Sham Ibrahim writes:

Madonna, Madonna, Madonna. The closest I’ve ever come to being an extra for her was on April 27, 2003, when I was a dying goth patient on an episode of ER. No, Madonna was not in any way, shape, or form a part of the episode of ER, but I’ll explain the connection:

Madonna’s episode of Will & Grace aired right BEFORE my (I like to refer to it as “mine,” even though I’m not credited) episode of ER aired. Yes, we were on two different TV shows, but they did air on the same night and on the same network (NBC) side by side. Her episode of Will & Grace was (naturally) the highest-rated television show of the evening. MY episode of ER was the second highest-rated (over 18 million viewers). I know it’s pathetic I feel so special about that, but if I ever got a casting call to play, oh I don’t know, “piece of dirt in Madonna’s fingernail” or “crap on the bottom of her shoe,” I would JUMP at the opportunity! Alas, I’ve had no such luck as of yet.

The cast of ER was very friendly. The most interesting thing about taping the show was that they keep a REAL medical doctor on hand to advise the director and actors. He was very meticulous. I remember him thoroughly instructing an actor on the proper way to hold a scalpel when making an incision. No wonder the show looks so real. It was uncomfortable lying very still for hours and hours. The gurney was cold, I was half naked with fake breathing tubes, IV, and whatnot coming out of my every orifice. But it all comes back to Madonna. If I was going to be on television on the same network and the same night as her royal highness, I would withstand any amount of torture. They could’ve put those breathing tubes up my ass and I wouldn’t have complained! It’s all part of the glamorous life of a Hollywood extra (and a hopeless Madonna fanatic). If you’re reading this, Madonna, keep in mind that for your next music video, no matter what you’re looking for, I’M AVAILABLE! (Watch high-quality version)

– Sham Ibrahi