The stars are like us in every way! Yes, they could make ten times our yearly income in a month and have admirers following them everywhere they go. However, some people are still able to have genuinely good hearts despite their success and wealth.
We’ve compiled the most positive celebrity encounter stories from Quora users that they’ve shared below. These users have encountered some unexpectedly amiable celebrities. Enjoy reading these stories that may make you a larger admirer of these celebrities, and don’t stop reading to hear an interview with Page 7 podcast presenter Jackie Zebrowski!
1.
A few years back, when I was living in West Hollywood, my bike got a flat tyre. I was walking with my neighbour Anass to the petrol station a few streets away to put some air into the tyre because I didn’t have an air pump to fix it.
We’re approaching the petrol station when I spot a car that looks like it belongs in space. This was not your typical vehicle! (I discovered afterwards that it was an incredible Hennessey Venom GT Super Car.)
Next to the car was a person with wild, crazy hair who had a lot of energy and wow factor. It took me a while to realise that I was approaching Steven Tyler, the rockstar of my dreams, and I was in complete shock to see him there. At the service station. (Unleaded at that specific Chevron that day was $3.89.)
As soon as we locked eyes, he asked, “What’s up, girl? What is happening? How are you doing?
Despite my head melting, I was able to get out of it.
“What’s going on? Will you join me in taking a photo?
(Although I wasn’t going to ask for a picture with him, I most definitely wasn’t going to decline an autograph!)
He was incredibly attractive, electrifying, rock star-like, and grounded.
And he said to me, as though we had known one other for a million years,
“You had the best snap a photo with me, girl! Come on over here! Come on, let’s do this!
I felt like I was losing my hold on my bike, and my legs felt like Jell-O.
Thank God my neighbour was there to provide me with moral support and to snap our photo.
He essentially offered himself to me as he strolled around his SexyBlack Hennessey Venom GT Super Car.
Adoring the concept, he replied, “Yes!” Okay, would you like to get on my back, and I hop on the front?
I was enthralled and deeply in love.
“No, get on my back; I’ll give YOU a ride,” I said.
I was trying to look cool for the photo, catch the moment, and remember it forever, but he got on my back and gave me the sweetest hug. His RockStar arms enveloped me, and I felt like I was floating.
Nobody compares to Steven; he is truly exceptional and gave me the impression that day of having a Zillion Bitcoins.
Steven, I adore you!
Many thanks to Anass for assisting me in capturing this enchanted moment!
2
Elizabeth. We were in charge of ensuring her safety while she was a patient at my hospital. Me and two of my police officers divided up the duties with her. She treated my officers and the entire medical personnel with the utmost grace. Extremely calm, gentle in speech, smiling, and willing to converse with anyone, even the Chief of Surgery and the maid. Definitely reminiscent of a woman.
3.
James Earl Jones.
I was an extra on one of his TV shows in the Seattle area.
Extras are now referred to as “walking furniture” in the on-set hierarchy. In truth, we are occasionally held beneath actual furniture. When we have lunch, they put up a different table away from the actors, and they have other locations set off for us to wait in when we’re not needed.
So, Mr. Jones stopped by to chat with us while we were eating lunch at our own little “extras table.” For almost thirty minutes, he spent time with us, sharing anecdotes about his time as an actor, discussing the other cast members, and enquiring about our past productions.
He leaned over the table to say, “Look, I’ve got the power right now,” as he stood up to leave. You should come and tell me that the individuals in charge of this show are not treating you properly. I will take action regarding it. Without a question, he meant it.
In all honesty, he didn’t need to do that. We were really at the bottom of the low on that set. And he made a special effort to give us the impression that we were actually contributing to the project to which we had all given our all.
Mr.Jones is the epitome of the pack mensch.
We got in touch with Jackie Zebrowski, one of the hosts of Page 7, a podcast devoted to celebrity rumours, to find out more about famous meetings. Jackie was gracious enough to speak with Bored Panda and share some insider information about some of our most beloved celebrities.
“I have no proof that Jennifer Lopez gets rid of her linens after every use, but that fact CERTAINLY pops up a lot in the blind items!” she said. “Jojo Siwa is known to be quite difficult to work with, but when I met her, she was incredibly kind, and we were both working on a Nickelodeon show. Even though she arrived on a bus coated in her own makeup, she was incredibly kind to everyone with whom she came into contact.
4.
My daughter was a huge fan of Dolly Parton when she was younger, and she probably still is. While on a visit with my parents in Nashville, we made the decision to take her to see Dolly’s house by car. Although her estate’s large butterfly gates were locked, my six-year-old daughter wrote Dolly a message and inserted it within the gate. A few weeks later, Dolly sent us a note and an autographed photo addressed to my daughter. I’ll never understand how, but she managed to get our address from a six-year-old’s message. Even at nearly forty years old, my daughter still treasures the letter and photo. Dolly is awesome.
