Tribute to Dana (and wishes to Erin Daniels) from the fans at www.erin-daniels.com

Alma wrote :

Ok all.

I have been asked by a friend to start a thread where people can post their tributes to the character of Dana and to wish Erin well on her future endeavors.

There are no guarantees that she will ever see these. Post what you like here and I will create a page to copy them to as part of the site. Again - she may never see them, but this is a place to escape the angry posts and focus on what the character of Dana and the talent of Erin Daniels as Dana meant to us all.

All the best,
Alma

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Islandgrl64 wrote :

Alma, Very well put, thanks for the new thread, great idea, let's keep the negativity out of this thread in case Erin drops by O'kay folks!! ( this includes myself of course), I'll save it for another site:

Good things come to good people, like yourself.......
I was one of the fortunate fans to meet you, on the L word cruise just last year around this time, and at the DVD signing in N.Y.C. last January!!You were always so sweet & down to earth!! You are an amazing person who also happens to be beautiful ,inside & out, gifted with plenty of Talent in whatever you put yourself into.
Well, We enjoyed your character Dana for 3 seasons of the L and remember WE love the work you did with your creation of Dana's character, and how you played her with such passion it makes us believe she's real!! and We loved her so much but it's sad as Hell!!
Keep up the great work you do in your future endeavors cause, we love You Erin !! Good Luck with your new show "Julie Reno" you and Annie potts should work well together!!!
We love you,
That is why, I'm here, Right here.
Love and hugs,
Islandgrl

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Kace wrote :

2 of my favorite Dana moments all time were from Season 1, involving her first kisses each with Lara and with Alice. Dana's one of my favorite characters of the show and not having her on anymore is a real bummer. I just hope that for Erin Daniels' sake that the future is brighter for her and that whatever she does next is something that puts her into the Stratusphere of stardom. She's earned it.

Ms. Fairbanks and Ms. Daniels...here's to ya. Job well done.

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layla_gray wrote :

Thanks Alma for starting this thread.

Ilene said that Dana is the one character most people identified with. Well I'm one of them. I found the show when I was going through a rough patch in my life, and saw myself in Dana Fairbanks. I had no one to turn to so I found solace and comfort in the character, her struggles and truimph became my own. It made me feel less alone. Somehow seeing how Dana grew into a confident, strong woman she eventually became, made feel me like if Dana can make it, so will I.

Ms. Daniels you made Dana yours, turning her into a character we cleary love or we would not have been mourning like we just lost a friend. Thank you for three years of laugther and tears, for making us cheered for Dana, rejoiced for her and at times, made us want to pull clumps of our hair out in frustration. But most of all, thank you for bringing Dana to life and for being our voice.

You are an amazingly talented and beautiful actress with a wonderful sense of humor (and witty sacrasm lol.) I know you will go on to find success outside of this show. I wish you all the best and I'll tuning into when Julie Reno, Bounty Hunter starts it's run. Whatever projects you take on in the future, I'll be there in the front row.

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brokensapphire wrote:

thanks layla grey for telling me about this site.

i've said a lot on the other forums but i just basically want to say i loved dana and i loved erin playing her. erin made us fall in love with dana and we could all see some of ourselves in her, thats why this reaction is so strong from fans. i loved watching erin play dana for 3 seasons, especially as one half of the couple i love and identify most with in the show.
so, thank you erin for your amazing contribution and enthusiasm. you helped tell some stories that needed telling and gave many people a voice. you have a life time fan here and i'm sure you'll go on to even better things.

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lnmorris wrote:

When The L Word first started, I was thrilled, here was a show about me, a show about lesbians. When the cast was first announced the only name that I was really familiar with was Jennifer Beals. As I read the bios for the characters, the one that jumped out at me was Dana Fairbanks. I knew where she was coming from, someone who on the outside seemed to be doing well: tennis career, loving family, etc. But who on the inside was dying a little at a time because she was not able to be who she really was.

I didn’t really know the actress who was playing her, but I saw pictures of her and thought she was really pretty. I was more than willing to give her a chance in the role. Little did I know that from day 1 of season 1, Erin Daniels would have my attention. The entire chemistry between Erin and Leisha Hailey was apparent to me from day 1. There is just such a wonderful connection between the two of them.

As the seasons unfolded, I found myself identifying more and more with Dana. Her struggles at coming out, and in many ways trying to find herself. I was so thrilled in season 2 when Dana and Alice got together (will we ever look at 4 am the same again!!)
I had read all the spoilers, so I had an idea of what was to come with Dan’s storyline this year. But even knowing did nothing to diminish the power of it. And for that I say thank you to only one woman, Erin Daniels. I can’t imagine being put in the position where you know your character is going to die and yet, she still produced one of the most powerful series of performances I have seen in a long time.

