You might not immediately notice them because you’re fixated on the dazzling and charismatic stars in front of them, but they’re always in the background. Bodyguards are an intrinsic part of life once you ‘make it big,’ whether you’re a pop star, famous actor, or a well-known public figure. But what is it like actually working with these extremely successful high-flyers?
Well, we’re not the only ones curious about this! Redditor u/seemeatthezoo sparked a very interesting discussion when they asked actual celebrity bodyguards about the best and worst people they’ve ever had the (dis)pleasure of protecting. You’ll find their juicy stories as you scroll down. For us, personally, it’s a total win that so many stars are such kind and caring people.
Entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyle expert Mike Sington, from LA, shed some light on when celebrities should consider hiring bodyguards and shared how stars can show their appreciation for them, as well as their other staff. You'll find Bored Panda's interview with Hollywood's Ultimate Insider as you scroll down. We also got in touch with the original author of the thread, redditor u/seemeatthezoo. Check out what he told us below.
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I was a bodyguard for Eminem from spring 2000 (right before *The Marshall Mathers LP* was released) up until about fall of 2004 (right around when *Encore* was released).
I can write a book about it. You never would have guessed Eminem was a celebrity. He was exceedingly humble, somewhat awkward and rarely a d**k to people. He treated all of his staff, ranging from sound engineers to those who prepared food at the studio, very kindly and well. He never used his celebrity status to bully or throw contempt towards others, and actually shied away from it. Eminem's younger half-brother Nate, though, was a different story and used his relationship with Eminem to get him passes everywhere and into a different girl's pants every night.
Also, Eminem was a serious fan of pistols (always carrying one on him, even after his arrests :O) and was, at certain times, quite a heavy prescription drug user. You fans were the biggest issue. Eminem could barely go anywhere and concerts, tours and any public appearances (especially around late 2002 when both *The Eminem Show* and the film *8 Mile* were totally dominating popular culture) were the most chaotic experiences I have ever had.
I do want to say, it is extremely important to never judge celebrities or make assumptions about them or what they do because they totally can (and many totally do) lose their minds with the exorbitant amount of fame and excess they are exposed to.
Yeah, I have heard that he also once skipped out on a Grammy cauz he wanted to spend time with his daughter
This sounds spot on to everything I'd imagined about him. I can only imagine how suffocating it must be to be in some of their shoes. Eminem is still amazing. I hope he's living his best life.
This is what I was hoping to read about him. He seems like a good guy. We've all done stupid shot and most of us have grown up. The brother sounds like Jackson Mahomes. What a twat that one is.
Fun fact: Eminem is raising a non-binary child he adopted (the bio child of his ex-wife but different dad) https://www.newsweek.com/eminems-adopted-child-comes-out-non-binary-tiktok-video-1619072
He sounds so nice! I kinda got a bad first impression of him because I was looking at pictures of Dan Reynolds (don't ask) and one of the pics had a link to something about Dan calling out Em for using a homophobic slur in one of his songs. But he sounds like a good person now that I have read this :D
I have obviously never met him but I've heard similar things about him from people that know him. He seems like a decent guy
According to entertainment and pop culture expert Mike, stars may want to consider hiring the services of a bodyguard when their level of fame or public exposure becomes so big, it puts their safety and security at risk. So celebrities need to consider factors like how high-profile their public image is, how much media attention they're getting, whether they have a history of being stalked or harassed, and anything else that could pose a threat.
"Ultimately, the decision to hire a bodyguard should be based on an individual assessment of the celebrity's specific circumstances and concerns," the expert told Bored Panda.
"The need for bodyguards accompanying celebrities during their daily routines can vary depending on the circumstances and the level of fame and security concerns involved." Hollywood's Ultimate Insider told us that high-profile celebs who have experienced harassment or threats in the past may choose to have bodyguards around them.
"Bodyguards can help manage crowds, deter potential threats, and provide a sense of security," but Mike stressed the fact that, at the end of the day, it's always a personal decision.
**John Cena**
When I was younger I worked security, I had to escort John Cena somewhere, I was told not to let any fans near him. A fan saw him, and asked for an autograph which caused more fans to see him, he said it was fine to let them near him and signed an autograph for every single fan.
He apologized for making me wait and gave me a Snickers chocolate bar when we got to his dressing room.
This was when he was new on the scene and not very popular, I will always remember that about him. When people say he's a nice guy, they are not exaggerating.
Yeah,"A fan saw him" means the story is completely made up
Load More Replies...Bodyguards are there for protection but also for crowd control, driving, etc. and not just to fight people for the celebrity. They're there as a presence to nip[ any issues in the bud. That's why even the MMA fighters will still have security because people are crazy even as fans but also those that would take a shot at them.
Load More Replies...he often shops where my son used to work and my son said he is the nicest guy ever.
Worst: Tony Robbins. Guy was an absolute tool. Never mind the fact that he made all his wealth by taking advantage of gullible people and his behavior just adds to his douchiness. He demanded that his hotel room be a certain temperature at all times and when it was a couple of degrees off he lost his s**t and started yelling at the hotel staff.
I had to escort him up to his room after one of his seminars and his "staff" (groupies and hanger-ons) stated that I had to be 20 feet away at all times or I would be disturbing his "aura". How the hell am I supposed to protect him if I have to stand that far away? He also had this weird machine contraption that looked like a mix between an enema machine and a giant dildo. I had no idea what the hell it was for and I didn't ask. Weird dude overall.