5.
Mitchell, Joni (1967). Dave Van Ronk, Buffy Ste Marie, and Tom Paxton had recorded her tunes. Judy Collins’ song “Both Sides Now” became an enormous smash. Dave Crosby had produced Joni’s debut record, which was fantastic. Joni was up there, all right. However, she was still bound by several contracts to the lesser teams where she began her career. much like Toronto’s The Riverboat. held perhaps one hundred individuals. After seeing her for the nth time, yours truly makes his way backstage to ask Joni if she could teach him how to play the guitar.
Her manager was in her dressing room, along with Bernie, the owner of The Riverboat, a man dressed like a lawyer, and a few reporters from the neighbourhood newspapers.
Everyone is travelling. “Joni!” “Joni!” “Joni!” Raising a hand, she says, “Await. I have two things I need to show Max.
She instructed all themovers and shakers to wait while she clarified a few things. I’m a nobody, a sixteen-year-old schmo who’s nicely pushy. Is the word “gracious” correct? “Kind”? “Patient”? She was amazing.
She made sure I could play the fundamental chords and knew the open G and open D tunings for the benefit of the musicians who read this. She then demonstrated a two-note descending line against different pedals for me, writing it out on a serviette that I, of course, misplaced. There are no rules, she added. It’s good if you enjoy it.”
Both then and today, I’ve been thinking that Joni is the goddess who has been reincarnated.
6.
My family was in Southern California in March of last year. Their intention was to visit Venice Beach. Since my daughter and I have a passion for exercise, I proposed that we leave the others at the beach and head to the original Gold’s Gym, the bodybuilding mecca. We lifted weights, explored every inch of the facility, gawked at all the photos of well-known bodybuilders hanging on the walls, and generally had a terrific time for the next hour and a half. We made a quick stop at the gift shop and picked up a few items to mark the occasion. After paying, I raised my head and gestured towards the entrance.
Arnold is here, I said. It turned out to be none other than the Terminator. She exclaimed, “Let’s get a picture!”
When we arrived, he was chatting with two guys who had come out to meet him from the gym. We were standing next to them and heard the whole talk. He was giving them encouragement and praising their size and power. My kid begged to take a picture with us after they left.
“Shu-uh,” he answered. He rode off on his electric bike after we thanked him for his time and wished him a happy day. He was genuinely the most kind and down to earth person I have ever met.
Jackie mentioned that her best friend has nothing but positive things to say about Kelly Clarkson and that they work closely together. She never talks down to people and is incredibly sweet. The host said, “She is a very good mother to her family and staff. “It seems that one of her songs was playing on the radio when they were getting ready for a children’s party at her house. It’s cute that they all sang along when someone went over to turn it up.”
Jackie adds that she was quite aback to learn that Selena Gomez is far kinder than she had anticipated. “I never heard anything especially nasty about her, but I figured that anyone who has been in the public eye for a long time would be [rude].” She told Bored Panda, “She is quiet yet incredibly kind to everyone around her.
7.
Sting: Extremely kind to everyone in his vicinity. Before the event, he also went for a bike ride in the neighbourhood behind the venue, stopping to chat with folks who were out walking their dogs and other people.
8.
Several times during Dodger games, I sat in a private, enclosed box with Cary Grant. He was in his 60s, and I was 14–16. We never discussed his stature or career. Just him and his newborn daughter and baseball. He was humble and courteous. He was so beautiful that anyone who saw him would nearly pass out.
It was a hot day, and I was wearing a sports coat when I sat with him for the first time. We had a small closet in the box when I got up to remove it. Leaping to his feet, he grabbed my coat and hung it up. “Oh, no, Mr. Grant, thank you; I’ll hang up my coat,” I murmured. And he said, “Nope!” in his distinct voice. Give it to me! I have the hanger here already. And that’s how he’s always been: asking you questions rather than talking about himself, very considerate, and mindful of everyone around him.
9.
When I was eighteen (30 years ago), I was completely obsessed (I can’t stress this enough – I dressed and looked like him, I listened to the Cure all the time, and my walls were covered with posters) with Robert Smith from the Cure. I even met him once after a concert. He was truly amazing; he was patient, kind, kind, and incredibly understanding of an 18-year-old little goth girl going into full-blown hysterics when she met the object of her intense teenage obsession.
Fortunately for Nacho Libre and School of Rock lovers, Jackie claims that Jack Black is every bit as fantastic as you could have imagined. “I have known multiple people that have worked with him on various projects, and he shows up prepared and always gives 110%,” she said.
