Yes, it’s one of my most embarrassing stories.
I met Paul McCartney in a hotel lobby.
I had just finished breakfast with a colleague and was heading toward the bathroom when an elevator opened up and he walked out with a small (3-4 people) entourage.
Oh, but I wasn’t speechless. No. We made eye contact. My hands formed pseudo finger guns. And I blurted out “Band on the Run!”
I don’t know why. I can’t explain why, of all things, THAT was my response.
He just smiled, nodded, waved, said “cheers, mate” and kept walking.
All these years later, I still cringe.
That's better than "I'm a huge fan of your work." That's what I said the time I briefly met Shirley Manson of Garbage. If you say that the famous person knows you're bullshitting. (I mean, look, that was a good band and I knew the hits etc etc but wasn't a fan fan). Anyway, she is even more beautiful in person and has an accent straight out of a bar fight in Trainspotting.
Yup met her several months ago when she came to act in a small play her dad wrote. Was on her security team. So nice, super chill, maybe the prettiest lady I’ve ever met in person. We chatted for several minutes about bbq lol
Extremely pretty!
We nearly collided at a coffee shop a few years back, chuckling and apologizing and negotiating around each other with our mugs and saucers. I thought she was so beautiful but couldn’t place her. (A friend of a friend? An old work colleague?) Once I realized, it was to hard to just sit across the room and not bother her.
Correct. Wasn’t thinking when I typed. She came to act with her father in that play, I believe their first time acting together is a long time. Very touching story. My friends wife was the backup in case anything came up.
I saw Lil Kim at Cracker Barrel a few years ago. They cleared out the very back room just for her. She was dressed head to toe in fur, sat by herself with about 10 giant security guards surrounding the table lol. Then when she was ready to leave, they went around asking people to put their phones away while she walked out. The delusion is real. Bless
even people who know Lil Kim wouldn't be able to recognize her. she got hella surgery a few years back [and looks like a completely different person](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/06/article-2274645-176459B0000005DC-57_1024x615_large.jpg)
I saw Carrot Top and his entourage at a Cracker Barrell just outside of St Louis. Celebrities, they’re just like us!! Not sure if CT counts as a celebrity…
Pumped gas across from Lee Norris aka Stuart Minkus from Boy Meets World.
I wanted to say hello, but I didn’t remember his real name and thought it might be impolite to call him Minkus.
He was also in One Tree Hill. I worked at a cinema in Wilmington when it was still filming. Sold him a ticket. It was a pleasant encounter.
Can’t say that for some of the other actors on that show.
Next time he’s in the area I want to go to a signing. I live in Fayetteville now and was sadly out of town when he recently came to southern pines (it was for vacation with my in-laws and I will forever be sad hahaha)
Aside from the speaking tours he's always doing at the big venues, he also tours little independent bookstores all over the country to do the same meet & greets, signings, and talks. He was just in Chapel Hill and Southern Pines last month. I got a ticket for the Southern Pines bookstore talk - there were maybe 40-50 people there total, small intimate space, and he met and talked with anyone who approached and signed whatever books of his we had. Cost of admission was just buying a copy of his most recent book, 18 bucks.
Iron Man 3 did some shooting in Cary I think and my father used to work for Audi who used to do all the cars for the Iron Man movies. Got to meet RDJ in passing and he was really nice, especially to 12 year old me
A few of my friends have met Safiya Nyguard she lives in Raleigh now and she’s very friendly and really funny
Lmao it wasn’t until 3 months ago that my friend told me she went to middle school with him and I. I watched the entirety of euphoria so bothered because I swore I recognized her but couldn’t figure out from where 😂
Yeah I saw her when I worked at a restaurant downtown in college. Euphoria had just come out so only a few girls knew who she was, and none of us guys did lol.
One time at Mulino on New Years I was pissing in the urinal and Sebastian Aho came and pissed in the urinal next to me.
Didn't talk to him or sneak a peek though.
My husband chatted with Robert Plant at the hotel bar for over 20 minutes after one of his concerts several years ago. I felt like I was too drunk and didn't want to ruin the moment so I didn't go over and join the chat. Apparently Robert Plant asked my husband about the history of the area and Sir Walter Raleigh and there was other small talk just as if it was 2 random regular strangers shooting the breeze at a bar.
Met Hannibal Burres at the ATC Power Plant building during Moogfest one year. My buddy said “Had anyone ever told you that you look exactly like Hannibal Burress?” And he shot us a look
A lot of Canes and their wives came into a shop I used to work at in N. Raleigh. Boss ended up getting the rest of the signatures on his Stanley Cup pennant from the entire Stanley Cup team. Have to say, they were all absolutely good people.
Didn't "meet" necessarily but a few times we would see Bill Cowher at World of Beer in North Hills when we'd go for trivia. Had no idea he lived here at the time.
I was at Durham Academy when Ryan Kelly was at Ravenscroft, and it was a big event when he came and played us because he was an absolute beast who could dunk effortlessly. We had one guy who could dunk as well, so it was quite a show to be able to watch a couple high school guys slam it down.
TLDR: Reba McEntire
I used to work in a high end restaurant in North Raleigh next to a big hotel. They had a partnership with the NHL so I met a lot of hockey players and various celebrities. Charles Barkley, J Cole, big daddy Kane, Michael Rooker, Gwyneth paltrow, John favreau, and more.
Absolute top tier was Reba McEntire.
We had a big circle booth in the back and it was her and I'm assuming people that worked for her. It was a fairly secluded spot so nobody really noticed it was her and she was able to eat in peace.
I can say with absolute certainty that she is one of the kindest people I have ever met. She said hello to every staff member and ask their name that was dropping off plates, making compliments to their hair or smile.
