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Movie stars, singers, athletes, and other celebrities often exist to us—not with. We see them on the screen, hear on stage, and cheer in the arena, far removed from our personal space.
But as much as our idols are different from us "regular" folks, in some ways, they're very much like us too. They also enjoy walking in the park, need to go to the store, or even take the subway, exposing themselves to the rest of the world.
So we at Bored Panda decided to check if these celebrity-fan encounters can and well, and after searching the internet, we can strongly say that yes, they do. Continue scrolling to read the most wholesome ones we could find!
(I know what you might be saying, there are no pics to prove these things actually happened but then again, maybe if the people involved were too busy paparazzing on these celebs, they wouldn't have been so pleasant to begin with?)
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Keanu Reeves.
I remember seeing him while walking through New York a long time ago when I was a young, probably very annoying pre-teen. I yelled out, "Yo, Neo!" And then I obnoxiously mimicked the bullet dodge motion from The Matrix. He looked back at me, laughed, and mirrored the same move in acknowledgement.
It's such a great memory because I feel like anyone would have been justified in getting annoyed and shrugging this stupid kid off, but instead he was a good sport and humored me. I'll never forget it.
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#2
Tom Hanks at Best Buy. He was in line in front of me with a cart full, all by himself. I was only buying a bottle of water because they didn’t have what I was looking for. I just blurted out” Forest Gump is my favorite movie” like a creep, and he turned around, and said “that was my favorite movie to make! I’m glad you love it.” He then chatted with me while about movies as we stood in line. When it was his turn to check out while they were ringing up his stuff he said “oh let me get that water for you” and paid for my water. He kept talking to me and then we walked out and he said “nice talking to you! You’re a very nice young lady and always remember... life is like a box of chocolates.. you never know what your gonna get” in his Forest Gump voice. IT WAS THE BEST THING EVER.
#3
Robin Williams accepted $75,000, rather than his typical fee of about $8 million, for his role as the Genie in ‘Aladdin’ because he wanted to ‘leave something wonderful behind’ for his children.
#4
Went to dinner at Buca di Beppo and at the table next to us was Alice Cooper with family and friends. We made a point of not staring or interrupting, but when they left right after we did, we decided to ask for a photo in the parking lot. I said, "I hope it's not a huge intrusion," to which he replied, "Fans are never an intrusion. People like you have made it possible for me to live my dream, and I'm glad to give back any way I can." Damn if that didn't make a lasting impression on me!
#5
Jack Black. We passed him walking down a street in LA. My daughter says "I swear that's Jack Black!" We doubted her so she yells (he's about 10 yards away) "hey are you Jack Black?" He stops, turns around and says "I am." Then he walked back up to our group, took a picture with my kids, chatted with my husband about Judas Priest (my hubby was wearing their latest tour shirt) and signed autographs. I was with a group of six tweens/teens and he engaged everyone of them in a conversation. So very cool.
#6
Patrick Stewart. I met him in Stanley Park in June 1991 when I was feeding squirrels. He seemed intrigued so I gave him some food and showed him how to call them over. He is just as nice in person as you would expect him to be.
#7
So my mom told me this story about how my aunt and uncle ran into a celebrity at a bar and became friends with him, and she couldn't remember his name.
My aunt just sent me these pictures...
#8
Tony Hawk, late 90's. He came to our local skatepark for a demo but it was a tiny little indoor park and he couldn't do much. After skating for a bit to appease the crowd, he snuck out the back across the parking lot to the bowling alley. Me and two friends followed him, he invited us to bowl with him, bought us chicken tenders and french fries and talked about skateboarding with us for over an hour. Honestly one of the coolest guys I've ever met, fast forward 20 years later and I get to meet him again at our local skatepark unveiling that his foundation helped pay for and man, he was just as cool. We chatted a bit at the water fountain, I mentioned that as a kid he treated us to chicken tenders and french fries at the bowling alley when I was just a kid, and wouldn't you know it he was like oh in Amity Ct? Wasn't the skatepark called B17? I was simply floored. He went on to explain he was having a rough day that day and just hanging with three little kids bowling and talking skateboarding made him realize just how great life was.
