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It’s true that celebrities are just like any other person. But we still get excited when we spot one in the wild. If we gather enough courage, we even go up to them and ask for a photo or an autograph (do people still do that?). Unfortunately, not all of these encounters are pleasant, as they're just humans, who are also susceptible to bad days, stress, fatigue, or even introversion.

Started by Tamela Julia Gordon (@shewritestolive), a New York-based community organizer and author of the 2024 hit, Hood Wellness, people under this thread were recently sharing all sorts of interactions with celebrities, ranging from bad to surprisingly sweet. Scroll down to find them below, and make sure to share your own sightings of famous people in the comments.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with the writer Tamela Julia Gordon, who started this discussion in the first place. We also reached out to Kojenwa Moitt, CEO at Zebra Public Relations, and Jordan McAuley, founder of Contact Any Celebrity, who kindly agreed to give us some pointers on how to behave when meeting a celebrity.

#1

"Story of meeting a celebrity, highlighting a generous encounter with Daniel Radcliffe during a news studio interview."

@gullywitch Report

Miriam Insidecor
Community Member
1 year ago (edited)

Daniel Radcliffe is a gem, so not surprised to hear this. I don't understand celebrities that look down on other people. The industry would fall apart without crew members.

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    #2

    Person hugging Gregory Hines, sharing a memorable celebrity encounter on a city street at night.

    @dianadjm910 Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I met him once in NYC. He was in a production with his brother, and I saw them both hanging out after the show. Very nice guys, both of them. I didn't have a camera on me, this was way before cell phones, so I don't have a picture or anything.

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    #3

    Person shares a heartwarming story of a celebrity, Vincent Price, comforting their daughter at an after-party.

    @the.polly.lama Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I can't imagine how that went. I have watched Vincent Price in so many scary movies that if he read the most charming story ever I would still be frightened.

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    #4

    Text describing an encounter with a celebrity, sharing impressions of Bill Clinton's charisma and knowledge.

    @oyinboileajo Report

    Corwin 02
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    He loves and respects his wife so much he humped an intern and used her to flavor his cigar, I am sorry , there might be a multitude of excuses about the why , but it must have been quite the blow to the self esteem of Hillary at the time.

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    #5

    Story of meeting a celebrity at GAP in Chicago, featuring a memorable encounter with Alice Cooper.

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    Say No to Downvoting
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I have pictured this whole interaction in my head with Alice Cooper in line at GAP in full concert make up.

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    #6

    Text post by carlita0001 sharing a fun celebrity encounter story with James Doohan at a convention.

    @carlita0001 Report

    Tom Brincefield
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I saw Doohan at a CreationCon way back when. After the show, he sat on the lobby signing autographs and talking to fans until the entire line went through. He was friendly and kind to everyone for a couple of hours.

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    #7

    Person posing with a celebrity at an airport, smiling and enjoying the moment.

    @hrhaea.author Report

    Dee Rutherford
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Sweet.

    #8

    Man meeting celebrity at an ad agency, with a handshake and smile, sharing a positive experience.

    @cgworld Report

    James016
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    RIP Chubbs

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    #9

    "Story of a warm encounter with celebrity Jesse Jackson during his speech, involving a playful toddler."

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    glowworm2
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Okay, that is just adorable.

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    #10

    "Social media post sharing a positive experience with a celebrity on a military base."

    @hollybobar Report

    Bec
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    He does lots of great charity work for veterans!

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    #11

    A person shares a story about meeting a celebrity, Paul Newman, at a department store in the 90s.

    @saucey_sopheeya Report

    Miriam Insidecor
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Very cool.

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    #12

    "Post by user sharing stories of meeting celebrities like Mark Hamill, highlighting best and worst encounters."

    @teecee74 Report

    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Mar🐫 is notoriously the coolest guy ever + VERY outspoken anti-MAGA. And I'm also happy Ahmed Best managed to overcome the Jar-Jar $hitstorm and return to Star Wars as Kelleran Beq.

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    #13

    Text post about a person meeting a celebrity in a record shop, sharing their positive story.

    @kaffeemitschlag Report

    Data1001
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Quentin used to frequent a coffeeshop where I worked, and would sometimes sit and write at one of the tables. He doesn't suffer fools gladly, but I think would, on occasion, gladly chat with a stranger about certain subjects that he is really into.

    #14

    Celebrity encounters shared by ground crew, highlighting Hilary Swank as the best and Elon Musk as the worst.

    @callmebymyrealname Report

    Deborah
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Surprise, surprise.

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    #15

    Instagram post sharing a story about meeting a celebrity, highlighting a positive encounter with John Cena.

    @murseoftheyear Report

    Deborah
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I have heard nothing but good things about John Cena.

