Heartwarming proof that some A-listers are exactly as wonderful as you’d hope.
Thanks to social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, we’ve never had more access to the day-to-day lives of the world’s biggest superstars. But seeing them through a screen is quite different than an interaction in the flesh, and an unexpected run-in in the real world can offer fascinating insights into what our favorite famous faces are actually like off-camera.
And yes, those insights might include tidbits about who’s rude and crude behind the scenes or who’s a cheap tipper, but that’s not what you’ll find here. Celebrities are people just like us — they have bad days, bad moods, and bad luck, and we wouldn’t want to assume that one awkward meeting defines their entire personality (especially if their privacy has been violated in the process).
We’re more interested in the A-listers who turn out to be just as friendly, funny, and surprising as you’d expect them to be — and we also happen to think these positive interactions are equally as illuminating as the ones that might not’ve gone so well. So we asked the readers our of daily newsletter Wake-Up Call to share personal stories of the celebrities they’ve met and how it all went down. Here’s a heaping helping of heartwarming gossip that you can actually feel good about consuming.
Bruce Springsteen
“Back in the 1990s, I had the pleasure to work as a flight attendant on a corporate jet, and I flew so many celebrities — and have tons of stories. One of my favorites is the time I flew Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti. She was pregnant with their second child, and the two of them could not have been more pleasant. Bruce was on the floor of the jet playing with his young son and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while I was in the galley with Patti doing sudoku. It was such a great flight; it felt like being with my family.” -Ronda G.
Robin Williams
“As a Manhattan-based private school teacher, I had taken a small group of elementary school children to see Greco-Roman works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. On our way out, there was more than the usual hubbub. A film on location was just taking a break. And there was Robin Williams!
He saw me with the children pointing him out, and bounded down the stairs to take a photo with us. I literally said out loud, ‘Oh my God! Robin Williams and Greco-Roman art all in one day — this is awesome.’ He turned to me and said, ‘You’re very funny. Sure you’re a teacher?’ With that, he grabbed the little paper bag holding the postcards I had just bought out of my hand and signed his autograph.” – Sara G.
Julia Roberts
“I used to work at Target in Westlake Village, Calif., and quite often, Julia Roberts came in to shop. One summer day, she came in with her children to buy school supplies. My manager guided her to my line, knowing I wouldn’t make a big deal about it. Of course I contained myself and had a very nice conversation with her.
I asked her children how old they were and if they were excited to go back to school, and I just spoke to them like normal human beings — which they are, by the way! Julia looked and acted just like a regular mom. I asked her how she was, and made sure she’d found everything she needed. She was very kind and cordial, making eye contact as she spoke and giving me as much respect as I gave her.
When I was finished scanning everything in her full cart, I handed her the receipt and said, ‘I just want you to know that I have been a huge fan of yours for my whole life, and you’re a wonderful actress. Thank you for that.’ She looked right at me, smiled her big smile, and very genuinely thanked me for saying that.” -Lisa-Ann F.
Michael Strahan
“I was in the lobby at the Regency hotel in NYC a few years back and saw a tall man who I didn’t recognize, talking to another man. A young boy approached him and asked for his autograph. He responded, ‘I’m speaking with someone right now,’ and the boy stepped back, but waited with his mom anxiously nearby. My husband said, ‘That’s Michael Strahan!’ So I waited, intentionally, to see how this would end up.
After finishing his conversation with his friend, Mr. Strahan turned to the young man and said, ‘I’m so glad you waited — how are you?’ I was so impressed with his kindness to this admirer that I became an immediate fan myself. As Maya Angelou said, ‘People will forget what you said… But people will never forget how you made them feel.’ The Regency always had stars all over the place — mostly all very nice, but this was extra-special. Mr. Strahan showed this young man respect and modeled perfect behavior.” -Cheryl M.
Jennifer Garner
“I met Jennifer Garner in the Lake Tahoe area, and she was an absolute doll; I could barely contain myself because I’m a huge fan and she’s freaking adorable. She couldn’t have been dressed more casually — running shorts, tennis shoes, ball cap — but she was gorgeous. Those dimples are off the charts! I told her I follow her on Instagram, that she’s hilarious, and I had watched her funny cat-bathing video. She was gracious and kind. Five stars!” – Marj W.
George Clooney
“In 1996, I knew an event photographer who was going to be working near the set of the film The Peacemaker, starring my favorite heartthrob, George Clooney. A big street scene was being filmed near the United Nations, and the whole avenue was blocked off with extras awaiting the sound of the word ‘Action!’