Thank you for everything you have ever done for skateboarding Tony!
#9
A coworker noticed Robin Williams flipping through a book quietly at a bookstore I worked at. It was during the filming of Good Will Hunting so he had a beard and wasn’t so recognizable- she said “I think that’s Robin Williams!”, he looked up from his book smiled and then put a finger to his mouth “Shhhh, I know”
#10
Stone Cold Steve Austin found my dog that ran away and picked him up off of the highway. He ended up cleaning up our dog and gave him tons of toys before we got him back.
#11
I met Leslie Nielsen when I was around 12, on a film set some family members worked on. He had, unknown to everyone at the time, a little fart-noise machine in his pocket. Not some stupid little one, but a full on, several different 'types' and durations, pro fart-noise machine. When me and my 4 siblings were around him and a bunch of other adults, he would periodically let the thing ripp mid conversation, and then stay perfectly calm, not leading on. Only then to give little eyebrow raises and other funny faces to us kids as no one else was looking, putting us in on the joke but leaving the adults all confused/embarrassed.
This went on the entire day we were on set, and I could barely keep from peeing myself.
TL;DR, Leslie Neilsen, is the coolest adult ever. Rest in peace good Sir!
#12
Met Viggo Mortensen quite a handful of times as he used to go to the restaurant I managed at the time.
He was one of the nicest, most down to earth celebrities we had. He would, after we offered, join us for dinner once the restaurant had closed and would bring small gifts every time for everyone.
#13
Bruce Willis
I was out playing golf with a buddy one day when I heard another golfer call up from behind asking he could join us. We said sure and as he got closer we realized it was Bruce Willis. We played 9 holes with him (he's a pretty good golfer) then he bought each of us a beer afterwards. Awesome guy
#14
I once ran into Ryan Reynolds on an elevator and told him he looked exactly like Ryan Reynolds.
He was very amused. I was very embarrassed.
#15
Met Jason Momoa at a comic expo last year. Huge line up for an autograph and when i finally got up I gave him a copy of issue #1 of the new 52 Aquaman, he got excited that someone asked him to sigh something not Game of Thrones related so we talked about the new Justice League movies for a few minutes until I was rushed out. At the end he didn't make me pay for the autograph because i was the first Aquaman fan to get one from him.
JuneMidnights 2 years ago
If he was at a comic expo I would expect people to talk about actual comics there not Game of Thrones
#16
Paul Walker - Met him about 6 months before he died.. he was eating lunch at a local burger joint downtown (Habit Burger). I'm a huge fan boy and so I did that awkward "Hey aren't you Paul Walker?" thing and he just laughed and said "Yeah bro, what's up?" We talked for about fifteen minutes, just shooting the s**t about cars, surfing, he asked about my skateboard etc. It started as a starstruck encounter but by the time we said goodbyes it was just like talking to a good friend and i'll always appreciate that. I'm not ashamed to say as a dude I cried when I heard about his death and again when watching Furious 7.
engineer_nope.avi 2 years ago
That was nearly 10 years ago and it still floored me when I watched Furious 7. It was so sudden that no one expected it.
#17
I got bought a beer by Prince William on several occasions. I used to work at a hotel bar around the corner from Highgrove estate and when they were at home would often come in.
He was at St Andrews Uni (Scotland) during these years and I would often jokingly refuse to accept his Scottish currency (BTW it's completely legal tender). He would then make some light hearted reference about his Grandmother being on it...
Prince Harry used to come in with his mates too. BY GOD CAN THOSE ROYALS DRINK.
#18
Walter Koenig was by far the nicest of the Star Trek folks. He collects buttons and asked if he could have the one I was wearing (from a comic book I was writing at the time) and I told him if he gave me his address I'd send him one. He did, I did, and we corresponded for a while. He sends notes on long paper with the title "Chekov List." Great guy.
