Where's Wayne? David Farrier's latest internet craze

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 2:29p.m.

By Daniel Rutledge
3 News entertainment reporter David Farrier has started an internet sensation about a mysterious friend of his named Wayne.
Farrier has recorded video messages to Wayne, who he describes as "my manky pasty friend", from various celebrities around the world and uploaded them onto a special YouTube channel called 'Wayne Could Not Be Here'.

Some of the stars involved include Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Melanie Griffith, Channing Tatum, Gerard Butler, Ray Winstone, Paul Bettany, Antonio Banderas, Gary Oldman, Brendan Fraser and musicians DragonForce, Fleetwood Mac, Nickelback, Dream Theater, Lamb of God, Joe Satriani and MC Hammer.

"I've been so happy that every person I've spoken to is just as smitten by Wayne as I am," says Farrier. "I just explain a few things about him and musicians and celebs are desperate to say something to him.

"The best thing about it is that Wayne mostly has no idea who these people are. He was pretty sure Antonio Banderas was my dad."

Although Farrier has not revealed much about Wayne, the YouTube channel explains: "Wayne is a hardworking employee of a large New Zealand media organisation, who works so hard, he simply could not be here."

The first message was from Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson and was uploaded October 29, 2008.
Hudson says, "Hey, Wayne, how are you man? I wish you were here but since you're not, I just want to say hello. Good luck, take care of yourself."

One of the latest video messages to Wayne is from American Gangster star Denzel Washington who says: "Wayne where are you man? We miss you.

"Come out of the office some time, come see us y'know. Get out - get out in the world Wayne! It's a big world out there Wayne, get out!"

The Wayne phenomenon has been blogged about on Neatorama and by Kiwi entertainer Dave Gee and many FaceBook users are also sharing the links.
Farrier promises more Wayne Could Not Be Here videos to come.