There’s something about celebrities that just makes us want to know everything about them. We get caught up in their talent, stunning looks, captivating charisma, or enviable wealth that makes them seem worlds away from our regular lives. And let’s be honest, we've all created scenarios in our heads of unexpectedly running into our admired star at least once or twice.
But as they say, never meet your heroes, and many people can tell you from experience that this is some solid advice. Redditor Netwinn decided to find out whether many starstruck fans felt devastated to discover their idols aren’t as remarkable as they believed.
They asked, "Who was your saddest celebrity encounter?" and fellow members of Ask Reddit delivered a bunch of unexpected stories. Below, we’ve selected some of the most interesting replies, but since there’s no way of knowing whether they are fact or fiction, remember to take everything with a pinch of salt. Continue scrolling and upvote your favorites as you go!
Psst! If you're interested in even more celeb goodness, check out our earlier posts about bizarre celebrity facts and the best comments they ever posted.
#1
My saddest celebrity encounter was also my greatest. When I was in college I was an extra in a few scenes of "We Were Soldiers", a Vietnam movie with Mel Gibson and Sam Elliott. While I was waiting for a bus to take me back to wardrobe one of the casting guys came up and picked me out of the crowd and asked me if I wanted to be in another scene with Sam Elliott. Of course I was ecstatic. I sat in this van waiting for Sam to come out and it was going to drive us to the scene.
Finally he comes out looking all pissed off and sits in the front seat. Against my better judgement I said something to the effect of, "Mr Elliott I'm a huge fan of yours and it's an honor to be in a scene with you." He snaps back: "Shut the f*ck up kid." Needless to say when Sam Elliott tells you to STFU, you do it. So that's the sad part, though getting cussed out by a guy who typically plays the badass in movies was cool in some way.
We film the scene which is a short scene where he walks by Chris Klein and cusses at him about something. We film it over and over and I'm just some soldier walking by in the background. Occasionally between takes Sam would look over at me and scowl. After it's done we get back in the van to head back and Sam is again in the van. He turns around and says, "Sorry about earlier kid, I just didn't want to f*ck up my mood for the scene. I appreciate the compliment." Suddenly it dawned on me that when he cussed at me he was trying to stay in character for the upcoming scene. Pretty cool experience.
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321points
#2
Organized a good sized comic con, so I've worked with quite a few. But the saddest was really subtle:
Peter Mayhew (chewbacca), was in the green room for lunch on the 2nd day. He looks very tired and is almost totally wheelchair bound because of his terrible joint problems. I'm sitting across from him while we eat and his assistant asks if his hand is feeling alright to sign more autographs (terrible arthritis).
He closes his eyes and nods his head and whispers out "how much longer will this go today?" To which his assistant delicately replies "just 5 more hours."
And he whimpers a little and sheds a few tears as they wheel him away from the table and back out to the fans.
The saddest part is that he's the nicest guy and never denies a fan while he's at the con and always smiles even though he's in loads of physical pain.
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265points
To learn more about our fascination with celebrity culture and why we're so interested in their day-to-day lives, we reached out to Kelli S. Burns, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of South Florida and author of Celeb 2.0: How Social Media Foster Our Fascination with Popular Culture.
"Celebrities possess a range of qualities many people aspire to have, such as talent, success, fame, beauty, and wealth," she explained to Bored Panda. "Additionally, society has placed a high value on celebrity status and continually communicates and reinforces that value to us through entertainment media and awards shows, among other ways."
#3
Been waiting for a moment to tell this one. When I worked at a restaurant in Florida a few years ago Muhammad Ali and his family came in to eat. Me being a fanboy and knowing who Ali was kept staring from a distance, and eventually ran next-door to Books A Million to buy his biography "King of the World" and have him sign it.
As he was leaving I stood and held the door open for them.
His wife was helping him out of the door. He was looking at the ground. No speaking. Slow walking. Shaking from the Parkinson's.
He got to the car and his wife was helping him in. I asked her if I could meet him and have him take a photo and an autograph.
She was delighted and said sure! "Cassius, this young man would like to meet you" she said. I held out my hand and shook the hand of the greatest Boxer to ever live. The hand that knocked out Fraiser. That mighty right hook.
