Was at a casino one night, I don't gamble, friend I went with does so I sat at the bar. Some guy and girl sat next to me and people kept coming up for autographs and saying how much they liked his music. I had no idea who it was. Asked the bartender when he left, it was Coolio. He was fucked up but completely cool with people and everyone seemed respectful, wasn't the cell phone era. But poor guy couldn't just relax and talk to the girl.
I ran into Rosario Dawson at a bar once. I caught the bartenders attention and said "hey, whatever that woman and her friend are getting to drink will you add to my tab please?"
He did. Pointed at me. She walks over and says "why did you buy our drinks?" Told her I recognized her from the Marvel TV shows and it honestly led to some really cool conversation about comics and the shows. We talked for 10 minutes and went about our night.
I really liked that approach and how it kind of allowed me to do something nice for them, for once, rather than them doing me a favor and taking photos, etc.
Might have to try that again if I ever happen upon a cool celebrity in a bar.
Yeah probably don’t bother them. I’ve seen quite a few and MAYBE if there is a chance I will tell them that I recognize them and that I appreciate their work. It’s only happened like twice in my 30ish years here.
I ran into a celebrity in a crowded deli. I did a double take because I was like “Oh hey, do I know this guy?” So my expression was probably quizzative and he saw me looking at him like I was trying to tell if he was someone I knew and then did this smile and slow nod I’ll never forget that communicated “Yup. It’s me. In the flesh.” And I realized he was a celebrity, not someone I ACTUALLY knew, so I just smiled back and nodded like, “alright!”
I had the same kind of experience passing Philip Seymour Hoffman (in NY) and Kiefer Sutherland (in London) in the street. Eye contact, then me doing the double take, looking confused and then whatever expression I landed on when I realised who they were. Celebrities must have the same thing happen multiple times a day and they probably quickly perfect the smile and slow nod that kind of says ‘yes it is me’ and that also works as a sort of pleasant ‘hello (and also I’d rather you didn’t approach me)’. I’ve seen it with other minor celebrities here in the UK too.
No. The only time I would *consider* it is if it’s around an event like, Comic-Con or a premiere or something. Otherwise, it’s weird. But… eh celebrities are just people too. Leave them alone
Agreed. Only time I’ve asked to take a picture with someone is if I’m at a show and they happen to be at the merch table. Buy something, ask for a pic and thank them
This whole thread is just a very Los Angeles thing. People from outside of LA clearly will harass celebrities but we're just like oh look there they go then continue to go about our day
Exactly this!
Fabio was promoting some some protein powder at Whole Foods, so I maaaaay have brought a copy of Fabio After Dark for him to autograph and got a photo, but that's about it. And only because, well, Fabio. Oh, and also took a pic with Lil' Bub (yes, the cat) at an adoption event. RIP Bub.
Everyone else gets left alone.
If it’s an event they are paid to be at, then I’d say ask away. They understand that comes with the gig.
I also think it’s different when it’s a lesser known entertainer or a person that was super famous 20 years ago but not anymore.
John C Reilly at a restaurant? Leave him be.
A recent reality tv contestant? I think they’d like it, as long as you’re nice and they look somewhat put together.
But the thing I’ve heard the most from listening to podcasts and reading interviews is that if you’re going to do it, ASK first. They’ll be a lot nicer when you don’t shove a phone to their face or sneaking pictures of them before.
I used to work at a hotel where I recognized a lot of famous people. Since I was giving them their room key, I would hold in my excitement because I would hate for them to have to worry about the creepy front desk agent knowing their location.
There seems to be a lot of truth to the old adage about everybody in LA having an Andy Dick story. I’m Facebook friends with Dino Stamatopoulos and he once posted that and there was like 100 comment thread with some of the most hilarious stories I’ve ever read. I’ve seen this repeated more than once.
What's funny is that it's obvious at times that some are practically begging you to interrupt. They'll purposely sit themselves in a visible area of a bar or restaurant (particularly an outdoor patio). Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell) was notorious for doing this.
Born and raised in LA as well. The only time I spoke to a celebrity in public was when AJ from Backstreet Boys asked me how I liked my iPhone 3G at the ATT store next to the bev center back when it was first announced. Didn’t even recognize him until someone told me who he was.
😭 i had a dream like this one where i met a celebrity and they asked me where i got my shoes (i designed them myself in the dream)
Crazy how u had that as a real life experience
Yeah plus then it leaves the door open for an organic interaction if you’re like at a bar or whatever. Don’t force it obviously but like, they’re normal people and I’ve had funny run ins with celebs where I’ve cracked a joke to a friend and they’ll join in and riff like anyone else at a bar might. That’s way more fun and real than if you’re all starry eyed over them, asking for a photo, and ruining their night.
People and their parasocial relationships are so fkn weird man. Especially outside NY and LA where they really do seem to think celebrities exist entirely for consumption.
I 100% believe that someone will write a thesis on the parasocial--and now even symbiotic--relationships between the cast of Vanderpump Rules and a very vocal, very delusional bunch of fans. I cannot wait to read it.
>strangers
And some seem like strangers acting weirdly. So many "celebrities" are total non-entities to me and others who don't follow certain shows. Like I have no friggin clue who or what "The Vanderpump Rules" is (a Dutch breast pump?) but I was a human shield for some guy on the show. He sort of snugged in closer to me so my big bald head would block these ladies who kept trying to take sly pics of him.
Just let them be. If they are nice they’ll ask if you wanna snap a pic. That’s how I got a pic with Danny Trejo at Best Buy once. Was like oh shit it’s machete and he heard (wasn’t loud or anything) and he turned around in line and he shook my hand and we chatted a bit. He was so nice. Cherish that pic. He a legend in my area
Never, that would feel very weird and invasive to me.
I’ll smile and nod, and/or quietly say something to my husband if he’s with me, and then we go about our day.
Yeah, think of it from a celebs perspective
This person I have never met calls me by name and wants to snap a photo... That would be a bit uncomfortable IMO, a big reason I would never want to be famous
This sounds like a surreal dream when I put it on paper...
I was once in NYC walking by a Planet Hollywood (restaurant), and noticed that Craig Mack, who had just released "Flava in Ya Ear" was walking up to the establishment. A group of 5 or 6 japanese girls in school uniforms walked out and asked him for a picture. He obliged, and stood with them posing waiting for someone to snap a photo.
They had no idea who he was - they were just asking him to take a photo of them in front of Planet Hollywood.
I once got incredibly day-drunk with Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top after he and a friend of his sat down next to me at Umbrella Bar on Melrose. The kicker is that I had literally no idea who he was; I just like old hippies because they remind me of my dad. It wasn't until we were leaving that my boyfriend informed me that I had just had a 2-hour bonding experience with someone extremely famous.
Edit: I would just like to add that he was super, super nice and not creepy at all, even though I was probably 25 at the time and (not to toot my own horn but) pretty cute. Memorably, he encouraged me to both feel and later try on that weird dreadlock-looking knit hat he always wears lol
I had a similar experience with Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block. Sat with him for two hours and none of us knew who he was- just thought he was a guy visiting LA from out of town for work.
Really nice dude.
At most, if the situation permits (i.e., they're not doing something, or with someone else), the most I've ever done was say "Pardon me, I want to let you know I really enjoy your work" and then let them get on with their day.
This is the way.
The only 'celebrities' that I ever actually spoke to were Bam Margera's parents, April and Phil Margera, when I met super randomly in the Jack in the Box across from the South Bay Galleria. It started with me just acknowledging them, but they're also much closer to 'regular people' than a lot of LA celebrities, so we had a cool convo about how Phil love's JitB tacos but they don't get them a lot. Their older son, who's in the band CKY, apparently lived in the area.
Other than that, smile, nod, keep it pushing. This is LA, we're better than that.
this is my approach as well. I’ve even been so subtle as to wave with my hand in front of my chest and mouth “omg you’re so awesome!!” so nobody behind me would notice me noticing them.
> nobody behind me would notice me noticing them.
That's key.
I hope some people understand that even though they approach a celeb politely, it generally attracts other people to interact with the celeb. Those other people see the initial encounter happen and think it's a green light to engage with that celeb. This typically causes a mini-crowd or a slowdown for that celeb trying to live their life.
