Hannah Riley
They say to never meet your heroes. It can lead to huge heartbreak to meet someone who you look up to. While there are tons of stories of celebrities being rude to their fans for whatever reason, there are way more stories of them being super nice!
Users from Reddit and the Buzzfeed community were asked to share stories of their most wholesome celebrity encounters. If you ever have a dream of Keanu Reeves comforting you when you’re upset or sharing fries with Dolly Parton, it might not be that out of reach!
*Disclaimer: We can’t guarantee these stories are all completely true, but we certainly hope they are!*
1. Bruce Willis
“My fiancé and I were out at lunch with family and we were talking about our recent engagement, and a man behind us overheard and offered us Bazooka gum. The stranger danger alert went off within me because you are literally not supposed to accept candy from strangers, but we timidly took it anyway and thanked him. He came back a while later as he was leaving and showed us the huge bag of Bazooka gum he had and said something along of the lines of how he had a big family, so he had to get them a bunch. He was very sweet — he told us to have a great day. The whole table processed the interaction and came to the realization that it was Bruce Willis, who was there for lunch with his brother!”
2. Adam Sandler
“I went to Hawaii for my first major vacation in 2004 and ran into Adam Sandler on vacation with his wife. We couldn’t decide if it was him or not (we wanted to give him his space and privacy), but he walked over and introduced himself to us. His wife complimented my James Bond-inspired bathing suit, and they talked with us for a solid 15 minutes or so (this was right after 50 First Dates came out, and he was so humble when I told him how much I loved the movie).
He was genuinely kind, hilarious, and incredibly down-to-earth (he wore an Old Navy outfit just like everybody else). He made us laugh pretty hard when he pointed out David Spade, but warned us not to bother him because he’s ‘an asshole.'”
3. Britney Spears
“I went to a Britney Spears concert in Las Vegas and my friend happened to know someone who worked with Britney, so we got the chance to meet her before the show! When I finally got to see her she was incredibly shy and quiet, and just before I left, Britney said, ‘You’re really pretty!’ I could have just DIED right then and there.”
4. Robin Williams
“My BFF from college is an actor, and she played an assistant on Robin Williams’ last show before he died, The Crazy Ones. We’re those kinds of people where half of our conversations are just movie quotes — my friend was like, ‘I have to be professional, I’m so scared I’m going to quote him to him, and I can’t do that.’
On her first day filming with him, he had on bright pink socks, and when she complimented them, he responded with, ‘Well, one does want a hint of color!’ (from The Birdcage). Kelly Clarkson was also there doing a cameo as herself, and she told my friend that she looked like Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. Robin overheard the compliment and started singing ‘Friend Like Me.’ He was a gem to work with, and my friend quickly learned she could ‘quote him to him’ all she wanted and he would immediately go into character and play along. He was a sweet, sweet man.”
5. Samuel L. Jackson
“Samuel L. Jackson was hands down one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever encountered. In the ’90s, he ran a celebrity golf tournament a few times — when I was 12, I remember asking him if I could I bother him for an autograph. His response — word for word — has stayed with me every day since: ‘Sweetie, don’t ever apologize for wanting to talk to me or ask for my autograph — I wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for you!’ He gave me a sweet smile and hug (with an autograph, of course). I’m 36 now, and still feel like he’s one of the most gentle and true spirits I have ever come across.”
6. Paul McCartney
“I used to be a supervisor at a major theme park in the VIP department, so seeing celebrities was a pretty normal thing. One day, Paul McCartney came to the park and I went out to meet him along with my tour guides. He was very pleasant and shook my hand, and then we escorted him into the park. Once inside, the guides took him to the rides and I stayed in the office to do paperwork — about four hours later, the group came back to the lobby to leave. Paul said goodbye to the guides who were with him and handed them gratuity — then he saw me and handed me a $50 bill, saying, ‘Here, have a drink on me, mate.’ I saw him for a total of 10 minutes the whole day — I actually still have the $50 bill. I don’t think I’ll ever spend it.”
