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30 Celebrities People Were Pleasantly Surprised Were Nice In Real Life
Interview With Expert
Some stars are genuinely nice people. Honest! There’s no pretending for the sake of the cameras or reporters. There are no forced smiles. What you see is what you get: authenticity, pure kindness, and empathy for their beloved fans.
Our team at Bored Panda has searched the internet and collected some of the most inspiring stories about wholesome celebrity encounters, and we just had to share these with you. Scroll down for their tales. From Dolly Parton to Robin Williams and Paul Rudd, Hollywood is full of stars that anyone would be happy to have a lighthearted chat with.
We wanted to learn more about the challenges that celebrities face and how they can overcome them, so we reached out to entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyle expert Mike Sington. He shared his thoughts on how stars can stay authentic, plus what they can do to make their interactions with their fans even more memorable. Check out his insights below!
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#1
Dolly Parton has been the nicest celebrity that I ever met. She even aggressively pulls you in for a hug. Making sure you’re all tight with her in a picture. A lot of stars don’t want you to even look at them. She complemented me on my hair and make up. I told her that I do hair and she said that “I can tell you do a real good job.” ❤️❤️❤️ LOVE HER!
Celebrities often face pressure to behave a certain way and fit various people’s expectations of them. That can be incredibly stressful. We asked entertainment expert Sington, aka Hollywood's Ultimate Insider, for his thoughts on balancing this pressure of public perception with true authenticity.
He told Bored Panda that there are a few ways of doing this. First and foremost, stars have to set boundaries. They must have clear limits on what they share publicly. That way, they'll be able to maintain their privacy better and protect their mental health.
"This might involve limiting social media interactions, carefully choosing interviews, or hiring a public relations team to manage their image," Sington said.
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#2
Paul Rudd - ended being one of the last people in the line at C2E2. They were literally turning lights off in the convention center. He stood up and said not to worry that he was gonna meet all of us. When we got up to him he was great, shook both my wife’s hand and then mine, he got very excited that he was autographing a CrapBag friends mug and told me it was the best thing he signed all day. Wrote out a line from the episode and signed it. Then we asked if he would do us a favor, and he said anything. We asked him to do the air piano from the one of the episodes for our other family members who had been waiting on us in the half dark. He cracked a huge smile, stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and air piano-ed perfectly! We thanked him and he shook our hands again and thanked us for waiting. It was just awesome and he really was just amazingly nice.
#3
Robert Downey Jr. I had the privilege of taking care of a family member of his at a hospital back when I was a nurse. He was so down to earth. Always joking. Hung out at the nurses station with us a few times and was always engaging. Ordered the entire floor In N Out for dinner one night. Never expected preferential treatment. And was there daily genuinely concerned for his family member, participating in his care dcisions , etc. just a cool dude.
No assistant or better than thou attitude.
Another important strategy to remain authentic is to surround yourself with people who genuinely support you and what you do. "A strong network of friends, family, and mentors can provide emotional support and help celebrities stay grounded," he said.
Sington added that these individuals can offer the celebrity honest feedback, as well as encourage them to be themselves no matter what... even when they face public scrutiny.
However, that might not be enough. Sington also suggested that stars look for creative outlets. “Engaging in hobbies or artistic pursuits outside of their professional lives can help celebrities express themselves authentically and reduce stress,” Sington said that these activities can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose that goes beyond a star’s public persona.
#4
Gordon Ramsay. I have worked on many seasons of his US shows, and I can confirm that he is one of the friendliest, sweetest, most down to earth celebrities I’ve met. Treats the entire crew with respect, and is happy to have a conversation with anyone. His turns on the temper for the cameras, but grins mischievously about it on the other side. I think that one reason he’s outlasted many other celebrity chefs is that he’s relatively easy to work with.
#5
I used to run into Robin Williams occasionally in San Francisco and he was always nice to people who went up to talk to him. Once I was at Tower Records and two women went up to him and told him they were fans. He thanked them. They said he "sounded different than in the movies" and he told them he had two sets of vocal cords, one for movies and one for real life and they seemed to believe it. It was pretty funny. He'd also show up sometimes at a comedy club in Cole Valley and do improv with a bunch of very intimidated and scared amateurs but he didn't try to overshadow them.