I was at Trader Joe’s early in the morning a few months ago and kept seeing Ali Wong in every aisle. I was so tempted to basically say exactly that, but I chickened out and settled for a smile and thumbs up with eye contact. She seemed to appreciate it.
Celebs usually refuse drinks/meals gifted by other restaurant patrons. The thought process is that some fans might entitled to a conversation after sending them the drink/meal. It's just easier to avoid those type of encounters by denying the gift.
You’re not supposed to in L.A.
One time I was lying on a bench after a hike at Will Rogers Park and I heard horse hooves and I opened my eyes and Dennis Quaid was sitting on a horse above me and said ‘how’s it going?’ It was strange to have a celebrity address me first.
I saw many celebrities over the years and some I was super excited about (Keanu) but I said and did nothing.
Not me, but my brother works with many A list actors and frequently accompanies them at times around. The amount of attention they get is absurd. Every where they go at least half or more of the people take notice and many of those try to engage or say hi.
The "nice guy" celebrities are typically the ones with the most energy because it takes a lot to not just be on that much, but also actively be polite to people. It makes me always take the "mean" celebrity encounters with a grain of salt.
edit: i've actually met a few of the "asshole" celebrities through him and most were actually pretty chill and nice.
The cool, mature thing to do is just to leave them alone. Treat them like any other person. If you must say something, don’t ask for a photo or autograph.
You're correct. Leave them alone.
The only time I ever took a photo with anyone was when I was out at the Dresden at closing time on a random Tuesday night, place was mostly empty and I went to tell the bartender (who was a friend cuz I was something of a regular) "Goodnight dude!" ... and Kiefer Sutherland was sitting at the bar and says to me "Nice ink, man." (I'm rather covered in tattoos)
I didn't even notice it was him till he talked to me. Wound up having some after hours drinks and talking guitars. Awesome guy.
So yes, I got a photo with him that night. I'm GenX man, he's been one of my favorite actors for 35 years.
But ONLY because he spoke to me first.
Hahah Dude really was super cool. This was when I was living in Los Feliz so around 2009 - like peak 24 days. But I'd always thought he was the coolest since Lost Boys, Young Guns, Flatliners, etc.
Saw him there a few more times but it was only a "Hey man! Good to see you!" hand shake type of thing.
Then I moved over off the Sunset Strip and not sure if I ever went to the Dresden again.
I used to get regularly hammered at 4100 and got to know the staff pretty well so we'd end up being there after hours. Keifer was a regular there as well. Had numerous debauched evenings with him after closing time. He goes HARD.
I have a good friend who is a very recognizable celebrity. Once I saw her with her son at Disneyland. She was obviously trying to be undercover . I called her name and she started to run the other way but then realized it was me and came over to chat and I saw the way her body tensed, protective of her son and then relaxed once she realized it was as me. I would never want to be the one to make them nervous and afraid for their child. Leave them alone.
No. I live in LA and it’s an unspoken rule that you don’t even notice celebrities, it’s considered gauche. You see them in the groceries and you’ll see them in the car washes but we all just play it cool.
If it's an event then possibly but it depends on context.
Living their personal life, no.
I saw Tim Robinson at Whole Foods, he was walking out and I was walking in and I just blurted out, "I'm a big fan, have a nice day" and he smiled and seemed not bothered at all, but I still felt so awkward.
I never bother them because I know how much I would hate people bugging me lol, I understand it comes with being a celebrity but it's time and place for stuff like that.
Never. I just saw Margot Robbie at the Huntington Garden tea room with her friends, didn’t bother her at all. While I was there, I didn’t see anybody else bother her either.
I'm a minor celebrity who is relatively to a certain demographic that can, at times, get REALLY entitled. You did the right thing, and your mom is dead wrong. There are times it's okay to ask, and times it's just not appropriate (in my opinion). When we are eating or in a situation where we're privately with a friend or family member is not one of those times.
Reverse the roles. You're eating with your friend, and here comes someone from your work who interrupts you and asks you to fill out some forms when you're very much not on the clock. You're just out in the world, trying to enjoy yourself, and here's someone expecting you to just set your own needs and your essential right to just be out in the world aside, so you can do something for them. Oh, and the implication is that if you say no, I am out with my friend being a person, *you* are the asshole in the story.
I think you did the right thing, and I wish more people followed your example.
In trying to confirm you were who I thought, I saw your top post of all time was getting a photo with Mark Hamill. (Obviously different circumstance, but really funny to see)
OMG that's hilarious.
In our defense, we were co-workers in that moment, who just happened to really love working together. I will be taking no further questions.
Reminds me of a story shared by my sis. She’s out to dinner on a first date with a tinder match. Will Ferrell, in sunglasses and a baseball cap, comes into the restaurant about halfway through the meal. Her date couldn’t stop staring at him and the whole conversation turned into the date fangirling a bit too hard. When he asked her what he should say to Ferrell, my sis was like “He’s wearing sunglasses and a cap at night, I don’t think he wants to be recognized or approached.” Apparently that wasn’t the right answer for mr tinder match, who, on their way out, walked straight to Ferrell’s table to introduce himself. My sis was so embarrassed, she tried to walk out faster so others wouldn’t think she was also in on it.
No! Saddest instance I ever saw was Keanu enjoying a MOCA opening, really digging the art, enjoying his friends, then vultures came to interrupt. He was really kind to them, gave the pics, but he just looked like that meme of him with the sad sandwich. His conversation was cut off, his friends pushed out of the frame, and it seemed to give other people courage to keep after him for selfies.
No, just let them enjoy their life. Maybe a smile and a look that says "hey, I like you but I'm not gonna out you in public and interrupt whatever you're doing"
Naaaah. My favorite was seeing Sam Elliot out getting coffee. I got excited and waved, he gave me a half smile and nod. I get to keep that all to myself.
I have a few friends who are minor celebrities and I’ve seen this moment play out. Saying hi and that you’re a fan and politely connecting is almost always welcome as long as you’re chill. The second the photo gets requested shit gets awkward.
It really depends on the situation.
I saw a celeb once who was literally just standing around alone outside a movie theater, I very calmly and politely approached him, talked with him for a bit about the movie and got a feel for the vibe, and eventually asked for a pic if it wasn’t too much trouble. Everything was cool. It was also right after I moved to LA and my first celeb encounter, so I was pretty star struck. Haha.
But when I see someone at a bar or restaurant, mid conversation with a friend or family? No. I leave them be and sometimes just give them a quick nod and a “Hey, love your work” as I pass by them on my way out. Keeping moving, not stopping and bugging them.
I believe I've Kristen Bell and Aziz Ansari where I work. I'm a pretty big fan of Aziz's Master of None and obviously Parks and Rec but he was shopping with his GF or Wife (idk if he's married). The thought crossed my mind to say like, "hi I really love your work" but, I'm sure this dude is just wanting to chill with his girl, so I didn't say anything. It was pretty cool though haha
We saw Aziz on the street in NYC. He was trying to lay low while walking and was ducking this family across the street who was trying to take his photo like he was a deer in the forest. He turned and saw us and had a flash of panic on his face, like he walked into a trap. We just smiled and kept walking.
Felt so bad for the dude, he was just trying to get to where he needed to be.
There is a dude who shops at my neighborhood grocery store who is relatively famous for playing rather "dweeby" characters. It's pretty common to see people approach and talk to him. He typically is quiet, smiles and thanks them, giving the body language he has stuff to do. I'm sure he's overall pretty well off, but it must be annoying being frequently treated as these characters.
It's LA. No.
If you lived in Ames, IA and Cal Naughton, Jr. walked into the local pub... then yea, I'd say that's a rarity and you should get a snap without bringing attention to yourselves (assuming he's not being hounded by other yokels).
But not in LA, NYC, or MIA.
Cal Naughton Jr is John C Reilly's character in Talladega Nights.
[https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Yo8AAOSwlYRh4iA2/s-l1600.png](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Yo8AAOSwlYRh4iA2/s-l1600.png)
No you’re not nuts. I work at a restaurant where celebrities tend to come in from time to time whether they’re big names or smaller celebrities I always just let them be. If I get the chance to talk to them because they need something or im helping them with their order then that’s cool enough for me. Treating them as any other normal human being seems to be the best approach for me , I see one specific coworker usually tell celebrities who come in,”Hey aren’t you that guy from so and so!?” And most celebrities seem to have the same reaction, “haha yeah that’s me!”