Best: Snoop Dogg or "Snoop Lion" now. He was totally chill. Asked that I put the Steelers game on for him and gave me a wad of cash to pay for a bunch of Playstation 2's to bring up to his room since him and his entourage were going to have a major Madden tournament in the evening. Also instructed me to only allow children near him and no adults since he only signs autographs for little kids. Actually a very well spoken and respectful individual considering what he's known for in his career.
I get prioritizing kid autographs but I'd be pretty nervous letting my kid get swallowed in a crowd around a celeb. I wouldn't be letting go of their hands...
That enema dildo machine sounds like an "E-meter" - a pseudo science device used by Scientology. (I don't know who that guy is so pure assumption)
I assumed it was a male organ enhancer for his obviously tiny guy he is compensating for. Also..love my man Snoop. Still rocking and dropping the best beats after 50
Load More Replies...For someone who's wealthy, those are the worst dentures I've ever seen. They're not even trying to look like real teeth and gums.
I had to look up Tony Robbins as I'd never heard of him. Sounds like I didn't miss much.
Is it bad that I mainly know who he is because of that one Family Guy skit where he eats Peter?
Load More Replies...Meanwhile, the celebrities themselves can find ways to help their bodyguards feel like valued members of the team, alongside other members of staff. It all starts with showing proper respect and appreciation. According to Mike, acknowledging the staff's contributions and thanking them for their hard work can go a long way. This can be done either in public (e.g. on social media) or privately.
What's more, celebs should also strive to involve their staff in the decision-making process. They're more likely to feel like they belong on the team if the star asks for their opinion. In the meantime, the celeb should maintain open lines of communication with their members of staff and encourage them to share feedback. "Regular check-ins and constructive feedback can demonstrate the celebrity's commitment to their growth and development," the entertainment and pop culture expert told Bored Panda.
Then there are more practical measures to consider like offering bodyguards fair compensation and benefits, as well as providing them with opportunities for professional growth. For example, the client could invest in their staff's training and skill development, alongside career development.
My most humorous bodyguard job was for Shaq. He came into my club and I was assigned to him. I was 6'5, 230 lbs at the time, and he dwarfed me. It was just funny that he made me look like a child, but it was my job to "protect" him. Nothing crazy happened, I just had to keep people from trying to walk up and take pictures/harass him all night.
The worst person was Chris Brown for obvious reasons.
Sometimes I get surprised Chris Brown still exists, which is stupid but I barely hear things about him
He's not going to be remembered for his music. Only for beating up Rhianna.
Load More Replies...BP's going to kill me here. Chris Brown was a teenager when the whole Rhianna incident happened. She has forgiven him and has a friendship with him. Stop being offended FOR other people. He could be the worst person ever, but don't judge people so freely. Are you proud of everything you did at 19?
I was literally the worst person ever at 19.
Load More Replies...I find that quite entertaining to read, Shaq needing a bodyguard period, but a small one at that 😂
Sadly, I recently had a conversation with someone about Chris Brown. They said that we don't really know the full story. I said that there are pictures of Rihanna that tell the story. He replied, 'Well, there are two sides to every story. Nobody really knows what happened and we've never heard his side'. 🤷♀️ I couldn't believe what I had just heard.
Robert Duvall. Excellent Excellent man. He keeps a book with him and when he eats out he logs it, so he knows to eat there, not to eat there, and what to eat. Had a nice lunch at a small joint, just about to get the check when someone finally recognized him. There were only about 20 people in there and only 10 wanted an autograph (was in the time before cell phone cameras) the others just simply took a handshake.
My favorite Duvall western is him and Kevin Costner in Open Range...
Load More Replies...Robert lives in the same area as I do in Fauquier County, Virginia. I for one can back up this claim. He is a genuinely good guy on all accounts. He comes to all the local events and protests against (right along with all the other locals) the major development in our town that the locals do not want. Good guy!!!
Lmao! I can confirm this. My sister worked at a nice restaurant that had a private dining area for VIPs and she served him one night. He wrote down the tasting menu he was served that night, then came back every night he was in town. She said he was super nice and a BIG tipper
He's a rider and we see him at local (Virginia) horse shows. Always super nice. Last time I saw him I was behind him in line for coffee. He was dressed like a rider and no one even looked at him twice - no bodyguard either.
I had the pleasure of guarding Peter Cullen at a convention, for the uninitiated Peter Cullen is the voice of Optimus Prime and Eeyore.When I arrived on site, I had no idea who I was guarding or about the convention. I walked in and I realised I was with my people, after I found out I was guarding Peter Cullen I was hyped up He was one the nicest guy I have ever met, he really cared about the fans. People would tell him stories about the impact he had on them as Optimus and Eeyore, and he took it to heart and gave out hugs when he saw that they needed it. He looked over the gifts that he received and actually appreciated them.While in the back room, he asked for milk and Swiss Chalet, he really loved Swiss Chalet. The thing that caught me off guard was the fact he didn’t like swearing. He was constantly making jokes while in the back and asked me to sit inside the green room and take a break. I ended up staying an extra hour at the convention just to hear him speak about his experiences and answer fan questions.
