The stars: they’re just like us! Sure, they might earn ten times our annual salaries in one month and be bombarded with fans everywhere they go. But even with fame and fortune, it’s possible for some to maintain genuinely kind hearts.
Quora users have been sharing stories of celebrity encounters they’ve had with surprisingly friendly stars, so we’ve gathered their most wholesome stories below. Enjoy scrolling through these tales that might make you an even bigger fan of these celebs, and keep reading to find a conversation with Jackie Zebrowski, host of the Page 7 podcast!
#21
Billy Joel on the eve of his 1987 The Bridge Tour, July 5th.
I waited outside the back of the venue, Birmingham NEC, and it was a very hot day. Security at the venue were snotty and constantly reminded me not to wait in the shade. In the meantime, I could hear the band doing a soundcheck, but no vocals.
About 2 hours later, Billy Joel and saxophonist Mark Rivera arrived in a taxi. I was the only fan waiting, and requested if Billy and Mark could sign my Bridge album cover. Billy said he had a hangover as he was partying with Carl Perkins the previous night as it was American Independence Day. He saw I also had 52nd Street, Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles and he said “shall I sign these?”
He then asked what album I liked best. I replied 52nd Street as it was my introduction to his music. After signing he said “come and meet the band" and ushered me inside. He said to the security, “he's with me!”
I asked why was lead guitarist David Brown no longer in the band, Billy replied “we had a disagreement"
I met Liberty DeVito (drums) Doug Stegmeyer (bass) Russell Javors (guitar) who all signed and said they hoped I would enjoy the show. Mark Rivera introduced me to the other musicians, Dave LaBolt (synthesizer) Kevin Duke (lead guitar) who was the short term replacement for David Brown and the backing singer Peter Hewlett.
Billy told me to “get a drink" and I got a cold coke. He then disappeared backstage. There was no sign of Christy.
After that I wished them a great tour and left the venue.
The show, as expected, was brilliant.
Top professionals, and great people.
I waited outside the back of the venue, Birmingham NEC, and it was a very hot day. Security at the venue were snotty and constantly reminded me not to wait in the shade. In the meantime, I could hear the band doing a soundcheck, but no vocals.
About 2 hours later, Billy Joel and saxophonist Mark Rivera arrived in a taxi. I was the only fan waiting, and requested if Billy and Mark could sign my Bridge album cover. Billy said he had a hangover as he was partying with Carl Perkins the previous night as it was American Independence Day. He saw I also had 52nd Street, Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles and he said “shall I sign these?”
He then asked what album I liked best. I replied 52nd Street as it was my introduction to his music. After signing he said “come and meet the band" and ushered me inside. He said to the security, “he's with me!”
I asked why was lead guitarist David Brown no longer in the band, Billy replied “we had a disagreement"
I met Liberty DeVito (drums) Doug Stegmeyer (bass) Russell Javors (guitar) who all signed and said they hoped I would enjoy the show. Mark Rivera introduced me to the other musicians, Dave LaBolt (synthesizer) Kevin Duke (lead guitar) who was the short term replacement for David Brown and the backing singer Peter Hewlett.
Billy told me to “get a drink" and I got a cold coke. He then disappeared backstage. There was no sign of Christy.
After that I wished them a great tour and left the venue.
The show, as expected, was brilliant.
Top professionals, and great people.
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33points
#22
Many years ago at his book signing, I got to meet Meat Loaf. He was freaking awesome. At one point before meeting him, someone had tried telling all of his fans that he was only signing the book and he looked at her saying that he would sign any damn thing he pleased. When it came time to meet him, I was so nervous and he could tell. He asked if I was okay and I told him yes but that I had never met a celebrity before. He looked at me with his kind eyes and said “ I’m just a normal guy who mows the lawn and gets yelled at by my wife every now and then.” He even took the time to talk to me and my aunt for a couple of minutes and to take this picture. She has both autographs and I am okay with that. (The book she got for me to get signed was her’s.) I have this picture and the memory which is all I need.
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31points
#23
On a trip to Hawaii with my parents when I was 14, my mother spotted Red Skelton window shopping in our hotel. Red Skelton was a radio and movie star and had the top-rated TV show at that time, “The Red Skelton Hour.” He was dressed like one of his TV characters, San Fernando Red, in a fancy suit and panama hat. He was very impressive at six foot two but that never deterred my five foot nothing mother. She walked up to him and asked if he would mind us taking his picture.
He turned to her, doffed his hat revealing his bright red hair, and said to her in all seriousness, “Yes, ma’am, I would.” Before she could react, his face broke out in an impish smile and he finished, “This light in here is terrible. Let’s go outside.”
He talked to us like we were old friends as we walked down the hall. Outside, he asked a passer-by to take our picture with my mother’s camera, still talking like he’d known us forever.
All too soon, the encounter was over as others realized who he was. Everyone wanted to meet him. With the style and grace of a true gentleman, he shook hands, posed for pictures, and signed autographs until everyone was happy. From the look on his face, so was he.
