10 Things NOT To Do When Meeting Famous People. Don’t make the same mistakes that I did.
10 Things NOT To Do When Meeting Famous People
I feel like I am dreaming. 4 glorious Disney days. Over 25 celebrity interviews. And I was asking the questions. I would have never in a million years thought I would be a media spokesperson. And this is coming from a girl that maybe has met a handful of celebrities in my entire life….and maybe only a couple of autographs. I’m an introvert, a total klutz, and a novice.
So as a tribute to my self-deprecation I endured on my first ever Disney press trip, I bring to you, 10 things NOT to do when meeting famous people. Enjoy your laugh!
1. Open Mouth Gaping Stare
This happened probably a dozen times during the trip. Chris Pratt fanning his shirt during the interview. Manish Dayal looking way cuter in person. Vin Diesel saying that he loved my shirt (and yes, this was followed by me looking over my shoulder). Tori and Jennie talking about 90210. I was completely star struck and definitely had to physically close my mouth at times.
2. Catch the Drool
See #1. Open mouth is almost always followed by slobber coming from my mouth. I blame my saliva glands. Let’s hope no blogger took an incriminating picture of me for blackmail later.
3. The Question Stammer
One of the expectations we had during the trip was to actually ask intelligent questions. This requires research (like hours) as I watched tons of shows, read previous interviews and even had to check the gossip. Even having my questions written down on paper, nothing could prepare me for the nerves.
As I went into Porky Pig mode as I read the famous Dr. Seuss “Oh Say Can You Say” tongue twister book, while sweating profusely…..my nerves definitely got to me as I attempted to ask those intelligent questions. My vision would cloud as I would read my questions…then my mind would go blank.
4. The Silent Head Nod
After the celebrity uses hieroglyphics to interpret my question, the answer follows. What I didn’t expect is that the celebrity would actually LOOK at me during the answer. I must have been such a dupe thinking that they would pan their head around the room avoiding the question asker. So as any novice at a media event would do…I went into silent head nod mode as I processed their answer and my future marriage to them.
5. Leaning in Too Close
It’s funny how everyone kind of leans in together when a celebrity comes in the room. Like the gravitational pull of the universe shifts when an actor begins to speak. At times only an arm’s length away from a lead in big time Disney movie, I found myself leaning (ok, so it was more like laying) across the table to hear them speak.
6. “I Loved You in {Insert Wrong Movie}”
Scribbled underneath my notes were things I needed to remember, like what these celebrities were in. I had to keep repeating a mantra to not do something completely dumb like calling them the wrong name…or inserting the wrong movie. I’d probably turn beet red!
7. Clothes-lining for a Picture
Ok, so this didn’t actually happen. But there may have been a squeeze-in or two to get closer for our blogger group pics for sure. If I was lucky enough to get that close, then this would be immediately followed by…
8. The “Extra” Happy Face
You know that face. You meet a celebrity of your dreams and you go into super happy mode. But what you don’t realize is how goofy look during pictures. And yes, there were a few during this trip. It came down to giving myself a pep talk to be stoic during the pictures (even with Zoe Saldana being right behind me).
9. The Cold and Clammy Handshake
To all of the celebrities that shook my hand….I’m so sorry. It must have felt like shaking hands with the creature from the deep. Cold, slimy and shaky
10. The Off-Centered Selfie
There were times when celebrities were willing and wanting to take selfies with us. Trying to calm my shaky/seizure arm proved to be a difficult challenge. So if you see any really nice cropped pictures….well, thanks PicMonkey.
Please note, this is a very exaggerated post of what I definitely FELT like I did during this trip and was meant as a humorous look into my life.
To say that I had an amazing experience on this trip…it will probably be up there with one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had in my professional blogging life. I am so blessed and fortunate to even be asked. While I certainly hope that this is not the last, I truly learned so much about celebrities, making movie and TV magic, and myself. Celebrities really are just people. Bloggers really are just star struck people. And bringing bloggers and celebrities together can be so empowering!
Interviews, experiences and more from my #GuardiansoftheGalaxyEvent #100FootJourneyEvent and #ABCFamilyEvent coming soon. Thanks, Disney!
Have you done anything funny when meeting famous people?
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Terry says
I have a feeling, I will never meet a celebrity so I am safe. I would be the one with the mouth hanging open though.
Felicia says
I haven’t met one yet that’s made me giddy. I’m trying to think of who that might be. Maybe a singer?
aimee fauci says
We ran into a radio host once and my husband talked to him like he was a normal guy and I just stared and was mesmerized. It’s funny when you see them outside of that radio box!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
Hilarious post. My husband is casting director, and he’s coming in contact with famous people all the time. I get really excited when I hear about it, but he totally keeps his cool.
melinda says
i’m not usually starstruck. I don’t know who I’d be gaga over if I met them
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
The most famous person I have ever met is Greg Brady LOL, so I definitely did not do any of those.
Lori says
I am happy for you that you had a great time & experience. I’ve been on trips with Disney and it really is an amazing time.
Robin blommi.com says
This is hilarious! I am so glad you had a good time!
Kay Adeola says
I have met quite a few famous people well from our TV over here,one time I totally did not recognize this guy that was in one of the shows I loved,We were in the supermarket and waiting for the checkout (He was in front)He turned around and asked if My Hubs and I would like to go in front of him, I said no then realized who it was but to be honest with you I was more shocked at how nice he was we must of stood there talking for a good 15mins lol.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
Lol #6 is the worst! And sometimes you just can’t help the EXTRA happy face during pictures. (I love your blue heading font! Do you know the name of it?)
Chrysal @ YUM eating says
My husband was in a band for a lonnnnnng time and opened for some big name groups. They were always so nice and would hang out with us afterwards. When it came time for me to meet my favorite band (and this was before that bad became as big as they were now) I chickened out because I was so afraid I was going to say something stupid I would rather say nothing at all and continue to admire from afar. When I went to comicon a few years ago, media badge in hand, I was more nervous about meeting non known comic drawers than I was talking to the famous people.
Jaime says
I’ve met several and interviewed more over the phone. I’ve definitely said some ridiculous things (because that’s me. Real Life.) I try to realize that these people are just like us – with super cool jobs. 🙂 (That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t totally freak out inside.)
Dawn says
What a cool trip! I love these tips. The next time I meet a celebrity, I’ll make sure to keep my hands warm and sweat-free, loose the stammer, control the drool, and make sure I don’t reference the wrong movie! =D
Shell says
I would have had the biggest smile on my face, meeting Vin! What an awesome experience!
Pam says
I know several celebs I would go totally open-mouth, drooling over if I met! Luckily I have kept my cool with every celeb sighting I have had so far!
Kathy says
I’ve been on 4 Disney press trips and it is still nerve wracking and I still get a little scared doing interviews. I followed along and it looks like you did just fine! The event looked amazing!
Carly Anderson says
I haven’t gotten the chance to meet anyone famous, except for Dale Earnhardt when I was about 5 or 6 (I have his signature, too!). But I don’t remember how I acted.
Candy O. says
Sounds like an amazing trip!! Loved seeing the pictures on Facebook. They are just people right? Incredibly beautiful people .. (Clearly I’ve never been on a press trip! LOL)
Theresa says
Living in boring old Indiana, I have never had the opportunity to meet a celebrity. It does sound like you had an amazing time on your press tour though!
Liz Mays says
I’ve met some famous people at press events like you were at. It was so scary at first, but after the first few times, it’s easier. It’s always a thrill though.