Furthermore, a buddy of mine costarred with him in a Sundance film. The presenter disclosed, “My friend was invited to a sizable celebrity party, despite being clearly lower on the call sheet than he was. “He was turned away since his name wasn’t on the list. He ran across Jack Black, who made the extra effort to approach and persuade the individuals to let my friend in and he was successful! They partied all night together!”
10.
In the early 2000s, while on her way to visit the Afghan refugee camps in the west, Ms. Angelina Jolie stopped by Pakistan, and I had the pleasure of having a brief encounter with her as part of the UNHCR mission.
Her brief conversation with me, which may have lasted only one or two minutes (I must have come across as pretty bashful and awkward), revealed to me nothing but grace, kindness, and patience. She was between meetings with Musharraf era government officials. Additionally, acquaintances in the press and administration told me about her subsequent trips to Pakistan.
While Ms. Jolie often presents a very racy kind of image in her films, such as Girl, Interrupted, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and others, in real life, she is the definition of class, grace, dignity, intelligence, and beauty.
Her conversations with the impoverished Afghan migrants struggling to survive in cramped camps were incredibly sincere and sympathetic.
The refugees who live in these camps endure a lot of hardships, including heat, bad hygiene conditions, odours, and other issues. However, Ms.Jolie didn’t hesitate or show worry as she greeted the refugees while strolling about in them.
Even more remarkable was the way she carried herself during her interactions with Pakistani official diplomats in the early 2000s while on a trip to get state assistance in Pakistan for aiding Afghan refugees. Back during the Musharraf period, when the military ruled the nation, she did not appear in the slightest bit intimidated by all the large, uniformed men surrounding her. Despite her numerous decorations and military arrogance, she possessed a subtle charm that made her stand out.
She engaged with a number of Pakistani leaders, beginning with President Musharraf and continuing to Yusuf Raza Gilani after the military government was overthrown, in order to carefully negotiate her way through the convoluted apparatus that constitutes the Pakistani state in order to guarantee that she could help the UN missions obtain the assistance they required from the Pakistani government. I can assure you that career bureaucrats spend years honing this skill set.
Later in life, she would come back on several missions; most notably, in the latter part of the 2000s, she came to the nation as part of her mission to help so many of our countrymen who had been devastated by the 2009 flooding.
She appeared to have gritted her teeth and ignored the opulent parties thrown for her by Pakistani politicians, who were throwing lavish parties, even though she had witnessed the extreme poverty of the country and the heartbreaking tales of Pakistanis who had lost loved ones and homes in the flooding. She showed no signs of resentment when Prime Minister Gilani flew over to his family to meet her on state funds when she was there to meet him to request more assistance for flood victims. She was also not at all put off by the relentless photo requests from the Pakistani media, particularly when she was with leaders who were men.
Whatever the challenge, it seemed she handled it with grace and diplomatic skill to stay on track for her objective: to help Pakistanis devastated by flooding and Afghan refugees fleeing war. She dealt with the opaque military government, crass civilian politicians more interested in a photo op with her than aid for their own people, and a media that had no sense of boundaries. She would be a great hire for the US State Department.
I have no idea what experiences in her life have made her the incredibly kind, wise, and poised person that she is now. She didn’t need to travel far from the glitz of California to reach the most inhospitable areas of Pakistan in order to aid the flood victims and refugees who were so often overlooked. However, she did. And many in our small region of the world, including refugees, are appreciative of her for it.
11.
My ex-wife and I once spent an overnight stay in Los Angeles while returning from the Cook Islands.
We dined at a Mexican restaurant that was mid-to-upscale. While we were conversing, I glanced over at the table next to ours and saw that American comedian and actor Adam Sandler, together with his spouse Jackie, was sitting with another man. Almost like a representative or something.
In any case, we had a fantastic meal, got ready to leave, and they left just as quickly as we did. After calling a car and going outside, the three of them emerged and said their goodbyes next to us while we waited.
Being Canadian, we typically believe that it is impolite to speak with someone, even if they are well-known or otherwise not in a professional setting.
They helped us break the ice. Sandler joked that the beans would not help him have more foreplay with his wife. We all chuckled, and it appeared that they were also holding out for a ride for a short while.
They were really the sweetest, most genuine couple when we got to talking.
“It seems so weird that it feels like I know you because of the movies,” my wife said. Jackie laughed heartily and replied, “I know, right!!!” I always act that way when I meet these well-known individuals,” as she was giggling.
Hey, do you guys want a picture with Adam? Jackie said. Your story won’t be believed by your buddies.
Not wanting to come out as impolite or strange, we answered yes.