7. Tyra Banks
“I met Tyra Banks in line at an amusement park (everyone kept coming up to her asking her if she was Tyra Banks). I kept quiet and pretended I didn’t notice who she was. In line, Tyra and I talked about the other rides and she even said she liked my glitter makeup and that I was pretty — as an overweight teen, that always stuck with me.”
8. Zendaya
“I met Zendaya at Disneyland when she was first starting out. I was 21 years old at the time, but I still knew who she was because Disney was always on in my house, and I thought it’d be cool to get a picture with her. Understandably, her security was pushing her through and trying to keep the fans away — Zendaya stopped her security and said, ‘Look, nobody standing here would have a job right now if it wasn’t for people like them watching the show and supporting me. I’d really like it if you’d let me have a few minutes with my fans to thank them. It’s the least I can do.’
It was really surprising (she was only 13 or 14 at the time, I think) and she took pictures with all of the fans who asked (including my group) — she even complimented my boots and hair. She was overall really gracious and nice, especially for a young teen who suddenly became ‘famous’ in the public eye.”
9. Tracy Morgan
“I work at a pizza shop and Tracy Morgan lives up the street from our little downtown area. He’s a regular customer since his son used to work here, and we hadn’t seen too too much of him since his accident. Tracy came in one day and started talking about his ordeal and everything he went through. For a good 20-30 minutes he spoke to me and a few other customers about how precious life is, and how it’s so important to be thankful for everything you have since you never know when your last day will be. It was eye-opening and prolific, and good to hear from someone with so much experience in living life to the fullest. It was a very nice, down-to-earth talk.”
10. Angelina Jolie
“I met Angelina Jolie when she was filming Girl, Interrupted (they were filming across the street from the daycare/after-school program I went to). One day, she came over during a break and brought us tons of new toys, games, clothes, and snacks. I will never forget how genuinely kind and warm and lovely she was to all of us.
I was a little bit older than most of the other kids (I was 12), and Angelina took the time to talk to me. She asked what I was interested in, and I said I loved reading classic experimental fiction — she came back the next day before she left town to give me a copy of The Sheltering Sky. She wasn’t super famous at the time, and she was just the sweetest and funniest person — I still have the book.”
11. Miley Cyrus
“I was working on The Last Song with Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth where I had many kind interactions with both of them, but this particular one stands out the most. We were filming in a community college (staged as a hospital) and during a break, I went into the restroom — it was totally empty except for Miley, who was sitting up on the wall of sinks with her makeup artist, just chatting. I really had to go, so I sheepishly apologized and said I’d be quick, in case I was interrupting. As I was heading into the stall, Miley said, ‘Do you want me to turn the water on for you?! I get SO pee-shy. Here, I’ll just turn it on for you.’ I chuckled and said, ‘It’s okay, I lived in a sorority house with 30 other women, so you learn to get over it quickly — but thanks!’
As I washed my hands, Miley divulged how she wished someone had been there to turn the water on for her at the Grammys when Mariah Carey was in the stall next to her.”
12. Jason Momoa
“I met Jason Momoa at a convention. I was in a wheelchair, and he was in the elevator. So I wheeled in and looked up in shock, and he grinned at me and said, ‘I’m not that guy, I’m just a good cosplayer.’ He got quiet for a moment and then laughed really hard. When my floor came up, even though it wasn’t his floor, he insisted on helping me out. I squeaked out a request for a picture and aimed the camera at him — he said, ‘Hell no, sweetie, you’re getting in this one,’ and tossed my camera to his friend. He was so sweet — also huge. H-U-G-E.”
“My physiotherapist told me a story that happened back in 2012/2013 in Newfoundland. He was hiking a trail and there was some movie shoot going on, and one of the guys wanted to join him on the hike — my physiotherapist, not recognizing him, wanted to be left alone and said ‘no.’ Later my physiotherapist went to meet some friends at a bar, and who was there but the guy from the trail. The guy offered to buy him a drink, and my physiotherapist again said no and joined his friends instead. They absolutely flipped out on him for being the only person in Newfoundland who didn’t recognize Jason Momoa!”