I immediately started crying. (And tearing up right now). She said "don't cry, it's okay!" I had to explain that it's surreal to meet the famous "Ali".
She handed him the book and the sharpie and said "Cassius he wants your autograph" and she opened the book for him and put the pen in his hand. He took at least (no joke) 2 full minutes to sign his name. And it was at that point that it killed me. This was Cassius Clay. Muhammad Ali. The most charismatic, float like a butterfly sting like a bee, man in boxing history. And he was such a shell of his former self because of the Parkinson's. It was so heartbreaking. It really was.
She then took a photo of us together and I thanked him, and her and went on my way.
But god damn that will be the saddest moment meeting a celebrity I think I'll have face.
220points
#4
I used to go to a small gym. The owners were laid back and had their cats roam around all the time. It was never an issue and people who went regularly would pet them in between sets. My husband and I go to the gym one day. We're the only ones there aside from a trainer in the corner with someone. My husband (a very observant man) tells me to go do some kettle bell swings. I thought it was weird but headed over to the kettle bell section. There is the trainer with Ben Affleck (training for Batman). I didn't want to disturb him, so I completely ignored him. Except it's a small gym. So I'm working out on the bench next to nice guy Ben, and I can feel him trying to acknowledge me. Suddenly I notice one of the cats starts to pee in the corner next to Ben. I shout "NO!" to stop the cat, and scoop him up. Ben turns to me and says "Hey, is that your cat?" Clearly trying to start conversation. I look at him and awkwardly say "It's not my cat" and walk away. I had an opportunity to talk to Batman and instead became the crazy cat lady. My husband was watching from afar, dying laughing. Now whenever I do something awkward my husband will scream "It's not my cat!!"
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190points
#5
I became interested in evolution and physical anthropology in high school after exploring the topic in books and discovered Richard Dawkins. I was in the process of reading another of his recent books when I found out he was doing a signing in the city. So I went to his talk and waiting in line to get an autograph.
All through the Q&A session, people had great complex questions for him about his theories and ideas on evolution or certain species. I thought I would be clever and ask a simple and fun question. So in the cover of the book, I wrote, "What is your favorite animal?" I expected this to be refreshing when he went to sign my book.
I got to the front and as he opened my book to sign it, he was a little thrown off. He gave me a look like I was mentally impaired and just signed his name.
I was crushed and felt really embarrassed that my recent idol thought I was stupid. I wandered off through the racks of books and found a small group of 5 people huddled around one man speaking.
I was curious and still trying to forget my last encounter, so I listened to this energetic man speak about the universe to this impromptu gathering. He was very knowledgeable and interactive. When I got a chance I asked him the same question, "What's your favorite animal?" He was very happy with the question and went on a long explanation of why the wolf was his favorite and when he first encountered one in Yellowstone.
I learned later that man was Neil Degrasse Tyson. What a day.
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153points
People have been obsessing over superstars for a long time — searching for role models, showing admiration, and dreaming of how to be more like them. But quite recently, it seemed difficult to ignore murmurs that the age of the celebrity might be coming to an end.
However, Burns argued that celebrity culture is probably more dominant than ever before. "As long as we have cultural products, we will have celebrities. And as long as we have social media, we will have platforms for anyone to become a celebrity, and that is a very appealing prospect for many people."
"Today, many young people aspire to be online influencers, and the most successful influencers will become celebrities in their own right. Although celebrity culture may experience some shifts as a result of social media, it is not on the decline," she added.
#6
Betty White. It was right after the Golden Girls (and Golden Palace) had ended. Her career was not in the best place at the time. I was at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles and saw a poster promoting Betty White signing her latest book about how much she loves animals. I liked the Golden Girls so I thought I would swing by the bookstore to take a gander at Betty White. It was so sad. I'll always remember she was sitting alone at a big table with a stack of books in front of her. People were in the bookstore shopping but no one was buying her book or really acknowledging her. She just sat there, pen in hand, waiting. She would occasionally wipe off some imaginary dust to look busy. I'm getting the chills just remembering it. Of course, I was such a self-involved college kid that I just stared at her from far away. I should have just gone up and talked to her.
