Not on flights, but sitting in airports:

Evander Holyfield at ATL - walking down the concourse in sweats carrying a duffel bag. Man, that guy does not have an OUNCE of body fat. To make sure it was him, I discretely checked out his ear - it was after the Tyson fight.

James Takai (Star Trek's Mr. Sulu) in the DEN RCC. Once again, how to confirm it was him? He turned and spoke to a friend - ah, that deep voice... yep, that's him.

Joe Montana in the DFW Admiral's Club. Very polite - he gave me an autograph for my wife (the die-hard 49er fan).

Sally Field, JFK-LAX
Gloria Ruben (Jeannie from ER), LAX-EWR
Spencer Christian, EWR-LAX
Charles Osgood (twice, once sitting in coach)
Dan Rather, EWR-ATL
Bob Griese, EWR-MIA
Ted Kennedy (BOS-LGA shuttle)

Oops!

Almost forgot!

Michael Jorden in the SMF baggage claim!! Yes, this was before the Bulls got their charter plane. Once again, very nice - he gave me an autograph for my brother.

George Foreman looking very fit in a PC at IAH this past Thursday.

A few of my favorites over the years...

• Doug Moe and the entire Denver Nuggets in SLC. Moe was on a pay phone the entire time we were in the concourse. Eight lucky players took up the entire F cabin -- and I felt sorry for the rest of the players back in Y with me. (For those outside the US, The Nuggets are an NBA team whose players are REALLY TALL.)
• Joe Namath in F, LAX-DEN. I couldn't believe how he hobbled off the plane -- those knees must be really shot.
• Grant Hill in F on a nightmare, typhoon-interupted LAX-HKG journey that took three days. Spent the night in LAX, spent another night in TPE, and sat next to him on the Kai Tak bus from plane to terminal. He was doing a promo tour for his shoe contract, and was traveling with his father (famous himself). Nicest guys I ever met in F.

FWIW, I never ask for autographs or such, or even try to strike up a conversation. If we make eye contact, I give a slight head nod and a bit of a smile, but unless they feel talkative, I give them space. Maybe it was my four years as a radio DJ (in a previous life http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) that helped me understand the BS that "known" people have to put up with. Let 'em be.

RAD

(Edited for formatting)

[This message has been edited by RAD (edited 07-21-2001).]

>>4 years as radio DJ<<

I know exactly what you mean...I did morning radio for 17 years until I finally escaped 5 years ago. (I jumped the fence and ran, but they shot over my head.) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Although not nearly in the same leaugue as movie & sports celebs, I have been interupted/hassled at dinner, movies, shopping, etc. That little taste was bad enough. I understand why celebs punch photographers, snap at people, become reclusive, etc. Not saying it's excusable...by I can understand the feeling.

PF



[This message has been edited by Pointfreak! (edited 07-21-2001).]

On a Air Canada flight LAX-YVR, James Belushi sat across the aisle from me in business class. He was going to Vancouver to continue filming a movie.

In 1998, I was waiting for a connecting flight in the ORD United terminal. When the inbound flight landed, a limo driver was holding a sign reading "Forbes".

My first thought was "naw, couldn't be," but out walked Steve Forbes.

BradC, shame on that limousine driver or company! A sign should not have been necessary. The driver could simply have walked up to him with business card in hand and said, "Good evening, Mr. Forbes, I'm John Doe and I'm your driver this evening, may I assist you with you carry-on...."

I hope at least it was a professional appearing sign?

I was on a flight a few years back from London to LAX, upgraded to business class, and it was cancelled due to a mechanical. We were rerouted on a nonstop to Seattle which UA held for us, and then we continued the flight, with the LA bound passengers, down to LAX (UA 747 service SEA-LAX... you don't see that everyday). I was stuck there for the night and put up at a hotel at UA's expense, as they could not get me up to OAK that late.

There was a voice I first heard in London that a fan of the original Avengers series will always recognize: Patrick McNee (AKA John Steed on the series). I even stood next to him at baggage claim. Didn't have the nerve to bother him, though.

I was flying from SFO to Dulles two years ago, and upgraded both myself and my dad to business. He was sitting next to a woman he did not recognize, and other passengers were coming up to her chatting, some exchanging business cards. My dad mentioned to me that this woman must be someone important. I knew who she was: Sen. Barbara Boxer, who represents my state. This wasn't the first time I've seen her, or my representative George Miller, on that flight. One of these days they might even have seats next to me and we can talk about air travel and miles http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Does Jeremy Beadle in Munich (could have been Frankfurt) count?

