Jesse L. Martin has had many memorable encounters with fans, but his most recent experience left a lasting impact.
Actor and singer who plays Alec Mercer on the NBC drama Irrationaltells PEOPLE in this week’s issue that while he was in Vancouver filming the second season of the series, he was approached by a woman and her daughter who were fans of his Lease.
“The daughter was completely shy, so she just looked shocked, and the mother was in tears,” recalls 55-year-old Martin of that remarkable encounter. While sitting with the mother-daughter duo, Martin learned that the mother was a fan of the original Broadway production Leasewhile the daughter liked the movie — Martin played Tom Collins in both.
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Jesse L. Martin as Alec Baker; Maahra Hill as Marisa in ‘The Irrational’.
Sergey Bahlakov/NBC
“Both had their own experiences with the story of Fr Lease“, says Martin. “It was the first Broadway play for mom that she saw. The daughter listened as her mother told her the story of visiting the play, and then introduced her to a movie starring the same cast. It was a wonderful bonding moment for the two of them.”
Admittedly, this is not the first time that Martin has seen two generations Lease lovers living under the same roof. “That often happens with Lease“, he says.
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Martin shares more memorable moments with PEOPLE for One Last Thing:
Last time I stayed up too late
Last night. I came home from filming and stayed to watch American Ninja Warrior. I don’t want to do those things, but I like watching others do them.
The last thing I took from the kit
On Irrational I gave my students thermal mugs for an experiment. Now I use one a day for black coffee. I take it with honey instead of sugar; I want to believe it’s healthier.
Last time I sang at the top of my voice
“Lose Control” by Teddy Swims was on this morning while I was getting ready. I sing all the time, as if there is a jukebox in my head. My grandmother used to say: “Singing is nothing but shouting.” i like that.
Last time I stepped out of my comfort zone
Five years ago, I mentioned adopting a dog to a friend, who immediately started sharing shelter links. I hesitated until I met Romeo, and then I changed my whole life and continue to do so. Some people would call him a mutt, but I would never say that to him.
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Irrational airs Tuesdays at 10pm ET on NBC and airs on Peacock.
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Source: HIS Education