TLDR: Got paid to hang out with Peter Cullen( Optimus Prime & Eeyore).
I was so surprised to see him on this list, such a humble man and the story behind his Optimus Prime voice is so heartwarming.
Keep it in your gearbox, Elita. We all know he revs your engine.
Load More Replies...Such a sweet man. Got his autograph and a photo at a con about 15 years ago. Actually looked at you and made a remark about my item. Frank Welker (Megatron) was very pleasant, too.
He's also responsible for the cool throat growl that Predator makes! I've only seen interviews with him and never met him but he always seems so incredibly nice.
A friend of mine was a wrangler for Seth Green at an Australian con - apparently he was terrible to wrangle, because he kept stopping to talk to cosplayers and take pictures with them. Dude just really loved great cosplays.
pretty sure it gets tiresome but if I ever met Peter I would ask him to say my favorite of his lines in his Optimus voice " Autobots, transform and roll out"
When you’re highly successful, your safety and that of your loved ones becomes an even greater priority because you’re constantly in the spotlight. Naturally, if you’re going to have someone guarding you and your nearest and dearest, it makes sense that you want only the best people. After all, your health and safety is in their hands.
Indeed explains that celebrity bodyguards need a combination of skills, job experience, and natural attributes to thrive in the industry. For one, a celeb bodyguard has to maintain composure at all times, even during highly stressful situations, like dealing with aggressive paparazzi. They have to conduct themselves professionally at all times and maintain an appearance that exudes confidence.
Top security workers also have to be physically strong, have great stamina, and be able to overcome their personal fears when during challenging moments. What’s more, celebrities also value flexible staff who communicate well and are committed to their jobs.
Did private security for cesar milan (dog whisperer) super hard working down to earth guy. Was always the first one at the ranch working and last one to leave, his gf at the time was also very nice and fun to talk too!
... I mean, he, temporarily, tamed Eric Cartman. Expecting that to last beyond the episode would, basically, make him a superior species to humans, dogs, cats and spiders ... all at once!
Ugh. Unfortunately he's actually really terrible for dogs. I wish people would stop listening to him.
Sadly this is 100% true, his hearts in the right place but the practice is s****y, and he goes against multiple fact proven training methods. Rather he uses fear and punishment based teachings which ultimately will lead to a dog willing to lash out with no warning
Load More Replies...I heard just the opposite. He even made his ex wife sign a non disclosure in his divorce.
I like his show, we recognize the seasons by the increasingly radiant whiteness of his teeth :D
Aww, RIP Daddy! Caesar actually tried to commit suicide after Daddy (the dog) died. :( Luckily he didn't succeed. I really like his new show. He's ditched the "alpha" theory to focus more on how peoples' behavior affect their dogs. He does a lot of good helping dogs that might otherwise be euthanized.
Not supposed to really dwell into it but a few that really stood out good and bad. Also should point out not a body guard but do different "work" for these individuals.
The one celeb that breaks all my female friends hearts when I have t tell the her true demeanor is;
Gwen Steffani. Seriously, three different occasions and I would rather roll around in a bed of broken syringes used my crack whores than deal with her ever again. Flip side is Gavin Rossdale is the chilliest most humble laid back guy ever.
Most surprising were the Beckhams, both of them. Again, most polite down to earth, good caring people. I could never talk smack about Posh Spice ever again or make fun of David
OP spent so much time detailing what they would rather do that forgot to explain what the hell celebs did to get this status lol
From the thread he elaborated. Ugly person. Self entitled does not speak with anyone. Not a soul. Doesn't even remove her sunglasses indoors, behind closed doors, night time, day time, no smiling no expression, everyone's beneath her. Gavin - polar opposite. Speaks to everyone, thanks everyone, shakes everyone's hands and then again, repeatedly thanks everyone for their assistance. Makes no sense.
Load More Replies...Did some work for the Beckhams back when they’d just had their first child, Brooklyn. We’d trimmed Recaro baby seats to match their two main cars. I went to fit them at their home and take some photos of them in the cars. The two of them couldn’t have been nicer, down to earth, easy to talk to and she made a couple of brews for me whilst I was there and they were spot on, if you make me a decent brew then you are alright by me!
She always was my favourite spice girl, so this is good to know
Load More Replies...I think David and Victoria Beckham, while coming over, shall we say, a bit simple, have always seemed pretty down to earth and pleasant. Happy to have the mickey taken out of themselves on Da Ali G Show. I think the reason is that David has never forgotten his roots.
My husband used to work at a coffee shop in California that Ms. Stefani frequented. Everyone that worked there was always happy when she came in, because she was very nice to everyone there and tipped well (they also said she always seemed high). Kobe Bryant on the other hand, used to come in to the same shop, order complicated drinks, and not only not tip, he'd just walk out without paying for the coffee, either. His attitude seemed to be "What are you going to do about it? I'm Kobe Bryant." Cher used to come in all the time too, and was super nice - absolutely warm, friendly, and funny. Most obnoxious celebrity I encountered was Charlton Heston. I was seated near him at a restaurant. He rode the staff ragged, complained about everything, was surly and rude, made a huge mess, insulted the staff, and tried to get the owner fired (owner took over waiting his table to protect staff from him and CH thought he was a waiter).