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Text post recounting celebrity encounters, highlighting meetings with Keanu Reeves, Jenny Slate, Elijah Wood, and Aziz Ansari.

    @lilfattytm Report

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    #17

    Text post by vjmichaelg about Muhammad Ali's friendly behavior at a movie lobby, highlighting a celebrity encounter.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Ali was a champ in more ways than one.

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    #18

    Social media post about meeting a celebrity, sharing a positive experience with Sarah Jessica Parker.

    @itsmysti Report

    #19

    Text post about a person meeting a celebrity, sharing an inspiring story involving Oprah.

    @went4wor Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Kind of surprised Oprah is here under kind celebrities. Usually it's the opposite.

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    #20

    A text post about a pilot's experience flying celebrities, praising Elton John.

    @civil_war_daily Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Lucky he didn't end up in a river with Ted....

    #21

    "Person shares story of meeting a celebrity on film set at a hospital, highlighting a friendly encounter."

    @tanlikesuntan Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Aw! I love that OP was brave enough to approach Clooney so that his shy boss and co-worker could chat with him.

    #22

    Text post by user sharing stories of meeting celebrities, praising Shaquille O’Neal as kind and criticizing TI as rude.

    @the2ndsunshin Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    T.I. is a rapper for those who don't know, like me. Shaquille's heart is as big as him!

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    #23

    "Story of meeting celebrities Liv and Steven Tyler at Disney World, shared by a user in a social media post."

    @kevinluby Report

    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That's cool they were riding Winnie the Pooh. Love that ride

    #24

    Instagram post sharing a story of meeting a celebrity in Manhattan, describing a warm and gracious encounter.

    @tacoeatingzebr Report

    zububonsai
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    🥰. I'm sooo looking forward to her concert in my hometown at my birthday this year.... 😍

    #25

    "Volunteer shares experience meeting Pete Buttigieg, describing him as sweet and making everyone feel at ease."

    @emmyxrose Report

    Wat Tyler's Revenge
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    He was such a sweetheart when he deigned to visit East Palestine. The residents must've felt so special he visited and did nothing.

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    #26

    Text screenshot sharing celebrity stories from fans.

    @bellelabete Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Really glad to hear this about Bateman, I like his acting/shows.

    #27

    "Chloe shares funny celebrity meeting stories with Cher and Joe Rogan."

    @chloeinacity Report

    Deborah
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I've been a Cher fan since it was her and Sonny.

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    #28

    "Story about meeting celebrities, highlighting a positive experience with Garth Brooks and his genuine interactions."

    @aria Report

    #29

    Two people posing together, one wears a maroon shirt, the other a black shirt. Casual setting, smiles visible.

    @zipmc Report

    Surly Scot
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Never heard a bad story about Urban or his wife Kidman. both seem to be decent folks.

    #30

    "People sharing their best and worst celebrity encounters, featuring photos with famous personalities in casual settings."

    @aboutsophie Report

    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    To be fair to Bruce, he does have dementia. Perhaps it was an earnest question because he didn't know who he was.

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    #31

    Social media post about a positive experience meeting Adam Sandler.

    @cpartainc Report

    Surly Scot
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Heard nothing but nice stuff about Sandler....but the company he keeps is another matter.

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    #32

    "Text post sharing best and worst celebrity encounters at a restaurant, highlighting experiences with Michael J. Fox and Cuba Gooding Jr."

    @plasticities Report

    Rizzo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Cuba is a POS. He was a regular at Diddy Freak-offs. Says it all.

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    #33

    Text of a person sharing a positive encounter with a celebrity, describing generous tips received while delivering meals.

    @tiff.giv Report

    #34

    Text post sharing a positive experience meeting a celebrity at a fundraiser, highlighting kindness and attentiveness.

    @wrestlespiritual Report

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Yeah, you can keep James Cordon but we want John Oliver back

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    #35

    Text post sharing personal story about meeting a celebrity and working with No Doubt's Gwen, highlighting various experiences.

    @tiinateal Report

    Wil Whalen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    When she was still with Gavin, Bust played Portland ME. Gwen took her kids sightseeing around our city during the day. She had a baseball hat, but people started recognizing her. People didn't mob here, but they did talk to her. She was so nice to everyone. A friend of mine met her that day and told her that No Doubt's music got her through her healing from a horrific car accident. Gwen was really touched and gave her a big hug. Held her hands in her hands while thanking her. Introduced her kids to my friend. They talked for like 10 minutes. Gwen posed for photos. She was gracious to every single person she encountered. She had lunch at a restaurant and introduced herself to the staff, who asked other patrons to not go up to her table. She tipped really well, was great to the staff. She heard another table singing Happy Birthday and she told her server to put their meal on her tab. Then she went over to the table wished the person happy birthday left.