149points
#7
Joaquin Phoenix and the drummer from the Raconteurs once came into the bar I was hanging out at. (This was post crazy beard phase) He wasn't acting weird or anything but a bunch of girls I guess he knew came in and they were all mingling. Having a good time. I thought it would be fun to buy him (Joaquin) a round of whatever he was drinking. The bartender served it to him, turned around and pointed to me, and Joaquin looked dumbfounded. Like totally flattered. He bowed and mouthed "Thank you so much!"
I felt kinda dumb for doing it. Later on I found out (from the bartender) that he was acting like a madman. Not a total douche but just kinda wild. Irritating folks. Walking in front of cars in the street and being loud.
When I asked for my tab (which had been pretty hefty) the bartender told me that he had picked up my bill. And all my friends bills as well.
So. Crazy weirdo or not. I'll always remember that kindness. As sad as it was to see him drunkenly irritating the F out of people.
F*cking Joaquin Phoenix bought my tab.
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148points
#8
I met Jane Goodall at my University and she had become so tiny and little-old-lady-like that I realized the world doesn't have that much time left with her, and upon hugging her I burst into tears.
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142points
As we become more and more engaged in their daily activities, being stuck at home during quarantine pushed our fascination even further. "The pandemic offered opportunities for virtual interactions between celebrities and fans and also more glimpses into the personal lives of celebrities," Burns explained.
"During this time, we saw artists hosting musical concerts from their homes, actors reading books to children, dancers hosting dance parties, and celebrities sharing fitness routines."
The professor mentioned that Cameo, an app that lets people hire athletes, actors, and other stars to create personal video messages, also exploded during the pandemic. It allowed "fans to purchase a personalized video that could be a gift for a birthday that couldn’t be celebrated in person or used to surprise graduates during a virtual ceremony," she noted.
#10
I work for an airline, so I see some celebs from time to time. One time Tom Cruise cussed me out because I wouldnt violate federal law and bring his checked bags to him planeside. Made him go to baggage claim like everyone else.
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123points
#11
This is more embarrassing for me...
4AM in an airport I ran into Adam Savage.
Strike 1: Don't talk to anyone in an airport at 4AM. They're just as delirious and tired as you are.
Strike 2: Don't f**k up and say his co-hosts name when you try to say hi.
Bonus. He tweeted about 5 minutes later complaining about idiots in airports trying to say hi by calling him Jamie...
Learn from my mistake.
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123points
Yet, unhealthy levels of celebrity obsession do exist, and some people can become too invested in their lives. "Today, we have much more access to celebrities than ever before, which has the potential to further intensify our obsessions."
"Not only do we see them on television or listen to their music on Spotify, but we can engage with them on social media, track where they are going, and peer into their personal lives," Burns added.
That's why fans often experience parasocial relationships with celebrities, "a one-sided perception of friendship that some followers feel toward the target celebrity. The more the fans engage with the celebrity online, watch their movies, or listen to their music, the more they feel like they have an actual relationship with the celebrity."
#12
Went and saw Steve-O do his stand up tour. After his show, he said he would meet everybody there. We waited in line, and he was being super nice, laughing and taking pictures with everyone. Right before we got to the stage some fat, redneck asshole told him that he was funnier back when he was on drugs. It killed his whole vibe. When we got to him he just took a picture with us and said thanks for coming, but he was clearly in a bad mood. I don't blame him at all, he was still extremely nice, but he was clearly irritated. It was cool that he still met us and took a picture with us though. Seemed like a really cool dude.
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105points
#13
I met George R. R. Martin at the Blaze Pizza in Evanston a couple of months back when he was in town to accept an award from Northwestern University. At the time, I was listening to the audiobook of A Clash of Kings, and he very excitedly told me, "You've got a ways to go to catch up!" When I told him that I've already read what he's published three times, and am listening to the audiobook as a new way to experience the story, he just kind of ... deflated. He let out a big sigh, and just said, "Yeah, I need to finish the next book. People won't stop bothering me about it."
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101points
#14
Demi Lovato. Just thinking of this story makes my blood boil.
I was at a restaurant downtown Toronto with my little sister who at the time was 9 and a huge Demi fan. We saw her walk in with a couple of people and one of them (not Demi) began chatting with the seating hostess over what looked like the menu. Demi wasn't a part of the conversation and was just kind of standing there her eyes glued to her phone.