Yeah….I might be in a snarly mood and wear sunglasses to cover my puffy red eyes if my rockstar husband was acting like the ultimate cliche with our nanny, too!
Load More Replies...I was having lunch at Nate and Al's in Bev. Hills, and Gwen and Gavin (and nanny, yeah that one) were two tables away. There were at least 8 papparazzis outside waiting for them to exit. I did not recognize her but checked her out several times. She made eye contact every time. She was holding her youngest , and wolfing down a pastrami sandwich simultaneously. Seemed very down to earth.
If you really "worked" with her, you would know how to spell her last name.
I was a bodyguard for Fay Wray during a silent film festival in San Francisco. She was incredible. Sweet, elegant, all that stuff.
It was quite interesting being threatened by a throng of gay men when I wouldn't let them get near her (on her orders). Had to get a little physical with one of them (no, not **that** way).
10/10 would bodyguard again - if she were still alive.
Whatever happened to Fay Wray... that delicate satin-draped frame...
I met Fay Wray in the 1980s at a benefit for the Dalai Lama. She was incredibly old, tiny, beautiful, and demure about being a starlette. Of course, we had all seen and loved her in King Kong!!! What a lovely afternoon we had listening to her stories of old Hollywood.
*Fay Wray and King Kong got caught in a celluloid jam... *(Science Fiction double feature from Rocky Horror Picture Show)
She died in 2004 at 96 and the reddit thread this came from is 10 years old.
Load More Replies...According to ‘Bodyguard Careers,’ some of the top qualities that bodyguards ought to have include situational awareness, integrity and honesty, dependability, the ability to work without supervision, good judgment, and great communication skills.
On top of that, bodyguards ought to be confident about themselves and their skills, have a good dollop of common sense, be enthusiastic about their jobs, and be able to work well with others. “A bodyguard detail is only as strong as its weakest member, so it is essential to be a team player and assist your teammates on the job and while conducting bodyguard training exercises,” Doc Rogers writes.
On top of all of this, your ideal bodyguard will have deep knowledge about what their job entails. And that only comes with years of experience, top-notch training, and the drive to be among the best. A celebrity’s protective detail has to have plans in place for foreseeable emergencies. Not everything will go to plan, but it’s important to have something to fall back on during common security scenarios.
When a certain Die Hard star was filming in our city, with his demi-star wife they stayed at the hotel where I worked. The armed guards (plural) stood at the door to their suite until the end of their shift at which time they came down to have a drink at the bar across the street where the hotel employees all 'refreshed' after work. They were very entertaining, generous guys that knew what they did was silly but they managed to stay respectful of their "boss" while laughing about the fact that a turkey sandwich from room service was the biggest threat they had ever faced.
February 16, 2023, Willis's family announced that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia
Load More Replies...wait, what happened to the downvoted comment? do they vanish now?
His wife and his ex, Demi, are working together caring for him. He has 2 girls with Demi and at least one elementary aged with wife.
I personally like him but am still wondering why old men keep having more babies.
Load More Replies..."Hotel staff are sharing their best bodyguards - The Turkey Sandwich Incident"
I worked at a concert venue while in college and had to guard the dressing room and escort the acts to the stage. Never had a bad experience.
Top 2 stories:
1) Ludacris smoked out his entire room and the only time I have ever been high was from the contact high from standing next to the door.
2) Guy in gym shorts and a t-shirt comes walking in the restricted area. I ask him for his pass and he says that he doesn't have it with him. Told him that he couldn't be there and that if he didn't leave I would have to escort him from the building. Turns out the guy was Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn. After he was all dressed and waiting to go on, he made a point to come up to me and apologize for not having his credentials with him. I told him that I didn't recognize him without his hat. Really nice guy.
Hahaha, I probably wouldn't have recognized him like that either if I didn't expect it.
I was doing makeup for a music video and had to drive home from London to Manchester. My 'colleague' was more interested in scoring with the talent and hangers -on. I couldn't go into the room where the video was being filmed because it was so full of 'fumes' and I had a long drive home. Don't be Skeptical.
Former security guard, worked some high profile stuff.
Coolest: Dan Marino, hands down. We had a super bowl party where every NFL star ever showed up for a formal dinner. Marino found out that we had been instructed not to speak to the talent unless spoken to, and stayed behind to sign autographs for as many people as he could find. He'd sign a football then make you "go out for a pass" and he'd throw it to you. Smartest move ever - gets rid of the obsessive fans.
My sister loves Dan Marino, this would make her happy and she'd laugh like h3ll about the football move. I did love Dan in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, he was very funny in it. My favorite is Joe Montana 💙. I don't have his rookie card but I think I have everything else until after his first year with the Chiefs.
Not really a football fan, but i lived in San Francisco on at least one occasion when Montana led the Niners to the Superbowl, so...and Joe always seemed like such a nice guy!
Load More Replies...Marino and the Huizengas from Miami landed in the small airport near where I worked for Immigration and the Customs guy was next door. We had to meet his plane as it was their first entry into the US from international. HIS actual 727, after they'd played golf in Ireland. Marino was super-nice, insisted that we all accept signed ball caps. Not supposed to but we did. It was just refreshing compared to the usual unpleasant, entitled people we often deal with.
How many times did he have people yelling "laces out, Dan!!!" at him though?