He turned to her, doffed his hat revealing his bright red hair, and said to her in all seriousness, “Yes, ma’am, I would.” Before she could react, his face broke out in an impish smile and he finished, “This light in here is terrible. Let’s go outside.”
He talked to us like we were old friends as we walked down the hall. Outside, he asked a passer-by to take our picture with my mother’s camera, still talking like he’d known us forever.
All too soon, the encounter was over as others realized who he was. Everyone wanted to meet him. With the style and grace of a true gentleman, he shook hands, posed for pictures, and signed autographs until everyone was happy. From the look on his face, so was he.
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28points
#24
Back in 2003, Alice Cooper was playing a shown near Jim Thorpe, PA. It was sold out but I decided to try to find a ticket that day.
While walking by the only hotel in the downtown area, Alice's tour bus pulled into the parking lot. The band and then Alice himself got off and were just milling about chatting.
I stood at the edge of the lot debating about asking for an autograph. As I started to approach, Alice looked over, said hello and held out his hand. Nervously, I shook it while trying not to sputter like an idiot.
Alice was amazing. We started talking and he was asking me questions about the area, if I golfed (he's a huge golfer), how far I drove to be there. We started walking towards the hotel but he never broke the conversation. Even when Eric Singer (his drummer at the time) came up to tell Alice something, he motioned for me to hold on, answered Eric's question, then continued the conversation.
When we reached the hotel front, I asked for a picture (taken with a 35mm film camera.) He obliged, we shook hands, and he went into the hotel.
Later that night, I bought a ticket from someone in line who had a no show in their group.
Being as it was general admission, I made my way to right in front of the stage. I'd like to think he noticed me there and gave me a wink at one point, but who knows.
Alice Cooper, the person, is much different that Alice Cooper you see on stage.
While walking by the only hotel in the downtown area, Alice's tour bus pulled into the parking lot. The band and then Alice himself got off and were just milling about chatting.
I stood at the edge of the lot debating about asking for an autograph. As I started to approach, Alice looked over, said hello and held out his hand. Nervously, I shook it while trying not to sputter like an idiot.
Alice was amazing. We started talking and he was asking me questions about the area, if I golfed (he's a huge golfer), how far I drove to be there. We started walking towards the hotel but he never broke the conversation. Even when Eric Singer (his drummer at the time) came up to tell Alice something, he motioned for me to hold on, answered Eric's question, then continued the conversation.
When we reached the hotel front, I asked for a picture (taken with a 35mm film camera.) He obliged, we shook hands, and he went into the hotel.
Later that night, I bought a ticket from someone in line who had a no show in their group.
Being as it was general admission, I made my way to right in front of the stage. I'd like to think he noticed me there and gave me a wink at one point, but who knows.
Alice Cooper, the person, is much different that Alice Cooper you see on stage.
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27points
#25
So most celebs I have met have been at events. Because it is an event like a comic con, I do expect them to at least be polite because they are getting paid to be there and meet people. The least they can do for paying customers blah blah.
I’ve only met a couple “out in the wild” so to speak. One was incredibly rude, so I won’t bother naming them or describing the event. The other was well, kind of stunningly normal and kind.
My friend and I had traveled to a small town in upstate NY for a charity event hosted by a couple of celebrities there. Since we were in this small town we decided to visit a candy shop owned by Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Just to see because, why not? As I was opening the candy shop door, I noticed a kid and his mom walking out so held it open for them. Just what you normally, I heard “Now say thank you to the lady for holding the door open for you” and looked up. To see it was Paul Rudd’s kid and wife I was holding the door open for. The kid said thank you, and I managed to get out “You’re very Welcome” before being stunned for a moment. Then I quickly stepped out of line to follow him, I asked if I could please get a selfie with him and he agreed. It is one of my fav selfies. My friend who also asked for and got a selfie with him was upset that he smiled in mine but not hers. The photobomb in the back of mine is just an added bit that makes it work even more. His whole family was kind and polite, as I stood by and chatted with his wife while my friend and a few others clustered around him. I did apologize to her for interrupting their outing. But the totally normal parenting (say thank you) and friendliness was a surprise considering it was in the wild and it was an interruption to their family outing to his small business.
I’ve only met a couple “out in the wild” so to speak. One was incredibly rude, so I won’t bother naming them or describing the event. The other was well, kind of stunningly normal and kind.
My friend and I had traveled to a small town in upstate NY for a charity event hosted by a couple of celebrities there. Since we were in this small town we decided to visit a candy shop owned by Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Just to see because, why not? As I was opening the candy shop door, I noticed a kid and his mom walking out so held it open for them. Just what you normally, I heard “Now say thank you to the lady for holding the door open for you” and looked up. To see it was Paul Rudd’s kid and wife I was holding the door open for. The kid said thank you, and I managed to get out “You’re very Welcome” before being stunned for a moment. Then I quickly stepped out of line to follow him, I asked if I could please get a selfie with him and he agreed. It is one of my fav selfies. My friend who also asked for and got a selfie with him was upset that he smiled in mine but not hers. The photobomb in the back of mine is just an added bit that makes it work even more. His whole family was kind and polite, as I stood by and chatted with his wife while my friend and a few others clustered around him. I did apologize to her for interrupting their outing. But the totally normal parenting (say thank you) and friendliness was a surprise considering it was in the wild and it was an interruption to their family outing to his small business.