Jackie grabbed our camera and snapped a picture while Adam pulled us in for an embrace.
After said farewell, the cab arrived.
The kindest folks, really.
12.
30+ years ago, I went for a stroll in the hills of Scotland. went the less-traveled path and met up with a different guy. Knowing the area better than I did, he stated that we might run across the gamekeeper on our route, but it should be alright since the owner only made an appearance in August (it was May).
After we went over a barrier, the Queen Mother—Charles III’s grandmother—came over to greet us and enquire about our origins. After we eventually explained that we had just recently met, my new friend—who had found his voice earlier than I had—replied that she liked it when people talked to strangers and extended an invitation for us to remain for a picnic tea.
Even though I really don’t like eggs, it’s difficult to say no when the Queen Mother gives you a sandwich out of a Tupperware box. I’d much rather have the chocolate cake.
We drove past the lone security guard in his Range Rover who was reading the Sunday Times as we were leaving. “Did you manage to get past them at the house?” is all he asked.
“A friend of mine worked with Margot Robbie in a film and said you could not have met a nicer person who did NOT act as hot as she is!” Jackie let it all out.
“Jeremy Allen White is a frequent customer of the coffee shop where my friend works, and he is definitely not well-known. The host remarks, “He is always very reserved but tips very well and is very courteous.” Surprisingly, he even went in and got all the coffees for himself and everyone else working to assist him get ready for the day of the Emmys! I suppose he needed a breather.”
13.
My mother’s retirement community was home to George Kennedy. Every week, I would take my Golden Retriever, Chase, to visit my mom. If any residents were interested in pet therapy, I would typically spend 45 minutes with them. For George and Chase, it was love at first sight; they were smitten. We therefore had a standing rule that we would visit George whenever Chase was present in the building. We were to wake him up for a visit, even if he was napping.
In pet therapy, I usually discouraged residents from feeding Chase, but George took great pleasure in Chase, so I never could bring myself to tell him that. George would frequently sneak Chase some leftover bacon from breakfast.
George was a natural force, large and strong yet kind and enjoyable to be around. He told so many wonderful tales. He told me, as I recall, that all the boys on the Charade set, including himself, were fascinated by Audrey Hepburn and would sit and listen to anything she had to say when they had time off from shooting. While residing in the retirement community, he had recently released a book and signed a particular edition for my mother, adding a heartfelt message.
I apologise for not having a photo of him with Chase; however, one day, my mom and I managed to get a photograph in the living room with him.
George is a fantastic guy that I will always miss.
14.
Ritter John. At 23, I had recently become a widow, had three kids, and had suffered a shattered shoulder in an Austin automobile accident. We took a brief break and returned to Burbank, thanks to my in-laws. To get his Social Security, I required our birth certificates. I rode the buses since no one would drive me to downtown Los Angeles to pick them up. A man on the final bus transfer demanded that I sit where he stood. He sat and attempted to talk to me when a seat next to me opened. I was explaining to him, barely holding it together, scared that I would miss my stop. He promised to keep an eye out for it. Then he left me, stating he would check that I had located the records building. He then politely put his good arm around mine and led me through the streets. If I hadn’t already been completely shocked, I would have been agitated. He left after observing me to the door. I informed my father-in-law that I was assisted by a man who appeared to be John Ritter from 3’s Company. Years later, I learnt that he enjoyed interacting with other passengers by aimlessly riding the public buses. He did it, I’m positive. His gestures, speech, and manner were all similar to his.
15.
Ryan Gosling was directing a film in Michigan a few years ago. After working on the film, a friend of mine was allowed to invite a friend to the wrap party.
It’s unclear what I had anticipated. By no means did I expect him to be a jerk, but he was definitely friendlier than I had anticipated. We laughed and smiled for a while before we were able to take a picture. I didn’t spend a lot of time with him because he was quite busy with his event, but he was a really cool guy.
Jackie also disclosed that she’s had the privilege of meeting two of her greatest comedic influences, Martin Short and Steve Martin. It made me incredibly anxious to be in the smallest situation with them. That wasn’t the case with either of them, she clarified. Some comedians draw a line that says, ‘YOU AREN’T AS FUNNY AS ME.
“Steve Martin reminds me of the kind and considerate grandfather that everyone aspires to be. Martin Short exceeded my expectations in every way! What a nice person. Never stops laughing and singing, yet never gets too loud,” she went on. “He took the extra effort to make jokes about me because he sensed that I was anxious. What a charming person.”
16.
