Dear Julian, You held my 10, 11 and 12 year old heart in your hands. And you held it with such love and care. Playing your daughter on TV was one of the best parts of my childhood. The way you hugged with all your might. The sweet kisses on the forehead. The way you made sure the PA always asked if I needed anything if they asked you in my presence. The way you always worried about my warmth. Going so far as zipping me up extra tight and asking wardrobe for earmuffs that matched yours. The way you corrected that one director who kept calling me little girl. You stopped him every time and told him, “Her name is YaYa.” You didn’t let it slide not even once. The sweet chocolates you gave me on Valentine’s Day. The way you called me “darling”. You always remembered me. Long after our time on the show together. The texts checking in. The FaceTimes. The sweet little photo collages you’d send. There will never be another one like you. You knew how to love and how to lead. You made everyone around you feel seen and valued. You handled me with such care but when it came to the work you treated me like an actress. Not a child actress. You made sure I was heard in rehearsals. You asked me for my input and made me feel like an equal. The work we did was deep and emotional. It was hard work and I miss it. I was the only kid on a set with adults and while you always made me feel safe and loved you didn’t hold back in scenes with me and we made magic together. After the tough ones you’d say, “You know I love you right?” with your mischievous wink😉 My heart is broken into a million pieces. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for everything. I will hold space for you in my heart for the rest of my life. I will never forget how a true gentleman and a true star carries themselves and I will continue to learn from your example. You were my Papa on TV but I realize now how much you taught me about being an actor and how to treat people along the way. I would give anything for one more hug. I will keep your wife and daughter in my prayers. I love you Julian. Rest in peace. Love, YaYa