‘Business Money’ notes that some of the most important skills that bodyguards should be trained in include emergency response, defensive driving, controlling pedestrians and vehicles, patrolling, controlling entry and exit points, and escorting assets.
Meanwhile, bodyguards should also know how to manage and deescalate situations when dealing with disturbed individuals or crowds, and how to coordinate with law enforcement, as well as emergency respondents.
I got injured while I was in the Marine Corps in San Diego in 2009. So they pimped us out to ComicCon to do security for the celebrities that were signing and doing talks. Hands down best people that I did things for was Jamie and Adam the Mythbusters. They were totally awesome. They signed anything that anyone wanted for free and took pictures with everyone.
The worst, and it made me really sad, was Adam West. He was a complete asshat. He showed up "covertly" wearing a hat sunglasses and a Sars mask. And when he took everything off and not many people noticed he was upset and waited for everyone in line to applaud before he sat down. When he did it took 20 min for him to "get ready" which meant yelling at his assistant for a multitude of reasons. When he finally started letting people through they announced that each autograph was $40 and he would only sign one of 4 pictures that he brought himself. After an hour he started signing things that people brought for double. $80 for him to barley put a scribble on something. And he wouldn't personalize any. Just his name. Than he freaked out and left after yelling at his assistant for like 10 min. He left with over 150 people left in line that had stood there for like 3 hours. It made me really sad. I always really liked him before that...
So he went undercover and then got mad that no one recognized him when he took it off? Karma is a b***h huh
I can second that adam west is a d-bag. Was at a fanexpo and there were booths of celebrities. One was adam west. I was no where near them or in any of their lines. I was standing near areas where they sold loads of different comicbook/fan type thing. I pulled out my phone to text a friend as we had split up. Worker come up to me and say”sorry you cant have your phone out” “um why” “adam west doesnt want any pictures taken of him” “too bad i need to find my bud in this sea of 10000 people, im not taking pictures and why would i want one of adam west” “ sorry its not us, adam instructed no one have phone out” “great, good thing im not in his line”. Like adam west can demand the entire convention be phoneless. They even knew it was ridiculous and wouldnt take the blame for adam. Who the hell would even want a pic of adam west?
My reply would have been, "Well Adam West can f**k off."
Load More Replies...He's freaking Batman. He's supposed to be not recognised by people. And who the h.. would want an autograph of his boring alterego Bruce Wayne?
My guess is this behavior is only in front of fans. I once tried to sell him a stereo receiver when he came into Sears in Boise, Idaho. He was very kind and asked a lot of questions.
Best: KRS-1, Warren G, Duggie Fresh, Snoop dogg, Robb Zombie, (was very cool and humble) Damian Marley, Too Short, Travis barker, Kidd from kidd and play, Jim Belushi, every p*rn star I've had to watch was cool as hell. And bunch more.
Worst: just about any sports
athlete suck except hockey player's. Everyone I met was very nice!
Porn stars are really nice, I used to meet them at sexpo when I worked doing promo girl stuff there. Always so nice and up for a chat, I only spoke and hung out with the female ones, haven’t spoken to a male porn star.
I hope that when he met Warren G it was a clear black night and a clear white moon
Load More Replies...I’ve always heard that out of all professional sports, hockey players tend to be the nicest in general. Which is interesting seeing as how they beat the sh!t out each other…still my favorite sport though.
Worked at an international airport for a while and had the misery of trying to shepherd Man City team players through security. It's a serious and strict process that I tried to make easy for pax. A couple of them were really nice and cooperative. One r-sole was using his phone (not allowed) clearly talking to a girlfriend (loud conversation, ewww nsfw). He wouldn't stop talking and was exceptionally rude. Too much money, there'll come a time when he'll need help from people like us.
I'd do anything to meet Travis Barker! One of my fave musicians ever!
Not really that interesting, but I helped protect Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch from crazy fans during a show. We basically had to hold the line and pass passed out girls over it to the EMTs. I really had no business being out there since I was pretty scrawny and 14 or 15 years old, but my friend's dad was running the party. Got to meet Marky Mark who was super friendly and threw a mean gang style handshake where all I could do was stay loose and go with it. Then we ate some fried chicken with the group backstage. The End.
Oh my god yes. Been telling this to everyone but no one believes me.
Load More Replies...We were curious about what had inspired redditor u/seemeatthezoo to create the thread about celebrity bodyguards in the first place. He was happy to shed some light on what a tough and nuanced line of work it can be.
"I have always been interested to know how celebs treat people and behave behind closed doors and what better way to find out than the people that are there in the background that usually get ignored and forgotten," he shared with Bored Panda.
"There are two stories where I think that the question stems from," he said. "I worked with a guy many years ago that was a bodyguard," the OP shared how, according to his friend, bodyguards are glorified errand-runners (and not always the legal kind).
The OP's bodyguard friend had told him that the two main things that they "always organize" for their clients that they're protecting were illegal substances and company.
Worst: Adam Lambert...I never met or worked for someone so heartless and rude. I was asked to take care of his private security one night as a favor for his tour manager. He literally came up to me, put his arm on my shoulder and said " Unless you see a thousand people bothering me, stay the f**k away as possible."....I couldn't believe that someone I was asked to protect said that. I did my best to be professional and held every ounce of strength not to kill the guy myself. He purposely made my night a living hell.