13. Jennifer Hudson
“I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Hudson (well, I was actually hired to do a home inspection for her). Even though I’d just started learning how to play the ukulele, I asked her if she wouldn’t mind singing if I played her a song, and I was floored when she agreed to it. She was so sweet and humble, and was gracious enough to do a duet with me — it still gives me goosebumps thinking about how extremely talented she was. I was completely gobsmacked at how amazing her voice really was, which paled in comparison to how incredibly nice she was.”
14. Florence Welch
“My cousin’s grandmother was struggling with her overhead baggage on an airplane, and Florence Welch helped her get it down, chatted her up, and then gave her free tickets to her show that night!”
15. Carrie Fisher
“I once met Carrie Fisher at a book signing. When it was my turn, she kindly said, ‘Hello’ and all I could blurt out was ‘I love you!’ She hilariously replied, ‘I know’ (like in the Star Wars films). Carrie then told me she liked my Empire Strikes Back shirt, and I couldn’t help but just stand there and cry of happiness. Nicest woman in the galaxy!”
16. Beyoncé
“My friend was super nervous and panicked when she met Beyoncé, so Bey held her hand until she felt OK.”
17. Shaggy
“I was modeling at Mall of America and my mom came to see me. Shaggy was performing and doing a meet and greet after the fashion show. My mom ended up being late and literally crashed into him as he was walking up and, I shit you not, he said to her, ‘It wasn’t me!'”
18. Micheal Jordan
“My cousin caddied for Michael Jordan at a charity golf tournament — he was around 14 years old at the time, when baggy Dickie pants were all the rage. By hole #9, my cousin was sweating in the Midwest heat — as they passed the Pro Shop to proceed to hole #10, MJ stopped and handed my cousin his credit card, saying, ‘It’s hot outside and [you’re] sweating. Run inside and get yourself some shorts.’ My cousin quickly got a pair of shorts and caddied the rest of the round, and MJ tipped him $600.”
19. Dolly Parton
“I met Dolly Parton twice while working at Dollywood. The first time we were in the park before the season started, and she was shooting commercials. When we got there that day, they had turned our shop into her dressing room, so we weren’t allowed in at first. But when she found out, she let us in. There were buffet tables set up and she told us to help ourselves, and that she didn’t need all of that food anyway! In-between takes, she talked to us about what we were doing, where we were going to college, what we were studying, and so on.
The second time was a year later before the park opened. She was doing an interview with one of the local news stations up in the balcony of the big emporium shop. I was with a friend down below watching, and when it was over, Dolly leaned over the railing and yelled, ‘HEY! I remember you! Stay right there!’ She came downstairs, gave me a big hug, and asked how I was. That was one of the most surreal moments ever — a flipping legend like Dolly remembered me a year later.”
20. Antonio Banderas
“I worked as a print vendor with most of the major movie studios, one of which was DreamWorks. As a result of our great relationship on numerous projects, I was invited to bring my kids to a special Shrek 2 screening — it was a great event where the kids came in their pajamas, were able to have a green breakfast, get lots of goodies, and even meet Antonio Banderas.
There was a little boy my youngest son had befriended who was always made fun of — so, when this opportunity came up, we invited him to come along. When he met Antonio Banderas, you’d have thought he was the only child there. The little boy brought a picture he had drawn to show Antonio, who ended up loving it, and he told the boy how great it was — he even autographed it! When my son’s friend got back to school, everyone thought he was cool, and [no longer made fun of him].”
21. Raven-Symoné
“When I was 8 years old, I was in New York City and went to the Disney store with my parents. I walked upstairs and guess who I saw: Raven-Symoné! I shyly approached her and asked for a picture and she said, ‘Of course, sweetheart! And I love your outfit, by the way!’ I walked away singing the That’s So Raven theme song, and she sang it along with me!”