#6
A friend went to a charity thing and the name card beside her said "Jack Black" and she said "how cool would it be if it was the real Jack Black"(we are in a different country to him)
Then she hears someone behind her say "cool indeed"
.... it was Jack Black
In the meantime, a lot of fans can feel extremely nervous when meeting their heroes. It's natural! Nobody wants to make a fool of themselves in front of someone they've been looking up to for years (if not decades). We all want to leave a positive impression on them.
We were curious about what celebrities could do to truly make meeting them a memorable moment for their fans. According to Sington, it really helps when stars seem genuine and approachable.
They can create a sense of connection with their fans and alleviate (at least some of) their stress by making eye contact, offering them sincere compliments, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
"Additionally, prioritizing fan safety by smartly using their security can contribute to a positive and relaxed atmosphere," Sington said. He added that fans feel valued and appreciated when celebs are truly empathetic and understanding.
#7
I met Angelina Jolie through my aunt's work and she was the nicest, most kind person you could imagine. I was a dorky teen, admitting to her that I wanted to be an archeologist because of her part in Lara Croft and that I thought the movie was so cool, yada yada... She probably thought I'm a weirdo but she took so much time out of her day to have a conversation with a twelve year old girl and she was super kind about it.
She took a photo with me and told me to always be inspired by what I want to achieve. Such a cool moment, I'll always remember that.
#8
Anne Hathaway. I was a catering waiter at a party hosted by Elton John once, so it was full of famous people. I was restocking in the ladies toilets, and a male counterpart (who didn’t recognize her) asked her to grab me.
She came in, introduced herself (as Annie), passed on the message, walked out with me, and was sweet in a context where she didn’t need to be. I wasn’t a fan; I was just the staff, and she still was lovely and talked to me like an equal.
#9
Christian Bale;
Dad’s mate was at a film premiere (wasn’t Bale’s film but he was there) and he was stood talking to a group of people. My Dad’s mate is from Newcastle so speaks in a Geordie accent. Suddenly hears (in a joking cockney voice) “Who the hell let a f*****g Geordie in here?”. Turns around and boom, Christian Bale. Apparently he stood and talked to the group for a good 20 minutes, showing a genuine interest in them all and what they did.
To be fair, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be admired and respected by other people, so long as you retain a firm grip on your authentic self. Human beings are social animals, and we’re wired to be empathetic and to live in a social setting. Being famous these days is the equivalent of being well-regarded by your tribe in ancient times… except on a much more massive scale.
Fame has its fair share of pros and cons, though. On the one hand, yes, you’re loved by (potentially) millions of people around the globe. This level of attention can open a lot of doors for you, whether by helping you promote your business ventures, shining the spotlight on the charities dear to your heart, or simply providing you with networking opportunities to work on awesome projects. But that’s just one side of the coin.
#10
I am a massive fan of “Weird Al” Yankovic. I even have his signature tattooed on my leg, and a big reason for that is how nice he is. And not only that, everyone he surrounds himself with is nice.
I've met him over 30 times, but one of my favorite ones was in 2019. A little backstory: in 2018 my family and I went to LA and got to see him receive his star on the Walk of Fame. We also did all the touristy things like Disneyland and studio tours. A few weeks later my 13 year old daughter was heading into class and her teacher, who was known to ask random questions at the start of class, pointed at her and said, "Best vacation you ever took?" She said we had just gone to LA and the teacher asked what she had done. She then told him that we got to see Al get his star and then go to a private party thrown by him for donors. No mention of Disney or anything else. I told Al this story and he actually got a little misty eyed and said, "You don't know how much that means to me."
#11
Adam Savage!
My husband and I went to a cocktail party that he was hosting as part of the convention package that we bought and we went and chatted with him for about 10 or so minutes.
We ended up bonding over being makers -my husband and I both cosplay, but it's mostly me making stuff for him to wear, although he does happily help when he's able for other things like 3d printing and whatnot- and also hearing aids. I'm Deaf, and so we were discussing what we love about our hearing aids and how much the technology has improved over the years.
He's so passionate about creating and making and his joy is infectious and tangible. It's something we have in common; I love talking to people about the things they are passionate about, and so it was great having a conversation with someone who shares that trait.