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    #36

    Celebrity encounters shared: Best was Kevin Hart tipping $1k; worst was James Gandolfini snapping fingers like a child.

    @fatty.labelle Report

    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Oh wow

    #37

    Social media post about a staff experience with celebrities not tipping at a Las Vegas hotel.

    @iamthepurplediva Report

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The whole scenario gives me cringe. Fawning staff hoping for a big tip and entitled rich people believing that treatment is just their birthright.

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    #38

    "User shares worst celebrity encounter story, calling Jessica Simpson a nightmare diva."

    @lizilla Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That's funny. I met her and her then husband in a TSA line at Dulles Airport in DC. The line was wrapped around the whole building and they were right in front of me in line. At first I didn't recognize who they were, I was just chatting with her husband, and we were all annoyed the line was so long. When he told me his name, I realized who I was talking to. Nick Lachey was pretty cool and down to earth, considering we were all in a stressful situation, and possibly missing our flights. Jessica was a bit more standoffish, but she didn't come off as a jerk. I think if I were her and this was at the height of her fame, I'd probably be worried about getting mobbed or something, and wouldn't want to announce who I was. I honestly talked mostly to her husband though, so I couldn't say.

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    #39

    Comment about nearly meeting a celebrity, Paul Simon, in Manhattan during the late 70s.

    @why_ionta Report

    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    And you were a fan no more. I think it's hilarious when it bites a******s in the a*s later...like when JoJo Siwa called out DJ from full house (Candace Cameron Buren ugh) cause she was totally rude to JoJo and yelled at her when she was a little kid and enamored by her. This was before JoJo was famous wasn't even on dance moms yet but I'm so happy she didn't forget that

    #40

    Social media post discussing interview experiences with celebrities, highlighting nicest rappers and one un-nice encounter.

    @hay.low Report

    #41

    Text screenshot sharing a story about a memorable celebrity encounter with Dionne Warwick and Susan Hampshire.

    @sandyhalifax Report

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Cilla Black is usually on the list of the worst celebrities, it's not very often you hear of her being lovely.

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    #42

    Comment about a celebrity encounter expressing negative experience with Edward Norton.

    @jessy1774 Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Was he method acting at the time?

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    #43

    Social media comment praising a celebrity as an "angel on earth" with likes and shares.

    @moe.moe12 Report

    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Anyone could say this about anyone and never have met them

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    #44

    "Post describes experiences meeting celebrities, highlighting interactions with Rob Thomas and others."

    @june_jalle_lifts Report

    dayngerkat
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    not thread? string? wtf

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    #45

    Social media post sharing a story about meeting a celebrity in Downtown Chicago, describing the encounter as negative.

    @salutemymocha Report

    Brandi Nicole
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    My mom went to high school with him in Hamburg, AR. He used to come back to town sometimes for the Armadillo Festival and was generally a jackass to everyone.

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    #46

    Instagram post sharing a story about meeting celebrities Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley in a casino setting.

    @shelsheltheernp Report

    StPaul9
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I don't understand emojis.

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    #47

    Social media post sharing stories of meeting celebrities like Mike Tyson and Leon Russell.

    @sarita_mermaid Report

    #48

    "Comment on celebrities, mentions Gavin Rossdale, Dr. Drew, Paris Hilton; discusses being unsure about their fame."

    @aboutsophie Report

    Philly Bob
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Paris is actually a real sweetheart. I was surprised!

    #49

    Text describes a user's negative experience meeting a celebrity, mentioning an actor's behavior at a hotel.

    @koolhand_dude Report

    Casey Payne
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    What...? This is barely comprehensible. I feel like I am reading some code or a riddle. Something something - Steven Segal - a gardner - luggage - what? "I don't work there but have business there"? OP yells an insult, fights his bodyguards and they run off crying? "Another actor on the film: 1/2"? What does that mean? Was this translated from another language? Was someone cut in half? Did Segal forget his eyeglasses and attack random people? The whole thing sounds like a Mary Sue daydream journal entry. Bonkers delusional. Just like Steven Segal.

    #50

    Social media post sharing best and worst celebrity encounters at a gym.

    @marquis_de_sade75 Report

    Surly Scot
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Timberlake's always been a massive A-hole, and it's finally making its way to the surface. His wife seems to sit and shrug everytime he's nasty to someone.

    #51

    Social media post recounting a meeting with Mario Lopez where he laughs and signs a photo of himself in a permed mullet.

    @shellebramos Report

    #52

    Ski instructor shares story about a celebrity encounter with no tip in Aspen.

    @skilife_2.000000 Report

    T Hausomapi
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I’m sorry but why would you tip a ski instructor?

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    #53

    Person with white hair posing with a celebrity in sunglasses, shared in a story about meeting celebrities.

    @brandonhilton Report

    Melancholy Kitty
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Sure, Jan.

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