I’ve been meaning to jot down my celebrity sightings for a while now. I love to see celebrities. I love to see how tall they are, I love to guess their size and weight, I love to see what they’re wearing and who they’re with, I love to compare how they look in real life compared to on screen, and I love to pretend that seeing them aint no thang and go on with my day (confession: it is a thang).
I have worked in salons for so long now, and with access to every celeb gossip magazine there is, I know way too much about them and their relationships and their children and their careers and their workout routines. So, in no particular order, here are the celebrities that I’ve seen (that I can remember).
Beyonce-At a private fashion party for Rocawear (also seen performing Live)
Jay Z-At a fashion party for Rocawear (also seen performing Live)
Mary J Blige, Rihanna, P Diddy and John Mayer-Jay Z 9/11 benefit concert.
Lorieann Gibson (famous hip hop choreographer)-Rocawear party
Mia Rudolf-walking around SoHo with her boyfriend and daughter.
Michael C. Hall-Khiel’s party on the Lower East Side.
Rob Thomas-Blythedale Christmas Concert
Jennifer Aniston-Walking with her bodyguard to her movie set for “the switch”. (it filmed by my work for a few weeks)
Jennifer Espozito- Filming Blue Blood on Broadway
Will Farrel-Walking with his wife on W. Houston (pronounced “How-stun”)
Rachel Ray-Getting her hair done at the salon I used to work at.
Cynthia Nixon-Waiting for the bus on Broadway. (she lives in one of my clients old apartment)
Martha Plimpton-Getting her hair done at my old Salon.
Lou Reed-Mermaid Parade 2010, he was King Neptune.
Harvey Keitel-King Neptune 2009 at Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
David Johansen from the New York Dolls-Getting his hair cut.
Keifer Sutherland-Eating dinner at Ye Waverly Inn
Hoda Kotb-Comes into my salon sometimes.
Denise Richards-Coming out of a runway show in Chelsea during Fashion Week.
Caroline Rhea-At my salon (I do her hair sometimes)
Kelly Rippa-Central Park for the High Heelathon I ran in 2008
Regis Philbin-Central Park for the High Heelathon
Cameron Matheson-Central Park
Patricia Clarkson-Barnes and Noble doing a book reading.
Anthony Michael Hall-I met him when I cut his hair. Hooray.
Joy Behar-She comes into my salon..sometimes I do her hair too!
Alexa Chung-The launch party for her line at Madewell in SoHo.
Jake Gyllenhaal-Out for a jog in Brooklyn
Ryan Gosling-At Starbucks in SoHo
Ethan Hawk-Columbus Circle
Annalyn McCord-Shops at Columbus Circle
Leighton Meester-Doing a number with Weezer at their Halloween show
Weezer!-And I personally met Brian Bell at the private concert I won tickets to last year.
Katy Perry-Kept walking by me and Jake at Jay Z’s 9/11 benefit concert. She was with some guy on a date but met Russel Brand two days later at the VMAs.
Dina Lohan-Shared an elevator ride with her on 5th Ave.
Anna Ortiz (from Ugly Betty)-At a road runners’ race in Central Park. She held the finish line tape.
Martha Stewart-I went to her show.
Ray Liota-Guest on Martha Stewart’s show.
Christina Aguilera-Performing on GMA at Bryant Park.
SNL cast: Kristin Wiig, Will Forte, Fred Armisen, Kenan Thompson, Seth Meyers, Bill Hader-SNL rehearsal.
Justin Timberlake-On a red carpet for an award show.
Cher-Las Vegas
Tyson Beckford-Gallery Opening in SoHo
MCA from the Beastie Boys-Riding his skateboard in our neighborhood. (I’ve also seen them in concert twice)
Kanye West-Walking down Mercer on Fashion Night Out.
Pherell Williams-Walking down Mercer
Edie Falco-Jogging up the West Side Highway path
Mario Lopez-Filming Extra at Rockefeller Center
Russel Simmons-Gallery Opening in SoHo
Isaiah Mustafa (Old Spice commercials)-Met him at a Comedy Central job I did
Jorma from the Lonely Island-6th Ave in the West Village
David Cross (Arrested Development)-Lower East Side
Bruce Willis-Midtown East
Lady Gaga-OK, Ok, Ok..I know that this one might be kind of disputable, but I have complete confidence it was her. A few years ago, JUST before she got really famous, Jake and I were walking around the Upper West Side on our anniversary. We had gotten massages and a Crumbs cupcake. I saw this girl walking around in an outfit that was really cool, but pretty extreme for the UWS. She was walking her dog and smoking, and I got a really good look at her because Jake and I were just kind of standing outside figuring out our next romantic move. A year or two later, I was reading up on Gaga, and I saw a picture of her dog, and I remembered that day! Then I remembered that one of my clients grew up with her in that neighborhood, and another one of them is really good friends with gaga’s parents. So I know where they live…..on that street! So, I know it was her. It was and I’m willing to fight for it. Jake still says no, but I say YES! Take that!