#12
I met Henry at a con. Instead of standing behind a table and singing without talking, he walked up and down the line talking to you before you even got to the table. At the table he gives you a minute to pick which of the hundred or so pictures you want him to sign, which is when he works the line. He pretty much ignored me and talked to my daughter the whole time. In line he got down and did a magic trick for her. When we took the picture he was hugging her. Then he turned her around and said, "every once in a while you meet someone special and I am so glad I met you." Scripted line, but damn if it didn't make me tear up. Then he asked if he could have a hug and she practically leapt into his arms. It will always be one of my favorite celebrity moments
The other side of the coin is that with enough attention, anyone is bound to get at least some hate alongside all the adulation. It’s completely unavoidable. There is nobody in the history of our world who was liked by everyone. It’s an impossibility. Anything and everything you do is going to make some people happy and push others away. It’s best to accept that instead of tripping over yourself to try and please everyone.
Of course, it’s not a ton of fun when others criticize you. In fact, people are hard-wired for negativity. Our brains are wired in a way where the negative things that happen to us affect us more than positive or neutral experiences. That’s called negativity bias.
#13
I had the pleasure to meet Jeff Goldblum 3 times in my life. Sweet and fun dude.
#14
Olivia Newton John.
She was my wife's hero/icon and we happened to be near her when she was doing a photo shoot about 14 years ago.
I asked 'her people' about saying hello and they said to me 'unlikely... Olivia is working' and I accepted that and so we kind of hung around watching and trying to look cool.
15 minutes later when my wife was distracted Olivia walked over and introduced herself and we had a lovely chat.... well my wife couldn't speak so I did more of the talking. Olivia offered to pose for pictures and did not leave until she ensured we were happy with the pics.
My wife met her hero that day and came away more enamoured with her. Lovely lady, RIP.
BrownEyedPanda 3 months ago
Olivia Newton-John had a golden voice and personality to match. Wish I could have met her.
#15
Rachel McAdams is by far the nicest celebrity I’ve met.
We were sat next to each other in the audience at the taping of a reality competition show (she was a celebrity audience guest, I was just the next person over lol) and I was a MASSIVE fan at the time. This was 14 or so years ago but peak Notebook and Mean Girls fame. I told her what a fan I was and then as a 16 year old boy kind of blacked out lol.
Later as we were leaving the building she ran up to say hi and remembered my name and walked back to my family’s car with us, took a photo with me, and then hugged and said goodbye.
She was just SO genuinely nice.
So, hypothetically, even a star who is almost universally beloved by millions around the Earth might get fixated on a negative comment from a fan rather than the praise they got from dozens of others. We tend to remember insults better than praise. This is a relic from our past, where paying attention to negative events made us more attuned to environmental risks and made us more likely to survive.
Another drawback of fame is that it can drastically affect your character, disposition, and goals. When there’s so much attention and money on the table, it feels like you have to fit a certain mold in order not to betray others’ expectations.
Some celebs get addicted to fame and start acting out just to keep the spotlight on themselves. Others change their behavior so much that their closest family and friends might not even recognize them. No matter if you’re a world-famous star or just a ‘regular’ office worker, it’s absolutely vital to know who you are, and what you stand for, and embrace your character as it is—not what others demand of you. This authenticity and quiet confidence is magnetic.
#16
Post Malone. I met him the other day, and he's so sweet. He introduced himself by his actual name and held the door open for me to go inside the restaurant we were at.
#17
Years ago I worked with Jamie Lee Curtis. She's super nice and kind to everyone on set. I remember talking to her about Lindsay Lohan, back then she was still getting in trouble. They had done a movie together and she seemed genuinely worried about her. I am glad they have stayed in touch and they are apparently working together again.
#18
Julie Andrews. I spent an hour with her. She IS practically perfect in every freaking way.
Clinical psychologist and celebrity mental health specialist Donna Rockwell told ABC News that there are four phases of fame. The first is the love/hate relationship, where the person loves being acknowledged, but all of the extra attention creeps them out.
The second phase is addiction, where the star enjoys all of the attention, even though they might not fully like it. The third phase is acceptance.
The fourth and final phase is adaptation, including the realization that the person is part of something larger than themselves.
#19
Bryan Cranston. I was the last person in line at a meet and greet event. He engaged with everyone with a genuine smile. Took a moment to chat with everyone. I said, "It's great to meet you Dr. Watley." and he had a good chuckle. We took a photo together and he grabbed me firmly by the shoulder. Good dude.
