even he finds it strange, seeing himself on screen.

He’s the star of a new program being aired on the Fox Network called “Human Target.” I sent him regards and wished him “good luck” with the show — which was premiering a few days from the time I wrote.

We had talked this summer about the project, but at the time he had only completed the pilot episode. Back then, he mentioned that production was at the hands of the network as to how many shows it ordered ... or something of that nature. (What? Like I can remember?)

Mark is a great guy. Now, I know what you’re thinking: I’m only saying that because I’m his uncle. Not at all! Nor is it because Mark has dropped the stalking charge he filed against me while he was on a show called “Boston Legal” (I think it was him). That’s not it, either. You see, it’s because he’s a down-to-earth, regular type of guy. Whether it’s acting, writing or mountain climbing, he attacks each venture with a passion that leaves little — if any — room for the extraneous nonsense of ego. Notoriety isn’t bad, it’s just not that important to him.

I’m not even sure if he understands his stature in the business (or cares) as evidenced by the return e-mail he sent me. I figured it was a column-worthy anecdote and so I’ll share it with you (with his permission, of course).

First, you have to realize that here’s a guy who just last week had his full-page picture splashed across the country in all of the major newspapers. TV promos for “Human Target” have been airing regularly during major network programming. And a couple years ago he was listed in People magazine’s 50 sexiest stars. He’s also been the feature image on that iconic sign towering over Times Square several times during the last few years.

Now with that said, I offer this small nugget — his e-mail to me oozing with excitement — to demonstrate how admirably-grounded he is.

“Thanks, Uncle Tom, things are going well, really well. Reviews have all been good.” He was glad to hear about the reviews — a natural pride that anyone would have for something they had worked hard on.

But then it’s what came after that, that I found amusing. Mind you, this guy has made movies with the likes of Bruce Willis, Denzel Washington and Madonna, and he says: “Highlight of the day, today: I got a call from my publicist saying that Lee Majors had called! Can you believe that?”

In an interview with People magazine, Mark once mentioned that while growing up, Lee Majors was one of his favorite TV stars. Majors had seen it, read it and contacted Mark.

Lee Majors! He’s not star-struck by the big hitters of the industry but when the “Six Million Dollar Man” comes a-knocking, Mark’s on cloud nine.

Mark further wrote that when he returned Majors’ call, he “was like an 8-year-old trying to dial the phone.” Majors thanked Mark for the kind words and returned the compliment, telling him he was also a fan of Mark’s.

I thought I’d share that story with you to illustrate how proud I am that Mark represents what most of us would like to see more of in our world today — an innocence untainted by the narcissistic values that have somehow permeated our society as a way of being hip. That’s all I’m saying. I’m done.

As my nephew said to me about that chat with his childhood idol: “True story. Can you believe it? Too cool.”

Mark is the son of my brother, Mike ... and my wife’s sister, Martha.

And, for this week, that’s the way it looks from the Valley.

Tom Valley is a Medina resident. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at tvalley@rochester.rr.com.

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