22. Jimmy Smits
“I was an extra on Bluff City Law and played one of several photographers outside a courthouse, and shot this one scene several times. Jimmy Smits, who was in the scene, approached us and gave us some instruction on how to do the scene. After the last take, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to find Mr. Smits standing there — he shook my hand and told me that he appreciated my taking his advice, and doing what he suggested.”
23. Jim Carrey
“Jim Carrey gave me a ride to the gas station after my car ran out of gas in Bel Air. I told him I was a huge fan of Ace Ventura, and I could mimic his laugh from the movie — we both had our heads out the window cackling away. He bought my gas and drove me back to my car — it was one of the greatest moments of my life.”
24. Reba McEntire
“I was waiting to board a plane with friends when I swore I saw Reba — they told me I was imagining it, and not a minute later, those same people rose to their feet and ran over to meet the legend herself (I remained frozen in my chair). All of a sudden, I heard the most country-sounding voice yell ‘Paige!’ from across the room — Reba called my name, I walked over to her, and she immediately grabbed my hand and asked if I would like a hug. I nodded. She took photos and talked with us until it was time to board. She was unbelievably kind, genuine, and down to earth, and I was so lucky to have met her.”
25. Madonna
“In 1989, teenage me was learning to rollerblade in Central Park — I hadn’t mastered stopping yet, so I usually just crashed into something stationary or threw myself on the ground. Well, I was trying to move out of the path of a biker and fell into two joggers, one of whom turned out to be Madonna. She was very sweet, she brushed off my apologies, and she reminded me to always wear my helmet.”
26. Katie Couric
“I was a flight attendant working first class from Newark to Tel Aviv. We had Katie Couric on the flight, and she was the sweetest celebrity I had the pleasure of flying. She would come to the galley just to chat with us, would talk to us whenever we were in the aisles, and constantly said ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ 10/10 would take her as a passenger again — John McEnroe, on the other hand, totally lived up to his reputation.”
27. Rosario Dawson
“My best friend and I met Rosario Dawson at a Women’s March — we were so overwhelmed by meeting such an incredible woman, we ended up crying. When we told her why we admired her so much, she started crying too. It was one of the best encounters of my life.”
28. Michael Strahan
“I’m a teacher at a rural school — a friend (also teacher) and I went to New York City for fall break and attended a taping of GMA. At the end of the taping, Michael Strahan came around the audience asking if anyone wanted pictures. We had a student with a disability who LOVED Michael Strahan, so we asked if we could get a picture of Michael standing giving a thumbs up for the student. He let us take the picture, and even offered to make a video for us to send to the student’s mom — it was over two minutes long, and he kept telling the student to never give up on his dreams and that he was so proud of him. I still tear up thinking about how awesome he was!”
29. Keanu Reeves
“I remember seeing Keanu Reeves in New York a long time ago when I was a young (and probably very annoying) pre-teen. I yelled out, ‘Yo, Neo!’ and then I mimicked the bullet-dodge motion from The Matrix. He looked back at me, laughed, and mirrored the same move in acknowledgment. It’s such a great memory because I feel like anyone would have been justified in getting annoyed and shrugging a kid off, but instead, he was a good sport and humored me. I’ll never forget it.”
30. Danny Trejo
“My cousin is a photographer, and I used to spend my summers working as his assistant. We got a job to shoot Danny Trejo for a tattoo magazine, and it turned out that the location for the shoot was Danny’s house. As we were packing up all of the gear to leave, he insisted that we stay and hang out — we ended up sitting in his living room for hours, listening to all of his funny and amazing life stories. He was the nicest dude on Earth! 14 years later, any time I see him in a movie, I can’t help but squeal in excitement, ‘It’s Danny!’ as if I actually know him really well. But that’s how I felt after getting to spend the day hanging out at his house — he was very warm and welcoming.”