I think I read this wrong, I thought it sounded like he wanted to be around fans and not have security keep them away unless it was necessary. D**k way to say it, but I could be reading it wrong?
They expanded their experience in another comment - "Nasty glares, rude comments, avoided any direction I mentioned to him and his crew. His crew were very sweet and friendly. Towards the end of the night we were leaving this one event, he is standing 3 ft. in front of me, screaming " WHERE IS MY SECURITY GUY!?"...Doesn't even say my name, just called me SECURITY GUY. I said, "I am right here"...he claps his hands like you would towards a dog and says "Get me out of here now, you!"....I just gave him a death stare...It was actions like this through the night."
Load More Replies...I need more on how Adam made this person's night hell. The math here ain't mathing
From a continuing comment - "Nasty glares, rude comments, avoided any direction I mentioned to him and his crew. His crew were very sweet and friendly. Towards the end of the night we were leaving this one event, he is standing 3 ft. in front of me, screaming " WHERE IS MY SECURITY GUY!?"...Doesn't even say my name, just called me SECURITY GUY. I said, "I am right here"...he claps his hands like you would towards a dog and says "Get me out of here now, you!"....I just gave him a death stare...It was actions like this through the night."
Load More Replies...Am I the only one to notice that in the pic his face, hands, and chest are all different colors? Or am I just the only one petty enough to point it out?
It looks like they parts from different peoples and sewed them all together to make him!
Load More Replies...*gets mobbed by fans and is super upset* "why didn't you help me?" "Sorry mate I was trying to count them all!"
Oh nooooo, I'm super disappointed rn, I know Adam since American Idol and I've been rooting for him ever since. Don't meet your idols I guess
He would still be a nobody without American Idol. Sounds like an arrogant pr*ck to me.
I did security for the MTV beach house in summer of 02.. From another post..
Ja rule was a d**k. Rolling on E, kicked a PA down the stairs of the MTV beach house in seaside heights because he wanted more bottled water.
Carson Daly- genuinely a nice guy. He would always be playing in the beach sand with his daughter. Once some girl came running over, past the security gate and accosted him, nearly stepping on his daughter who was at his feet. He told her off and she seemed really surprised. I was part of the security detail for the beach house so I told her exactly why she was an a*****e
Snoop Dogg- genuinely cool. Came in with Don Magic Juan. It was during his "pimp" phase. Chatted with all the staff, his security guys, enormous hulk like monsters of men, kept asking us how easy it was to reel in tail working for MTV.
Michelle Rogriguez- she came to the house with the other girls from "blue crush". Some of her ghetto a*s friends from North Jersey snuck onto the set with super soakers. They ended up nearly destroying a 100k camera in the process.
Also met David Arquette last year at Reggae On The River. He took some pictures with us, served some beer, then decided to climb on top of the empty kegs. I yelled at him to get down because the pyramid of empty kegs was NOT sturdy.
Also, Vinnie Stigma, one of the fathers of New York Hardcore was cool as s**t. I grew up listening to agnostic front, I was at NYHC tattoos getting tattoo'd by Lars of Rancid (another damn fine fellow) and he entertained my girlfriend by telling stories of fighting skinheads on the jersey shore in the 80's.
I have met so many people who have met Snoop Dogg, and said he's friendly, delightful, funny, and all around cool. I don't think I've ever heard a cross word about him from anyone who has met him.
Load More Replies...Reggae on the River? Where? I'm in Humboldt County, CA and we have an event named that!
I can't quite get over the jump from David Arquette at Reggae on the River to Agnostic Front, to Lars of Rancid! Great spectrum of shows you've seen and worked!
Wasn’t really clear whether some of those were good or bad experiences. Michelle Rodriguez? A**h*le or not?
I have a couple but it's mostly stories about bands personal security being a******s. I works kiss, backstage by the dressing rooms. These 4 douchey bros come through the stair doors with backstage passes. They asked to go in the dressing room assuring me they've done it before at a kiss concert. Well the VIP passes for the crew had little stickers we had to check for. As I'm checking the passes 2 of the guys just go into the dressing room gene is in. I went to get them, but the stage manager was already shoving them out and then proceeds to scream at me. I tried explaining I was checking the passes and they just barged in, but he kept berating me. Gene Simmons comes to the door and just says it's ok don't worry. Guys are long gone, but the SM sends me to a different post outside Paul Stanley's room instead. He was an awesome dude. We chatted for a couple minutes about a fantasy novel I was reading and he was super cool. So the band was awesome, the SM not so.much.
Worked a shinedown concert. You probably don't know who that is, but they sang the down the barrel of a 45 song a few years ago and were in the midst of that success. Packed venue. They had their own security who proceeded to boss us around and beat up the crowd for no reason. Like hop the barrier into a mosh and fight people. During one if these incidents some guards were helping their security back into the pit when some fans saw the opportunity to hop the stage where the hole was. Their security leader, this 6' 6" a*****e CHOKESLAMS one of them to the stage while out backstage security grabbed the other guy. Then he come in the pit and yells at each and everyone of us that that better not happen again. Even though it was their fault making our guards create a gap. Also the main singer showed up 10 mins before the show in his own transport which we had to part a 5000 person crowd to get to the stage. Totally dickish.
