Cast at 17 as the 30-year-old male lead of the romantic fantasy/comedy Mad About Men, my ego swelled generously. It was only the Amateur Dramatic Society, and I had no illusions that I was naturally very romantic or funny. But I was growing out of adolescent self-doubt and a role like this confirmed the possibility of being mature, witty and charming.

Enough amateur psychology. The important thing about Mad About Men was I got to kiss the female lead, who I'd been in love with for about a year, despite earlier taking her on a single failed date. She was even younger than me, so another casting surprise. (Someday I must ask the Director what she was really up to when she cast the play.) My co-star played a mermaid, she was great company, and to me (as well as others) highly desirable. In the play I had to carry her around a lot, usually speaking a few lines between picking her up and setting her down. When rehearsing these semi-dramatic lines, she'd melt into me and start humming a tune just loud enough for me to hear, then give a little reproving smile when I corpsed. In the photos we look very young, inexperienced and poorly made up. I was in love, self assured and a star!