31. Viola Davis
“When I was in middle school, my family and I were cast as extras in Won’t Back Down starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rosie Perez, and Viola Davis, and my encounter with Viola was one of the happiest days of my life. My twin brother, a few of my friends, and I were sitting in the bleachers after a long day of filming, and this beautiful woman (whose presence embodied everything I’d hope to become one day) walked up to us, pinched my cheeks, and said, ‘You’re so beautiful! I love your cheeks, they’re so cute!’ At that time, I was being bullied on a daily basis at school, so hearing that my cheeks were ‘cute’ from Viola Davis gave me so much confidence.
The next time my bully called me ‘fat and ugly,’ I said, ‘Well, Viola Davis says otherwise, so you need to rethink your insults now.’ Whenever I see Viola Davis on TV, magazine covers, or winning awards today, not only am I reminded of how beautiful of a person she was inside and out, but I’m also reminded of the day she brought out the confidence I didn’t even know I had.”
– jeryi
32. Renee Zellweger
“I served Renée Zellweger once when I was honestly having a really shitty day. She had three kids in tow, she was dressed in yoga pants and a T-shirt — nothing about her screamed ‘celebrity,’ and I was focused on other stuff. I messed up on her order twice, and she honestly couldn’t have been nicer about it (‘Oh, no problem! Just bring it when you can’). She went out of her way to make small talk, the kids all thanked me after the meal was over, and she gave me a hug on the way out and an amazing tip for subpar service. I only found out who she was when I went to run her credit card and it said ‘R K Zellweger.’ She was a total dream.”
33. Snoop Dogg
“About 14 years ago, my friends and I went to a concert with Snoop Dogg. After the show, one of my friends went along to a club where there was an afterparty. She wasn’t dressed for ‘da club’ and was wearing dirty old sneakers and jeans. The bouncer wouldn’t let her in, but Snoop was there and turned to the bouncer, saying, ‘Nah, man, she’s wit me’ and let her in.'”
34. Meghan Markle
Food Network”I met Meghan Markle during her Royals trip through New Zealand — when she and I locked eyes, she bypassed everyone else to speak to me. She asked me who I was, and she let me ramble on about how much of an inspiration she is to me as a feminist and biracial actor. She told me to keep going after my acting dreams and said, ‘Don’t give it five days — give it five years.’ We said goodbye and when I started crying from feeling overwhelmed, she walked back and held my hand and told me not to cry. It was the best damn day of my life.”
35. Matt Dillon
“Years ago, I was out really late with a friend at a bar on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on a weeknight, and it was close to empty. At one point, the door opened and we glanced to see who it was and went back to our conversation — the person ended up being Matt Dillon (some of you millennials might know who he is!), and he and his female companion ended up joining our convo.
He bought us a couple of rounds, and we talked about films (I told him I’d been a film history major at school and was working as an office PA on a cable TV show). I had just moved to New York City at the time, and he told me the things I should expect while living there — I really only knew Matt Dillon from The Outsiders, so I wasn’t a die-hard, but he was still very nice!”
36. Elliot Page
“My cousin and I were shopping at a really cool, upscale thrift shop in LA, and I decided it would be a good idea to bring my 4-year-old with me (obviously, I have fantastic judgement). We were shopping around and I wasn’t paying much attention, when someone and their dog came in — my daughter went running up to the dog trying to pet it, and the dog just freaked out and totally lost it. It turned out to be Elliot Page and his dog! He profusely apologized, high-fived my kid, and even [calmed his dog down] and let my daughter pet him. He was super nice.”
37. Kevin Kline
“In 2001 when I was 13, my mom and I went to visit her best friend who was living in Italy. When we were in Venice, we had just gotten off a boat and were walking up the wooden dock towards the hotel, and my mom’s friend got her high heel stuck in a hole in the dock. We were trying to get it out for her when a man and his wife came up and offered to help, and yanked on her calf until her shoe popped out. When we looked up, it was Kevin Kline! I immediately knew because I loved Wild Wild West — he laughed with us, chatted a bit, and proceeded with his wife on his way to the boats. He was super nice, and an expert in shoe emergencies.”