*i have a feeling i’m missing a few, so i’ll update when i remember and see more! i copied my friend rae’s idea on naming where i saw each one! also, i didn’t name all of the concerts i’ve been to, just the ones where i sat close enough to get a really good look.
so heres how i feel about some of them:
j.aniston – i’d be like “hey girl! lets go to cafe perk and be bffs!”
jake gyllenhall- can i kiss you on the lips?
ryan gosling- can i be in the notebook sequel with u but we’ll be young again?
and beyonce- teach me the ‘single ladies’ dance?
thats how i feel.
and u make me want to move to nyc even mooore.
My celeb list is quite stunning also….
Harry Belafonte (Cesars Palace casino)
Richard Simmons (a taping of the Tonight Show)
Tammy Faye Baker (a Marshall’s in NC)
Jeal???
umm. you have seen 3 of my 4 celebrity man crushes. ethan hawke, j.gyl, and ryan gosling! drool, drool, drool.
my number 4 is mark wahlberg. i used to dispute this crush because i’m way more into skinny nerds than macho-men, but mr.a insisted and i finally succumbed. i DO love mark wahlberg. it’s true. but mostly just cause he’s a freaking bad ass. (remember that one movie that he was like, a retired sniper or something? maybe it was even called “sniper”. so freaking bad ass.) and he has like a million kids with his hot wife! that’s hot.
officially jeal.
Your list totally puts mine to shame, and also reminds me of a few I need to add to my list.
Jennifer Aniston? How did she look? Details please. I think she is gorg.
Love that you remind everyone how Houston is spelled. Confession: I’ve lived her so long (not like it’s THAT long) that sometimes when I read the word Houston (as in Texas) in my head I automatically pronounce it Houston (as in the street) and I’m totally okay with that.
How was Rachael Ray? Nice? I need the deets!
SO jeal over Keifer. He is my LOVE! Same with Bruce Willis.
And I totally believe you about Gaga. Remember how we’re going to see her in less than two months? EEEEeeeeek!!
PS Thanks for the shout out. I feel cool.
I have seen a few in my time and always assume that if they knew me, they’d want to be my best friend. You know, the typical stalker quality. However, whenever I see them I turn into a Liz Lemon level of awkwardness, and snort or drop my phone.
Some of my funniest sightings: Neil Patrick Harris (During his Doogie Days) at Zuma Beach, just hangin. Then I saw Tommy Hilfiger at University Mall in Provo, UT. I see “Bob” Redford often at his resort at Sundance and try to bump into him or look down shyly (hoping to look coy). If you are in Provo though, chances are you’ve seen him at least once. No biggie. I am always surprised he doesn’t recognize me. I have seen Gwen Stefani a few times. I get all sweaty. Oh, and I saw LL Cool J at the airport in NYC once and actually had the nerve to say to him, “Goin back to Cali?”
Loved this post. Actually, i love all your posts. I’ve already said this, you’re my favorite “blogebrity.”
I think we’d be best friends if you knew me… See the Liz Lemon just manifested itself again.
Very cool! Seeing your list you realize how many celebs either call NY their home or make frequent visits to that great city! When I live in NY and frequently traveled for business I saw a few famous folks…On a plane with Michael Bolton (actually Michael and I were the last two to get our bags…who knew they checked their bags! LOL!) and Diana Ross (yes, she has big hair and is a tiny person), and once watched Liza Minnelli walk through the airport. Why did I notice her? She was the only one who would be allowed to walk a dog, on a leash, through the airport. I was on the phone with a friend and commented, “hey, there goes Liza…” Fun stuff!
So I’m bringing my soon to be 10 yrd old daughter to NYC this spring as a birthday present to her. Where’s the best place to see celebs??
One of the best places to see celebs is Union Square — a lot of them shop at the Whole Foods there.
I think I sat next to Scarlett Johansen at a scummy bar in alphabet city a few years ago. She was much tinier than I imagined.
well, since everyone ELSE is bragging about their celeb sightings…
-once i was 5 ft. away from mel gibson. that used to be something to brag about…
-once i stayed in the same hotel as the hot boy from my girl 2. not mccauley. (cause he died in my girl 1, remember?)
-lots of political celebs come to the iowa state fair. last election i was right by john mccain. he is super short.
-tom arnold is from iowa & i saw him at the state fair.
-once i was 3rd row at a dave matthews concert and neil young came out as a surprise guest. i think i peed.
my best friend goes to coachella every year. apparently it’s a celebrity cluster—-. i want to go to there.
Burl Ives – 1984. I was 10. He was 110. I think.
I know you are all drooling over that one…
Colin Firth – walked passed me on the streets of Vancouver. He is very tall and as handsome as he seems onscreen. I think I frightened him tho with my “OMG IT’S COLIN FIRTH!!”
