‘Unanswered Prayers’ Actor Moved by Garth Brooks’ Generous Spirit

Eric Close, who's perhaps best known for his role as FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald in 'Without a Trace,' is starring in the Lifetime movie, 'Unanswered Prayers,' based on the hit song by superstar Garth Brooks. After the movie wrapped in late October, the actor took his wife to Las Vegas to catch Garth's show at the Wynn Encore hotel.

"He's incredible, he just lights up," Eric told The Boot of Garth's performance. "The show is absolutely incredible. It's interesting. I had no idea what to expect. He [always] put on a pretty big show with a lot of acrobatics and a big production value. This show basically is [Garth with] his guitar, sitting on stage with a stool and a bottle of water. He comes out in a pair of jeans and some work boots, a baseball cap and a shirt untucked. He talks about the influence of music from the 1960s up to present on his career. He plays all kinds of different songs ... Cat Stevens, Led Zeppelin, Bob Seger, George Strait, George Jones, Merle Haggard. It's amazing."

"His knowledge of music is incredible," Eric continues. "He grew up in a family that was very musical. His mom was a singer. He got a lot of different influences. His older brother and sisters brought home a lot of different music during the '70s. He was really exposed to a lot of different music which he incorporated into his songs. So often he would play a song ... let's say, for example, he'd play a Bob Seger song, and then he would go right into 'Thunder Rolls' ... that song about the one where the woman catches her husband cheating. It was just amazing. He really engaged the audience."

Eric was also blown away by Garth's generosity during the show.

"He did something really nice," explains Eric. "This special-needs kid came up to ask if Garth would sign his hat during the show. Garth said, 'Oh, that's a great hat. I don't want to ruin that hat with my signature.' He said, 'I'll do you one better.' He took his guitar off, signed his guitar and gave it to this kid in the middle of the show. So they brought out a new guitar for him to keep going with the show. But he gave this kid his guitar! Unbelievable! He's a real dude."

"That's a total lie, he made that up," Garth tells The Boot with a laugh. "I cannot confirm or deny that story. It's sweet that he told you that story. You can tell in people's faces when they're sincere. When you run into somebody like that, you'll do anything. It's a marriage between the guy that makes the music and the people that love the music. That's your bond, that music. It sure makes friends out of strangers real quick."

Garth and his wife, singer Trisha Yearwood, invited Eric and his wife back stage after his performance which was a personal bucket list moment. "He's a fantastic guy, and his wife is wonderful," says Eric. "I had to pinch myself. I was sitting there in Garth Brooks' dressing room talking about places we were from. He's totally down to earth. He's the most regular guy. So is his wife. They're just really normal cool people."

'Unanswered Prayers' airs tonight, Monday, November 29, on Lifetime at 9:00 PM ET.