Although, he stood under bright overhead lighting at the confection booth, you probably would not have recognized the talented young actor.
He sported a frizzy little beard tinged with red, for starters.
And, a cap yanked down tight, hid a wide smile and mischievous eyes the movie-going crowd would have normally recognized from the big screen.
Even still, everyone in the lobby of the theatre was hip to who he was.
Seth Green.
The unlikely star has landed a few plum roles in recent years - and in the process - has seen his career sky-rocket - in spite of the fact gainful employment in the acting arena can run hot and cold depending on the kindness of strangers.
Tonight, the likeable screen persona is holding court at the New Beverly Cinema.
Yes, the theatre-owner invited Mr. Green to screen a few of his favorite films, in sequence over a span of a handful of celebrity-filled nights.
It's sort of a tradition at the Hollywood theatre; generally - high-profile directors like wacky Quentin Tarantino and discerning Edgar Wright - tend to be at the helm for these sort-of mini-festivals, though.
On a hot date night, Seth has offered up two olden-golden-goodies.
First up, the well-produced "Beverly Hills Cop", starring Eddie Murphy.With - "Running Scared" - to follow on the twin bill.
In the intro, Green notes that Beverly Hills Cop was originally a vehicle for Sylvester Stallone.
But, the burly stud was forced to bow out, allowing for Murphy to trot in from the wings.
Can you imagine anyone but the charismatic comedian in the role?
Seth - like Murphy before him - is a little charmer, as well.
At times, he comes across like a stand-up comic, on the prowl.
At ease, and quick on the uptake, Green comfortably wins over the crowd.
When the impish character actor noted he first saw "Running Scared" about twenty years ago, the tidbit threw me for a second.
Say, just how old is this kid, anyway?
The buddy film which stars two of my least favorite actors - funny-man Billy Crystal and versatile actor Gregory Hines - prompted Green to ponder whether he had the machismo to play a cop on screen.
"Naw. I'm usually the dude in the band," he guffawed.
Actually - to his credit - the humble actor has inhabited a handful of juicy roles in features like Radio Days, Big Business, Idle Hands, Rat Race, to name a few.
Something tells me there are a couple of exciting multi-faceted roles in his future.
Maybe there will be a hand at directing, too?
Mr. Green will be presenting a couple of more features over the next few days at the Art Film House - so take one of 'em in - if you're in the mood for an upbeat theatre in-the-round experience.
After all - events at the New Beverly Cinema are always a hoot - and are often attended by surprise celebrity guests who usually add a jolt of adrenalin into the eclectic mix!