I finally met up with my friend after a scene was finished, and we followed Clooney down the street as he was going to his trailer to get his makeup taken off. Some teens and fans paid attention, and he chatted with them while walking. We waited outside the trailer for a bit, and when Clooney exited, my friend approached, saying, “Hey George, there’s someone I want you to meet.” And Clooney bounded over to us like a friendly puppy.
I shook his hand and told him I was one of those girls who’d admired him since his roles on The Facts of Life and Roseanne. We chatted for a bit, and when my pal asked to take our picture, he threw his arm around my shoulder sweetly. When he got into a big black SUV with the windows rolled down, I heard him say to the production assistant, ‘Nice girl!’ I was smitten.” -Barbara L.
Clint Eastwood
“My husband and I attended the premiere of Clint Eastwood’s Firefox in NYC. When it was time to go into the theater, I quickly said to my husband, ‘Go to the mens’ room, I’ll go to the ladies’ room, and maybe when we come out, we’ll see Clint.’ When I finished, I realized the movie was about to start, so I ran into the theater.
I had a hat on (bad hair day) and ran smack into Clint, who was standing in the aisle and ready to walk down to the front. I almost bowled him over. He said, ‘Nice hat.’ Starstruck, I said, ‘Thanks, and I love your work.’
Later, my husband and I met up with his brother at P.J. Clarke’s. We were sitting in the bar area, and I saw Clint and his longtime partner Sondra Locke peeking through the window. I ran out and told them there was a side entrance and they might want to go in there. I ran back and told the owner, then whispered to my brother-in-law, ‘Clint Eastwood will be coming in soon.’ He said, ‘Sure, right.’ Sure enough, Clint and Ms. Locke came right in. Funny night — and a true story.” -Dianne N.
James Taylor
“I was a grad student at Penn State, and James Taylor came to play there. I had the original cover of one of his albums and was determined to get an autograph on it, so I asked my then-boyfriend to help me find his dressing room so I could get the autograph before the concert.
I walked around the outside of the building and located the dressing room. I climbed up on my boyfriend‘s shoulders, found an open window, and climbed inside. James was sitting there waiting to go on stage. He turned around and looked at me, very surprised. I told him I had been a fan since the beginning of his career and asked him to sign my album cover. He agreed and signed it for me. He was very shy. I thanked him and climbed back out of the window onto my boyfriend’s shoulders, then we walked around and went into the auditorium to listen to the concert. I still have the framed album cover!” -Anne W.
Sandra Bullock
“I met Sandra Bullock when she was shopping at a local art store in Austin, TX. I asked for her autograph, and really appreciated her response: ‘I don’t give my autograph out to adults.’ So I asked if she would sign one for my students. She agreed, and I shared her autograph with my students the following day. They were over the moon with excitement!” -Monica B.
Dustin Hoffman
“My husband and I were in London, sitting in an outdoor cafe and people watching near a pizza place that claimed to be one of Princess Diana’s favorites. I looked down the street and saw this man about to cross in front of us and I said, ‘My goodness, doesn’t that look like Dustin Hoffman?’ At the same time, my husband said, ‘Oh my god, that’s Dustin Hoffman!’
And it was, two feet away from us: We watched him cross the street and enter the pizza place. And then we waited… and waited… figuring he had to come out again. When he did, I set aside all my attempts at cool and ran to walk behind him as quickly as I could.
After about a block, he stepped into a little magazine store, where I finally caught up with him. ‘Mr. Hoffman?’ I said. He turned around, gave a sweet smile and said, ‘Yep, that’s me.’ Then I made a complete fool of myself — I told him I didn’t mean to stalk him, but I was a huge fan from Canada, loved his work (especially The Graduate) and asked to take his picture. Why didn’t I ask for a selfie? I was just impressed by how nonchalant he was and how kindly he responded to my exuberance!
He obliged, smiled, and I now have a record of my interaction with Mr. Hoffman. Still a fan and grateful that he was so kind.” -Anne C.
Liam Neeson
“Years ago, a friend and I waited outside a Broadway theater hoping to see Liam Neeson emerge. We had just seen him magnificently portray Oscar Wilde. After a lengthy wait, he made his way through his line of fans. When he came to me, he kissed me on the cheek! My friend aimed her small disposable camera at us but much to my disappointment, she had run out of film.
We decided to return to the backdoor the next evening and try again — only when we got there, he was surrounded by fans and about to enter a limousine. I somehow managed to get close enough to call out, ‘Remember me? I’m the one with the friend who ran out of film!’ Mr. Neeson put his arm around me and smiled. My friend hit the shutter, then realized she’d forgotten to advance the film. He pointed at her and exclaimed, ‘You need to get another job!’ We did finally get the picture.” – Kathryn W.
