Eddie McClintock’s Most Impactful Interaction With A Fan
Eddie McClintock (Warehouse 13, Supergirl, Shooter) has fans from all walks of life. Because his career spans decades, genres, networks, distribution companies, franchises, and more, finding a common ground for every fan poses a challenge. He typically attends conventions across the country that give him opportunities to connect with his fans that are, by and large, fans of his cult-classic performances. McClintock has been recognized for his role in Bones, his role in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and even his one-off episode in Friends. More often than not, he is recognized for his work in Warehouse 13.
Eddie McClintock received critical praise for his portrayal of Pete Lattimer in Syfy’s Warehouse 13. At the beginning of the show, Pete fit many of the tropes of early 2000s television — especially when paired with his costar and female lead, Myka. He was the muscle, the goofy character, the “man’s man”, and the comic relief. Over time (and with McClintock’s performance), Pete evolved into a dynamic character, one with deep flaws, shortcomings, and many amazing things to offer to his team of fellow Warehouse agents. Pete’s character rounded out the “ensemble” cast; since McClintock didn’t have to carry the weight of being too many things at once, his character had room to breathe. And with that transition, the days of Muscled-Up Himbo are gone–Pete is now the joke-filled, overly-protective older brother that every fan is getting to know a little more.
It was because of this portrayal that McClintock made so many personal connections with fans through the screen. Viewers of the show have cited Pete’s story as motivation or solace in their sobriety journey. Fans have reverence (and moments of introspection) at how Pete had such healthy, platonic friendships with the entirety of the cast — transcending age, race, gender, and sexuality. His character became the “golden retriever” of the group, and that made the pitfalls and quandaries of the show that much more gripping.
One of those personal connections that McClintock made “through the screen” was with a young marine in the United States Armed Forces whom he met at a convention. As the serviceman told it, Pete Lattimer (and by extension, McClintock) “kept him alive” for almost two full years in the hospital after the marine stepped over a remotely detonated improvised explosive device, or IED, in Afghanistan. The marine had a complex injury requiring frequent surgeries and a rough, long road to recovery. For him, watching Warehouse 13 was a comfort and aid in a dark, difficult time in his life. McClintock said that this marine telling him this was “probably the best compliment I’ve ever been paid.” (source)
After initially meeting McClintock, the marine returned the following day and presented Eddie with his purple heart (which McClintock tried to refuse, only to be met with, “Don’t worry, I’ve got two of them” as he had been injured in Iraq and received a medal in addition to being wounded in Afghanistan). It remains in McClintock’s possession as one of his most treasured belongings, and he does not hesitate to tell this story when asked about impactful moments with fans. (source)
In addition to publicly recognizing all holidays and anniversaries relating to the U.S. Military, McClintock seizes any and all opportunity to thank any member of the U.S. Armed Forces that he comes into contact with. The reverence that he has for those who serve to protect him is shown in his regard for a young marine’s purple heart and the interaction that impacted his life.