#20
Kevin Costner. Years ago in the mid 90's my uncle bumped into him on a run (Costner was also running) and they got to talking. Apparently super nice and down to earth however my uncle wanted to continue on, and Costner wouldn't stop chatting lol
#21
I can vouch for Ian McKellan - he was an absolute angel to a very excited stage teen at the stage door of a broadway play he did with Patrick Stewart some years back. The kid told asked him if he’d received the letter he’d sent Ian at the interval and the good man said “yes”, patiently listened to the kid and was generous with his time and kindness. Kid and stage mum (and all of us who witnessed this) were big fans.
Patrick Stewart and Billy Crudup were there too and they just did the blank faced signings and buggered off.
Colleen Glim 3 months ago (edited)
Richard Harris was Dumbledore. But Sir Ian Mckellan would have been my second choice over Michael Gambon
What is the most wholesome celebrity encounter that you’ve ever had, Pandas? Who lives up to their reputation of being a kind, caring, empathetic human being?
On the flip side, have you ever been in a “don’t meet your heroes” kind of situation with any stars? Share your experiences in the comments!
#22
The late Debbie Reynolds was one fabulous babe with a wicked sense of humour, who at 80 years old and just recovering from a broken leg, still had the energy of someone half her age.
Her daughter, the late Carrie Fisher, was rather standoffish with most of the crew - until she learned I had worked with her mom for six weeks and adored her. After that, it was like we had been friends for years.
#23
Kevin Smith!
I used to work security at music venue and he came to do his podcast live. He ended up coming in a little later after the crowd got into the venue and I was the guy who had to put an artist wristband on him. He walks up saying hi to everyone around as he's walking up. He extends his hand out to get a wristband but I go to shake his hand instead. He says " nice to meet you too bud but am I getting one of those as well". After his show ended he was taking pictures with my coworkers and I wasn't able to at the time with them because I was still on the clock and in uniform. And right before he was about to leave he asked if anybody else wanted a picture. My coworkers pointed at me and I said I couldn't do it yet because I was on the clock but my manager had told me to go clock out and Kevin said " go clock out get out of uniform and I'll take a picture with you. I'm not leaving just yet so don't worry." I'll never forget that day and how genuinely nice he was to not just me but his fans clamoring around him.
#24
Don Ameche.
Admittedly I did meet him near the end of his life, but he was incredibly gracious. I was visiting my husband who was catering the movie "Things Change." Woke up at a guest cabin with no food or coffee and set out on foot in the rain to the nearest convenience store (which was quite a ways) and to my surprise a stretch limo pulled up next to me and in the back was Don Ameche! He was all decked out in fancy clothes for the shoot that day and looked marvelous. He not only gave me a ride to the store but waited until I was finished and gave me a ride back to the cabin. I've met a lot of stars in my day but he was the only one who actually made me swoon. Such a gentleman, everyone on the crew loved working with him.
Michael Largey 3 months ago
Because he played Alexander Graham Bell in a famous film biography, there was a time in America where a telephone was commonly referred to as a "Don Ameche".
#25
I love Charles Barkley. He is so genuine and also knows that he is rich and famous bc of the fans. Ran into him more than once..he frequents a local bar and remembers everyone's name..never says no to photos. You think he'd have enough at some point and he just keeps going.. actually pretty amazing.
Chad Olin 3 months ago
Back when I lived on Maui, I played a couple rounds of golf with Charles Barkley. He's a great guy with an awesome attitude. It's pretty well known about his very unorthodox golf swing. The others playing with us were apprehensive about commenting on his swing....but not me. I jokingly said "There aren't any gophers in Hawaii, you don't have to hesitate before swinging". He cracked up laughing and dropped his club. He then walked over to me ( I thought he was going to get mad) and shook my hand said that was the funniest thing anyone has ever said about his swing to his face. He said "I like you, I want you as in my cart. After that, we were paired up to play together. That was the absolute best golf game I ever played, even though I was 6 or 7 over par, maybe more. After the game, we went to Reilly's (Ka'anapali Golf Course) and he bought lunch drinks for all of us (about 10). He is by far my favorite because of his humility and kindness towards others. We talked for several hours
#26
I worked/met a few musicians and celebrities through my work. Without a doubt, Henry Winkler stands out as not only the most friendly celebrity I've crossed paths with but also the kindest individual overall.
Don't get me wrong, there were other celebs who were nice as well, but Henry Winkler surpasses them all on a whole different level.