Then season 3, the rumors of a breakup and cancer. While I hated that the couple broke up with no real reason given, I was pleased that Dana’s last words were, “I love you” to Alice. Alice knows that Dana loved her and while I am not happy that Dana is gone, at least to me, it ended with both of them secure in that love. The only thing I want to add is that I wish there had been more screen time to follow this story. It seemed to get squeezed into an overly busy season. Erin and Leisha gave it all for the storyline and for that I thank them both.

As for Erin Daniels performances from day 1 of season 1, but particularly this year……bravo!!!!! Thank you for breathing life into a character that through your performance was so easy to identify with. Thank you for being willing to take a chance on being cast in a lesbian drama. And, thank you for never backing down from the stories told through Dana.

I know you have a potential new show coming up in the fall, Julie Reno, Bounty Hunter. I was so glad to read about that at the same time all of this about the demise of Dana was coming out. I wish you the best of luck as you begin working on it. I will certainly be watching if it is picked up for the fall TV schedule.

Know that you will truly be missed on The L Word, for me it won’t be the same without Dana and that goofy smile.

Thank you for an amazing three years and I look forward to seeing many more great things from you in the future.

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Nix wrote:

Dana has always been one of my two favorite characters in the show, the other being Alice. Like many I found these two, mostly Dana, the easiest to relate to. I found the last episode very bittersweet and must admit got more tearful in the interviews afterwards than I did during the show. I loved the goofiness of Dana and will greatly miss seeing her on my television screen every Sunday. Thank you so much Erin for giving us three years of this beautiful character.

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laughsalot wrote:

So what can i say that hasn't already been said? The character of Dana will be greatly missed as my oh my what a character. Erin did a fantastic job of playing Dana (dorky Dana) and this is why we grew to love her so much. The silly faces, the hilarious dana dance, the sarcism, the cuteness she had when she was in any romantic scene with Alice, the list goes on. I have so many favorite scenes of Dana's the 1st being the boat dance, i remember thinking ' i could totally jump up there and start shaking my booty with you, but i can't because A. i can't jump in the screen and B i am crying with laughter'
I could go on all day about this character, i could could go on all day about this actress i have had the pleasure of watching for the last 3 years, an actress i admit i knew nothing about until i watched the L word. Well miss Daniels you have me hooked and i am now a fan for life, so thank you for entertaining me, making me laugh out loud and for the warmth you made me feel when watching you at work, you made this character your own, and a character i will always remember.
So as i say goodbye to Dana i wish you Erin Good luck in everything you do i can't wait to see where your career goes as i am sure it will right to the top.
Love to you and thank you once again x

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babybear wrote:

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN A GREAT SHOW WITH ERIN PLAYING DANA! SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY FANS! IT HURTS DEEP DOWN INSIDE! I SAY THAT BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THIS SHOW SINCE IT FIRST AIRED AND I HAVE GROWN TO LOVE HER! AND THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT HER! I WISH HER THE BEST OF LUCK IN LIFE! SHE WILL BE MISSED!!! ~**(CRYING SILENTLY)**~

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Bethan wrote:

I loved Dana Fairbanks from her first scene on the series. Each week my respect and admiration for Ms. Daniel's acting ability grew exponentially. Her facial expressions were priceless - she did not need dialogue. And yet, I was amazed at how she could delivery a line. I would often wonder how she knew the perfect way to say a line for maximum affect. I do not remember ever thinking about that before.

I will be a lifelong fan and look forward to seeing you many, many, many times in the future. Best wishes always Ms. Daniels, eventhough you won't need it with your talent.

Love Always,
Bethan

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Sashasan wrote:

Ms Daniels,

The writers may have given you the words, and the directors the choregraphy of your scenes, but it was YOU who brought Dana to life. It was YOU who gave Dana heart. It was YOU whose chemistry with Leisha, made fans chomp at the bit to see more Danish, and it was YOU, in those behind the scenes interviews, who gave us fans a glimpse of your wit, your intellect and your playfullness.

To say we will miss you as Dana is a gross understatement, but I hope you'll touch base with Alma so your fans can see your work and follow your career.
You are amazing!!!

Sasha

P.S. What the hell was Ilene thinking?

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Red wrote:

She had me at ‘Hello’… with the arched eyebrow. Yes, I am talking about Dana Fairbanks, the Tennis Player. To be honest, I don’t remember how I got into the show, but I do know the reason why I stuck with the show. Two words, (or a name) Ms. Erin Daniels, she was the reason why I continued watching the show. Dana Fairbanks wouldn’t have become this lovable, goofy, sweet, sincere and sometimes oblivious, big ‘ole lezzie tennis player that everyone knows and loves, if it weren’t for Erin Daniels. I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing the part other than Ms. Daniels, herself. She brought her to life, adding her own essence into the character. What’s not to like about her? Better yet, what’s not to like about Erin Daniels?