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27points
#26
Yes! Some years ago, I was on a business trip in Singapore. One day I was having breakfast by myself and on the table next to me there were 4 guys, one of them look familiar.
So, when 2 of them went to the buffet and there was only two, I walked to them and said, I don't mean to interrupt you, but, are you Rod Stewart?
He said yes, and he was in an unexpected layover on his way to Australia for a concert. I asked him if after he had his breakfast would he mind taking a picture, and he said sure no problem.
I was on my table reading a book and sipping coffee, didn't realized they were leaving. He came to me and said, so, do you still want that picture? I said, absolutely an one of his crew took it with my phone.
Down to earth, approachable, simple and amiable is how I would describe him.
So, when 2 of them went to the buffet and there was only two, I walked to them and said, I don't mean to interrupt you, but, are you Rod Stewart?
He said yes, and he was in an unexpected layover on his way to Australia for a concert. I asked him if after he had his breakfast would he mind taking a picture, and he said sure no problem.
I was on my table reading a book and sipping coffee, didn't realized they were leaving. He came to me and said, so, do you still want that picture? I said, absolutely an one of his crew took it with my phone.
Down to earth, approachable, simple and amiable is how I would describe him.
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25points
#27
My wife and I are HUGE fans of the show Rosanne. As such when we saw that she was going to be playing a one woman show at The Orleans casino by our house we were stoked! Rosanne live? Wow…bought tickets that very day! We looked forward to a stand up routine that would have us laughing out loud…
When the day came for the show we were there early, we went out for dinner and gambled a bit then went in the venue and as we were sitting there waiting for the show to start I was looking around and low and behold about 2 rows back there sat Kelsey Grammer! My wife is in a wheelchair so getting her up and into her chair to just go 2 rows for a meet and greet was kinda out of the question…after considerable effort on her part I went over, waited my turn to talk to him and told him the situation…he was so friendly and gracious! He got up and came over spent a good 5 minutes chatting then let me take a few pics of them together. Great guy!
When the day came for the show we were there early, we went out for dinner and gambled a bit then went in the venue and as we were sitting there waiting for the show to start I was looking around and low and behold about 2 rows back there sat Kelsey Grammer! My wife is in a wheelchair so getting her up and into her chair to just go 2 rows for a meet and greet was kinda out of the question…after considerable effort on her part I went over, waited my turn to talk to him and told him the situation…he was so friendly and gracious! He got up and came over spent a good 5 minutes chatting then let me take a few pics of them together. Great guy!
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24points
#28
The Backstreet Boys: I played soccer with them. At least, that’s what I tell people. In fact, I stood near their tour bus while they played soccer with their kids, and the ball came my direction once, and I kicked it back to them. Thus, I played soccer with the Backstreet Boys. They were all nice guys. If not for the tour bus, you’d think they were just random family guys hanging out with their kids at a park.
24points
#29
Aretha Franklin: First of all, they had a really, really cool system for her wardrobe changes. She basically went just off stage, raised her arms, and they put a new dress on her, right over the one she already had on. She must have finished the night with five layers of dresses on. The backstage guys said that she herself was nice, but had a huge posse with her and you couldn’t really get too close to her. She also seemed really tired, but she was an older woman by then. Her son, on the other hand, was a dick. He was lost in the venue and asked me for directions back stage. I walked him to the backstage gate, and the guys manning that gate didn’t recognize him. (To be honest, neither did I.) So they asked for his backstage credentials, and he made a scene.
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18points
#30
It was late December 2016. There was this huge wedding where the bride and groom ( I wont name them please ) both of them came from very wealthy well known families so obviously there were quite some known faces there. Famous politicians, industrialists and celebrities too. Somewhere there saw Abhishek bachchan with his small group of friends & acquaintances. Wow! This guy looks really cool and approachable by his demeanor so a rather hesistant me went upto him requesting him for a picture. I still remember his exact words : “ Sure, of course why not? “
That's the picture! My 2 cousin sisters are with me in the picture and oh yes! That guy is really very tall!! I consider myself quite tall at 6 feet but felt quite small then!! Ha ha!! ☺
A very cultured, polite and a friendly person in real life.
By the way that's how any person should always be. Name, Fame and Looks mostly fade away with the passage of time but an affable jolly and a caring nature shall always stand out.
Thanks a lot, Abhishek. You made my day that day.
That's the picture! My 2 cousin sisters are with me in the picture and oh yes! That guy is really very tall!! I consider myself quite tall at 6 feet but felt quite small then!! Ha ha!! ☺
A very cultured, polite and a friendly person in real life.
By the way that's how any person should always be. Name, Fame and Looks mostly fade away with the passage of time but an affable jolly and a caring nature shall always stand out.
Thanks a lot, Abhishek. You made my day that day.
Report
11points