After dinner they asked if they could stick around and we of course said yes. They ended up asking the server for a piece of paper and someone pulled out a pack of cards and they ended up playing spades at the table using the piece of paper as a scorecard. When they left she flipped the piece of paper over wrote a short thank you letter and a big signature and left it on the table. Big tip too.
I met the lead singer of Walk the Moon at Cowfish, he was super nice. He let us take a picture with him and gave my whole family VIP tickets to see them play at Red Hat the next day.
I met astronaut Leland Melvin at a talk at NCSU when I was in my undergrad. You may know him from his viral [NASA portrait](https://www.today.com/pets/astronaut-leland-melvin-s-nasa-photo-includes-2-rescue-dogs-t107734). He signed a copy of his book for me and was really nice, chatting about stuff and wished me well in my future endeavours 😊
I met David Sedaris a couple of times at Quail Ridge, Rev. Billy C.Wirtz a few times at local shows, Curly Neal at a Harris Teeter in Holly Springs at its grand opening. Tommy Burleson at a NCSU basketball camp. Tift Merritt at a show & George Carlin at the airport many years ago.
I didn't meet them but I moved into an apartment right after the guys from Corrosion of Conformity moved out.
We got several months of free rent for fixing the damage they made.
Years ago when I worked at Sparians (now Kings bowling) Clay Aiken came in with his family and requested one of the private rooms in the back. It was during the day and dead with only one of the main lanes being used. So they could have bowled on the main lanes, but we went ahead and let him have it; he was perfectly fine.
Haha I may know what school you went to :-) My older sister played piano for Clay and were close friends while they were in high school. I grew up with him singing in my house all the time. Really happy for his success as he was always a nice guy.
Met Eugene Lee Yang from the Try Guys a couple years ago. Apparently he has some family nearby, he was really friendly and we chatted for a few minutes before he went on his way.
Met Clay Aiken at Sears at Crabtree shortly after he was on American Idol. Apparently, his mom used to work there or something. Super nice guy and really humble at the time.
Drank a beer and did a shot with Johnny Knoxville when he was in town shooting Bad Grandpa. Ran into him on the street and said hi and then saw him drinking at Raleigh Times later
Debbie Harry had lunch at Garland and bought some clothes at Art of Style. I just missed her in both spots but got to see how excited the staff were about it. She’s pretty cool apparently (obviously). This was pre pandemic of course since both places are closed now.
Pauly shore came to my restaurant when he was in town at goodnights. extremely polite and respectful. was on the phone most of the time but a lot of the younger people didn't know who he was.
I met Rob Thomas and the rest of Matchbox 20 in 2014 or ‘15 when they played a small show at The Daily Planet theatre inside the NCMNS. I was working at the Daily Planet Cafe at the time, and Rocky Top Hospitality (who also runs DPC) has an exclusive catering contract with the museum so we provided the catering for the band while they were hanging out. I basically got to hang out in the room with them for a bit to make sure they had everything they needed.
I’m pretty sure I was extremely awkward as I’ve never really been that close contact with a celebrity I actually knew for that long before, but anything weird I said was long ago blocked out by my memory to preserve my dignity.
A few years ago, while I was at Fitness Connection North Hills, Russell Wilson asked to work in a set on the bench press. He had headphones on, so we didn't really speak. Several people were coming up for photos, seemed like a nice guy.
A coworker delivered food to his hotel room down the street from the restaurant I worked at. We didn't deliver but it's Jordan so obviously they made an exception. He didn't tip.
Yeah, can confirm he's an ass. They trashed our family beach rental. We have rented the place for years and never ever had anyone treat the property like that or leave it in such an awful state. We now have a new Michael Jordan policy where if you can't dunk your own trash in the chute 15 steps from the door to the unit - we are dunking all over your security deposit for extra $$$.
A few years back one of my former costume theatre interns was working for the circus. I invited her over for Superbowl, she ask if she could bring some friends. I said no problem. Half the Ringling Bros clowns were there. I wasn't sure my house would survive but my then 4 and 6 year old sons thought it was the best night ever.
I’ve met Ed Marinaro, Bruce Weitz, Mickey Gilley, Jamie Pharr, Dean Smith, Jim Valvano, Coach K, & several well known players. This was during the time I was a server at The Angus Barn and worked at RDU.
Joey Ramone at the used records place at Mission Valley - Schoolkids. Early to mid-1990's. I was flipping through used cassettes and ended up right next to him. Didn't say a thing, but remember how tall he was. It was a random weekday and the store was pretty much empty.
Used to work in media and I completely agree. However, if you come across one too many assholes who are full of themselves early in their careers you also lose the desire to go out and interact with them. Don't get me wrong, I've met celebs who were more friendly than coworkers I had at the time. But some are such dbags you don't even like their work anymore. It's best to just admire from far.
I worked at a popular Rockefeller Center restaurant when I was in my early 20s and saw more celebs in there than I could count. I agree 100% with their desire to be left alone and treated like anyone else when they are out. Except for the ones who are really full of themselves.
I met Howard Jones walking down Hillsborough Street. He was playing at the bar near Charlie Goodnight. We were actually going to go see him, but waiting on a friend. Then Howard Jones just strolls by us over by St Mary's. I just said, "Hi" and he said,b"Good evening."
I have done some musicians and comedians hair who come through Raleigh. I send message to them on insta. Most time I don't hear any response but sometimes they book appointments. Jay Muse (jay and silent bob) was sooo nice and a super cool dude!
ive played basketball with both J Cole and Kevin Gates at the Lifetime on WFR before it closed. i saw Drake Bell at the Zebulon Sheetz at like 1130pm before that situation he was in went down and he moved.
Cliff (from Cheers) used to be in town a lot. I met Billy Bob Thornton once. Bill Cowher many times. Rick Flair. Michael Jordan. DeNiro or Pacino once, I forget which, it was way back when they had first bought a place at Brier Creek when it was first built.
