As a flight attendant, I’ve had my share of celebrity passengers. To drop a few names, I’ve made small talk with legendary Robert Redford, served beverages to actors Scott Wolf, Wilford Brimley, passed by snoozing musician Peter Cetera, and loaned comedian Louie Anderson a pen to write up a comic piece. And basketball Hall-of-Famer Jimmer Fredette definitely gave me a fist bump on a flight too!
Mind you, I’m not “famous people worshipper.” Meeting these folks only solidified my belief that people are just people – no matter how recognizable their name or face may be. It is interesting, though, to see what characters are like in real life.
In honor of Groundhog Day today, let me tell you how actress Andie MacDowell surprised me!
She walked on the plane, the image of beauty with the Los Angeles sun highlighting her dark bouncy curls. I was stunned. She is a striking woman, just as beautiful as her on-screen role in classic namesake film “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray. If you haven't seen it (repent today!), she plays a sweet and gentle news producer, the girl who Bill Murray can't help but fall for despite his pretentious, pompous beginnings.
The Andie MacDowell on my plane had some Southern belle sass. She has a slight drawl, and knows how to command attention. She made friends with other First Class passengers, and when the captain announced we'd be about 15 minutes late, she rallied them up in protest! She had a tight connection and told me she was desperate to get on her next flight to go see her college-age son.
At one point, she asked for decaf coffee. I put it on brew in the galley, and went back to check on the main cabin. When I returned a couple minutes later, imagine my surprise to find Andie in the galley, pouring herself decaf coffee into a cup she'd found - quite the fiery, forward gal! We had our own little chat about the films she's been in, and couldn't help but like her spunk.
When we landed, she raced off to her next flight, snatching her black carry-on bag. A few minutes later, another passenger approached me and said his bag was missing. Andie's bag and his were almost identical. Since I knew she had such a tight connection and he wanted his bag back too, I decided to go the literal extra mile and sprinted with his bag to make the exchange. Heart pounding as a raced through the airport, I barely made it to her next plane. Bag switch fixed!
Have you met any well-known folks at the airport or on a plane? Tell, tell.
I love your story at the end Crystalee. What an example of amazing customer service! I hope I'd be just as awesome if I was in the same position... My brushes with fame are far less exciting and very sparse. I did however meet my childhood icon Helen Reddy after a concert. Unfortunatley I dont think my 10-year old self could express what a fan I was-- having all her songs memorized and dance moves to match. She probably thought my mom put me up to getting her autograph :\! But then I also just saw Kellie Pickler at CES, she is stunning in person too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Katie!
ReplyDeleteWe just finished watching Groundhog Day. Love that movie!
ReplyDeleteRob took me to my first concert when I was 17. Tim McGraw. All access passes allowed us to watch the majority of the show from side stage. I was a new country fan at the time and lived for Faith Hill. She came back stage from behind the set where their tour bus was to hear her man croon "My Best Friend". She looked over and said, "Hi there" with a wave and as I took a step backward, I tripped over a road box and fell flat on my butt. I was so embarrassed. Got over it though and now I laugh that I never got to say Hi back ;)
ReplyDeleteNice, Kryssie! Starstruck memories - good story! Oh yeah, and I bet your little girl loved her mani/pedi the other day. You post such cute pictures :)
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