Matthew Broderick
“I had the privilege to meet Matthew Broderick twice. The first time was in 1995, when he appeared in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway. This was a time when people didn’t gather at stage doors for Broadway shows. However, I knew that if I waited long enough, I’d be able to say hi to Matthew.
My boyfriend and I waited for about an hour, and sure enough, Matthew finally appeared. There was no one else there but the three of us, and he was exactly the kind of gentleman I imagined. We talked to him for a few minutes, and he was kind enough to take a picture with me. He then hopped on his bicycle with his backpack on and rode off. What a time in New York City it was, when you could be so incognito!
Fast forward to 2001, when he starred in The Producers on Broadway. My oh my, how times had changed: After the show, I went to the stage door with about 100 other people waiting for the stars to come out. This time I brought my mother, and she was excited to try and see him, too.
Matthew Broderick came out along with Nathan Lane, and he greeted everybody — shaking hands, signing autographs — and I showed him the picture of us from years before. He got such a kick out of it! He said how sweet it was that I brought it for him to sign and was happy to do so. As always, the greatest gentleman! No bicycle for him this time, but a stretch limo with hundreds of people cheering him on. I have told people the story over the years about how great of a person he is — very humble and very kind.” -Celine P.
Kenny Rogers
“My uncle used to manage celebrities, including The Carpenters, Harry Chapin, Lionel Richie, and Dorothy Hamill, so as a child I got to meet quite a few. One encounter that stood out was at my uncle’s wedding. His best man was his friend and client Kenny Rogers, and my brother and I were the ring bearer and flower girl.
We were 7 and 9 years old, as I recall. As we all lined up at the altar, Kenny whispered to my little brother, Kevin, that when he tapped him on the shoulder, Kevin needed to step forward and say ‘I object.’ Kenny was obviously joking, but Kevin was so young that he had no idea. He stood quivering throughout the entire ceremony waiting for the tap, terrified he was going to have to interrupt the whole thing. Even during picture-taking afterward, he had trouble smiling, thinking that Kenny still might tap his shoulder. Obviously, the tap never came, and years later, we all laugh about it.
We met Kenny Rogers again several times after that, but I’m not sure Kevin ever had the guts to bring it up. Most people know Kenny Rogers was kind and immensely talented, but they may not know he was also pretty darn funny.” -Kim H.
Robert Downey Jr.
“In 1992, I was a college reporting intern for Reuters at the Democratic National Convention. One night there was an outdoor party after the day’s convention sessions, and I spotted Robert Downey Jr. When I asked if he would take a photo, he was gracious and pleasant. I don’t remember if we chatted much, but I’ve remained a fan.
I’ve pulled out this picture multiple times over the years, to convince my sons that I do indeed know Iron Man and to share in presentations when I talk with students and others about working as a reporter. A few friends recently pointed out that in this photo, Robert Downey Jr. resembles my husband when he was younger!” -Andrea T.
Charley Pride
“In high school, I was on a student council road trip to Vancouver in 1982 or 1983. My girlfriend and I got into the hotel elevator alongside a few men, one of whom asked us what floor we were on. When I turned around to respond, I saw it was Charley Pride who’d asked us the question. He was wearing a baseball jersey and eating peanuts. He was very polite and sang a few lines from his song ‘Crystal Chandelier.’ We giggled and got his autograph. I’ve never forgotten the experience and only wished that my mom could have met him as well.” -Martina D.
Richard Dreyfuss
“It was 1978 and I was at Studio 54 for the first time. I’d been reluctant to go, but a friend finally convinced me. It was midnight and I was feeling sorry for myself — no one had asked me to dance. The friend I’d arrived with was lost to me at that point.
A wall went up, and the dance floor became huge as Donna Summer’s ‘Last Dance’ began to play. I mustered the courage to step onto the floor, starting to dance and whirl on my own. When I looked up, I saw someone watching me who I thought I recognized. I moved closer to him, still whirling, and shouted above the music, ‘I know you!’ I immediately felt stupid. Everyone knew this person: He had just won the Academy Award for The Goodbye Girl. It was Richard Dreyfuss. He stepped onto the dance floor to join me. We danced and whirled and laughed. I was covered in sweat. My self-pity had melted away.” – Cathy A.
Troy Aikman
“I’m a college football official, and many years ago I officiated the Dallas Cowboys training camp in Wichita Falls, TX. After practice, you were allowed to bring two guests to the school cafeteria to eat with the players. At the time, my 14-year daughter, myself, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith were sitting there. My hometown is Washington, D.C., so you can draw a conclusion about where my loyalties lie. There was a lull in the conversation and my daughter told two of them, ‘You know, my dad hates you guys!’