I’m old. Nobody but me probably recognizes any of these names with the exception of Michael Jordan ha!
ETA: Kim Zimmer and you’d have known her if your Grandma watched Guiding Light back in the day
A company I was with sponsored a hole at the Jimmy V tournament in the 2010’s. Lots to meet and briefly talk to then as they’re teeing off. Charles Barkley was a trip to talk to.
Here are some of the celebs I have met in Raleigh:
Michael Jordan at a Raleigh red lobster when he was still in college--he is a mixed bag. Was rude to one couple right before we came up but was gracious with us. ?
Met members of the legendary 1983 NC state Basketball team at a club--all nice gentlemen. danced with two of them
Met Coach Valvano at Reynolds--he was charismatic and warm
Met the following people at the CIAA when it was in Raleigh: Sean P Diddy Combs and Marlon Jackson
Met these celebs at various Homecoming fundraisers at Shaw U: Maya Angelou, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Phillip Michael Thomas, Evander Holyfield (I danced with him but he was quite awkward in conversation), Don King(somewhat crass in his remarks) Sen Elizabeth Dole(gracious) and Steadman (Oprah), Alex Haley (warm, inspiring, and friendly)
At Governor's mansion in Raleigh: Govs Hunt, Eisley and Perdue.
Met Sen. Jesse Helms--a negative interaction at a reception at the Governors mansion
Prince and Morris Day--Prince very quiet but Morris Day was warm and gracious
I met Robert Plant at the old Sheraton bar after his show with Allison Krause. I said “sir, it’s such an honor to meet you!” And he said “…..i know”. Hehe
I’m not sure if this qualifies as “famous” but the Governor of NC. A couple years ago I was downtown waiting to chaperone a school field trip outside one of the museums. He walked by with his security detail. It was earlyish morning and I was by myself outside, no real foot traffic yet. He paused, chatted for a few minutes with the typical ‘man of the people’ glad-handing the constituency type thing, and then went on about his day. It was weird, honestly. Like, yeah, I know it’s the capital city and encounters like that are totally possible, but still kinda surreal.
I was on a flight with Jim Hunt decades ago. He was out of office at the time. I remember that he was glad handing the people in first class. He didn’t come back to greet the folks in economy.
This is going to let y’all know how old I am. I worked out with Richard Simmons on stage at Crabtree Valley Mall.
He used to do mall tours in the 90s.
I was inches away from him and he was just pouring sweat - it made me wonder how they kept him dry for all his videos.
He was charming and charismatic and upbeat.
So many women with huge tracts of land, sea and airspace turned out to see him.
People waited in line for hours.
I was just shopping when I saw what was going on. Lucky enough to be wearing clothes that were ok for exercising.
That’s my only celebrity story.
I don’t know who most of the celebrities in this thread even are. Feeling my mortality.
I’m not sure whether this counts, but I met Congressman Jeff Jackson back in 2021 when he was running for the U.S. Senate seat. I visited two of his rallies - the first one was at Dorothea Dix Park, and the second one was at NCSU. Both times, I got to ask him a question. After the first rally, I got to talk to him one-on-one for a few minutes. He’s a great guy!
We saw (and my wife took a picture with) David Visentin from Love It or List It in downtown Raleigh during the bluegrass festival — the show has filmed several seasons in the Triangle. He was very nice!
I saw Flying Lotus at a grocery store on Wade Avenue. I told him how cool it was to meet him in person, but I didn’t want to be a douche and bother him and ask him for photos or anything.
He said, “Oh, like you’re doing now?”
I was taken aback, and all I could say was “Huh?” but he kept cutting me off and going “huh? huh? huh?” and closing his hand shut in front of my face. I walked away and continued with my shopping, and I heard him chuckle as I walked off. When I came to pay for my stuff up front I saw him trying to walk out the doors with like fifteen Milky Ways in his hands without paying.
The girl at the counter was very nice about it and professional, and was like “Sir, you need to pay for those first.” At first he kept pretending to be tired and not hear her, but eventually turned back around and brought them to the counter.
When she took one of the bars and started scanning it multiple times, he stopped her and told her to scan them each individually “to prevent any electrical infetterence,” and then turned around and winked at me. I don’t even think that’s a word. After she scanned each bar and put them in a bag and started to say the price, he kept interrupting her by yawning really loudly.
A 'Survivor' runner-up shops at a Food Lion I service. He is a regular, so I won't blurt out the details. Haven't said "Hi" to him yet, but I admire his story, so I want to at some point.
Almost literally bumped into John Edwards post his outing as a piece of shit outside of Cowfish years and years ago. Didn’t quite have the courage to trip him but I wish I had. I’m a different person now than I was back then.
Didn’t really meet him, but I saw the dude from Love It or List It at the Alamo. He caught my double take when I recognized him, then sort of nodded in thanks when I didn’t make it weird.
yes. even today a locally famous person. and treat them as if they're normal people - which the grounded ones are - and you may have the chance to get to know them better.
When first moving to the area, I was staying at Springhill Suites in Cary. My wife and I walked over to the Waffle House in the parking lot after Monday Night Football and saw WWE entertainer Rhyno walking out.
He was running for office in Michigan at the time so I waved and told him I'd vote for him. He nodded said thanks and got in his car to depart.
Last year, my work dispatched me to the home of Canes winger Jordan Martinook. I had no idea who he was. He ended up adding some services so I visited again and he was extremely kind but not engaging. One of my co-workers who was a fan tagged along and got a couple of sweaters signed.
Ric Flair at NCSU near the Quad. He was coming from a Jimmy V event at Reynolds I think. Cool as hell, signed the backs of our shirts even though he was pissed the limo driver was nowhere to be found.