Playing a character for three seasons, passionately and knowing that this was going to be the last time you’d ever play a character who most people can relate to, couldn’t have been easy. It was upsetting to learn that Dana Fairbanks will no longer be on our screens, however, I have no doubt in mind that we’ll be seeing more of Erin Daniels on our screen, big or small. The third season of The L Word has proved her capabilities as an actress (as well as traipsing around in a bunny suit – but that’s a whole different league, lol).

This is going to sound corny, but I don’t care. Thank you Erin for giving us a reason to love Dana Fairbanks, she will truly be missed from The L Word, but furthermore, thank you for what you have done for the show (and for my second love, House of a Thousand Corpses.) I love your sense of humour and your comic timing. You will be greatly missed and the show wouldn’t be the same without you. May you go on to do better things and best of luck for the future! (I’m looking forward to seeing Julie Reno, Bounty Hunter kicking major booty, btw)

Take a bow, Ms. Daniels. You deserve it.

Excuse the amateur work, it was something I made back in the day. I think it's appropriate.

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lifeline32 wrote:

All I can say is...I'm speechless. I knew this day was coming, but it's so hard to believe now that's it's here. Erin, you will be greatly missed on the show by your fans. You made the character of Dana Fairbanks fun, exciting and easy to relate to. You are an amazing actress and person. Thanks so much for all you gave to us. Best of luck with future projects and we will continue to watch you in whatever shows you are in.

Take care of yourself,

Lifeline32

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zoovy24 wrote:

Im just gonna keep it simple. Erin ruled. To be honest her and Leisha are the only reason I ever watched the show and now she's gone... well im not sure ill be watching season 4. Anyways, Erin made the show fun, entertaining and worth-watching. She will be severly missed but I hope she goes on to other (greater) things and has an 'effing fantastic career! Good luck!!

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HippyChick wrote:

Well Erin, what can I say that hasn't already been said? I think I took to Dana after the first goofy grin. She was a great character because you made her human with flaws that everyone could relate to. I think that is why she touched all of our hearts! You made me laugh and cry which isn't an easy thing to do and just shows how talented you are. I will truly miss Dana and the great chemistry between Dana and Alice as friends and lovers. You and Leisha make a great team!

Good luck with Julie Reno! Please know that all of us will be watching and cheering you on!!!!!!

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Dana_Fan wrote:

Erin,
Just wanted to say thank you for your work on all the shows you've been on, esp. The L Word. As soon as I saw the character of Dana, I was like a magnet to her. And when I saw how gorgeous you are, I was totally hooked. I saw a little of myself in Dana: a little sporty, a bit nerdy and absolutely a goof. When I see Erin during interviews and behind the scenes, I see a little more myself like you are: a jokester, sharp, dry wit, Jewish, into architecture, etc. But needless to say, you've made quite an impact and I look forward to all your future endeavours - both film and TV.

I do miss Dana and hate the way IC and Betty had to kill her off, rather than make her a survivor and activist, which would have had more impact and made the character of Dana even grow more and even more comfortable in her own skin. But then, it wasn't my show or there'd have been none of that "betty betty betty" crap and you'd still be on the show (I'm still furious and in denial that Dana is "gone gone gone").

You worked so well with Leisha Hailey that I would love to see you guys do another project together. And if it involved Kate Moennig too, that would be great - the Three Musketeers live again!!

You deserve an Emmy and a Golden Globe for your job in Season 3 of The L Word. IC deserves a Razzie if have something like that for TV shows.

Good luck and see you soon!!

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warriormsp wrote:

Ms. Erin Daniels,

To me, you were the highlight of The L Word. Your talent, humor and beauty had me immediately hooked. Thank you very much for the three amazing years of such an enlighted character. Dana Fairbanks was special because you made her so. She will be deeply missed.

I, too, am looking forward to your next projects. May your career keep on flourishing as a long road of success is ahead of you.

Wishing you the best,
Mari.

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Pirouet wrote:

Erin,

It's been almost a week that I'm wondering "why" ! Why did they they get you off the show ? One day, they congratulate you, saying how great you are, how nice it is to work with you and bladibladibladi ... and the other one, they decide to get rid of Dana ! Craps ! I really do not understand !

You made a great job with the character of Dana, certainly bringing her a lot from yourself, and I guess that's why so many people love you, not only as Dana but certainly more as Erin Daniels ... Those three years must have been incredible for you -they were for us ... well, except the end !- you must have learnt a lot, from work and most important, from people ... Of course, it must have been hard for you to quit the show -as for us to see Dana dying- but remember one thing : if you keep smiling as the way you do, nothing and/or could resist to you in the future !! You're amazing ! Please keep going on !