I have many more bad ones but I'll leave with a good one. Weezer was awesome. They had full catering backstage that they let the guards enjoy as well. Most of the band was out of dressing rooms before the show and rivers was kicking a soccer ball around with some of the guards. Super cool guys.
My ex used to (maybe still does I dunno) work for a band that was internationally famous in the 70’s & 80’s. Most of the band members were cool, but the tour manager was like a Pomeranian on meth with a coffee addiction. But c**p rolls down hill. So the venue would complain to him for whatever reason, and he’d yell at the guys that really were doing double duty already, but they tried to keep the band out of it as much as possible. Anyone that had a complaint went to the tour manager though. He was seriously stressed on show days, but a decent guy on off days or after the show was done.
I was thinking the author either thought all the readers would be Gen z or boomers.
Load More Replies...Another story, meanwhile, showed how poorly some clients treat their staff. "A mom of my brother's friend was harassed by a gang to do things in her business that she refused to do. Their family ended up having to get bodyguards to protect themselves. My brother, his friend, and bodyguard came around to our house once," u/seemeatthezoo said that his brother's friend treated his member of staff incredibly poorly.
"I was pretty shocked to see how he was treating him. The person that was supposed to be keeping him safe. If I was treated like that as a bodyguard, I am not sure if I would take a bullet for that dude," the OP was very honest.
"I personally think that if someone is protecting you with their life then no matter who you are, you should have the utmost respect for that person. Make sure that they are short of your best friend. Make their lives a lot more easier looking after you."
When I was in highschool a state department security guy came and talked to my class. He provides security whenever members of congress go overseas. During the 2008 election John McCain went to iraq to visit the troops. when planning the trip, McCain pointed on the map and said "What about here, can we visit this base?" to which the Security guy said "No, that's outside of the safe zone".
McCain was like "it's okay I'm willing to risk myself for the troops since they do so for us"
Security guy was like "i'm not risking MY guys just so you can make a political grandstand for the election"
we later asked him who the worst person to deal with was. He looked back at his powerpoint picture of McCain, smiled and said "oh nobody is really that bad"
McCain knew what risks were out there, the man spent years as a POW being tortured, he flew ironhand combat missions, etc. I don't think it was all political grandstanding for the election, he genuinely looked out for our armed forces. Also I used to know a DSS agent, they did not handle US govt VIP's overseas like that, Secret Service would have provided McCain's security over there. DSS protects US Diplomats, US State Dept officials, and foreign Diplomats on US Soil. Also it would be in a team of several people, and the team lead, not a random guard would make the call. So I think someone may have exaggerated of made up a story because DSS would have never been the security on something like this, and never for a Presidential candidate which gets SecServ.
Former Infantryman here, John McCain is a great American, regardless of politics.
Load More Replies...John McCain took part in the Veterans Day parade every year I lived in Phoenix and worked at the VA. The vets were so moved that he took part. He visited the VA a lot too. This was AFTER he ran for president. I don't really see him as a grand-stander dojng publicity stunts
Security guy was like "i'm not risking MY guys just so you can make a political grandstand for the election" Riiiiight, that's what he said to a person of McCain's stature. It was probably more like “Respectfully, sir. I apologize, but we can't ensure your safety and the risk of loss is too great.”
As a security guard I once had to "protect" the band The PotBelleez while they played at our club. Had a lot of problems with straight females and gay guys that night. It's very hard to adequately restrain those types of fanatically people without being accused of being homophobic or a women abuser by their friends and family.
What does their sexuality have to do with this? This is just someone wanting to be judgmental towards gay people. They were fans of a band that behaved rudely. Yes, you bringing up them being gay is really telling me you have an issue with it. Because them being gay is irrelevant to the incedent. Same goes for saying straight females. Who they have s*x with is not in anyway important to the story you’re telling. It’s them being rude and fanatics. So yes you are without a doubt coming off as homophobic. Why are you so concerned with who these people have s*x with when they were just being overzealous irritating fans giving you a hard time? Yeah! ! !
Yep!!! Don’t DARE try to restrain any gays whatsoever, for any reason!! You’ll be fired for being a homophobic bigot before you can even blink!! 🙄
Was roped into helping the security guys when a runner on a TV set. Went shopping with an Oscar-winning actress at the local supermarket, she tried talking to me, and I was just a bit dorky, so she let me do my job until we got back. Very nice though, but happy to be 'alone' for once, I felt.
Tbh, I was thrilled that she acknowledged me. I saw it as a job, and would've been happy to protect her in silence without that.
There were some others, but again - some spoke some words with me, mostly it's just standing by the next wall.
So good this "Oscar-winning actress" was nice, pity I have no idea who it is (just in case I run into her in Bunnings on the weekend)
Post doesn’t really fit here unless you actually name the celebrity involved.
I’ve worked as a “Bouncer/Security Guard” about 6 or 7 times in my life for a surfing competition that was called the “Coldwater Classic” where I live and it was absolutely hilarious and ridiculous all at the same time. About half of the surfing competitors were friendly and excellent people, but the other half were complete tools or fools or even worse. Self entitled and disrespectful to the people who were being paid to protect them from getting their butts kicked, and we would find them doing the dumbest things possible. At closing time we would have to walk through the place to make sure that everyone had left but one year when I was checking the restrooms I walked into the ladies room and found the top competitor with his pants down around his ankles banging some drunk girl bent over holding her ankles… and the best part was that they just looked at me and didn’t even bother to stop what they were doing.