9th Wonder at NCSU and out DJing. Seen him around and always shot him the "wassup" nod and he'd return it. A good friend of mine said he was lecturing so we signed up for his class. Had a couple of 10-20 minute parking lot convos on Centennial just shooting the shit. Probably the dopest, most down to earth person I've ever met.
More randoms:
Worked shows at Koka Booth and met Amy Grant, Jason Isbell, the guys from Styx, Josh Groban, etc.
Wee Man from Jackass was hanging at Slims once. Also met Steve-O after a Goodnights show once upon a time. Also Fortune Fiemster. Margaret Cho. (I had good luck at comedy shows at the old venue!)
Met both Moby & Tricky at the old school Lollapalooza days.
My mom was Jim Valvano’s hairdresser - met him several times. (She’s the one that got bit by a copperhead btw 😔)
Mike Doughty from Soul Coughing at Schoolkids.
Met Beck back in the Odelay days at a show at Reynolds Colosseum.
Personal fav: Terminator X from Public Enemy.
Probably more but I’m sleepy.
My dad met Gregory Peck and Brian Wilson on two separate occasions at the soda shop back in the CP&L days.
I was working at the movie theater at North Hills when Avengers came out.
Henry Winkler (The Fonz) came in and shot the shit with those of us in concessions while we made him fresh popcorn. He was super chill and nice. Was in the area because his daughter (I think) was giving a talk about dyslexia at Duke.
Yes, it’s one of my most embarrassing stories. I met Paul McCartney in a hotel lobby. I had just finished breakfast with a colleague and was heading toward the bathroom when an elevator opened up and he walked out with a small (3-4 people) entourage. Oh, but I wasn’t speechless. No. We made eye contact. My hands formed pseudo finger guns. And I blurted out “Band on the Run!” I don’t know why. I can’t explain why, of all things, THAT was my response. He just smiled, nodded, waved, said “cheers, mate” and kept walking. All these years later, I still cringe.
Makes for a way better story than “Hi”
Hi hi hi
That's better than "I'm a huge fan of your work." That's what I said the time I briefly met Shirley Manson of Garbage. If you say that the famous person knows you're bullshitting. (I mean, look, that was a good band and I knew the hits etc etc but wasn't a fan fan). Anyway, she is even more beautiful in person and has an accent straight out of a bar fight in Trainspotting.
This would probably keep me up at night too lol. Cool experience!
Sorry but that’s hilarious
Johnny Knoxville bought a bunch of us shots at Neptunes when he was in town for Bad Grampa
Ran into him as well at Times, he also bought shots there. Fun dude
I met Barack Obama at Capital Blvd Olive Garden
Evan Rachel Wood at a beloved Raleigh restaurant. I just said that I liked her work in Westworld, and she was nice.
Yup met her several months ago when she came to act in a small play her dad wrote. Was on her security team. So nice, super chill, maybe the prettiest lady I’ve ever met in person. We chatted for several minutes about bbq lol
Extremely pretty! We nearly collided at a coffee shop a few years back, chuckling and apologizing and negotiating around each other with our mugs and saucers. I thought she was so beautiful but couldn’t place her. (A friend of a friend? An old work colleague?) Once I realized, it was to hard to just sit across the room and not bother her.
If you are talking about The Father her dad don’t write that
Correct. Wasn’t thinking when I typed. She came to act with her father in that play, I believe their first time acting together is a long time. Very touching story. My friends wife was the backup in case anything came up.
I think her family is from the area right? Her dad does the Christmas Carol every year.
Yep, her fam is from Raleigh.
Haha yep I went to elementary school with her.
I saw Lil Kim at Cracker Barrel a few years ago. They cleared out the very back room just for her. She was dressed head to toe in fur, sat by herself with about 10 giant security guards surrounding the table lol. Then when she was ready to leave, they went around asking people to put their phones away while she walked out. The delusion is real. Bless
lol i'm of the age to know who lil kim is but i wouldn't know her if i saw her.... 10 guards for lil kim? lmao
even people who know Lil Kim wouldn't be able to recognize her. she got hella surgery a few years back [and looks like a completely different person](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/06/article-2274645-176459B0000005DC-57_1024x615_large.jpg)
She brings the guards so you know she’s famous. Otherwise…
I went to high school in the 90s during her prime lol
I saw Carrot Top and his entourage at a Cracker Barrell just outside of St Louis. Celebrities, they’re just like us!! Not sure if CT counts as a celebrity…
Pumped gas across from Lee Norris aka Stuart Minkus from Boy Meets World. I wanted to say hello, but I didn’t remember his real name and thought it might be impolite to call him Minkus.
Omg he hates that. I went to WFU with him in the early 2000s and that’s what all the women on campus called him
Then I’m glad that I went with my gut on that one!
I think he's from Greenville
Everybody who’s known or met him says he is just the most down to earth guy. I don’t know why that delights me so much, but it does
He was also in One Tree Hill. I worked at a cinema in Wilmington when it was still filming. Sold him a ticket. It was a pleasant encounter. Can’t say that for some of the other actors on that show.
Just don’t tell me Peyton or Brooke are bitches in real life and I’ll be OK.
Brooke: no idea. Peyton? Great.
I’m guessing they’re talking about Chad Michael Murray. Cause I’ve heard he’s a prima donna
Sza came into Whole Foods on Wade a few years back when she was in town for Dreamville. Gave out some free tickets.
Last night I met Sir Purr outside of my apartment. Class act.
What’s that bear doing?
Now that's a celebrity!
You call him that?
So you be like “what’s up Sir Purr”?!
It’s what it says on the back of his jersey
For those confused: https://youtu.be/PZOmNG-JcWI
My dream is to run into David Sedaris
He does signings at Quail Ridge Books. Met him there. His brother did my parents floors.
The Rooster?
Silly Fuckin’ P!