Greetings from a french fan in Paris (apoligizing for my english mistakes !)

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stubing4julie wrote:

Erin really made Dana her own as soon as she was introduced we fell in love with her. Such exceptional talent should be recognised and I'm glad we're able to post these messages for that reason. We really believed in the character because she was acted so well and touchingly. And we could relate to her whether gay, straight, bisexual or otherwise because she was just like most other people, guarded and struggling with a part of her identity.

Whether it was her goofiness, her cluelessness, her sarcasm or her frankly fantastic dancing skills, Dana was a character that needed an actress who had these qualities. It seems Erin has them in spades and we love her for that. With Dana's coming out and the breast cancer she has been able to show what she is made of and she definitely delivered as always. And together with Leisha she created the partnership that TV shows could usually only dream of. That partnership will be sorely missed. Not to mention the Three Musketeers.

Rarely do we see an actor or actress who cares so deeply about a character they play, Erin loves Dana and it really shows on and off-screen. She always speaks with real devotion about how much playing her has meant and I'm glad for that.

I know we are all going insane looking forward to seeing Julie Reno and I personally would like to thank Miss Daniels for just being bloomin marvellous and wish her luck! You have acquired many many fans in the last few years and we are all, and will continue to be, proud of you and your achievements. You and Dana have been an inspiration to me and to more people all over the world than you will know.

Erin you're just class!

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tissmeister wrote:

Although you are not Dana, you brought her to life. In doing so you gave The L Word many of its most remarkable moments. The uproar and calling for Chaiken's head that still exists on lwordonline show that your acting touched many and is truly loved. Congratulations on creating a truly beloved character and "Say it ain't so! This has to be a bad trip from the acid Shane gave you!!" I echo stuebing4julie's comments, and must say you made the show "crispaaay!" The L word will never be the same without its heart and soul-Dana Fairbanks.

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aurelise wrote:

Hi Everybody!!

It's my first message so i'm introducing myself.

I'm aurelise, a 23 years old girl coming from Paris, france. (so excuse my mistakes, i'm not fluent english).

I watch the l word that I discovered a few month ago and I became an addict. As you can know my favorite character is the one played by Erin daniels, Dana, and I was as sad as you when she died.
During the 2 first seasons we could see the "fun side" of the actress and this storyline allowed her to act something deeper and Erin did a really great job. So we can say that actually it's a really good way to leave a Tv serie. Now she just can move on and I wish her the best with Julie Reno. But I just wish that the "glaad awards voters" won't be the only one to see that she made a really great performance.
I think people blame the sript writers but they take risks doing that. That's what I like the serie too. It's not only a show for girls, it's also a reflect of our society (even if they add romance...but don't forget it's for TV). They're not scared to talk about political problems or killing a main character. We all have someone around us who died from cancer, that's life!!

Well, Erin is a really good actress, she was amazing during thre seasons and she's gone "at the top". So now I just add a few word in french "Merci et à bientôt".

Aurelise.

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kace wrote:

I made sort of an odd tribute to Dana earlier today. I was leaving some friends' house and stopped at a convenient store to get a couple of drinks. At the counter, they had these Jerry's Kids paper shamrock things. Give a dollar and sign your name on the shamrock and it's displayed in the store with the others. Many were first and last names, others just first names or nicknames. Some were even filled out in the name of a company or Police Department. So I gave a dollar to the cause and signed the paper shamrock, "Dana Fairbanks." If able to donate to causes under an assumed name, I'll probably use Dana as a tribute to her and Erin herself.

Maybe it's quirky and silly, but then again...that's me.

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bubbagirl wrote:

I have just watched the second season of the L Word and the story with Dana and Alice really brought a tear...of laughter to my eye. I can completely relate to both these characters but most of all Dana. I know what will happen in season 3 to Dana, and although I havent seen it yet, I was truly shocked and heartbroken that Dana was to leave the show. Living in the UK means were behind on the programme, and I just want Erin to know that you will be greatly missed by myself and my group of girls who congregate on the sofa each week to watch the L Word.

Ok, so you are given the script to learn, but it was YOU who made the character that everyone loved, adored and related with. Speaking as a straight girl, I could relate to every inch of your relationship (only in a difference sense) and you have brought tears of joy and saddness to my life for the last 2 years since i found the show.

I ask the producers, directors an writers of the L Word 2 questions...Have you gobe mad getting rid of the goofy, beautiful, loving character that everyone knows and loves? and what about a JR, type Dallas storyline? Alice was dreaming that she'd lose Dana first to Lara, then to breast cancer...but it was all a dream???!! The L Word could go on forever, and it should!!!

Thank you for opening my heart to a lovely story and person, I will always think of Erin Daniels (not Dana) when i think of the L Word.

Thank-you

Lesley, Scotland.xxxxxxx

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