Oh, and my company leases a jet (can't remember the model) that was previously owned by A. Schwenagger (sp?). It has an "I'll be back" sign by the entrance!.

Robert.

Flew with the entire Montreal Canadiens hockey team from SJC to DFW once. They were really huge guys with well dressed suits, so you could tell they were a sports team.

A little different spin--I've been mistaken for Ray Stevens more times than I can count. Not so much any more--either he's not as popular, or my hairline has receded faste than his.

The best one of these was Boots Randolph's mother, who had actually had Ray visit her house with Boots.

People used to mistake me for Tom Selleck until I grew my beard...

Exactly who cares?

Let me see....I would say sometime in 99 or so. Travelling BOS-LGA-CVG-PDX on DL. Strange routing but it save $1500 or so.

Anyway, I was outside smoking a cigarette and a Mercedes pulls up and out pops Bob Villa. He winds up on the same flight with me down to LGA. Wind up sitting on theother side of the aisle from him. Exited the MAT to catch shuttle for the CVG flight and he has a car waiting for him.

I putz around for a bit then go into CRC. In the brightest orange tank top and pink shorts is Richard Simmons as "happy" as can be. CRC workers, pilots, and FAs are coming in to see him, get autograph. All of a sudden the dude starts singing...."STOP in tha name of love....before you break my heart......."

I am watching the spectacle and then he comes to the bar as I am standing there. He introduces himself and I said my name was Richard as well. He said he LOVVVVVED that name. He then told me he real name was Milton but changed it because he hated it.

Thankfully, the CVG flight was getting ready to board. Had the pleasure of sitting next to a UA pilot so we talked shop.

I can't remember which airport I was at but I noticed that a large group of people were congregating and I had to check out what was going on. The celebrity that everyone was admiring was Lassie. What a truly beautiful dog - and probably better behaved than some human travelers!

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lennon

Maybe she thought you were Gary Condit and was trying to pick you up???? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif



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danville 1K

I love this topic because I have this infatuation with someday seeing SOMEONE famous! I lived in the NYC area and never saw anyone. Now I live in SoCal and have yet to see a celebrity.

There have been a lot of LAX-EWR sightings here, and that's a route I travel very often. My question to you all is, does United seem to be the preferred carrier for these sightings? I'm a CO gal myself who is starting to think she's on the wrong airline for "celebspotting" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

American has courted Hollywood heavily, and probably gets more of this business then UA. LAX-JFK in "premium" class is a good place to star watch.

Several years ago, while working as a Flight Attendant, Ann Landers boarded a flight from Chicago to New York and was seated in Row 1.

She asked me for a trash bag and proceeded to read her mail. (I got excited thinking I could read the discarded letters....she torn every one up into little pieces.)

Sitting one row behind and across the aisle was Mary Gross (Saturday Night Live). Ms. Gross seemed to be studying Ms. Lander's every move.

Sure enough, two weeks later, Mary Gross did a dead-on impression of Ann Landers on Saturday Night Live!

BTW.....as soon as the wheels hit the ground at LGA, Ann was out of her seat heading for the bathroom.....we were still zooming down the runway. I told her to sit and she replied that she did this "...all the time." That was one of the more memorable flights I'd ever worked.

I was flying on DL ATL-SEA on a 757 about 5 years ago, was seated in row 4 in FC. Lo and behold, John Wayne Bobbit was seated in the first row. He was very polite to the F/A's, and quiet spoken. I was temped to say "hey John, how is it hanging?" but he is a big guy, so avoided the temptation. He had two travelling companions who had obviously never sat in FC, and acted like morons the entire trip

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What do you mean I can't charge my heart bypass to my Visa? I need the MILES!!!

As a matter of fact, my one and only sighting...next to me the AA FC counter at LAX, Billy (Or was it Alec? Or was it Daniel? Or was it Stephen?) Baldwin, complaining that his girlfriend hadn't gotten an upgrade LAX-JFK.

I saw Elvis once, in a flight from Amsterdam. Or were two Elvis? I can't remember...

Eons ago in PIT:

- Mel Blount (Steelers)
- Jack Pallance
- Cyndi Lauper on one of my flights - in Y, all I could see was bright orange/red hair over the top of the seat. Did get to see her board.

Ms. Fishbait here:

Have seen many minor celebrities on flights and while living in SoCal (George C scott almost ran me over once,lol), but I gotta tell you, if you want to celebrity watch, go to Atlantis in Bahamas.. Last summer, in 4 days, I can't tell you how many celebs were hanging with us po' folk.. Michael Douglas kept to himself, Hulk Hogan had a blast with my girls on the waterslide but was a little rude, Melissa Joan Hart was snobby to the kids who adore her, KC (of the Sunshine Band) won money night after night on roulette while he he joked about my losing on cards the whole time playing back to back (very nice, quiet guy). Since I'm not into sports, I only recognized a few NBA players, but was told there were about 20 there. There were more I can't remember too.. Best place to meet: the Club level in the new tower.