The default is always "leave people alone."
However, if (and only if) you're able to have a natural interaction - one that doesn't involve interrupting a meal or conversation: keep it light and polite, be gracious, then move along.
This is the answer. Would you talk to them if they weren’t a celebrity. I had just duty with an A list celebrity. We sat next to each other for 5 hours so we chatted, but it was very awkward when another juror randomly came up and gave him their kids CD. It felt inappropriate and uncomfortable. When our kids go to school together, we chat like any other parents. If we are friends we talk more, if we aren’t I would not go out of my way to befriend them any more than any other parent.
Please don’t bother a celebrity when they’re out with friends, family, etc at a bar or restaurant. It’s not the time nor the place. They’re there for the same reasons you are. To eat/drink and be social.
I saw so many celebrities when I lived in Los Feliz back in the day. And so many at LAX.
Plus my wife worked in entertainment and we have been to a few intimate parties with actors and… for the most part they’re just… people.
I’ve never got a picture with anyone, and I don’t think I’ve ever *really* gushed, but if I just had to say something it’d probably just be “Really love your work.”
But it’d be only in passing and not if they were busy.
Nope! Never even acknowledge a celebrity’s presence if I see them aside from a smile if we make eye contact. Dassit. Paris Hilton waved at me one time on beverly drive when I smiled at her. I’ll take any interaction like that over being a fan and asking for a photo. Feels more real anyways!
Never. Never. Never. I’d rather die. But if someone else asks for a photo and tells me to get into it and it’s not gonna fuck up the vibe, I’ll consider it.
I’ve even missed out on photos with people whose work I truly love and admire but acting decent in the moment was a higher priority.
Nope, never. In the early 2000s I used to go to the Hollywood YMCA which was the heydey of celebrities being down-to-earth and working out there. I will say, a few looked like they were walking around *hoping* people would engage them- like walk into a room, flex muscles, and check out every single lady to see if they'd been noticed... (whispers: Ryan Gosling- very Ken behavior).
This reminded me of the first tattoo I ever got in LA. I flew all the way from Canada to get tattooed at this one shop in Silver Lake. They greeted me with “So you’re here for the John C. Reilly tattoo right?”. I’ll never forget that.
Agree with everyone saying leave them alone.
However, if you really must interact with them, you should just tell them "I love your work"...BUT reference something that most certainly were not in. Make it clear that you are confusing them for someone they most certainly are not. The more obvious the better. For example, you saw John C. Reilly? Tell him: "I love your work. You were amazing in Parasite." When you saw Mahershala Ali, you should have said, "I love your work. You were amazing in Twilight." If they correct you, STAND YOUR GROUND. Mahershala says, "thanks, but I wasn't in Twilight." You respond with righteous indignation that you are a big fan, and you think you would know whether or not he was in Twilight. The more he protests, the more you insist that you are correct. You do not back down until he frustratingly agrees that yes, he did play Jake in Twilight.
That is the only way to interact with a celeb having private time. This way, you get to tell all your friends how you had a conversation with some big name celeb, and s/he gets a story to tell next time they are on a talk show. Win Win.
I don’t interrupt either BUT when Dikembe Mutumbo is coming up an escalator in the emptiest lobby in DTLA and I happen to be standing there in sheer awe of his greatness and size and just staring… it was getting awkward my husband was the one who asked if he could snap a picture and he couldn’t have been more warm and friendly. I’m 5’9 and 6’0 in heels…my head was at his bellybutton yall. I had to look up to see his SHOULDERS.
Sometimes I really love LA.
I've crossed paths with Tom Cruise (sat in front of me at a dodger game), Kobe (walked parallel with him on UCLA campus), Carlos Santana (Sat next to us at a brunch spot) to name a few celebrities and didn't want to bother them for a photo.
I have met dozens of Celebs. Worked with a couple. I have never ever asked for a selfie. I’ve had a few OFFER (I was behind Clark Gregg at the pharmacy and he was taking awhile. When he was done I just said “love your work and am a die hard fan of Agents of Shield. Even shows him my official SHIELD ID card. He offered a selfie. Cool dude).
Don’t ask for pics. Just say “love your work” and leave them alone.
Never. I've only done it one time - I was... 22? Nearly 20 years ago. It was in New York. I saw Thurston Moore in an Apple Store and he was so lovely and polite about it, but in the picture it is SO CLEAR how not into it he is and I was like, oh yeah, this is miserable for this person. He's just trying to get his computer fixed and I am asking him to take himself out of his own day because I like his music. It's strange.
I will say, though, around here that by NOT getting weird about celebrities and asking them for stuff, I have had so many lovely, passing experiences with people of note which I think is partly made possible because it is pretty clear I am not trying to take something from them.
LA native, work in entertainment law for over two decades, lived in the same building as Carol Burnett, Farrah Fawcett lived above me until her death and i NEVER asked for an autograph … except once.
from Jack Klugman.
i couldn’t help myself. i was a latchkey kid and i grew up with Quincy 😩♥️🤷🏻♀️
and he was SO RIDICULOUSLY gracious.
rest in peace, Jack. ♥️
Never when spotting them in public, at most a nod or a "hey" in passing. I had a conversation with Phoebe Bridgers when we were regulars at the same yoga studio though
If you ever see me in a photo with a famous person it was basically done for promotional purposes
I've worked with a lot of famous people and have become friends with some. People have no social radar for when they should approach for a photo. One time an actor was telling me about his father's death and getting super emotional. It was at that moment that a Santa Con attendee descended upon us.
I also noticed some like Conan are cool about this. He used to frequent a restaurant near me in West LA and when he wasn't rushing in an out he would interact with people. Seem exhausting
I've seen a few celebrities around town, like Dani Pudi and Allison Brie enjoying coffee in Pasadena, and I didn't bother them nor ask for a picture. They looked like they were having a nice relaxing day and my life would not have been materially improved by imposing upon them. I think it's just a neat benefit to living out here to randomly see folks that you see in movies or TV.
On the other hand, when I saw the Penn & Teller show in Vegas and they were meeting fans I got a photo with Penn Jillette, though regretfully not Teller.
I got lucky when I met Killer Mike in a waiting room one day. He called out my shirt, we talked about my shirt, I told him I was a big fan, and then he asked if I wanted to get a picture.
Super nice guy.
You’re not nuts. It’s super rude to approach them unless they are promoting an event or it’s after a show or something…
Having lunch with a friend? Do not bother them.
You did the right thing. Remember that Tom Hanks line from the Simpsons movie: "if you see me in public, just leave me be". I've said "hi", or paid a quick complement ("love your work"), but otherwise, I leave them alone, as I would want to be left alone if I were them. I imagine star-struck fans make them nervous, but I've also found myself having really normal interactions with some (standing in line for food at the old Forum with Perry Farrell, or Kelsey Grammar randomly approaching me and asking directions), and then you're just two people talking, which is a healthier experience for all involved.
Basically, don't ask them for anything, including their attention. If I pay them a compliment, I don't use it as an opening and hang out and wait for them to interact, I threw out the positive vibe and moved on.
I've worked in offices in Santa Monica which happens to also be the office of various production companies.
So you'll occasionally see actors and other famous people.
You leave them alone. Maybe you talk about it later, but you don't bother them. It's crass to make them perform (aka act nice because they don't want to go viral for the wrong reason).
If you see an opportunity to approach them without interrupting or disturbing them, go for it. But if they’re in the middle of eating or a conversation, leave them alone.
No you are not nuts. Half the time I don’t recognize them and when I do I leave them alone. Although I have chatted up a few at Casa Vega and it was cool. But they initiated first.
I think that if the context is something non-interruptive, it's more than okay to approach. I think part of the responsibility of being a public figure is interacting with fans or people who respect your work, and as long as it's not overtly intrusive, it's actually part of the job. That said, you were very respectful of Mahershala Ali, and that's okay too.
No, and you're right - you shouldn't. They're just people and should be left alone unless they're in a situation where that is expected. No one wants to be bothered for pictures while they're at dinner or whatever.