My sister was flipping out at this point and I gave her my cell phone and told her to go ask for a picture. Mind you I would not have encouraged her to go over there if Demi was eating or having an important conversation or whatever, I know some celebrities don't appreciate being interrupted while they're eating and I completely understand that, but she was literally just standing there doing nothing so I didn't think it would be a big deal.
My sister walked over on her own and I sat and watched Demi tell her something along the lines of "No, can't you see I'm f*cking busy?!" My sister came back to me in tears and we immediately paid for our unfinished food and left, because she was so upset. Her saying no is not what I had the problem with, it's the tone of voice she used and the fact that she cursed at a 9-year old child that got to me. My sister was a very shy and timid kid so her going over there on her own was a huge deal and showed me how much that stupid picture meant to her.
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96points
According to Burns, parasocial relationships are common but not necessarily problematic. They may even have "positive impacts on the self-confidence and sense of belonging of the fans."
But while some fans only dream of unexpectedly encountering their favorite idol, others actually get that opportunity. For some, it becomes a memorable moment. For others, however, it turns out to be strange, disappointing, or downright heartbreaking.
"We have many more fans than celebrities, which means that celebrities cannot possibly accommodate all the requests from fans for selfies, likes, appearances, and birthday shout-outs," the professor said.
#15
Little late to the party but Michael J Fox has a house where I live and I was putting a grill together for him and he was leaning again his car talking to me and he was just all over the place, being an 80s baby he was one of the biggest actors for me growing up and it was hard seeing him like that, Parkinson's is a hell of a disease.
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95points
#16
Worked for a cell phone carrier call center a while back, canceled Heath Ledgers cell phone post mortem.
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89points
#17
I was drunk at a friend's bachelor party in vegas in '95. We are walking through the casino, and I see this glorious man with what can only be described as the aura of a movie star around him. I immediately recognize him as Sammy Davis Jr. I run up and say "Sammy can I get an autograph?!" and he just turns around like he didn't hear me and starts walking. Thinking he couldn't hear me I kind of yell "Sammy Davis Jr!". He turns around, looks right at me, and says "You're a real asshole".
I was pretty oblivious and had no idea why Sammy Davis Jr. was treating me like I had slapped his little sister's ass. For a few years after that every time his name came up I told people how big of a jerk Sammy David Jr. was. Fast forward to a few years later and I'm watching the movie Renaissance Man with Danny Devito and I'm like "wait I didn't know Sammy David Jr was in this movie" ....which caused me to imdb it ...and it all finally clicked.
I had called Gregory Hines Sammy Davis Jr. to his face 5 years after Sammy died. It was probably the most delayed embarrassment I've ever felt in my life.
tldr: I have no idea what Sammy Davis jr. looks like.
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86points
"Fans should remember that celebrities are people too who are possibly stressed, rushed, and preoccupied. Some celebrities will see the importance of building and maintaining a fan following through their engagement with fans, while others are more focused on their work," Burns concluded.
#18
I met Hulk Hogan when I was four (latish 80s) at some wrestling thing in Dallas. All I remember is that my dad got his attention as he was walking toward the ring, and when he came around he stuck out this GIANT hand and said "Put it there, darlin'!" I recognized him but he was scary, so I peed my pants and cried. I guess it's obvious now that he wanted a handshake or a high five or.... something? No idea. Anyway, scared the piss out of me. Dude is huge.
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82points
#19
I had waited an hour and a half in line for a ride at Great Adventure. Was in the front seat line so the wait was even longer. Finally, I was next in line--watched gleefully as my train pulled in. And Chris Rock and his family come walking up from the exit and are given my spot, without waiting at all. I was both sad and mad and have held a grudge against him ever since.
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81points
#20
Not me but my friend's sister-in-law saw Jack Black walking down the street and eventually the crossed paths and her, not wanting to pass up the chance at meeting him, approached him. She said something like "Is it really you?" And he said yes. Then she said "This is so weird, its really you." And he said "It's not weird for me."
Then he asked her where she was going and she said she was going to the weed dispensary, thinking he might find it funny but he turned a bit sullen and said he was going to visit his mom in the hospital. She said she wouldn't bother him for a picture and he thanked her and left.
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81points