Alexi Lalas - US Soccer team -walking thru the terminal so I didn't say anything

Paul O'Neill - NY Yankee in LaGuardia. Sitting right behind me in the terminal. This was right after his father died and he was heading back to Cincinnati for the funeral so I didn't say anything to him.

Charles Oakley - on flight from JAX-LGA. The poor guy barely fit in his first class seat - now I feel guilty when I complain about lack of legroom.

Not me - my friend sat next to Henry Kissenger on a flight DCA-LGA and they talked the whole time. My friend was in a wheelchair and hooked up to all kinds of IV's since she was being transffered between hospitals and he was very friendly to her. She got his autograph but I wish she had gotten one for me too.

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I wish I were 1,000 miles away

In 1999 in the middle of a two-week stay at the Woodcliff Lake Hilton in NJ the concierge floor (which I was on) was overrun on Saturday with the entire NY Giants Football team. It seems the team spends the night before home games at the hotel. Nothing too wild going on but I did witness a few games of catch in the parking lot!

Don King at the gate in ORD
Chris Everett (former tennis player) on a flight EWR/FLL in F class.

LAX President's Club: The famous, one and only Gordon Beautane (SP?) of Continental fame, who walked into the bar on a Sunday morning, shook everyone's hand and said "Hi I'm Gordon, thank you for visiting the club."

The staff was stunned. he flew in and flew out.

Outside he was mobbed by several women who wanted to take his picture with him. I am guessing they were Continental employees.
I snapped his pix from a distance and approached and thanked him for posing. He shook my hand and said "thanks for Flying Continental."

I was on United that day! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

But a nice guy that Gordon. He should coem to a Flyers do sometime.

Sean Connery. YYZ -> LGA. Summer 2000. Me in 3D, 007 in 3F. Whisky and Soda stirred not shaken. Talked about Soccer

The Gordon Bethune story (good one!) reminds me of a sort-of run in I had with his family on a flight from IAH-SAN several months ago.

I was seated in F, and a little girl was next to me (no older than 6 yrs or so). Across the aisle was presumably her mother, and little brother (even younger.) The children were remarkably well behaved, and the girl struck up a conversation with me, telling me how her "grandpa owns the airplanes". I must have looked a little confused, because she told me that he "owns the airline". I thought perhaps it was her imagination, or she was telling stories, as kids do, but they all seemed used to flying in F, and the FAs were fawning all over the three of them.

They kids even went up to the cockpit for a visit with the pilots (while we were still waiting to board the plane entirely.)

So I guess I am 2 degrees away from Mr. Bethune? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

John Walsh from America's Most Wanted. A man I thought was him was making a dash through the OAK terminal toward Baggage Claim I didn't get a good look at him because we were both walking in opposite directions, and he was "speeding". He had that look like "don't stop to ask me for an autograph because my flight is late and I don't have alot of time" (can't blame him either). Everytime I see him on TV, I think of his son Adam who was kidnapped and murdered back in July 1981, and how much of a positive impact he made on getting so many criminals where they need to be. Adam certainly isn't forgotten about over here.

I forgot, I also saw someone who looked identical to David Benoit (he did the newest version of Linus & Lucy) in F class on a flight between SJC & RDU. He was just kickin' back relaxing, so I didn't bother him to see if it really was him.

Erik.

[This message has been edited by Planenut (edited 07-23-2001).]

Hi Folks

The Gordon Bethune thread is interesting; he is a fellow watch collector & I run into him at conventions several times a year, I never even think of him as having anything to do with flying, he is just another collector to me.

On the other hand, I was flying from Kansas City to MCO about 6 or 7 years ago and was in the left hand seat of the centre block of the first row in First Class. I just made the flight & out of breath dropped into my seat next to some older guy, who looked kind of displeased when I sat down. Then one of the FAs almost burst out crying when he handed her his hat to store. Then when the flight took off, all these people came up and asked for his autograph; including a small girl who offered him a book about ballet dancing to sign. I didn't get it & I turned to him & said, "You don't look like a ballet dancer" and he burst out laughing; it turned out he was a coach for some US football team, I think his name was Landry or something.

Good Luck
James

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London UK.
AA EXP
Hilton HH Gold

Today, Michael Stipe of REM fame, on the LAX-ATL red-eye.