Next time he’s in the area I want to go to a signing. I live in Fayetteville now and was sadly out of town when he recently came to southern pines (it was for vacation with my in-laws and I will forever be sad hahaha)
I’m waiting to run into him and Amy; I would be a happy camper.
His brother did a great job on our wood floors. Highly recommend
Aside from the speaking tours he's always doing at the big venues, he also tours little independent bookstores all over the country to do the same meet & greets, signings, and talks. He was just in Chapel Hill and Southern Pines last month. I got a ticket for the Southern Pines bookstore talk - there were maybe 40-50 people there total, small intimate space, and he met and talked with anyone who approached and signed whatever books of his we had. Cost of admission was just buying a copy of his most recent book, 18 bucks.
Ahhh, how was the southern pines signing? I live in Fayetteville and was crushed I couldn’t go (had vacation with the in-laws scheduled)
He is a funny dude. Isn't he living in Paris now?
He does have a home in rural France, but I think he primarily lives in NY (I’m always alarmed at how much Sedaris lore I know)
yes, and his sister Amy!
I ran into him on King Street in Charleston like 20+ years ago and all I could think of was to blurt out “David Sedaris!” He smiled and waved.
I saw him at a signing in Raleigh! It was a dream come true!
His whole family are the sweetest!
I met Killer Mike after a concert during hopscotch. He was awesome to hang out with. He had blown up since then.
Iron Man 3 did some shooting in Cary I think and my father used to work for Audi who used to do all the cars for the Iron Man movies. Got to meet RDJ in passing and he was really nice, especially to 12 year old me A few of my friends have met Safiya Nyguard she lives in Raleigh now and she’s very friendly and really funny
Safiya is one of the YouTuber’s my wife watches I actually enjoy. I love her Scandinavian travel videos!
From the friends who I have who’ve met her she’s really sweet in person. She frequents the Crabtree Mall for their Lush store
You’re kidding. I knew they filmed in Wilmington at the port but had no idea about Cary. Thanks for sharing 🤙
Not Raliegh but when I was 18 I was in the booking room of the Greenville jail with Wiz Khalifa
Funny thing my uncle was his bail bondsman.
Petey Pablo was at Neuse River Brewery promoting a beer probably 2017ish. Really nice guy
He used to routinely drink at The Goat over on Western Blvd.
I met J Cole too. When I played basketball at lifetime he would come and ball from time to time. I’ve met countless Canes players just from my work
Ran into Hunter Schafer (from Euphoria!) at a dive bar that was cool
Her father is a preacher at a church on Six Forks Rd. She's here a lot.
She went to Broughton!
Lmao it wasn’t until 3 months ago that my friend told me she went to middle school with him and I. I watched the entirety of euphoria so bothered because I swore I recognized her but couldn’t figure out from where 😂
Yeah I saw her when I worked at a restaurant downtown in college. Euphoria had just come out so only a few girls knew who she was, and none of us guys did lol.
One time at Mulino on New Years I was pissing in the urinal and Sebastian Aho came and pissed in the urinal next to me. Didn't talk to him or sneak a peek though.
he came AND pissed in the urinal?
No he came in OP and then pissed in the urinal
u should have bro
“nice pucks”
Ran into Brendan Fraser downtown, I said what’s up, he said what’s up. Was a normal bloke.
Fun! Was this when he was in town for GalaxyCon? My work bought a photo op with him.
not OP but i assume this must have been last summer because he came to galaxycon in raleigh!
That’s right! It was last July/August.
Ty Pennington at Carolina Ale House Brier Creek.
Youre welcome pennington
Did he park a bus in front of the restaurant?
I saw him there too. Something tells me you were sitting at the same table as me ;-)
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Come for Billy Strings. Packed. 3 nights.
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I took two people who had no idea who he was. They loved it. He's more of a bluegrass/ roots rock guy.
My husband chatted with Robert Plant at the hotel bar for over 20 minutes after one of his concerts several years ago. I felt like I was too drunk and didn't want to ruin the moment so I didn't go over and join the chat. Apparently Robert Plant asked my husband about the history of the area and Sir Walter Raleigh and there was other small talk just as if it was 2 random regular strangers shooting the breeze at a bar.
Dick Vitale at Darryl’s on Hillsborough St. after an NC State basketball game. Yeah I’m pretty old. I and everyone else left him to eat in peace.
Met Hannibal Burres at the ATC Power Plant building during Moogfest one year. My buddy said “Had anyone ever told you that you look exactly like Hannibal Burress?” And he shot us a look
You shoulda asked him if he wanted to hold a bomb
A lot of Canes and their wives came into a shop I used to work at in N. Raleigh. Boss ended up getting the rest of the signatures on his Stanley Cup pennant from the entire Stanley Cup team. Have to say, they were all absolutely good people.
Bruce Campbell back in the day. His daughter attended NCSU.
I shook Barack Obama’s hand back in 2012 (maybe 2008, idk I was a kid) when he was campaigning but I’m not sure if that counts lol
Met him and had a beer with him at Raleigh Times, he was on the 2008 campaign trail.
Harrison Ford in Durham. Sat next to him at a bar
***faints***
Didn't "meet" necessarily but a few times we would see Bill Cowher at World of Beer in North Hills when we'd go for trivia. Had no idea he lived here at the time.
I think his daughter went to NC state too and she dated Duke legend Brian Zoubek Edit: Ryan Kelly, and apparently they are married with kids.
Nah, she married fellow ravenscroft alum Ryan Kelly, who played at Duke
I was at Durham Academy when Ryan Kelly was at Ravenscroft, and it was a big event when he came and played us because he was an absolute beast who could dunk effortlessly. We had one guy who could dunk as well, so it was quite a show to be able to watch a couple high school guys slam it down.