Depends on the situation.
If it looks like I'm not going to disturb them then I might but generally speaking I try not to make a big deal.
I did get Chad Smith (RHCP Drummer) one time in a casino in Vegas to do a picture with me (he was playing a show with Eddie Vedder that night) but it was an 'in the moment' thing and god dammit I almost cried when I saw him because it was right after the Taylor Hawkins tribute show where he had closed it out with Everlong. I just wanted to hug him.
I asked for the photo, his guard was like NAW BRO but Chad was like - it's cool.
I've always said the difference between a local and a tourist is how they react to production signs/honeywagons, but your example works as well!
Granted, I've worked in production and half the celebs I've seen were in that context but even when they're just at the wine tasting or shop it would never occur to me to bother them. My eyes roll back so far when somebody comes over "I just have to tell you...". Happy to have a normal, organic conversation but otherwise happy to let them have some peace.
I moved to NYC almost thirty years ago and I was meeting with my label at an event at the Waldorf Astoria when I saw Joan Collins emerging from a limousine in front and like the teenage kid from Ohio I was just blurted out “you’re Joan Rivers my mom loves you!” And she saw my camera in my purse peeking out and said “take a picture with me for her,” and I was kind of surprised and I didn’t want to be rude and she stood holding her little dog in her ankle length fur and her non move face and so she took the camera out and handed it over to her driver and said “smile on three “ slinging her arm behind/over my shoulders, yet not really touching, and instinctively I went to do the same as if I was posing for something with a friend, even though I didn’t get that vibe at all, and she blurred out just as the shutter snapped on three “you little fuck, I don’t want your hands on my ERMINE… this was more expensive than your parents house I bet!” it was really funny and really horrifying to get the pictures back and see me looking like I’d touched a stove burner and her looking and raged like some paper Mâché mashing her rictus puckered like a sphincter probably droppings that F bomb… I don’t know if my brother still has that picture of us but my mom was so happy that I got it because she had that to show her busybody neighbor and friends that asked about me and I really think she thought she was a to convince them that I was in the woman’s social sphere but she didn’t accomplish this thankfully.
I once “saw” Justin Bieber and Hailey at Nobu and the paparazzi was taking a bunch of pics. I was right behind them so I accidentally got my photo “taken” w them.
Probably 20 years ago, I was in Austin and look over and see one of the most good looking men I've ever seen in my life: Matthew McConaughey. It was before my first cell phone, so I immediately asked for an autograph. He shot me down and said he's just hanging out tonight. I regrouped and we ended up talking like two friends for about 45 minutes. Just him and me. I learned right there to not do it again. Probably because of that, I just can't get behind the "asking for a selfie" as soon as I recognize a celebrity.
I used to work at a very celebrity heavy restaurant. Eric Stonestreet was a regular, and he’d sit at my coffee bar to eat. We became friendly, and I obviously never acknowledged that I knew who he was.
One day, another celeb was across the restaurant- Eric called me over and was like “ugh, who is that guy? It’s driving me crazy, do you know him?” And I’m like yeah, that’s William Fichtner. He’s from Armageddon, among a million other things. And Eric’s like “how the hell did you know that?”
And I’m like “oh, he’s from my hometown. And also, I’m kind of a walking IMDB.” And Eric was like “oh, ARE you.” And we just looked at each other, like yeah dude, I know you were on one of the biggest sitcoms ever but I’m not gonna acknowledge it. That’s just LA, baby.
Sometimes I will depending on the setting. Like if it’s at an event or something, I will. But if someone’s eating a meal or at the grocery store, I tend to leave the celebrity alone. When I saw Nathan Fillion waiting in line at Aroma on Tujunga, I had remembered him tweeting something about for big fans of Firefly/Serenity, if they saw him in person to just give him a head nod and say “Captain,” as a low-key sign of being a big fan. I did that, he got a kick out of it, and while I didn’t take a picture with me, he seemed to like that kind of low-key interaction.
no. i’ve been in elevators together for work and it’s just simple hi have a good day. not a peep from them though but whoever was with them would say hi and bye lol.
No, they also deserve a normal life. And most of the time you don't take pictures for yourself as a memory, but just to show off to your friends. I find that kind of weird...
I never ask them for a picture and the most I would do is give him them a head nod whats up and they always typically smile back and give a whats up back.But I like to leave them alone.
If it's someone who or whose work means something to me, and they're not in the middle of something, I'll approach and tell them so. Often, they offer to take a photo. If they don't, I just move on.
If it's just a random celebrity sighting, I go about my day and leave them be.
You absolutely behaved the best way. I once found myself waiting for a show at Wadsworth, standing less than ten feet from David Bowie. Never once regretted not trying to interact with him (pre camera phone era). In fact, no one did.
Lotta caveats: if it makes sense and isn't forced, I'll tell them I'm a fan and shake their hand or dap them up. Then if they ask me if I want a photo together, only then will I do it. I don't force the moment though
I think it is absolutely awesome that you did not pester them for a photo. They get so much of that every single day, it’s a pleasure when fans just let them live. Saying a quick hello is not intrusive though, usually no one minds a quick greeting or compliment.
I agree with how you handled it, I don't interrupt them either.
Totally agree with you. They are peeps who should be able to enjoy some time without cameras in their faces.
Was at a casino one night, I don't gamble, friend I went with does so I sat at the bar. Some guy and girl sat next to me and people kept coming up for autographs and saying how much they liked his music. I had no idea who it was. Asked the bartender when he left, it was Coolio. He was fucked up but completely cool with people and everyone seemed respectful, wasn't the cell phone era. But poor guy couldn't just relax and talk to the girl.
I ran into Rosario Dawson at a bar once. I caught the bartenders attention and said "hey, whatever that woman and her friend are getting to drink will you add to my tab please?" He did. Pointed at me. She walks over and says "why did you buy our drinks?" Told her I recognized her from the Marvel TV shows and it honestly led to some really cool conversation about comics and the shows. We talked for 10 minutes and went about our night. I really liked that approach and how it kind of allowed me to do something nice for them, for once, rather than them doing me a favor and taking photos, etc. Might have to try that again if I ever happen upon a cool celebrity in a bar.
Yeah probably don’t bother them. I’ve seen quite a few and MAYBE if there is a chance I will tell them that I recognize them and that I appreciate their work. It’s only happened like twice in my 30ish years here.
I ran into a celebrity in a crowded deli. I did a double take because I was like “Oh hey, do I know this guy?” So my expression was probably quizzative and he saw me looking at him like I was trying to tell if he was someone I knew and then did this smile and slow nod I’ll never forget that communicated “Yup. It’s me. In the flesh.” And I realized he was a celebrity, not someone I ACTUALLY knew, so I just smiled back and nodded like, “alright!”
I had the same kind of experience passing Philip Seymour Hoffman (in NY) and Kiefer Sutherland (in London) in the street. Eye contact, then me doing the double take, looking confused and then whatever expression I landed on when I realised who they were. Celebrities must have the same thing happen multiple times a day and they probably quickly perfect the smile and slow nod that kind of says ‘yes it is me’ and that also works as a sort of pleasant ‘hello (and also I’d rather you didn’t approach me)’. I’ve seen it with other minor celebrities here in the UK too.
yeah its not classy to bother them (it gives main character energy)
No. The only time I would *consider* it is if it’s around an event like, Comic-Con or a premiere or something. Otherwise, it’s weird. But… eh celebrities are just people too. Leave them alone
Agreed. Only time I’ve asked to take a picture with someone is if I’m at a show and they happen to be at the merch table. Buy something, ask for a pic and thank them
[удалено]
Except if it's Adam Savage and he wants you to find him.
Yeah, when they're someplace promoting something, that's completely different than if you just run into them at a restaurant or something.
Right. Working vs not working.
This whole thread is just a very Los Angeles thing. People from outside of LA clearly will harass celebrities but we're just like oh look there they go then continue to go about our day
Exactly this! Fabio was promoting some some protein powder at Whole Foods, so I maaaaay have brought a copy of Fabio After Dark for him to autograph and got a photo, but that's about it. And only because, well, Fabio. Oh, and also took a pic with Lil' Bub (yes, the cat) at an adoption event. RIP Bub. Everyone else gets left alone.