#19
When I was 4 or 5, my family and I were coming back from a vacation, and my dad and I had the aisle and middle seats, respectively, in one of those areas with three seats. We stayed on the plane during a layover, and dad took a nap. He woke up to hear me talking, at first didn't think anything of it because I had a lot of "imaginary friends" at the time. He looked over and I was sitting on the lap of our seat-mate who had the window seat now, who had gotten on during the layover, talking to him and pointing out the window. Dad had to do a double take to make sure he wasn't still asleep and dreaming, because it was Jerry Garcia, his favourite musician then (and still is). All I really remember is he looked like Santa and was hella nice.
#20
I met Danny Trejo in Austin. It may have been because I was a young woman, but he took a picture with me and was adorably sweet. His hand were super soft too!
#21
25 years ago I drove a cab while in college. Picked up Paul McCartney. It was near my mother's birthday and I called her and he sung her happy birthday.
Edit: He got in the cab and asked to be taken to the stadium. (he was doing a show there that night) I'm looking at him going I know this guy (I was 23 at the time, never expected a celeb in my cab in Cincinnati). When I realized who he was, I asked to be sure, and he laughed. I mentioned my mom was a huge fan and asked him if he would do it. He asked which birthday song I wanted him to sing his or the other one. I chose the other one.
I had a Bag phone in the car, I think it might have cost me a small fortune for that call but totally worth it. If only I had had a modern phone for the camera.
#22
Served jury duty with Steve Carell. He was great. Talked to him for a little bit while waiting outside a courtroom. The thing that sucked was when we went to lunch I saw papparazi chasing him as he tried to get something to eat. Just wanted to be a normal guy doing his civic duty.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
I’ve heard Tom Hanks does jury duty too. Nice to hear but I bet it gets difficult for them outside the courtroom, as well as for the judge and lawyers, as their presence could take attention away from the case being presented. Still, I like it when celebrities try to blend in and go about normal life. I used to live in LA (SGV), so leave them alone and try not to stare. If the occasion arose for normal small talk (as I would do with anyone), fine. Otherwise, it’s only fair to let them be, the same way I want to be left alone to go about my business.
#23
Adam Sandler was filming a movie by my high school a few years ago. Word got around, and a huge crowd waited around with hopes to meet him and that Napoleon Dynamite guy. They finished wrapping and Napoleon Dynamite guy jumps into a van and gets rushed away without even looking at any of the hundreds of kids waiting to meet him. Adam Sandler walks over to his trailer and waves and walks in leaving everyone who had been waiting around saddened. His assistant announced to everyone that it was a long day and he needed a few minutes and then would be out for autographs and pictures. He came out about 10 minutes later and met EVERYONE there including me. It was so awesome since I grew up loving him. Funny to see a new comer act like a d**k and not meet anyone and a seasoned actor come and meet everyone.
Duncan Rogers 2 years ago
Whoever the OP is has exactly the attitude that makes some people jump into their vans and run away. The expectation of their time. The OP doesn't have the first idea why Jon Hader ("Napoleon Dynamite guy") had to leave in a hurry. Could have been for any number of completely reasonable reasons. I can't stand people who feel like they deserve a celebs time. they don't.
#24
I’m sure this will come as no surprise, but John Cena is one of the nicest and naturally awesome people in existence. He came to visit the new enlisted rec center they built for us back in the mid 00’s to do a meet and greet. While he was only booked to be there from 1400 to 1600, when we told him that most of the SUBSCOL students didn’t get out class until then he said he’d be more than willing to stay later. He hung out with all the guys who came to see him shooting pool, playing darts and Xbox, and pretty much signing everything and taking a ton of pictures. The dude is just a straight up class act.
#25
Nelly. Was able to meet him a few times. Each time he always gave me a hug. He also called elders Sir & Ma'am. Very nice guy!
#26
My dad shared an elevator with Snoop Dog in Florida. My dad (50 year old fat white guy) asked him if he wanted to go golfing with him later. Snoop said no, but was really nice about it.
#27
Paris Hilton. Met her at the premier of "The L Word". She could not have been nicer. Introduced herself, asked about what my friends and I all did, seemed genuinely interested, chatted for a bit. She had water in between her drinks so as not to get drunk. The only part about her that sucked were all the leeches that came with her trying to glom on to her fame. When she wasn't being constantly interrupted by people demanding photos and autographs, I found her very down to earth and clever. The whole s**t she does to be famous seems to just be an act. I never thought of her as an idiot again.
