The Tennessean
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091113/COLUMNIST0501/911130340/1005/... +
Stars gather for McGraw's 'Blind Side'
November 13, 2009
Leigh Anne Tuohy says she was elated, flattered and honored when she found out Sandra
Bullock was cast to play her in the film The Blind Side, a film that also stars Tim McGraw as her husband Sean Tuohy.
Leigh Anne, Sean and their daughter Collins were at Regal Green Hills on Thursday
night to attend the Nashville red carpet premiere of The Blind Side, which releases nationwide on Nov. 20. McGraw hosted the VIP event, which attracted
country stars including his wife Faith Hill to the red carpet, a day after performing
and presenting at the CMA Awards.
The movie tells the story of how the wealthy Tuohy family adopted Michael Oher as
a homeless teen. Oher is now a pro football player for the Baltimore Ravens.
"She did her research and did an accurate portrayal of me," said Leigh Anne of Bullock.

Sean said McGraw did a good job with his character, too. But he says they have something in common.
"We both married over our heads," he laughed. "I asked him if he was acting or just
showing up."
The family says the story on the screen is very close to their actual lives with
minor details changed. But what has taken them by surprise has been the public's
emotional reaction to the movie's trailers.
"I think Michael said it best," Leigh Anne said. "He called me and said, 'Mom, why
is everybody crying at the commercials? Don't people understand it has a happy ending?'
"
Country music stars came out to catch McGraw's screening. Hill walked at her husband's
side into the movie. When asked how it felt to watch McGraw kiss Bullock in the film,
Hill replied: "She's gorgeous. I wish I was kissing Sandra Bullock."
Lady Antebellum, Clint Black, Rodney Atkins, Kix Brooks, Julianne Hough, Barbara
Mandrell, Randy Travis and Martina McBride were among those who attended. "I'm looking forward to sitting down with a bucket of popcorn, some Reese's Pieces and a Diet
Coke," said Lady A's Hillary Scott.
Randy Travis is a Tim McGraw fan
Randy Travis, who was present at the Nashville red carpet premiere of Tim McGraw's
new movie, said he's seen all of McGraw's movies.
"I've known him for years and started watching him in his small movie parts," Travis
said. "I've enjoyed watching him get bigger parts and get more comfortable with his
dialogue. It's not the easiest thing in the world to do."
Travis, who says he had bit parts in about 40 television shows and movies, isn't
positive if he would be up for such a high-profile role as McGraw's Sean Tuohy.
He's a little afraid of what might happen if his star vehicle wasn't well received.
"I'm sure Tim has weighed how much the chance of failure is against what a great
story this is," Travis said. "I'm sure he will do a good job as will Sandra Bullock."
As for Travis, he said his dream role is playing in a Western with Kevin Costner
or Clint Eastwood. "I would love to work with one of those two guys," Travis said.
— CINDY WATTS