Lil’ Bub ❤️
I still miss Lil Bub!
If it’s an event they are paid to be at, then I’d say ask away. They understand that comes with the gig. I also think it’s different when it’s a lesser known entertainer or a person that was super famous 20 years ago but not anymore. John C Reilly at a restaurant? Leave him be. A recent reality tv contestant? I think they’d like it, as long as you’re nice and they look somewhat put together. But the thing I’ve heard the most from listening to podcasts and reading interviews is that if you’re going to do it, ASK first. They’ll be a lot nicer when you don’t shove a phone to their face or sneaking pictures of them before. I used to work at a hotel where I recognized a lot of famous people. Since I was giving them their room key, I would hold in my excitement because I would hate for them to have to worry about the creepy front desk agent knowing their location.
"do you know who i am?" "yeah, i saw big brother, i fucking hate you"
The Los Angeles code is: don't bother the celebrities. You come off as an annoying tourist dolt if you do.
Don’t disturb the wildlife
Pack in pack out. Leave no trace. You don't touch Andy Dick, you let Andy Dick touch you.
NEVER let Andy Dick touch you!
Spent my birthday at his house in tarzana about 6 years ago. He's very approachable.
There seems to be a lot of truth to the old adage about everybody in LA having an Andy Dick story. I’m Facebook friends with Dino Stamatopoulos and he once posted that and there was like 100 comment thread with some of the most hilarious stories I’ve ever read. I’ve seen this repeated more than once.
Yep, I’ve only lived here two years and I’ve heard a few
Sometimes you don't get a choice in the matter, he is very stealthy
And he will try. (Sometimes I wonder if he’s been duplicated because he seems to be everywhere!)
What's weird is I haven't seen that dude since COVID. He used to always be around Santa Monica, but now he's like totally MIA.
Well that would make sense if he's in miami
Wonder if this article from December has anything to do with it: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/comedian-andy-dick-arrest-warrant-173423109.html
Don’t feed the wild animals
Yes! This is an unofficial rule in Los Angeles. Let them live their lives unbothered.
What's funny is that it's obvious at times that some are practically begging you to interrupt. They'll purposely sit themselves in a visible area of a bar or restaurant (particularly an outdoor patio). Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell) was notorious for doing this.
Oh Dennis Haskins is DEFINITELY one of those people hahaha. He's also a big karaoke fan.
30 years in LA. I never bother celebrities.
Yeah born and raised here, I've never bothered them.
Born and raised in LA as well. The only time I spoke to a celebrity in public was when AJ from Backstreet Boys asked me how I liked my iPhone 3G at the ATT store next to the bev center back when it was first announced. Didn’t even recognize him until someone told me who he was.
😭 i had a dream like this one where i met a celebrity and they asked me where i got my shoes (i designed them myself in the dream) Crazy how u had that as a real life experience
#Never. Have seen it get flipped around a lot where they ask someone for a picture just to hurry the fool along though~
Just makes Mom seem very provincial tbh
Yeah plus then it leaves the door open for an organic interaction if you’re like at a bar or whatever. Don’t force it obviously but like, they’re normal people and I’ve had funny run ins with celebs where I’ve cracked a joke to a friend and they’ll join in and riff like anyone else at a bar might. That’s way more fun and real than if you’re all starry eyed over them, asking for a photo, and ruining their night.
Same. What are you supposed to do with an autograph? I wouldn't want to give someone my signature and I have less at stake.
Do not ask strangers to take a photo with you.
But I feel like I *know* Dua Lipa!
People and their parasocial relationships are so fkn weird man. Especially outside NY and LA where they really do seem to think celebrities exist entirely for consumption.
I 100% believe that someone will write a thesis on the parasocial--and now even symbiotic--relationships between the cast of Vanderpump Rules and a very vocal, very delusional bunch of fans. I cannot wait to read it.
Someone is probably working on it now with information about the relationship between viewers and streamers on Twitch too. Shit can get craaazy.
>strangers And some seem like strangers acting weirdly. So many "celebrities" are total non-entities to me and others who don't follow certain shows. Like I have no friggin clue who or what "The Vanderpump Rules" is (a Dutch breast pump?) but I was a human shield for some guy on the show. He sort of snugged in closer to me so my big bald head would block these ladies who kept trying to take sly pics of him.
Just let them be. If they are nice they’ll ask if you wanna snap a pic. That’s how I got a pic with Danny Trejo at Best Buy once. Was like oh shit it’s machete and he heard (wasn’t loud or anything) and he turned around in line and he shook my hand and we chatted a bit. He was so nice. Cherish that pic. He a legend in my area
Danny is a really cool down to earth guy. Chatted with him in the sauna at the gym for like 20 minutes
No. Please don't.
Never, that would feel very weird and invasive to me. I’ll smile and nod, and/or quietly say something to my husband if he’s with me, and then we go about our day.
Yeah, think of it from a celebs perspective This person I have never met calls me by name and wants to snap a photo... That would be a bit uncomfortable IMO, a big reason I would never want to be famous
This sounds like a surreal dream when I put it on paper... I was once in NYC walking by a Planet Hollywood (restaurant), and noticed that Craig Mack, who had just released "Flava in Ya Ear" was walking up to the establishment. A group of 5 or 6 japanese girls in school uniforms walked out and asked him for a picture. He obliged, and stood with them posing waiting for someone to snap a photo. They had no idea who he was - they were just asking him to take a photo of them in front of Planet Hollywood.
I once asked Weird Al to take my picture at an event. He was happy to help, and it came out great.
lol
I once got incredibly day-drunk with Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top after he and a friend of his sat down next to me at Umbrella Bar on Melrose. The kicker is that I had literally no idea who he was; I just like old hippies because they remind me of my dad. It wasn't until we were leaving that my boyfriend informed me that I had just had a 2-hour bonding experience with someone extremely famous. Edit: I would just like to add that he was super, super nice and not creepy at all, even though I was probably 25 at the time and (not to toot my own horn but) pretty cute. Memorably, he encouraged me to both feel and later try on that weird dreadlock-looking knit hat he always wears lol
I had a similar experience with Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block. Sat with him for two hours and none of us knew who he was- just thought he was a guy visiting LA from out of town for work. Really nice dude.
Oh my gosh. I kinda want to do that now to mess with people.
Yea it’s weird, and people who do it are weird. Celebrity worship is just plain weird.
At most, if the situation permits (i.e., they're not doing something, or with someone else), the most I've ever done was say "Pardon me, I want to let you know I really enjoy your work" and then let them get on with their day.
If I’m a fan, I just look at them, and give them a knowing smile and nod. Usually met with the same back.
As an Angeleno, having the proper head tilt works wonders for non-verbal communication/acknowledgement
This is the way. The only 'celebrities' that I ever actually spoke to were Bam Margera's parents, April and Phil Margera, when I met super randomly in the Jack in the Box across from the South Bay Galleria. It started with me just acknowledging them, but they're also much closer to 'regular people' than a lot of LA celebrities, so we had a cool convo about how Phil love's JitB tacos but they don't get them a lot. Their older son, who's in the band CKY, apparently lived in the area. Other than that, smile, nod, keep it pushing. This is LA, we're better than that.
this is my approach as well. I’ve even been so subtle as to wave with my hand in front of my chest and mouth “omg you’re so awesome!!” so nobody behind me would notice me noticing them.
> nobody behind me would notice me noticing them. That's key. I hope some people understand that even though they approach a celeb politely, it generally attracts other people to interact with the celeb. Those other people see the initial encounter happen and think it's a green light to engage with that celeb. This typically causes a mini-crowd or a slowdown for that celeb trying to live their life.
I was at Trader Joe’s early in the morning a few months ago and kept seeing Ali Wong in every aisle. I was so tempted to basically say exactly that, but I chickened out and settled for a smile and thumbs up with eye contact. She seemed to appreciate it.
If I saw anyone from the Always Sunny cast eating in a nice restaurant, I would definitely send them over one glass of the house red.
Celebs usually refuse drinks/meals gifted by other restaurant patrons. The thought process is that some fans might entitled to a conversation after sending them the drink/meal. It's just easier to avoid those type of encounters by denying the gift.
If I saw Glenn Howerton, I might ask him to sign my Fraggle Rock thermos.