I had twice met Paul Newman. Twice, in 1968, he was campaigning for Eugene McCarthy, a presidential candidate; the other occasion was in 1984 or 1985, when I was an extra on the Colour of Money set at Chicago’s Navy Pier. He was really friendly and courteous during our little conversation the first time. The second time, he was employed and paying attention to his work. Wonderful. What a chance to witness Newman, Cruise, and Scorsese collaborate. Even though I’m getting older, I will always be a Paul Newman fan. He was a wonderful illustration of a really great actor as well as a really good man.
17.
I was strolling along Market Street in San Francisco on my 40th birthday on my way to work. It was early and dark. On the street, I saw that they were filming a commercial with Mr. T. I passed by the coffee shop where I usually get my daily joe. I saw a group of people gathered around Mr. T. as I made my way back to my office. He gave me a hello as I came to a stop. My birthday was today, I blurted out. Could he please give me a hug? He gave me the cutest bear hug when I said yes! When we both grinned, I continued on my way. What a wonderful man.
18.
I went to the national Human Rights Campaign dinner in Washington, D.C., a few years ago. As I was making my way back to my table, I noticed a man—John Lewis—get up from his desk and face me.
He was one of the event’s keynote speakers, so I was a little taken aback to see him eating supper at a table with the rest of us. I wasn’t sure if I should stop him from doing whatever it was he was about to do since I felt a little scared.
He gave me a warm, inviting gaze right in the eye. After regaining my calm, I blurted out, “You’re one of my heroes,” and went forward. I appreciate everything you’ve given up to improve the justice and fairness of our nation. He gave me a lovely, modest grin and thanked me.
And instead of carrying on with his business, he asked me, quite unexpectedly, “Tell me about you.” Why are you here, and what do you do? I don’t exactly recall how I answered, but I told him that I was a volunteer for human rights, particularly the rights of the LGBT community, another historically marginalised group and that he was part of the reason. In the middle of a large dinner attended by thousands of people, we had a brief but amazing talk that seemed unbelievable.
I wanted to capture the occasion in a photo, but I was hesitant to ask for his permission to do so. With a smile, he replied, “Definitely.”
By bending the moral universe’s long arc towards justice—as Martin Luther King Jr. once said—he transformed America and inspired a generation of people. He was a modest warrior.
Upon seeing this question, I instantly remembered my encounter with this gentle guy and American hero. An actual honour.
“I’ve met Jason Momoa a few times, and I know someone who works with him.” It is with great satisfaction that I can say that I still satiate my long-standing hunger for him! He puts in a tonne of effort at work and genuinely cares about his children and the environment,” Jackie said. Many celebrities advocate for things that will benefit the environment, but Momoa truly abides by the plastic-less philosophy. (He runs a business that promotes the use of reusable water bottles and is a strong advocate of eliminating plastics.)”
And wherever you get your podcasts, make sure to tune in to Page 7 for even more celebrity rumours!
19.
True, Mike Tyson. Even though our interaction was brief, I was taken aback by how courteous he was.
At the gym, he held the door open for me.
To understand why this had an impression, you must comprehend the dynamics of this specific gym. In general, the males at this fitness location are intransigent and give each other the right-of-way, much like ships in the ocean. It seems like every man is attempting to scare the others.
I didn’t realise right away that Mike Tyson was waiting patiently with the door ajar as I walked towards the gym entrance. Initially, I was just shocked that a man of his stature would treat a regular Joe with such respect. Moreover, I was genuinely taken aback when I saw it was none other than Mike Tyson who was gently holding the door!
It’s amazing how much of an impact a brief interaction like this can have. He writes about his incredible life story in his best-selling book Iron Ambition.
20.
Billy Joel on July 5, 1987, the eve of his The Bridge Tour.
It was an extremely hot day as I waited outside the Birmingham NEC, the venue. I was continuously advised not to wait in the shade by the nasty security staff at the site. I could hear the band practising in the interim, but there were no voices.
Billy Joel and saxophonist Mark Rivera showed up in a taxi around two hours later. I asked Billy and Mark to sign my Bridge album cover as I was the only one waiting. Billy claimed that because it was American Independence Day the night before, he had partied with Carl Perkins and was, therefore, in a hangover. He noticed that I also have turnkeys, 52nd Street, and Streetlife Serenade, and he said, “Shall I sign these?”
Then he asked which album was my favourite. Since 52nd Street was how I first heard of his music, I responded. He took me inside and said, “Come and meet the band,” after I signed. “He’s with me,” he declared to the guards.
When I questioned Billy about why lead guitarist David Brown was no longer with the group, he said, “We had a disagreement.”
I got to meet Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Russell Javors on guitar, and Liberty DeVito on drums. They all signed and expressed their hope that I would like the event. I was first introduced to the other musicians by Mark Rivera. They were backing singer Peter Hewlett, lead guitarist Kevin Duke (who temporarily replaced David Brown), and synthesiser Dave LaBolt.