Stannous Flouride 2 years ago
Lots of actors who play the part of fools are actually quite smart.
#28
Tony Bennett made us put our tools down and go eat dinner at a venue we were doing electrical work at.
#29
I walked past Conan O'Brien on a street corner in Greenwich Village, NYC. I am a HUGE fan, so I double backed to say hello. Conan was with his wife (this was approx 2 weeks before the NBC fiasco went public, so he was probably stressing about that) and I was with two stoned friends. So I'd forgive Coco for being dismissive... but he was not. He was as friendly, approachable, and genuine as he appears on the show, if not more. He gave us several minutes of attention, he spoke to us, looked at our eyes, listened, joked, he was the f**king man.
#30
I met Michael Cera at a bar in portland. I had a mutual friend and decided to say what's up. He was really cool, and asked about the girls I was there with. I informed him that I had just told the girls that I was friends with him and asked if he could laugh really loud like I was funny. He erupted in laughter while waving to the girls. I offered to buy him a drink but he had just got one, which was good cuz i was broke. I went back to my table like a f**king boss. I credit him with me laid that night, such a team player.
#31
Chuck Norris, I was working at a movie theater and him and his family came in and came to my counter to order concessions. Super nice and seemed very loving with his kids. He thanked me for treating him normally. He also paid in exact change.
#32
I met Nichelle Nichols (the original Uhura) at a con. She was very gracious with me while I fangirled all over her. Super classy lady.
Similar experience a few years earlier with George Takei. Very gracious, very kind and friendly, willing to take a few moments to actually interact with everyone who came through his line.
I got them both to sign my copy of Star Trek VI. I'm going to frame it.
Red Hair Blue Soul 2 years ago (edited)
She's also responsible for helping get some diversity within NASA. Look it up!
#33
Christopher Lloyd - He was a regular at the bar in Montecito. He has a lovely youngish looking wife who liked to shop the high end retail section so he'd come in to the bar with a newspaper and have a couple drinks. He was so genuine, from the day I met him he insisted I call him Chris. We'd solve crosswords, shoot the s**t about football (He said he was a Seahawks fan) and tons of other topics. He had strong opinions on how delicious oysters were and I caught him at this popular oyster bar in downtown Santa Barbara on 1/2 off oyster night more than once.
#34
I met Steve-O at one of his comedy shows, he was so sweet and offered to stay as long as needed after the show to take pictures with every person. He then posted all those pictures on his website!
#35
Dan Aykroyd. Met him at a vodka signing. Said "since you are now selling wine and vodka will you be selling bag o glass next?". He broke out into Irwin Mainway and told me that he already had an where I could get this science toy. I said "wow you are awesome " and he just smiled. Really a nice guy.
#36
I met George Clooney/Ryan gosling "on set" when they were filming ides of March at my college. I wasn't really paying attention and somehow blended in with people while I was on my phone and ended up in the lunch area for them since it was a building I usually cut through. How no one stopped me before I ended up there was beyond me, but I saw this food there and being the poor college kid I was, decided I'd try to sneak some food from whatever this event was. (Usually events going on in that area don't care if you take food since they are trying to attract people.) so I'm walking out past the tables and it was like bam.
Clooney there at the table casually chatting and I'm like "holy s**t, George clooney!"
And he was like "holy s**t, that's me!"
shook my hand. Chatted for a bit, then he waves over security to escort me out lol. Made sure they just escorted me out , Totally classy the whole time. I think the backpack gave it away that I was not supposed to be there, just glad I wasn't charged with anything.
#37
I was having dinner with my family for my cousin's 21 at a fancy hotel restaurant and John Travolta walked in. He stopped by our table and said "Happy whatever the occasion is." We told him it was a 21st, and he waved goodbye to us and walked over to his table.
#38
DMX. He giggled at me being all excited to meet him. He jokingly held one of my knees because it was shaking.
Then he gave me a hug. His hands were so big that his pinky could reach my elbow but his thumb was just under my shoulder. He wasn't very tall, so it was kinda crazy how big his hands were.
He was so nice.