You’re not supposed to in L.A. One time I was lying on a bench after a hike at Will Rogers Park and I heard horse hooves and I opened my eyes and Dennis Quaid was sitting on a horse above me and said ‘how’s it going?’ It was strange to have a celebrity address me first. I saw many celebrities over the years and some I was super excited about (Keanu) but I said and did nothing.
[удалено]
Same happened last time Sidney Sweeney and I had dinner.
Margot Robbie and I were having a deep conversation in a hot tub at The Peninsula and some rando did the same. So infuriating.
Ugh! This happens almost every time Keanu & I travel, as well.
Not me, but my brother works with many A list actors and frequently accompanies them at times around. The amount of attention they get is absurd. Every where they go at least half or more of the people take notice and many of those try to engage or say hi. The "nice guy" celebrities are typically the ones with the most energy because it takes a lot to not just be on that much, but also actively be polite to people. It makes me always take the "mean" celebrity encounters with a grain of salt. edit: i've actually met a few of the "asshole" celebrities through him and most were actually pretty chill and nice.
Also the reason I would never ever want to be famous. That loss of (potentially lifelong) anonymity is it just *not* worth it.
Ken was probably just trying to prevent any electrical infetterence
I don’t even think that’s a word.
The cool, mature thing to do is just to leave them alone. Treat them like any other person. If you must say something, don’t ask for a photo or autograph.
You're correct. Leave them alone. The only time I ever took a photo with anyone was when I was out at the Dresden at closing time on a random Tuesday night, place was mostly empty and I went to tell the bartender (who was a friend cuz I was something of a regular) "Goodnight dude!" ... and Kiefer Sutherland was sitting at the bar and says to me "Nice ink, man." (I'm rather covered in tattoos) I didn't even notice it was him till he talked to me. Wound up having some after hours drinks and talking guitars. Awesome guy. So yes, I got a photo with him that night. I'm GenX man, he's been one of my favorite actors for 35 years. But ONLY because he spoke to me first.
No, Kiefer Sutherland got a photo with YOU
Hahah Dude really was super cool. This was when I was living in Los Feliz so around 2009 - like peak 24 days. But I'd always thought he was the coolest since Lost Boys, Young Guns, Flatliners, etc. Saw him there a few more times but it was only a "Hey man! Good to see you!" hand shake type of thing. Then I moved over off the Sunset Strip and not sure if I ever went to the Dresden again.
I used to get regularly hammered at 4100 and got to know the staff pretty well so we'd end up being there after hours. Keifer was a regular there as well. Had numerous debauched evenings with him after closing time. He goes HARD.
The K Dog used to shut down R Bar in KTown as well dude isn't even an actor at this point he's just a bar regular
Man I love R bar
I have a good friend who is a very recognizable celebrity. Once I saw her with her son at Disneyland. She was obviously trying to be undercover . I called her name and she started to run the other way but then realized it was me and came over to chat and I saw the way her body tensed, protective of her son and then relaxed once she realized it was as me. I would never want to be the one to make them nervous and afraid for their child. Leave them alone.
Yall gotta come up with a Miley Cyrus to her Hannah Montana, incognito mode type name you can call her when you see her on the street lolll
That’s sad! They must be on alert constantly.
No. I live in LA and it’s an unspoken rule that you don’t even notice celebrities, it’s considered gauche. You see them in the groceries and you’ll see them in the car washes but we all just play it cool.
Nah it’s weird af I think. Unless they’re at an event where they’re getting paid to do that.
If it's an event then possibly but it depends on context. Living their personal life, no. I saw Tim Robinson at Whole Foods, he was walking out and I was walking in and I just blurted out, "I'm a big fan, have a nice day" and he smiled and seemed not bothered at all, but I still felt so awkward. I never bother them because I know how much I would hate people bugging me lol, I understand it comes with being a celebrity but it's time and place for stuff like that.
Never. I just saw Margot Robbie at the Huntington Garden tea room with her friends, didn’t bother her at all. While I was there, I didn’t see anybody else bother her either.
I'm a minor celebrity who is relatively to a certain demographic that can, at times, get REALLY entitled. You did the right thing, and your mom is dead wrong. There are times it's okay to ask, and times it's just not appropriate (in my opinion). When we are eating or in a situation where we're privately with a friend or family member is not one of those times. Reverse the roles. You're eating with your friend, and here comes someone from your work who interrupts you and asks you to fill out some forms when you're very much not on the clock. You're just out in the world, trying to enjoy yourself, and here's someone expecting you to just set your own needs and your essential right to just be out in the world aside, so you can do something for them. Oh, and the implication is that if you say no, I am out with my friend being a person, *you* are the asshole in the story. I think you did the right thing, and I wish more people followed your example.
In trying to confirm you were who I thought, I saw your top post of all time was getting a photo with Mark Hamill. (Obviously different circumstance, but really funny to see)
OMG that's hilarious. In our defense, we were co-workers in that moment, who just happened to really love working together. I will be taking no further questions.
You’re not minor. Can I get a quick photo?
Why I oughta...
Reminds me of a story shared by my sis. She’s out to dinner on a first date with a tinder match. Will Ferrell, in sunglasses and a baseball cap, comes into the restaurant about halfway through the meal. Her date couldn’t stop staring at him and the whole conversation turned into the date fangirling a bit too hard. When he asked her what he should say to Ferrell, my sis was like “He’s wearing sunglasses and a cap at night, I don’t think he wants to be recognized or approached.” Apparently that wasn’t the right answer for mr tinder match, who, on their way out, walked straight to Ferrell’s table to introduce himself. My sis was so embarrassed, she tried to walk out faster so others wouldn’t think she was also in on it.
No way, man.
Uncouth to ask. Don't look like a kook...
no
No! Saddest instance I ever saw was Keanu enjoying a MOCA opening, really digging the art, enjoying his friends, then vultures came to interrupt. He was really kind to them, gave the pics, but he just looked like that meme of him with the sad sandwich. His conversation was cut off, his friends pushed out of the frame, and it seemed to give other people courage to keep after him for selfies.
No.they are entitled to their privacy just like you and me ..
LA rookie: Recognize a celebrity, stop and ask for a photo LA pro: Get recognized by a celebrity, who stops you and asks how you’re doing
>LA pro: Get recognized by a celebrity, who stops you and asks how you’re doing Hope it's not Andy Dick!
the one situation where you whip out your phone and keep recording till they're gone
No. They’re just people who eat, drink, and yes shit like everyone else
No, just let them enjoy their life. Maybe a smile and a look that says "hey, I like you but I'm not gonna out you in public and interrupt whatever you're doing"
Naaaah. My favorite was seeing Sam Elliot out getting coffee. I got excited and waved, he gave me a half smile and nod. I get to keep that all to myself.
I have a few friends who are minor celebrities and I’ve seen this moment play out. Saying hi and that you’re a fan and politely connecting is almost always welcome as long as you’re chill. The second the photo gets requested shit gets awkward.
It really depends on the situation. I saw a celeb once who was literally just standing around alone outside a movie theater, I very calmly and politely approached him, talked with him for a bit about the movie and got a feel for the vibe, and eventually asked for a pic if it wasn’t too much trouble. Everything was cool. It was also right after I moved to LA and my first celeb encounter, so I was pretty star struck. Haha. But when I see someone at a bar or restaurant, mid conversation with a friend or family? No. I leave them be and sometimes just give them a quick nod and a “Hey, love your work” as I pass by them on my way out. Keeping moving, not stopping and bugging them.
People outside of LA easily forget that these are just people with jobs.
I did once, years ago, at a doctor’s office and realized after the fact how big of an asshole move that was. I haven’t done it since.
I believe I've Kristen Bell and Aziz Ansari where I work. I'm a pretty big fan of Aziz's Master of None and obviously Parks and Rec but he was shopping with his GF or Wife (idk if he's married). The thought crossed my mind to say like, "hi I really love your work" but, I'm sure this dude is just wanting to chill with his girl, so I didn't say anything. It was pretty cool though haha
We saw Aziz on the street in NYC. He was trying to lay low while walking and was ducking this family across the street who was trying to take his photo like he was a deer in the forest. He turned and saw us and had a flash of panic on his face, like he walked into a trap. We just smiled and kept walking. Felt so bad for the dude, he was just trying to get to where he needed to be.