I got a cold coke after Billy ordered me to “get a drink.” Then he vanished behind the scenes. Christy was nowhere to be found.
I then bid them farewell for their tour and left the area.
As anticipated, the presentation was excellent.
Excellent experts and kind people.
21.
I met Meat Loaf many years ago at his book event. He was very amazing. Before they met, someone had attempted to inform all of his admirers that he was just going to sign the book. He shot her a glare and said he would sign anything he wanted. He could tell I was scared when it came time to meet him. I informed him that I had never met a celebrity before but that I was fine. “I’m just a regular guy who mows the lawn and gets yelled at by my wife every now and then,” he continued, glancing lovingly at me. He even made the time to snap this photo and spend a few minutes talking to my aunt and me. She signed both of them, and that’s fine with me. (The book she brought for me to sign belongs to her.) All I really need is this photo and my memory.
22.
I have therefore met most celebrities at gatherings. I do expect them to at least be courteous because they are being paid to go and mingle at an event similar to a comic con. Blah blah, the least they can do for paying clients.
Only a few have I actually met “out in the wild.” I won’t name them or go into detail about the incident because one of them was quite impolite. The other, well, he was remarkably kind and normal.
My friend and I had gone to a charity function in a little upstate New York town, which was being hosted by a few famous people. We chose to go to Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s confectionery store since we were in this tiny town. Simply to check, so why not? I kept the door wide for a child and his mother, who were leaving the sweets shop when I opened it. I heard, “Now say thank you to the lady for holding the door open for you,” just like you always do, and I looked up. I opened the door to see it was Paul Rudd’s child and wife. After the child thanked me and I answered, “You’re very welcome,” I was somewhat taken aback. Subsequently, I darted out of line to pursue him. I asked him to take a selfie with me, and he consented. This is my favourite self-portrait. He smiled in mine but not in hers, which infuriated my friend, who also asked for and received a selfie with him. The photobomb behind me is just an extra component that extends its functionality. I stood by and spoke with his wife while my friend and a few others gathered around him. His entire family was kind and pleasant. I expressed my regret to her for disturbing their excursion. But given that it was in the woods and interrupted their family’s visit to his little business, the utterly conventional parenting (say thank you) and friendliness were surprising.
23.
Bradley Cooper joined my family to a nearby restaurant where we discreetly celebrated the birthday of our daughter, who was then a college student. He came to our table on his way out to wish my daughter a happy birthday. Our table was overlooked by the other star in the restaurant, who I won’t name.
24.
In 2003, Alice Cooper was performing live close to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. I chose to try and get a ticket that day even though it was sold out.
Alice’s tour bus arrived into the parking lot as she was strolling by the lone hotel in the downtown area. After the band and Alice got off, they walked around and engaged in conversation.
I debated whether to ask for an autograph while I was standing at the lot’s edge. Alice waved me over, said hello, and extended her hand as I started to get closer. I shook it nervously, trying not to stutter like a moron.
Alice was very impressive. As soon as we got to talking, he started asking me questions about the place, whether I played golf (he’s a big fan), and how far I had to drive. He never interrupted our talk as we started to move in the direction of the hotel. He even indicated for me to hang on, replied his drummer at the time, Eric Singer, who came up to tell Alice something, and then carried on with the chat.
Upon arriving at the hotel, I requested a photo to be taken using a 35mm film camera. After he complied and we shook hands, he entered the hotel.
I purchased a ticket later that evening from a person in the queue whose group member had not shown up.
Since public admission was available, I moved to the front of the stage. I suppose he saw me in there once, maybe even winked at me, but who knows?
The Alice Cooper that you see on stage is not the same as the Alice Cooper that you know.
25.
Indeed! I was in Singapore a few years ago on a business trip. I remember seeing four guys, one of whom looked familiar, at the table next to me as I was eating breakfast alone one day.
I approached them and asked, “Are you Rod Stewart?” I didn’t mean to interrupt when only two of them went to the buffet.
When he replied in the affirmative, he was unexpectedly delayed in his flight to Australia for a concert. When I asked him whether he would mind taking a picture after he finished his breakfast, he stated that it would be no problem.
I didn’t realise they were departing as I was sitting at my table drinking coffee and reading a book. He approached me and asked if I still wanted that image. Without a doubt, one of his team members used my phone to take it, I added.
I would characterise him as friendly, uncomplicated, approachable, and down to earth.
26.
My spouse and I are ardent viewers of Rosanne. We were therefore thrilled to learn that she would be performing as a one-woman show at The Orleans casino near our home! Does Rosanne still exist? Whoa, I purchased tickets that same day! We anticipated a stand-up routine that would make us chuckle aloud.