#39
My family sat behind Jimmy Fallon at a Yankees game. My family had a big history of being Yankees fans and being in their stadium was a big deal, so when there was a rain delay we waited it out. He ended up waiting it out with who he arrived with as well, talked to him for a little bit, super nice guy.
#40
I met Jonathan Banks (mike in breaking bad) last year while they were filming better call Saul here in Albuquerque off set. He's the nicest guy you'll ever meet. We talked a bit because I'm a Albuquerque native and a lawyer here as well and got a selfie. As a huge breaking bad fan it was an awesome experience.
WildHoneyPie 2 years ago
My husband and I were just watching Beverly Hills Cop and the crazy killer dude looked familiar. I' m like "hey, is that Mike from Breaking Bad?" Yep. He looks a lot different now of course, BHC was a long time ago, but the intensity he brings to his role is the same.
#41
Nick Swardson was playing at this college in my town (before I ended up enrolling) and I was told tickets were for everyone but it turns out, when I got there, that they were for students only. So while everyone was being let in I'm trying to find a way to sneak in or something. After a 15 minutes of wandering looking for a backstage door I saw a door slightly cracked and as I passed it I saw Nick sitting on a couch. After a little self debate I decided it couldn't hurt to just walk in there right? So I went up to the room and just walked right in. Everyone immediately looked at me and after a short pause Nick goes "What's up?" and I respond with something like "Hey I don't go here but I'm a big fan and I wanted to see your show but It's sold out" so he responds by saying "Really!? Wow" he then turns to one of the kids who set it up and asks "Is it cool if he just stands on the side of the stage or something?" This kid then responds back with, and I'm not joking "If that's your wish" and then Nick said to me "Yeah as long as you don't scream and try and stab me or something it's cool" I didn't end up standing on stage but I did get in for free.
TL;DR Met Nick Swardson, asked to see his sold out show, he let me in for free.
#42
Jeff Buckley came up to me and said he liked my pants and gave me the rock hand sign. I bought him a Dos Equis. We talked a bit and I got his autograph. My friend and I had taken a greyhound from Chicago to Memphis to see him play a gig. I told him I was coming back in two weeks for another show. He said he'd see us then. He died before then.
#43
On an airplane when I was 10, I met the Backstreet boy with the pink hair. I told him, "I'm not really into that kind of group." He said something along the lines of "nothing you do can be for everyone, and when it feels like everyone loves you; it's not all it's cracked up to be."
Roxy Eastland 2 years ago
For a ten year old to experience a young adult being totally cool with not everyone being into what they are doing but doing it anyway, and being polite and kind about it as well, must have been very formative.
#44
Bruce Springsteen.
Was randomly swimming in the ocean on the Jersey Shore when I was about 8, he was swimming right next to me. I recognized him afterwards because my mom was obsessed with him when growing up.
We had a small chat:
Bruce: "Nice waves, huh?"
Me: "Huh? Oh yea."
Bruce: "I like your bathing suit."
Me: "Thanks."
I got out of the water, because I thought he was just some creepy dude. My mom asked me when I got out "Do you know who that was??" and I put it all together.
#45
James Franco had just left the cafe I worked at right when I walked in to get my paycheck. I left my dog tied up outside at a bench by a fence and came back out to see him petting her! He was a nice guy, I was really surprised.
#46
I work at a bookstore and Mick Foley was doing an author signing that our sub par events manager neglected to advertise. I was just sitting in the back eating lunch when he walked in. I didn't watch wrestling but even I knew who he was
He asked for gum, I had none. I said that my (then) boyfriend loved watching his matches back in the day. He responded "I guess he liked watching me lose then" in a joking way. We made small talk before he went to sign.
Seriously the nicest author I ever delt with. So many have inflated egos but this big burly former wrestler was the literal nicest and most normal of all. That encounter was one of the reasons I'm so into wrestling today.
Steve Kenney 2 years ago
I never hear stories about meeting Mick Foley that are bad, seems like a genuine guy.
#47
Daniel Bryan was very friendly. Met him at the Calgary World of Wheels and brought him my ROH replica title. He got a kick out of it. "Wow I haven't held this belt in a long time haha, should I sign it as Daniel Bryan or Bryan Danielson?"
