Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) is one of the entertainment industry's most esteemed producers.
She co-wrote and produced The Terminator and followed that with equally iconic blockbusters like Aliens, The Abyss, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Armageddon.
Hurd’s TV credits include the record-breaking AMC program, The Walking Dead, and its multiple spin-offs.
She has received numerous honors, including Women In Film’s Crystal Award, the Producers Guild’s David O. Selznick Award, and, most recently, the Visual Effects Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
When did you start supporting Arsenal and why?
I started supporting Arsenal from afar back in the days of the Invincibles in 2003.
I would hear my husband cheering for the team and going on and on about Thierry Henry (I thought his name was Terry for the longest while), Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann, Patrick Viera and Dennis Bergkamp.
I watched a couple of matches with him at the Fox & the Hounds pub in Studio City and started to enjoy the game.
We also went to Lucky Baldwin’s pub in Pasadena if the matches were later in the day. But I didn’t become a big fan until I watched a match in person at Highbury.
What was your first Arsenal match?
The first match I attended was a Champions League match at Highbury between Arsenal and Juventus on March 26th, 2006.
We stayed at a hotel near the Piccadilly Line so we could go to Arsenal Station with a trainload of Gooners.
My excitement started building from the time we boarded the train — and I was impressed that the Juventus fans could wear their colors and not be attacked. Coming from the US, I always worried about wearing colors… There was the usual fan taunting, but it seemed good-natured rather than threatening.
Of course, that’s when I was hooked; sitting in the North Bank with the die-hard Gooners, the singing and the welcoming atmosphere.
I was particularly impressed when the crowd cheered Patrick Viera when he came onto the field in his Juventus jersey, and sang his Viera song. Loved it.
And then Arsenal won, 2-0 with goals from Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry. I think I developed crushes on both of them after that!
Who was your first Arsenal hero and why?
My first Arsenal hero was Thierry Henry. Such an elegant player, who made scoring goals look absolutely effortless.
I remember staying at the Balzac Hotel in Paris and when I saw the French World Cup team exit the bus from my hotel room window, I screamed so loudly when I recognized him that the hotel sent someone up to make sure I was OK!
Then I was able to watch him play for Barcelona in 2009 at a friendly match versus the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Sadly I’ve never met him in person…
Who is your favourite ever Arsenal player and why?
Same as #3!
What’s your biggest Arsenal regret/disappointment?
My biggest disappointment was when Arsenal lost to Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final.
I’ll never get over that one. Ever. Especially since Thierry Henry transferred to Barcelona the very next year…😭
What is your favourite Arsenal memory (away from the pitch) and why?
My favorite Arsenal memory, at least thus far, was meeting Arsene Wenger (along with my good friend and huge Arsenal supporter, David Ajala) during the 2016 North London Derby at the Emirates.
We drew that one, 1-1. Alas.
What is your favourite ever Arsenal match?
My favorite Arsenal match was the first one I attended, our win over Juventus in the Champions League at Highbury on March 26, 2006.
You can follow Gale on Twitter at @GunnerGale.