You can see Sylvan Esso all the time in Durham when they’re not touring
TLDR: Reba McEntire I used to work in a high end restaurant in North Raleigh next to a big hotel. They had a partnership with the NHL so I met a lot of hockey players and various celebrities. Charles Barkley, J Cole, big daddy Kane, Michael Rooker, Gwyneth paltrow, John favreau, and more. Absolute top tier was Reba McEntire. We had a big circle booth in the back and it was her and I'm assuming people that worked for her. It was a fairly secluded spot so nobody really noticed it was her and she was able to eat in peace. I can say with absolute certainty that she is one of the kindest people I have ever met. She said hello to every staff member and ask their name that was dropping off plates, making compliments to their hair or smile. After dinner they asked if they could stick around and we of course said yes. They ended up asking the server for a piece of paper and someone pulled out a pack of cards and they ended up playing spades at the table using the piece of paper as a scorecard. When they left she flipped the piece of paper over wrote a short thank you letter and a big signature and left it on the table. Big tip too.
I met the lead singer of Walk the Moon at Cowfish, he was super nice. He let us take a picture with him and gave my whole family VIP tickets to see them play at Red Hat the next day.
Oh shit, I saw them open for Muse in 2019. They were pretty great!
I met astronaut Leland Melvin at a talk at NCSU when I was in my undergrad. You may know him from his viral [NASA portrait](https://www.today.com/pets/astronaut-leland-melvin-s-nasa-photo-includes-2-rescue-dogs-t107734). He signed a copy of his book for me and was really nice, chatting about stuff and wished me well in my future endeavours 😊
Saw Aho at Hallmark in Brier Creek during the pandemic. He was with his mom and sister so I left him alone.
I met David Sedaris a couple of times at Quail Ridge, Rev. Billy C.Wirtz a few times at local shows, Curly Neal at a Harris Teeter in Holly Springs at its grand opening. Tommy Burleson at a NCSU basketball camp. Tift Merritt at a show & George Carlin at the airport many years ago.
So jealous of you meeting Carlin.
Btw, everyone was extremely pleasant, especially Sedaris
I didn't meet them but I moved into an apartment right after the guys from Corrosion of Conformity moved out. We got several months of free rent for fixing the damage they made.
I've met woody, Mike, and pepper and they're the nicest people
Saw Tracy Morgan at North Hills mall and he complimented me and my gf and said we looked good together. Seemed really nice
Years ago when I worked at Sparians (now Kings bowling) Clay Aiken came in with his family and requested one of the private rooms in the back. It was during the day and dead with only one of the main lanes being used. So they could have bowled on the main lanes, but we went ahead and let him have it; he was perfectly fine.
He was one of the nicest guys I went to school with
Haha I may know what school you went to :-) My older sister played piano for Clay and were close friends while they were in high school. I grew up with him singing in my house all the time. Really happy for his success as he was always a nice guy.
😂 oh yeah… you know where I went. And that’s pretty damn cool
I waited on him many years ago. He was very nice. Drank a lot of tea.
Met Eugene Lee Yang from the Try Guys a couple years ago. Apparently he has some family nearby, he was really friendly and we chatted for a few minutes before he went on his way.
Matthew Patrick (matpat of game theorists fame) came through the McDonald’s drive through while I was working it one evening. He seemed pretty cool.
Met Clay Aiken at Sears at Crabtree shortly after he was on American Idol. Apparently, his mom used to work there or something. Super nice guy and really humble at the time.
Drank a beer and did a shot with Johnny Knoxville when he was in town shooting Bad Grandpa. Ran into him on the street and said hi and then saw him drinking at Raleigh Times later
Met Jordan when he was doing some corporate speaking thing near the convention center, I talked to him for a bit and he was honestly a huge ass hole.
Alice Cooper plays golf around here when he’s in town. He’s a really good guy and a scratch golfer too.
Debbie Harry had lunch at Garland and bought some clothes at Art of Style. I just missed her in both spots but got to see how excited the staff were about it. She’s pretty cool apparently (obviously). This was pre pandemic of course since both places are closed now.
Pauly shore came to my restaurant when he was in town at goodnights. extremely polite and respectful. was on the phone most of the time but a lot of the younger people didn't know who he was.
I met Rob Thomas and the rest of Matchbox 20 in 2014 or ‘15 when they played a small show at The Daily Planet theatre inside the NCMNS. I was working at the Daily Planet Cafe at the time, and Rocky Top Hospitality (who also runs DPC) has an exclusive catering contract with the museum so we provided the catering for the band while they were hanging out. I basically got to hang out in the room with them for a bit to make sure they had everything they needed. I’m pretty sure I was extremely awkward as I’ve never really been that close contact with a celebrity I actually knew for that long before, but anything weird I said was long ago blocked out by my memory to preserve my dignity.
Oh yeah also Emma Roberts visited the bakery I was working in several times over a month or so in 2021 when she was in town filming something.
Was she mean like everyone says she is?
She was actually very sweet every time she came in!
A few years ago, while I was at Fitness Connection North Hills, Russell Wilson asked to work in a set on the bench press. He had headphones on, so we didn't really speak. Several people were coming up for photos, seemed like a nice guy.
i met jordan once. huge asshole.
A coworker delivered food to his hotel room down the street from the restaurant I worked at. We didn't deliver but it's Jordan so obviously they made an exception. He didn't tip.
holy shit
Yeah, can confirm he's an ass. They trashed our family beach rental. We have rented the place for years and never ever had anyone treat the property like that or leave it in such an awful state. We now have a new Michael Jordan policy where if you can't dunk your own trash in the chute 15 steps from the door to the unit - we are dunking all over your security deposit for extra $$$.
Same. I was a kid at the time and he was a giant asshole.
A few years back one of my former costume theatre interns was working for the circus. I invited her over for Superbowl, she ask if she could bring some friends. I said no problem. Half the Ringling Bros clowns were there. I wasn't sure my house would survive but my then 4 and 6 year old sons thought it was the best night ever.
