On this sad and historic day that Queen Elizabeth II has been laid to rest, I remember with great gratitude the 1991 Royal Variety Performance when, after opening the show with my castmates from the West End musical BUDDY, I was deeply honored to meet the Queen, herself. She could not have been any more kind, or gracious, or made this young American actor feel any more welcome. My heart goes out to her family and to all that mourn her in the United Kingdom and beyond. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.