There's a certain lead female star of a semi-popular hooror-drama show on Fox in its 3rd season, somehow.. and she honestly is the worst out of any of the stars I've worked with. I've never seen someone despise an entire set for no reason like she did. Shut down production for over 2 weeks because her boyfriend broke up with her, and refused to almost even speak to non-department heads that were white. Never had the desire to call a woman the "C" word until I worked with her. Almost forgot, she bit a hairdresser in the arm. Fox really had to weasel their way out of a lawsuit.
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When I type “actress bit hairdresser” in Google I get Nicole Beharie from Sleepy Hollow. Post was made 7 years ago, which is about the time the third season of that show aired so… who knows!
I see via Google that there are stories written about her saying that the show "failed" her and that she "deserved better" and they should've done more for her bc she is a POC.... wtf?? She can bite someone, refuse to work with people who aren't POC and refuse to even work and somehow the show "failed" her??
Load More Replies...Sounds like Emma Roberts when Evan Peters broke up with her during American Horror Story, but I wouldn't have ever imagined it was this bad. I'm just guessing, but wow. There's only so many horror shows on fox that had issues like this.
I think Moosy Girl has it, it was probably the actress in Sleepy Hollow, because the post says she refused to speak to 'non department heads who were white' and she allegedly bit a hairdresser. I used to watch that show and I know from rumours that she had a big falling out and left the show early and claimed discrimination.
Load More Replies...No, do not tell me Keke Palmer is mean! I absolutely adore her. Maybe I don’t want an answer!!!
Load More Replies...Wow, just wow. BP is really digging stuff up from 8 YEARS AGO!? Surely you can find some newer, more relevant content?
My husband did security for many years. He said some of the nicest people he ever worked with were Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. He said surprisingly he had a really good interaction with Shannon Doherty. His worst he said was Prince. Prince did not allow cameras in his shows because he felt that if someone took a photo it would take away part of his essence. So when one fan managed to sneak in a camera and took his picture he stopped the show had security frisk every single person in the venue to find the camera. Once they did they had to destroy it before he would come back on stage and finish.
I met Beyoncé when she was touring with Destiny's Child. Actually, met Kelly Rowland and the other one (she didn't say anything to any of us, but Kelly and Beyoncé were phenomenal). We share the same last name as well. She came to Jackson Ms, and I was the Director of Food and Beverage for the stadium they played at. We got her some local bbq and they were so grateful. They literally stayed until everyone who wanted an autograph got one- around 1 am I believe. Super lovely, though I can't say what she's like now. She did tell me she had white cousins in the south, but I found out my family came from Wales in the early 1900s, so, it's doubtful we'd be related. Blew my mind when she said "hey, let's go to Lances house!" (Lance Bass from NSYNC was from Madison, Ms, only 30 minutes north of Jackson). I was only 22 at the time and thought that was the highlight of my life. Still have the pic of us together!!
I got to go to a horror convention where lots of actors were doing meet n greets, autographs, pictures, etc. They were all the sweetest people despite that half of them played horrific villains! Best ones we met were Bill Mosely (House of 1000 Corpses, Devil's Rejects) and Danielle Harris (Jamie from Halloween 4 and 5). Bill was so humble, signed my vest with horror movie patches, and seemed thankful when I told him how much I admire his talent. Danielle was so sweet and even complimented my stockings.
Wow, just wow. BP is really digging stuff up from 8 YEARS AGO!? Surely you can find some newer, more relevant content?
My husband did security for many years. He said some of the nicest people he ever worked with were Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. He said surprisingly he had a really good interaction with Shannon Doherty. His worst he said was Prince. Prince did not allow cameras in his shows because he felt that if someone took a photo it would take away part of his essence. So when one fan managed to sneak in a camera and took his picture he stopped the show had security frisk every single person in the venue to find the camera. Once they did they had to destroy it before he would come back on stage and finish.
I met Beyoncé when she was touring with Destiny's Child. Actually, met Kelly Rowland and the other one (she didn't say anything to any of us, but Kelly and Beyoncé were phenomenal). We share the same last name as well. She came to Jackson Ms, and I was the Director of Food and Beverage for the stadium they played at. We got her some local bbq and they were so grateful. They literally stayed until everyone who wanted an autograph got one- around 1 am I believe. Super lovely, though I can't say what she's like now. She did tell me she had white cousins in the south, but I found out my family came from Wales in the early 1900s, so, it's doubtful we'd be related. Blew my mind when she said "hey, let's go to Lances house!" (Lance Bass from NSYNC was from Madison, Ms, only 30 minutes north of Jackson). I was only 22 at the time and thought that was the highlight of my life. Still have the pic of us together!!
I got to go to a horror convention where lots of actors were doing meet n greets, autographs, pictures, etc. They were all the sweetest people despite that half of them played horrific villains! Best ones we met were Bill Mosely (House of 1000 Corpses, Devil's Rejects) and Danielle Harris (Jamie from Halloween 4 and 5). Bill was so humble, signed my vest with horror movie patches, and seemed thankful when I told him how much I admire his talent. Danielle was so sweet and even complimented my stockings.