#27
Ran into Magic Johnson at the airport, everyone he interacted with he treated extremely politely and took a picture with everyone whom wanted to take one.
#28
I was having breakfast with family at a restaurant. My mom said “hey that’s Steve Guttenberg” and wanted to say hi. I didn’t know who that was but she and my dad were excited. He looks over and says hi, how’s it going, we talk during breakfast for about 20 minutes. Again I don’t know anything about the dude or his work, but my parents did, and he was super friendly. Joking around, being very gracious and kind.m
Edited to add Josh Brolin. Was at the gym and normally I don’t approach celebrities but I said hey man just wanted to say I’m a big fan of your work, don’t want to bother you though, have a great workout. And he said hey thanks man. Then proceeded to say “you look great dude I need to get back to looking like that” and that is the greatest compliment I’ve ever had. He did not need to say that. He was working out with his trainer and wife. Really nice dude.
#29
Asked an acquaintance this who has worked in stunts for years.
His immediate answer was Martin Sheen, said he spent so much down time chatting and getting to know the crew.
Also said Clooney is very nice and packs a flask (should say that was some fifteen years back or so).
LinkTheHylian 3 months ago
Never met George Clooney, but if you agree to bark like a dog just to be on South Park you can't be a bad dude.
#30
I met Olivia Colman very very briefly the year she won her Oscar. She was so nice! The whole interaction must have lasted 5 minutes if that. But she was really lovely! She seemed really shocked almost that we recognised her. I was also star struck, and I never thought I would be that type of person. But I was!
What do you think ?
Helena 3 months ago
I imagine acting itself as interesting, creative work, but I can't even fathom how much celebrity itself would suck. Having to be 'on' and pleasant at all times lest you get an unsavory reputation that ends your career. Having strangers constantly come up to you and talk like they know you. I think it takes a special brand of extrovert to enjoy this.
Papa 3 months ago (edited)
My wife and I were in a restaurant many years ago when Chuck Norris came in with a few other people. The man couldn't eat his meal in peace because of people coming up to talk, but he was gracious and friendly every time. I don't believe I could do it.
Load More Replies...
Paul C. 3 months ago
Well that's strange there is usually a famous rock musician on these nice people lists.
ConstantlyJon 3 months ago
"Dave Grohl was so nice. He took me out for a nice dinner, had passionate sex with me, and when I got pregnant, he's taking care of me and paying for everything! What a gentleman!"
Load More Replies...
FrogMan 3 months ago
I “met” Weird Al at an amusement park back when “Amish Paradise” was huge (said park was close to Amish country, so it was massively popular in those areas). I’d been a fan of his since “Eat it”. Anyway I was working in the park that day and was bummed I wouldn’t be able to see his show. At the end of the night I was trudging out the employee exit and they were driving him out. “Holy s**t, you’re Weird Al!” I yelled. He looked at me and said, “Hi, how’s it going?” and they drove him away. That was almost 30 years ago and I still tell that story like it happened yesterday
Helena 3 months ago
I imagine acting itself as interesting, creative work, but I can't even fathom how much celebrity itself would suck. Having to be 'on' and pleasant at all times lest you get an unsavory reputation that ends your career. Having strangers constantly come up to you and talk like they know you. I think it takes a special brand of extrovert to enjoy this.
Papa 3 months ago (edited)
My wife and I were in a restaurant many years ago when Chuck Norris came in with a few other people. The man couldn't eat his meal in peace because of people coming up to talk, but he was gracious and friendly every time. I don't believe I could do it.
Load More Replies... Paul C. 3 months ago
Well that's strange there is usually a famous rock musician on these nice people lists.
ConstantlyJon 3 months ago
"Dave Grohl was so nice. He took me out for a nice dinner, had passionate sex with me, and when I got pregnant, he's taking care of me and paying for everything! What a gentleman!"
Load More Replies... FrogMan 3 months ago
I “met” Weird Al at an amusement park back when “Amish Paradise” was huge (said park was close to Amish country, so it was massively popular in those areas). I’d been a fan of his since “Eat it”. Anyway I was working in the park that day and was bummed I wouldn’t be able to see his show. At the end of the night I was trudging out the employee exit and they were driving him out. “Holy s**t, you’re Weird Al!” I yelled. He looked at me and said, “Hi, how’s it going?” and they drove him away. That was almost 30 years ago and I still tell that story like it happened yesterday
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