Flying FC, of course. A FA gave me the heads up, so I stuck my head through the curtain for a view when everyone was sleeping!

Celebrites I have seen while travelling.

1) George Clinton ( of Parliment Funakdelic) on FC on a MSP-MDW flight, in FC.

2) Susan Hawk (that hideous annoying runner-up in Survior I- you know the truck driver- "The Snake Eats the Rat" speech. She was across the aisle from on a DET-MSP flight in FC, shortly after the show ended and towards the end of her 15 minutes. She was loud and obnoxious.

3) Former US Senator Rod Grams. MSP to DCA- in December on last year to clean out his office. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

4) About 15 years ago when athletes flew with the rest of us, I saw the entire Portland Trailblazer team, including Drexler, etc. in LAX. They stopped to sign autographs and were very nice and pleasant to everyone. They were hard to miss.

5) Not on an airplane, but twice in the past year in hotels I have run into Carl Everett, the Red Sox' mercurial center fielder who doesn't believe in dinosaurs. I'm a huge Red Sox fan, but neither time I bothered him- partially because I'm terrified http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. He has a bit of a reputation of having a little temper. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Once was in the Westin Mich Ave. last summer on a Sunday morning. The other time was in April in an elevator in the Boston Sheraton about 2 hours after a game.

5) Walter Mondale waiting with me for a car in the Ritz Carlton St. Louis.

6) In high school I rode in a hotel elevator with Troy Aikman. This one is the only time I have actually interacted with a Celeb. The long and bizarre story follows:

In Fall 1991 I was a High School senior. Myself and some friends were at some student conference in LA, at one of the LAX hotels. The primary unstated purpose of the weekend away was that you got to spend the weekend in a hotel full of girls and all sorts of unsupervised hotel rooms. God bless whoever was the first person to suggest that high school students have co-ed "conferences" at hotels....

I digress...

We're checking into the hotel, when all of a sudden there is a big commotion. I had noticed that there were a bunch of yahoos hanging around the lobby. One of my friends pokes me in the shoulder and says "Hey, I think that's the Dallas Cowboys! I'm going to go grab some autographs." I declined, knowing that looking like a geeky autograph hound would seriously damage my chances of succeeding in the main goal of the weekend if anyone I cared about noticed. Besides, I like every other rational person, hated the Cowboys.

I got the keys to the room, and trudged with my bag across the lobby, towards a corridor towards the elevator, which as I recall, was a long way away. As I trapsed across, I saw a mass of people around a tall blonde guy. As I passed right by, I noticed it was Aikman, largely by the shrieks of "Troy, Troy" from the mass of "humanity" (if you can call Cowboys fans human). As I walked past the mass, I paid no attention, and as I passed, I heard someone say "Hey dude, hold up a second!" It was a voice I didn't recognize, so I stopped and turned around. I saw Troy AIkman walking quickly towards me. Strange. As he gets to me, he holds it his hand, and says softly "Do me a favor, and pretend you know me , and walk with me" I shake his hand, and play along, "Troy, how's it going? Good to see you." We engage in BS conversation and walk quickly towards the elevator, down this corrdior. Meanwhile, the mass of humanity subsides, and he says "Man, I'm sorry about that. I owe you one. I just had to get out of there. Thanks a lot." "No problem", I said.

Ever since then I have never approached a celebrity outside of an arena where it would be appropriate. There are two aspects to this.

First, they're just people like us.
Second, everyone deserves some peace and quiet and personal space. I can't constantly having my personal space violated all the time.

[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 07-23-2001).]

Sorry, but Kelly was the runner-up.

My short list is Deion Sanders in SDF as he was walking towards his flight on WN :eek:

JFK -- CDG -- GVA in mid 1993

Upgraded to first and had a fine flight and connection to GVA. When we exited customs was surprised by a mob of reporters. Turned around and hard on my heels was Robert Reich, who had made the trip in coach. At first I felt guilty (I was just a 20 something in first while the Sec of Labor is in Coach) but got over it by telling myself 1) he's 4'6" tall and econ seats are like first at that size; and 2) he's representing labor ... cant fly in first with a job like that.

jer

DL ATL-DCA Martin Sheen was on my flight, humorously enough, he was riding in the back, while I was in FC. Guess being president in Hollywood doesn't buy you that much!

Saw Richard Dreyfus, Helen Gurly Brown and David Brown in the Admirals Club Saturday (7/21) a.m., and then R.D. flew (FC) with us to LAX

[This message has been edited by certils (edited 07-23-2001).]