#48
I met Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet from Lost, Rachel from Revolution) in the Seattle airport. I freaked out and told my sister, who didn't believe me.
I asked her for a hug and she said, "Sure! I love hugs!" We took a picture, I told her how much I loved her work, and then we chatted for 10 minutes about the book she was buying, how we were doing, where we were headed before I had to go catch my flight!
Tiki Stanford 2 years ago
I love her. I might be the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Lost, but I didn't know she was in it. Revolution was awesome, really pissed they didn't let it have a conclusion. But the movie that made me love her was Gia. Angelina Jolie always gets tons of (well deserved) praise for that movie, but I think Elizabeth's performance in that was what made that movie great.
#49
The other day my mom ran into Craig Robinson in Irvine right after she saw him do some standup or something. She said he was the nicest most friendly dude and he gave her a big bear hug
#50
Ryan Dunn and I are from the same hometown. When I was 15, I worked at the local car wash. He came through for a wash in his brand new BMW SUV, while I was standing out front of the wash being a dryer (I just dried the cars windows and what not with s**tty rags). I asked him if he was Ryan Dunn, he said yes, we chatted for a few minutes, told him how much I loved Jackass and CKY, took a picture with him, and he tipped me $20.
RIP Ryan. Very genuine, nice guy.
#51
Retta (the person who played Donna on Parks and Rec) came by my school for stand up. She was extremly nice and easy to work with. She took pictures with everyone and autographs, even though her knees were bad that day. Apperently she also gave the person in charge of the event her complimentary bottle of wine that the hotel gave her.
What do you think ?
clairelise@pacific.net 2 years ago
We were drunk and stopped into a bodega for candy, and I very obnoxiously said to this man "do you know you look exactly like Rene Auberjonois!" (sp?) (Odo from Star Trek DS9, Sebastian from The Little Mermaid) and he said "well, I'm him, so..." And drunk me was like "No You're nottttt!!!" But he was super nice even though he was obviously laughing at me, and he said "no, look," and he showed me his driver's license. I was too tipsy to be embarrassed so it's just a really nice memory for me.
Jacqueline Pie Francis 2 years ago (edited)
He was so talented—he seemed like a good man, too
Load More Replies...
Jacqueline Pie Francis 2 years ago
I used to work in a bookstore frequented by Christy Turlington—she is absolutely lovely in every conceivable way. She’s intelligent, humble, and sweet-natured.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
My mother worked at a bar called The Elbow Room in Seattle one night when Kiefer Sutherland came in. It was the time when he was filming The Vanishing in Seattle/North Bend. Now the Elbow Room is a dive bar on the south side of Seattle where most of the poorer neighborhoods are. He was gracious to everyone there and bought multiple rounds of drinks for everyone. The locals treated him like family, never asked for pictures or autographs...just wanted him to have fun like everyone else.
clairelise@pacific.net 2 years ago
We were drunk and stopped into a bodega for candy, and I very obnoxiously said to this man "do you know you look exactly like Rene Auberjonois!" (sp?) (Odo from Star Trek DS9, Sebastian from The Little Mermaid) and he said "well, I'm him, so..." And drunk me was like "No You're nottttt!!!" But he was super nice even though he was obviously laughing at me, and he said "no, look," and he showed me his driver's license. I was too tipsy to be embarrassed so it's just a really nice memory for me.
Jacqueline Pie Francis 2 years ago (edited)
He was so talented—he seemed like a good man, too
Load More Replies... Jacqueline Pie Francis 2 years ago
I used to work in a bookstore frequented by Christy Turlington—she is absolutely lovely in every conceivable way. She’s intelligent, humble, and sweet-natured.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
My mother worked at a bar called The Elbow Room in Seattle one night when Kiefer Sutherland came in. It was the time when he was filming The Vanishing in Seattle/North Bend. Now the Elbow Room is a dive bar on the south side of Seattle where most of the poorer neighborhoods are. He was gracious to everyone there and bought multiple rounds of drinks for everyone. The locals treated him like family, never asked for pictures or autographs...just wanted him to have fun like everyone else.
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