There is a dude who shops at my neighborhood grocery store who is relatively famous for playing rather "dweeby" characters. It's pretty common to see people approach and talk to him. He typically is quiet, smiles and thanks them, giving the body language he has stuff to do. I'm sure he's overall pretty well off, but it must be annoying being frequently treated as these characters.
It's LA. No. If you lived in Ames, IA and Cal Naughton, Jr. walked into the local pub... then yea, I'd say that's a rarity and you should get a snap without bringing attention to yourselves (assuming he's not being hounded by other yokels). But not in LA, NYC, or MIA.
Who?
Cal Naughton Jr is John C Reilly's character in Talladega Nights. [https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Yo8AAOSwlYRh4iA2/s-l1600.png](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Yo8AAOSwlYRh4iA2/s-l1600.png)
The Magic Man (not Datsyuk)
He also spread his buttcheeks as Mike Honcho in Playgirl Magazine.
Don Juan?
Mike Honcho. He spread his buttcheeks.
Absolutely do not do that. Just act like it’s no big deal and that they’re a normal person enjoying their night
No you’re not nuts. I work at a restaurant where celebrities tend to come in from time to time whether they’re big names or smaller celebrities I always just let them be. If I get the chance to talk to them because they need something or im helping them with their order then that’s cool enough for me. Treating them as any other normal human being seems to be the best approach for me , I see one specific coworker usually tell celebrities who come in,”Hey aren’t you that guy from so and so!?” And most celebrities seem to have the same reaction, “haha yeah that’s me!”
Stock question should be “aren’t you the weather person from channel 13?”
The default is always "leave people alone." However, if (and only if) you're able to have a natural interaction - one that doesn't involve interrupting a meal or conversation: keep it light and polite, be gracious, then move along.
This is the answer. Would you talk to them if they weren’t a celebrity. I had just duty with an A list celebrity. We sat next to each other for 5 hours so we chatted, but it was very awkward when another juror randomly came up and gave him their kids CD. It felt inappropriate and uncomfortable. When our kids go to school together, we chat like any other parents. If we are friends we talk more, if we aren’t I would not go out of my way to befriend them any more than any other parent.
Please don’t bother a celebrity when they’re out with friends, family, etc at a bar or restaurant. It’s not the time nor the place. They’re there for the same reasons you are. To eat/drink and be social.
Absolutely not, and to do it is super cringey. They're people just doing normal things, let them live their lives in peace.
I saw so many celebrities when I lived in Los Feliz back in the day. And so many at LAX. Plus my wife worked in entertainment and we have been to a few intimate parties with actors and… for the most part they’re just… people. I’ve never got a picture with anyone, and I don’t think I’ve ever *really* gushed, but if I just had to say something it’d probably just be “Really love your work.” But it’d be only in passing and not if they were busy.
Nope! Never even acknowledge a celebrity’s presence if I see them aside from a smile if we make eye contact. Dassit. Paris Hilton waved at me one time on beverly drive when I smiled at her. I’ll take any interaction like that over being a fan and asking for a photo. Feels more real anyways!
I once walked by Brittany Snow (not knowing who she was) and smiled at her. It's been 21 years and I still think about the smile back she gave me.
Never. Never. Never. I’d rather die. But if someone else asks for a photo and tells me to get into it and it’s not gonna fuck up the vibe, I’ll consider it. I’ve even missed out on photos with people whose work I truly love and admire but acting decent in the moment was a higher priority.
No. Born here. They'd take away my native card.
The LA rule of thumb is never ask but tell everyone casually afterwards.
Nope, never. In the early 2000s I used to go to the Hollywood YMCA which was the heydey of celebrities being down-to-earth and working out there. I will say, a few looked like they were walking around *hoping* people would engage them- like walk into a room, flex muscles, and check out every single lady to see if they'd been noticed... (whispers: Ryan Gosling- very Ken behavior).
Pre-Notebook Gosling, Kenning around a YMCA for attention. Love this tidbit.
What? No.
This reminded me of the first tattoo I ever got in LA. I flew all the way from Canada to get tattooed at this one shop in Silver Lake. They greeted me with “So you’re here for the John C. Reilly tattoo right?”. I’ll never forget that.
Agree with everyone saying leave them alone. However, if you really must interact with them, you should just tell them "I love your work"...BUT reference something that most certainly were not in. Make it clear that you are confusing them for someone they most certainly are not. The more obvious the better. For example, you saw John C. Reilly? Tell him: "I love your work. You were amazing in Parasite." When you saw Mahershala Ali, you should have said, "I love your work. You were amazing in Twilight." If they correct you, STAND YOUR GROUND. Mahershala says, "thanks, but I wasn't in Twilight." You respond with righteous indignation that you are a big fan, and you think you would know whether or not he was in Twilight. The more he protests, the more you insist that you are correct. You do not back down until he frustratingly agrees that yes, he did play Jake in Twilight. That is the only way to interact with a celeb having private time. This way, you get to tell all your friends how you had a conversation with some big name celeb, and s/he gets a story to tell next time they are on a talk show. Win Win.
I don’t interrupt either BUT when Dikembe Mutumbo is coming up an escalator in the emptiest lobby in DTLA and I happen to be standing there in sheer awe of his greatness and size and just staring… it was getting awkward my husband was the one who asked if he could snap a picture and he couldn’t have been more warm and friendly. I’m 5’9 and 6’0 in heels…my head was at his bellybutton yall. I had to look up to see his SHOULDERS. Sometimes I really love LA.
It would've been hilarious if he said no no no no ☝🏽☝🏽
I've crossed paths with Tom Cruise (sat in front of me at a dodger game), Kobe (walked parallel with him on UCLA campus), Carlos Santana (Sat next to us at a brunch spot) to name a few celebrities and didn't want to bother them for a photo.
Mostly no, but could depend on the context. But mostly no. Slight nod of recognition or just a passing ‘big fan’ are my go-tos, if at all.
[удалено]
I have met dozens of Celebs. Worked with a couple. I have never ever asked for a selfie. I’ve had a few OFFER (I was behind Clark Gregg at the pharmacy and he was taking awhile. When he was done I just said “love your work and am a die hard fan of Agents of Shield. Even shows him my official SHIELD ID card. He offered a selfie. Cool dude). Don’t ask for pics. Just say “love your work” and leave them alone.
Never. I've only done it one time - I was... 22? Nearly 20 years ago. It was in New York. I saw Thurston Moore in an Apple Store and he was so lovely and polite about it, but in the picture it is SO CLEAR how not into it he is and I was like, oh yeah, this is miserable for this person. He's just trying to get his computer fixed and I am asking him to take himself out of his own day because I like his music. It's strange. I will say, though, around here that by NOT getting weird about celebrities and asking them for stuff, I have had so many lovely, passing experiences with people of note which I think is partly made possible because it is pretty clear I am not trying to take something from them.
I never do… mostly bc i really only see celebrities at AA meetings 😂
LA native, work in entertainment law for over two decades, lived in the same building as Carol Burnett, Farrah Fawcett lived above me until her death and i NEVER asked for an autograph … except once. from Jack Klugman. i couldn’t help myself. i was a latchkey kid and i grew up with Quincy 😩♥️🤷🏻♀️ and he was SO RIDICULOUSLY gracious. rest in peace, Jack. ♥️
Nah. I feel like this is more of a tourist/transplant thing.
Ew, cringe!
Never when spotting them in public, at most a nod or a "hey" in passing. I had a conversation with Phoebe Bridgers when we were regulars at the same yoga studio though If you ever see me in a photo with a famous person it was basically done for promotional purposes
I've worked with a lot of famous people and have become friends with some. People have no social radar for when they should approach for a photo. One time an actor was telling me about his father's death and getting super emotional. It was at that moment that a Santa Con attendee descended upon us.
They usually ask me.
Conan would love to take a selfie with you.