Troy asked me what that was all about, and I simply told him I had vivid memories of being in RFK Stadium with my father and grandfather watching the Cowboys play the Redskins, and I was raised to hate the former. They laughed — but whenever I threw a penalty flag the rest of training camp, they would remark to the coach (Jimmy Johnson), ‘That’s BS, he’s a Redskins fan.’
But the story doesn’t end there: Almost 30 years later, I ran into Troy Aikman. I was at a hotel in Arlington, VA, where I was on an elevator with him and my wife. I reintroduced myself to Troy, and he said he remembered our encounter 30 years previously. We get off the elevator and go our separate ways, and my wife says, ‘I’m so glad you said something because I was about to ask him if he was Harry Connick Jr.’ I told her Troy’s in a small thing we call the NFL Hall of Fame.” -John F.
Martin Short
“I met Martin Short in a grocery store in Palm Desert, CA. I recognized his voice before I actually saw him — it’s very distinctive! When I approached him, I said, ‘You probably hate this,’ and he said, ‘No, not at all.’ I told him it was his voice that had tipped me off to his presence, and he said, ‘I often wonder about that…’
He was super friendly and chatty, and happy to put up with my selfie. I asked if he was visiting town like me, and he said that his sister lived in town, then asked me name and shook my hand. I told him this was a fun treat for me since my birthday was the following day, and he wished me a happy birthday.” -Leslie D.
Sen. Ted Kennedy
“When I was getting my master’s degree, we had to do a week-long study group in Washington, D.C., and I had some time for sightseeing. I thought I would go to Arlington National Cemetery but once I was there, I got turned around, so I inquired with a couple standing nearby: ‘Is Kennedy around here somewhere?’ They said, ‘Yes, he just left the gravesite and went that way in a vehicle.’ I was thinking, What are they talking about?!
Then I noticed a long black SUV rolling down the lane toward us, and the back window was halfway down. The man in the back said, ‘Morning, ladies’ in a very Bostonian accent and nodded. It was Sen. Ted Kennedy. It was a holiday, and he’d been there paying respects to his family, buried just across the blacktop. It made this Wyoming gal’s day!” – Paula S.
Gina Lollobrigida
“I’ve met so many celebrities over the years, but here’s a timely story about Gina Lollobrigida, given her recent passing at 95 years old.
In 1982, I worked as a volunteer for The Night of 100 Stars afterparty at the Hilton Hotel to escort celebrities to their tables. This was after the four-hour extravaganza at Radio City Music Hall, and once we got to the Hilton, we had to get ready for the onslaught of stars to arrive. The place filled up quickly, and I showed my list of celebrities to their tables while trying to act like it was no big deal. I was literally in awe. There were more of them than you could shake a stick at — from Elizabeth Taylor to Grace Kelly to George Burns (met him, too), and 97 other legends of stage and screen.
When I saw Miss Lollobrigida in her bright red, full-length, super low-cut dress, I introduced myself and said, ‘I love your dress.’ To which she replied, ‘Thank you. It’s décolletage.’ I had no idea what she was talking about given that I was a mere 24 years old. I said, ‘Excuse me? It’s what?’ She pointed to her neckline and replied, ‘It’s DÉCOLLETAGE, darling!’
Not only did I learn a new word that night, but I met a true Italian screen legend — a stunning icon with a great sense of humor. (Did I also mention she was wearing a tiara?)” -Patrice M.
Katie Couric
Finally, we round things out with our favorite celebrity of all, the one and only Katie Couric. We got a whole batch of stories about running into our namesake icon of journalism — perhaps not surprising, considering where we sourced these anecdotes — and we have to agree they sound just like the Katie we know and love. Here are a couple of our favorites:
“Back in late summer 1998, my family was at Mohonk Mountain House. From my balcony, I heard a very familiar voice, so I knew one famous person was around. Later that day, I ended up in the elevator with this lovely famous woman — and a grumpy old man. She and I shared an eye roll and wondered why he was so grumpy. She was none other than Katie Couric, and she was every bit as lovely and warm as I hoped she would be, especially as a longtime viewer of the TODAY show, which I watched while getting ready for work every morning. Later that weekend, my brother-in-law helped her get a worm on a hook to do some fishing.” -Lisa E.
“It was the early ’90s and I was at a fitting for my wedding gown when Katie, her daughter Ellie, and her nanny walked in. My grandmother was with us, and Ellie ran up to her. It was so cute! I watched the TODAY show every day. Katie and Bryant Gumbel had just gotten back from Africa, and Bryant was emotional as they signed off the last time, which surprised me because he was usually so stoic. I asked Katie about it and she admitted it caught her a little off guard as well. She had on jeans and a toddler-stained, well-loved UVA sweatshirt. She was so nice and down to earth, I felt like we were long-lost friends!” -Ann W.