We just got back from NYC two weeks ago and I was hoping to see a celebrity but nothing. I did see paparazzi running, wondering who they were chasing.
the only celebrity sighting I’ve had is Stephen Baldwin at the NY State Fair, he helped run the breast cancer Susan G. Koman booth but that was the only year I saw him, he hasn’t been spotted since. I even took a picture of him. dork.
I live in LA and act like seeing celebs ain’t no thang… but you’re right- it totally is!
I always wish I could be a tourist and stop and ask for a picture. I’ve seen Halle Berry, Orlando Bloom, Miranda Kerr, Amber Valetta, Tom Selleck, Sheryl Crow (so tiny), Benji Madden, Sophie Monk, Mandy Moore, Dwight Yoakham, and a few others. I get all giddy but act like it’s no biggie.
Oh yeah… I also saw Natalie Portman in London when she still had a shaved head and darn it- she was still gorgeous!
the only celebrity i saw while visiting NYC (many moons ago) was Rosie O’Donnell. She was in Grease, on Broadway I think, and was signing autographs outside the theatre. She wasn’t very friendly about it.
love your list!
To me celebrities are like cartoon characters, you see them on tv and someone made them up and they don’t exist in real life. Maybe someday I’ll be walking down the street and see a cartoon character, or a celebrity, who knows.
I just saw Stanley Tucci a few days ago. I pulled up to some gas pumps and the car in front of me was the EXACT car I want to buy this spring to replace my current car. Even the color was my first choice. So I walked up to the guy pumping gas and started talking about the car. He was all bundled up in a big, puffy coat and a knitted hat all pulled down and he was really nice. He let me sit in the driver’s seat and ooh and aah over the car. His kids were in the car and I said ‘Hello’ to them, and then I went back to fuel up my own car. When he was getting in the car to pull away, he took off the coat and the hat and put them in the passenger seat and then turned around and said, “Goodbye! Hope you like your new car!” and I finally realized who he was. And then I died right there of embarrassment and my belief that I’m the biggest goofball of them all was confirmed.
Hi, So I am a stranger who just wanted to say Hi so I dont feel like a peeping tom LOL! So I think you are awesome and that you would really be fun to hang out with especially now that I know how cool you are lol! meaning that you have seen all these cool Celbs
that does make you cool right? So I also want to tell you that I love your lil Pip! She is so dang stinking cute! I love your blog and it is very obvious that you are a amazing person and Mom. Oh and I think you are cool. Did I already say that? So I live in Utah. Cool huh! I know you want to be my friend now lol! I am in a crazy mood so sorry if I come off as a silly and strange stranger! So I just thought I would tell you that I think you are so beautiful and stylish! And now that I know you are also cool I think we should def be friends! So stop by and say hi! If you want 
I wish you a Happy New year too! I wish I could come to NY to hang with you and Pip and all your celbs! Take care! Kelsi
Hey so I mis spelled my last name on my blog! I rock! lol! So my real blog is itasmatterofackley.blogspot.com If you want to say Hi! Smile! Heart, Kelsi
I grew up literally on the beach in Southern Californa, right on the beach next door to Will Rogers Beach and Zuma, Hollywood is everywhere there, but it was still fun to catch a look at one of the stars.
My oldest son is a film editor and has done a handful of films with Johnny Depp, but he refuses to let me show up, on set,so I can “see” him. It’s not like I would talk to the man, I just want to see my crush, which has been my crush since forever.
I so love your blog and family, and I look forward to seeing all your antics in the new year.
–Mari
My daughter once met (and stroked the fur of) The Famous Chicken.
True story.
We were driving through Hollywood on our way home from a museum in LA and my 12 yr old daughter and her BFF begged us to stop so they could see all the movie stars. Haha! I got out with them for a little bit so they could take pictures but they were shocked to find NO famous people out walking around on Hollywood Blvd. Hilar!
Did you run the High Heel a Thon this year too? If so, I think I saw you on this morning’s Regis and Kelly 2010 recap!!! If you didn’t run it this year, then someone who looks JUST LIKE YOU did! A doppleganger!
I came on here to say that I think I saw you on Regis and Kelly this morning…and apparently another commenter saw it too!! I paused it and yelled at my husband “That’s Reagan!” He had no idea what I was talking about
Now you need to tell us if they were as tall or short as you thought they’d be. Were they as good looking? Were the ones you talked to nice? etc.
My list:
Kevin Bacon (mini golfing in Utah)
Matt Damon (in Boise and definitely as good looking as the movies)
Whenever I go to New York I look for famous folks. One year I didn’t see anyone until my friends and I were driving out of Manhattan. I saw Samuel Jackson with his arms around two women and I yelled, “There’s Samuel Jackson — LOOK!” My friend said, “That is the Wax Museum.” Duh. I felt so dumb. I grew up in LA so I have a pretty good list of brushes with fame.
I haven’t seen anyone famous! Well the most famous is John Stockton but that is lame.