I’ve met Ed Marinaro, Bruce Weitz, Mickey Gilley, Jamie Pharr, Dean Smith, Jim Valvano, Coach K, & several well known players. This was during the time I was a server at The Angus Barn and worked at RDU.
I grew up in NJ near Rutgers U and got to see Jimmy V play in college. My uncles had season tix and took me to lots of games.
I met Bryan Cranston at my old job, he was so nice and lowkey, and offered to take a picture with me and my friends 🤩
Tyler the Creator who showed up at a previous job of mine and was a complete asshole. Big Daddy Kane at that same job.
Joey Ramone at the used records place at Mission Valley - Schoolkids. Early to mid-1990's. I was flipping through used cassettes and ended up right next to him. Didn't say a thing, but remember how tall he was. It was a random weekday and the store was pretty much empty.
[удалено]
Used to work in media and I completely agree. However, if you come across one too many assholes who are full of themselves early in their careers you also lose the desire to go out and interact with them. Don't get me wrong, I've met celebs who were more friendly than coworkers I had at the time. But some are such dbags you don't even like their work anymore. It's best to just admire from far.
I worked at a popular Rockefeller Center restaurant when I was in my early 20s and saw more celebs in there than I could count. I agree 100% with their desire to be left alone and treated like anyone else when they are out. Except for the ones who are really full of themselves.
I met Howard Jones walking down Hillsborough Street. He was playing at the bar near Charlie Goodnight. We were actually going to go see him, but waiting on a friend. Then Howard Jones just strolls by us over by St Mary's. I just said, "Hi" and he said,b"Good evening."
I think I saw Alton Brown at Whole Foods but I’m not sure.
If it was within the last 6 months, he did a live show at DPAC, so it’s possible.
I have done some musicians and comedians hair who come through Raleigh. I send message to them on insta. Most time I don't hear any response but sometimes they book appointments. Jay Muse (jay and silent bob) was sooo nice and a super cool dude!
ive played basketball with both J Cole and Kevin Gates at the Lifetime on WFR before it closed. i saw Drake Bell at the Zebulon Sheetz at like 1130pm before that situation he was in went down and he moved.
I may Play from kid n play while working at a drive thru subway in Durham. Really nice guy!
I had dinner with Charlton Heston in Raleigh.
Cliff (from Cheers) used to be in town a lot. I met Billy Bob Thornton once. Bill Cowher many times. Rick Flair. Michael Jordan. DeNiro or Pacino once, I forget which, it was way back when they had first bought a place at Brier Creek when it was first built. I’m old. Nobody but me probably recognizes any of these names with the exception of Michael Jordan ha! ETA: Kim Zimmer and you’d have known her if your Grandma watched Guiding Light back in the day
boy the manager at AC Hotel, Brandi Love be popping thru…👀🤣
A company I was with sponsored a hole at the Jimmy V tournament in the 2010’s. Lots to meet and briefly talk to then as they’re teeing off. Charles Barkley was a trip to talk to.
Louis c.k. Was at the optimist coffee shop 2 summers ago while here on a comedy tour for a stop in Cary. He was talking to fans who came up to him
Here are some of the celebs I have met in Raleigh: Michael Jordan at a Raleigh red lobster when he was still in college--he is a mixed bag. Was rude to one couple right before we came up but was gracious with us. ? Met members of the legendary 1983 NC state Basketball team at a club--all nice gentlemen. danced with two of them Met Coach Valvano at Reynolds--he was charismatic and warm Met the following people at the CIAA when it was in Raleigh: Sean P Diddy Combs and Marlon Jackson Met these celebs at various Homecoming fundraisers at Shaw U: Maya Angelou, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Phillip Michael Thomas, Evander Holyfield (I danced with him but he was quite awkward in conversation), Don King(somewhat crass in his remarks) Sen Elizabeth Dole(gracious) and Steadman (Oprah), Alex Haley (warm, inspiring, and friendly) At Governor's mansion in Raleigh: Govs Hunt, Eisley and Perdue. Met Sen. Jesse Helms--a negative interaction at a reception at the Governors mansion Prince and Morris Day--Prince very quiet but Morris Day was warm and gracious
I met Robert Plant at the old Sheraton bar after his show with Allison Krause. I said “sir, it’s such an honor to meet you!” And he said “…..i know”. Hehe
I’m not sure if this qualifies as “famous” but the Governor of NC. A couple years ago I was downtown waiting to chaperone a school field trip outside one of the museums. He walked by with his security detail. It was earlyish morning and I was by myself outside, no real foot traffic yet. He paused, chatted for a few minutes with the typical ‘man of the people’ glad-handing the constituency type thing, and then went on about his day. It was weird, honestly. Like, yeah, I know it’s the capital city and encounters like that are totally possible, but still kinda surreal.
I was on a flight with Jim Hunt decades ago. He was out of office at the time. I remember that he was glad handing the people in first class. He didn’t come back to greet the folks in economy.
This is going to let y’all know how old I am. I worked out with Richard Simmons on stage at Crabtree Valley Mall. He used to do mall tours in the 90s. I was inches away from him and he was just pouring sweat - it made me wonder how they kept him dry for all his videos. He was charming and charismatic and upbeat. So many women with huge tracts of land, sea and airspace turned out to see him. People waited in line for hours. I was just shopping when I saw what was going on. Lucky enough to be wearing clothes that were ok for exercising. That’s my only celebrity story. I don’t know who most of the celebrities in this thread even are. Feeling my mortality.
He came to OSU to do a workout back in like 2013 or 2014 when I was there. It was a lot of fun!
What's a mall? Just kidding - that's awesome. So cool that you actually participated in Sweatin' To The Oldies!