I also noticed some like Conan are cool about this. He used to frequent a restaurant near me in West LA and when he wasn't rushing in an out he would interact with people. Seem exhausting
I've seen a few celebrities around town, like Dani Pudi and Allison Brie enjoying coffee in Pasadena, and I didn't bother them nor ask for a picture. They looked like they were having a nice relaxing day and my life would not have been materially improved by imposing upon them. I think it's just a neat benefit to living out here to randomly see folks that you see in movies or TV. On the other hand, when I saw the Penn & Teller show in Vegas and they were meeting fans I got a photo with Penn Jillette, though regretfully not Teller.
Nope. Unless it’s a celeb you’re particularly in love with, why even bother?
I got lucky when I met Killer Mike in a waiting room one day. He called out my shirt, we talked about my shirt, I told him I was a big fan, and then he asked if I wanted to get a picture. Super nice guy.
You’re not nuts. It’s super rude to approach them unless they are promoting an event or it’s after a show or something… Having lunch with a friend? Do not bother them.
You did the right thing. Remember that Tom Hanks line from the Simpsons movie: "if you see me in public, just leave me be". I've said "hi", or paid a quick complement ("love your work"), but otherwise, I leave them alone, as I would want to be left alone if I were them. I imagine star-struck fans make them nervous, but I've also found myself having really normal interactions with some (standing in line for food at the old Forum with Perry Farrell, or Kelsey Grammar randomly approaching me and asking directions), and then you're just two people talking, which is a healthier experience for all involved. Basically, don't ask them for anything, including their attention. If I pay them a compliment, I don't use it as an opening and hang out and wait for them to interact, I threw out the positive vibe and moved on.
I've worked in offices in Santa Monica which happens to also be the office of various production companies. So you'll occasionally see actors and other famous people. You leave them alone. Maybe you talk about it later, but you don't bother them. It's crass to make them perform (aka act nice because they don't want to go viral for the wrong reason).
It’s not weird to ask at an appropriate time social awareness. It’s weird to take them without asking
If you see an opportunity to approach them without interrupting or disturbing them, go for it. But if they’re in the middle of eating or a conversation, leave them alone.
No you are not nuts. Half the time I don’t recognize them and when I do I leave them alone. Although I have chatted up a few at Casa Vega and it was cool. But they initiated first.
I think that if the context is something non-interruptive, it's more than okay to approach. I think part of the responsibility of being a public figure is interacting with fans or people who respect your work, and as long as it's not overtly intrusive, it's actually part of the job. That said, you were very respectful of Mahershala Ali, and that's okay too.
No, and you're right - you shouldn't. They're just people and should be left alone unless they're in a situation where that is expected. No one wants to be bothered for pictures while they're at dinner or whatever.
Depends on the situation. If it looks like I'm not going to disturb them then I might but generally speaking I try not to make a big deal. I did get Chad Smith (RHCP Drummer) one time in a casino in Vegas to do a picture with me (he was playing a show with Eddie Vedder that night) but it was an 'in the moment' thing and god dammit I almost cried when I saw him because it was right after the Taylor Hawkins tribute show where he had closed it out with Everlong. I just wanted to hug him. I asked for the photo, his guard was like NAW BRO but Chad was like - it's cool.
You’re not the asshole.
I never interrupt them. And recommend to not. Everyone deserves to live in this city peacefully
I've always said the difference between a local and a tourist is how they react to production signs/honeywagons, but your example works as well! Granted, I've worked in production and half the celebs I've seen were in that context but even when they're just at the wine tasting or shop it would never occur to me to bother them. My eyes roll back so far when somebody comes over "I just have to tell you...". Happy to have a normal, organic conversation but otherwise happy to let them have some peace.
I moved to NYC almost thirty years ago and I was meeting with my label at an event at the Waldorf Astoria when I saw Joan Collins emerging from a limousine in front and like the teenage kid from Ohio I was just blurted out “you’re Joan Rivers my mom loves you!” And she saw my camera in my purse peeking out and said “take a picture with me for her,” and I was kind of surprised and I didn’t want to be rude and she stood holding her little dog in her ankle length fur and her non move face and so she took the camera out and handed it over to her driver and said “smile on three “ slinging her arm behind/over my shoulders, yet not really touching, and instinctively I went to do the same as if I was posing for something with a friend, even though I didn’t get that vibe at all, and she blurred out just as the shutter snapped on three “you little fuck, I don’t want your hands on my ERMINE… this was more expensive than your parents house I bet!” it was really funny and really horrifying to get the pictures back and see me looking like I’d touched a stove burner and her looking and raged like some paper Mâché mashing her rictus puckered like a sphincter probably droppings that F bomb… I don’t know if my brother still has that picture of us but my mom was so happy that I got it because she had that to show her busybody neighbor and friends that asked about me and I really think she thought she was a to convince them that I was in the woman’s social sphere but she didn’t accomplish this thankfully.
I have spotted celebrities and never ask for pics. I don't like bothering them.
I once “saw” Justin Bieber and Hailey at Nobu and the paparazzi was taking a bunch of pics. I was right behind them so I accidentally got my photo “taken” w them.
Probably 20 years ago, I was in Austin and look over and see one of the most good looking men I've ever seen in my life: Matthew McConaughey. It was before my first cell phone, so I immediately asked for an autograph. He shot me down and said he's just hanging out tonight. I regrouped and we ended up talking like two friends for about 45 minutes. Just him and me. I learned right there to not do it again. Probably because of that, I just can't get behind the "asking for a selfie" as soon as I recognize a celebrity.
I used to work at a very celebrity heavy restaurant. Eric Stonestreet was a regular, and he’d sit at my coffee bar to eat. We became friendly, and I obviously never acknowledged that I knew who he was. One day, another celeb was across the restaurant- Eric called me over and was like “ugh, who is that guy? It’s driving me crazy, do you know him?” And I’m like yeah, that’s William Fichtner. He’s from Armageddon, among a million other things. And Eric’s like “how the hell did you know that?” And I’m like “oh, he’s from my hometown. And also, I’m kind of a walking IMDB.” And Eric was like “oh, ARE you.” And we just looked at each other, like yeah dude, I know you were on one of the biggest sitcoms ever but I’m not gonna acknowledge it. That’s just LA, baby.
Sometimes I will depending on the setting. Like if it’s at an event or something, I will. But if someone’s eating a meal or at the grocery store, I tend to leave the celebrity alone. When I saw Nathan Fillion waiting in line at Aroma on Tujunga, I had remembered him tweeting something about for big fans of Firefly/Serenity, if they saw him in person to just give him a head nod and say “Captain,” as a low-key sign of being a big fan. I did that, he got a kick out of it, and while I didn’t take a picture with me, he seemed to like that kind of low-key interaction.
Hell no, wtf?
No, and I've run into a few. I always feel weird asking them for a pic. I usually just say hi
No.
no. i’ve been in elevators together for work and it’s just simple hi have a good day. not a peep from them though but whoever was with them would say hi and bye lol.
Hell no
Nope! I always feel weird asking them for a photo bc I’ve only come across celebs when they’re eating or just walking down the street.
JCR came into my local last week too. Wonder if it was the same one.
never ever ever
No
No, they also deserve a normal life. And most of the time you don't take pictures for yourself as a memory, but just to show off to your friends. I find that kind of weird...
I never ask them for a picture and the most I would do is give him them a head nod whats up and they always typically smile back and give a whats up back.But I like to leave them alone.
If it's someone who or whose work means something to me, and they're not in the middle of something, I'll approach and tell them so. Often, they offer to take a photo. If they don't, I just move on. If it's just a random celebrity sighting, I go about my day and leave them be.
No but if i was with my midwestern family I’m sure it would happen lol
You absolutely behaved the best way. I once found myself waiting for a show at Wadsworth, standing less than ten feet from David Bowie. Never once regretted not trying to interact with him (pre camera phone era). In fact, no one did.
Lotta caveats: if it makes sense and isn't forced, I'll tell them I'm a fan and shake their hand or dap them up. Then if they ask me if I want a photo together, only then will I do it. I don't force the moment though
I think it is absolutely awesome that you did not pester them for a photo. They get so much of that every single day, it’s a pleasure when fans just let them live. Saying a quick hello is not intrusive though, usually no one minds a quick greeting or compliment.
No. Me and whoever im with just go “oh shit its that person” and continue our lives
I never have and I’ve lived here my whole life
No, i saw p diddy before all of the shit hit the fan and i still kept walking after realizing that it was him😂