On the day of the performance, we arrived early, went out to eat, and then gambled a little before entering the arena. While we waited for the act to begin, I glanced around and sure enough, Kelsey Grammer was seated approximately two rows back! It was pretty much impossible to get my wife out of her wheelchair and into her chair for a meet and greet that would just take two rows. After a great deal of work on her part, I approached him, waited for my opportunity to speak, and explained the circumstances. He was very kind and amiable! After a good five minutes of conversation, he got up and came over to let me have a few pics of them together. Great guy!
27.
It was December of 2016, late at night. There were certainly a lot of well-known people at this large wedding because the bride and groom—I won’t identify them—came from well-known and wealthy families. renowned businessmen, politicians, and entertainers as well. I spotted Abhishek Bachchan somewhere with his close friends and acquaintances. Whoa! I was hesitant to approach this guy and ask for a picture because I thought he looked incredibly cool and friendly. His precise words, which I still clearly recall, were, “Sure, of course, why not?”
That’s the image! Yes, that picture includes my two cousin sisters! That man is quite tall! Even though I’m six feet tall, I still felt very little at the time! Ha ha! 😣
a real pleasant, courteous, and cultured individual.
By the way, everyone should always act in that manner. Name, fame, and appearances generally disappear with time, but a kind, cheerful disposition and compassionate heart will never go out of style.
Many thanks, Abhishek. That day, you brightened my mood.
28.
Aretha Franklin: To start with, they had an incredibly amazing system in place for her costume changes. She essentially exited the stage, raised her arms, and a new outfit was placed over her existing one. She must have worn five layers of clothes by the end of the evening. The guys backstage reported that although she was a pleasant person, you couldn’t really get too near to her because of her large entourage. Though by then she was an older woman, she also appeared really fatigued. In contrast, her son was a dick. He requested me to show him the way backstage since he was lost in the venue. The men in charge of that gate didn’t recognise him as I led him to the backstage gate. (To be honest, I didn’t either.) He caused a stir when they demanded his backstage pass.
29.
I used to play football with the Backstreet Boys. That’s what I tell them, at least. As they played football with their kids, I really stood next to their tour bus and kicked the ball back to them when it came my way. That’s why I joined the Backstreet Boys to play football. Each of them was a pleasant man. You would believe they were just some random family guys hanging out at a park with their kids if it weren’t for the tour bus.
30.
When I was fourteen, my mother saw Red Skelton window shopping in our hotel when I was on a Hawaiian vacation with my parents. Red Skelton was a radio and film star who hosted “The Red Skelton Hour,” the highest-rated TV program at the time. Wearing a beautiful suit and Panama hat, he looked like San Fernando Red, one of his TV personas. At six feet two, he was rather impressive, but that didn’t stop my five-foot-nothing mother from following him. She approached him and asked if it would be okay if we took his picture.
He turned to face her, doffed his hat to show off his flamboyant red hair, and uttered the solemn words, “Yes, ma’am, I would.” “This light in here is terrible,” he said, finishing before she could respond with a mischievous smile. Come with me outside.
As we strolled down the corridor, he spoke to us as though we were long-time friends. He invited a bystander to take our photo outside using my mother’s camera while continuing to speak as though he had known us for ages.
The meeting ended far too quickly when people recognised who he was. Everyone was eager to meet him. He shook hands, posed for photos, and signed autographs with the elegance and grace of a real gentleman until everyone was satisfied. Based on the appearance on his face, so was he.
31.
Trace Atkins: My sister is a huge fan of his, thus she was the only performer from whom I ever got an autograph. He was quite pleasant. There was a receiving queue where fans could meet him one-on-one without needing to have a ticket. Just be patient. As I was in charge of that line, the person who had just left shook my hand and asked if I wanted an autograph as well. I answered that I did, giving him my pay cheque stub, the only piece of paper I had with me, and requested him to make it out to my sister.
32.
I took my then-middle school children to lunch at a local restaurant with one of their friends during one of their half-days from school. My kids informed me that my favourite actor was seated at a table not too far away. It was said to be the man wearing a Blueface. I had just watched Mel Gibson in Braveheart, sporting a Blueface. I informed my children that I didn’t think Mel was the best actor. After we had eaten, we departed. My kids started naming some of the films that the actor had been in, such as Mutiny On The Bounty, as we were leaving. I reiterated that I didn’t think Mel was my best actor. Next, they released Meet Joe Black and The Mask of Zorro. Hopkins, Anthony. I drove back to the restaurant in my (at the time) minivan, turned around, and asked him if I could sign his autograph. Throughout the interaction, Tony Hopkins was kind and pleasant, signing many autographs for each of the four of us.