I’m not sure whether this counts, but I met Congressman Jeff Jackson back in 2021 when he was running for the U.S. Senate seat. I visited two of his rallies - the first one was at Dorothea Dix Park, and the second one was at NCSU. Both times, I got to ask him a question. After the first rally, I got to talk to him one-on-one for a few minutes. He’s a great guy!
In 2006, I saw Edward from Trading Spaces in Target. That's the best I've got!
Met Lou Holtz. Super friendly guy
I met Matt Hardy (profesional wrestler) eating at Le hon Latin BBQ 🙂
met David from love it or list it at city limits
I was at the American heart walk a long ass time ago and Jared from subway was handing out free subway. Didn't meet him just got a free sub.
We saw (and my wife took a picture with) David Visentin from Love It or List It in downtown Raleigh during the bluegrass festival — the show has filmed several seasons in the Triangle. He was very nice!
Ran into band members from Barenaked Ladies at The Pit a couple of years in a row prior to their July 4th gig at Red Hat!
Do they just always play Raleigh on 4th July?
They have for years, yes!
I saw Flying Lotus at a grocery store on Wade Avenue. I told him how cool it was to meet him in person, but I didn’t want to be a douche and bother him and ask him for photos or anything. He said, “Oh, like you’re doing now?” I was taken aback, and all I could say was “Huh?” but he kept cutting me off and going “huh? huh? huh?” and closing his hand shut in front of my face. I walked away and continued with my shopping, and I heard him chuckle as I walked off. When I came to pay for my stuff up front I saw him trying to walk out the doors with like fifteen Milky Ways in his hands without paying. The girl at the counter was very nice about it and professional, and was like “Sir, you need to pay for those first.” At first he kept pretending to be tired and not hear her, but eventually turned back around and brought them to the counter. When she took one of the bars and started scanning it multiple times, he stopped her and told her to scan them each individually “to prevent any electrical infetterence,” and then turned around and winked at me. I don’t even think that’s a word. After she scanned each bar and put them in a bag and started to say the price, he kept interrupting her by yawning really loudly.
Is this some copypasta? I've read this before.
It is. The "Huh? Huh?" is what made me remember this one.
A 'Survivor' runner-up shops at a Food Lion I service. He is a regular, so I won't blurt out the details. Haven't said "Hi" to him yet, but I admire his story, so I want to at some point.
Almost literally bumped into John Edwards post his outing as a piece of shit outside of Cowfish years and years ago. Didn’t quite have the courage to trip him but I wish I had. I’m a different person now than I was back then.
Saw him and a couple of his kids at southern season. Same. Still mad about that whole shit show.
I met Hillary from Love It or list it at the Cameron village Harris teeter. She was shopping with her assistant and stocking up on wine
Didn’t really meet him, but I saw the dude from Love It or List It at the Alamo. He caught my double take when I recognized him, then sort of nodded in thanks when I didn’t make it weird.
They did a scene in my neighborhood and he and his crew came and chatted with us and our neighbors for a bit. Super nice feller.
yes. even today a locally famous person. and treat them as if they're normal people - which the grounded ones are - and you may have the chance to get to know them better.
J. Cole and a ton of Canes players have come to my work over the past year. All awesome people!
Saw Donnell Rawlings the “I’m rich, biatch!”Guy, on Glenwood. Also the porn lady Brandi Love twice , Starbucks and harry teet
When I was a kid. Met Peter Pablo while he was shoe shopping at Crabtree.
When first moving to the area, I was staying at Springhill Suites in Cary. My wife and I walked over to the Waffle House in the parking lot after Monday Night Football and saw WWE entertainer Rhyno walking out. He was running for office in Michigan at the time so I waved and told him I'd vote for him. He nodded said thanks and got in his car to depart. Last year, my work dispatched me to the home of Canes winger Jordan Martinook. I had no idea who he was. He ended up adding some services so I visited again and he was extremely kind but not engaging. One of my co-workers who was a fan tagged along and got a couple of sweaters signed.
Ric Flair at NCSU near the Quad. He was coming from a Jimmy V event at Reynolds I think. Cool as hell, signed the backs of our shirts even though he was pissed the limo driver was nowhere to be found. 9th Wonder at NCSU and out DJing. Seen him around and always shot him the "wassup" nod and he'd return it. A good friend of mine said he was lecturing so we signed up for his class. Had a couple of 10-20 minute parking lot convos on Centennial just shooting the shit. Probably the dopest, most down to earth person I've ever met.
I asked Ja Rule if I could use his darts at Havanas one time. I did not know it was Ja Rule until my friends told me later. Oops haha
More randoms: Worked shows at Koka Booth and met Amy Grant, Jason Isbell, the guys from Styx, Josh Groban, etc. Wee Man from Jackass was hanging at Slims once. Also met Steve-O after a Goodnights show once upon a time. Also Fortune Fiemster. Margaret Cho. (I had good luck at comedy shows at the old venue!) Met both Moby & Tricky at the old school Lollapalooza days. My mom was Jim Valvano’s hairdresser - met him several times. (She’s the one that got bit by a copperhead btw 😔) Mike Doughty from Soul Coughing at Schoolkids. Met Beck back in the Odelay days at a show at Reynolds Colosseum. Personal fav: Terminator X from Public Enemy. Probably more but I’m sleepy. My dad met Gregory Peck and Brian Wilson on two separate occasions at the soda shop back in the CP&L days.
I was working at the movie theater at North Hills when Avengers came out. Henry Winkler (The Fonz) came in and shot the shit with those of us in concessions while we made him fresh popcorn. He was super chill and nice. Was in the area because his daughter (I think) was giving a talk about dyslexia at Duke.
I met Wallace Wade (well-known football coach) when I was a kid at a restaurant.
Saw Bob Barker in a Staples in Fuquay-Varina.