His cyanotype? My spouse, without my knowledge, had showed our teenage sons the opening few minutes of the R-rated movie Titus, in which Anthony Hopkins wore blueface. I hadn’t seen the movie yet.
33.
I was getting ready to board a trip from Los Angeles to Toronto at the airport with my cousin. “Oh, that guy is so cute,” she said as she caught sight of him in the distance. I said to myself, “Dude, that’s Shawn Mendes!” as I turned to look.
She freaked out when she realised it was true, as was to be anticipated. He was most likely travelling in first class when he boarded the same aeroplane as us, but we didn’t see him again.
Shawn Mendes is standing right next to us at baggage claim as we arrive in Toronto. I hurriedly told my cousin I had to use the loo, but as I was leaving, her bag appeared and she was having trouble removing it from the belt. Before I could return to assist her, Shawn assisted her in lifting the bag.
They said a few words to each other, but I was unable to hear them. She stated, “I just said thank you and acted like I didn’t know him,” when I asked her what had been said.I went crazy!
Shawn simply smiled and responded, “No problem.”
Shawn Mendes, then, is a sweet guy who assisted my cousin in getting her suitcase off the belt.
34.
I happened to be the caterer for a fancy charity event that Barbra Streisand attended. I was given her area to work in.
It seemed to me that she was similar to Madonna, someone I appreciated for her work ethic but detested collaborating with because of her control issues, based on the terrifying tales I had heard about her work.
Barbra and I clicked, which made her a pleasure to work with, whether it was because she was drinking or because she was in a good mood at the moment.
She made me think of my outgoing Jewish aunt. Every time I cracked a joke in return, she would laugh and put her hand on my shoulder while kidding around.
Despite the opinions of many individuals I know who have worked with her in the past, I truly enjoyed working with her.
35.
I’ve met a fair share of celebs working on the Broadway scene; some have been genuinely pleasant, while others have made me chuckle with their ridiculous antics. “Bears in Space” was a show that ran for a few years at my place of employment. Jack Gleeson was among the actors that portrayed it. (For those who are unfamiliar with him, he is the actor who portrayed King Joffrey in Game of Thrones.) Although Jack’s character was arguably one of the most detested, he is a really kind and funny person! He would spend hours hanging out with the front-of-house workers after the shows, along with his fellow cast members. If offered the chance to collaborate with him and his mates again, I definitely would!
36.
We were spending our last night at California Adventure in April of 2005 when I saw that one of the few other riders put on incredibly costly shoes for wandering about “Disneyland.” I found out that it was Edgar Martinez. I gave my kid Forrest $5 in exchange for telling him we were from Washington State and asking whether it was really Edgar. We have always been Mariners fans. Edgar was really kind! After his game against the Angels that evening, he was there with his family. He allowed us to snap his picture, which I still have up on my fridge.
I cried out, “Oh my God!” to my father while on the ride. Identify the person we recently met! “He is travelling with us!”
Edgar, you are such a great person; I appreciate how you brightened my son’s day and our entire year!
37.
In the past, I made pizza for a big grocery store chain in England. They supplied the crust and toppings; all I had to do was put them together and wrap them.
In any case, I once prepared a pizza for Lightning, a well-known Gladiators star from the UK. She was very, very friendly; almost too friendly. I was really happy with our conversation when she placed her pizza order; I informed her it would take five minutes, and she promised to return it.
The problem was that I didn’t recognise her right away; in fact, I had to ask one of my coworkers to come over and let me know who I was cooking pizza for. Strangely enough, I was a huge fan of hers when I was ten years old, but she didn’t look the same (I assume this was because she wasn’t fighting with a pugil-stick and wearing a onesie leotard something that was brilliantly coloured and too tight).
She was incredibly kind, very natural, and very beautiful. I guess she doesn’t receive a lot of attention because she isn’t really recognisable, so maybe that’s why she seems so at ease in public.
38.
Kid Rock during his relationship with Jamie Presley. In 2003, a buddy of a friend who worked as a Hooters manager asked me to a private party. After the kid’s performance at Gwinnett Arena, which is close to Atlanta, Georgia, the entire venue was booked. Me, Kid, Jamie, and thirty Hooters chicks were there. I approached him after waiting for all the girls to get their autographs and such. He was one of the first well-known musicians to perform frequently for the USO while I was serving in the Marines. We chatted for around 20 minutes after I wanted to thank him for that and he handed me one of his own beers. He and I were the subject of several amazing pictures taken by an on-site photographer, including this one. Ever since that day, I have been a lifelong fan.
