One of the great things about living in a city like New York is the wealth of culture that’s around you. You’ll also likely meet a celebrity or two along the way if you live or spend enough time here. In this post, I’ll cover my 10 most memorable celebrity encounters in the Big Apple and other places. Each of these meetings was a surprise to me and happened while I was performing mundane duties.
Here are the top 10 celebrity moments I’ll always remember, all happening during everyday tasks or work. These stand out from all the others. I’ll never forget these unexpected meetings. Next time you’re in New York City, keep an eye out–your favorite star might appear when you least expect it. Remember to be kind; they’re people too. And if you’re initially unsure of who they are, don’t worry–it’s happened to me too.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.
1. Harry Lorayne
Harry Lorayne was a renowned magician, memory-training specialist, and author. He is best known for his memory improvement techniques and books such as “The Memory Book” and “How to Develop a Super Power Memory.” I had the Good Fortune of meeting Harry Lorraine in March 1995. I lived in the Bronx at the time but commuted daily on my bicycle to Manhattan, where I was renting a post office box. The area was the West Village, and the post office was on 19th Street in Chelsea section of New York City. It’s a blur in my mind as to whether the legendary magician was in the line at the post office when I walked in or if I was already in line and he appeared, but I do recall the interesting conversation we had about improving one’s memory and he also mentioned how he was active in presenting his techniques to school children throughout the city. An interesting guy and I could not believe when I saw him. A chance encounter I’ll never forget.
2. “Jeopardy!” Champ
I won’t mention any names here as he may not wish his identity to be revealed. But all I will say is, the “Jeopardy!” champion is one of the most well-known participants of the show in the 1990s. In the summer of 2002, I worked for a copy company. As I was pushing my cart of boxes, I noticed a tour to a group in front of the Trinity Church Wall Street. I introduced myself, mentioning as well that I was a fervent “Jeopardy!” fan. The meeting was brief, perhaps 10 seconds or so, and apologized for not having more time to speak to me as he was giving a tour of the church to the group of people he was with. One of the most fascinating celebrity encounters I’ve had.
3. Jeff Innis
Jeff Innis is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played primarily for the New York Mets. He was known for his reliable performance as a middle reliever during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was a sidearm pitcher; I mention Jeff Innis in my article 16 of the Craziest Pitching Styles in Major League Baseball. In the spring of 1989, my dad and I watched the Yankees play the Mets in an exhibition game at Yankee Stadium. After the affair, I waited outside of Yankee Stadium for my favorite players to come out. One of them was Jeff Innis. Interestingly, and I would not know this until years later, he was the one who gave up Michael Jordan’s first professional hit in 1994. Sadly, Jeff passed away some years ago. What struck me about this meeting was just how nice he was. He signed my item and left a lasting impression about me to me about how the approachability and friendliness of many of these baseball players of many baseball players. Up until that point I’d already been a fan for 3 years, but by then I was enamored of the game.
4. John Franco
On April 5th, 1993, I got to see the first official Colorado Rockies game ever on Opening Day at Shea Stadium. After the game, I saw Joe Orsulak, Vince Coleman, and other players emerge from out of the stadium. Vince Coleman was one of my favorite players growing up, and I laugh every time I think of how quickly he sped out of the stadium in his car after about 30 of us fans rushed him. I don’t blame him for what he did, and we have to be understanding about some of these players and the fact that they just simply don’t have the time to accommodate everyone and also at times have to do with rudeness on occasion. After catching a glimpse of Vince Coleman speeding away, I suddenly saw John Franco appear seemingly out of nowhere. Franco was very nice to our group of about 10 kids and signed autographs. Truly an unforgettable experience meeting with the player I grew up watching and admiring.
5. Rick Wilkins
Rick Wilkins is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for several teams during his career, including the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. He had his best season in 1993 when he earned an All-Star selection and won the National League Rookie of the Year award while playing for the Cubs. In 1998, he was the batter for Pedro Martinez’s 1000th. The meeting was very brief, lasting perhaps a minute or so, but Rick has all of the celebrities here on my list, was quite friendly to me. I met him after the first game at Wrigley Field I’d ever attended. I was talking to him actually when Hall of Famer Billie Williams passed and greeted us.
6. Billie Williams
I visited Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, for the first time in May 1995, when I went to see the Cubs play the Colorado Rockies. What sticks out for me most about this game was singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame‘ with Harry Caray. I remember more of what happened after the game than the actual game itself. Outside of the stadium, perhaps enthused about my previous meetings with baseball players at Yankee Stadium, I waited for a possible surprise. To my delight, a number of players came out, but few stopped. One of these was Cubs Hall of Famer Billie Williams, an exceptional outfielder for the Chicago Cubs. Known for his smooth swing and consistent hitting, he played with the Cubs for 16 seasons from 1959 to 1974. Williams was a six-time All-Star and won the National League batting title in 1972. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987. I didn’t shake Williams’ hand, nor did I speak to him, but I consider this as a meeting as he was only yards away from us and said hi.
7. Paul McCartney
Everyone knows about the great Paul McCartney. The British musician, singer, and songwriter who gained worldwide fame as a member of the Beatles. After the Beatles disbanded, McCartney continued his successful music career as a solo artist and with the band Wings, earning numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music. One day in July or August 2002 in Manhattan I was on my way to a company to deliver a job when the traffic light turned red. I was with a colleague of mine and suddenly appeared a famous person. I couldn’t believe it, as I knew I’d see him on TV before but couldn’t quite say the right name. Instead I exclaimed, “John Lennon!”, to which Paul McCartney replied, “No, that’s the other guy!” I shook hands with the iconic entertainer at that corner of the street and he just went on walking as if nothing. Others who noticed McCartney as he was walking beam and smiled, not believing as well that the celebrity was only feet away from them.
8. Rick Aguilera
Rick Aguilera is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career, including the New York Mets and Minnesota Twins. He was known for his versatility as a pitcher, excelling in both starting and relief roles, and played a key role in the Twins’ World Series championship in 1991. In June 1987, I went to my first-ever Mets game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was a double header. The tickets have been a gift from my friend’s dad. We were lucky to view the game from the Diamond Suite at Shea Stadium. Sometime during the first game, Rick Aguilera appeared in our sweet. We took several pictures, which I still have to this day. Such a great guy and I always treasure my meeting with one of the Mets most likable players.
9. Gary Carter
Gary Carter, nicknamed “The Kid,” was a Hall of Fame catcher who had a distinguished career in Major League Baseball. He played primarily for the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, earning numerous All-Star selections and winning a World Series Championship with the Mets in 1986. Unbelievably, after that game in 1989 against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, I saw Gary Carter in his car with his family. I cannot believe that he actually took the time to slow his car down as I followed him from the parking lot to through an entire city block. As Gary’s kids waved at me, I could not believe that that was actually happening. Here was someone who might admired very much for his performances as a met but also his kindness, which was apparent to anyone who met Gary Carter.
10. Paul Newman
An iconic American actor, film director, and philanthropist known for his legendary film career and striking blue eyes, Paul Newman was one of my favorite entertainers. He was also highly respected for his charitable work, particularly with his Newman’s own food company. In July or August 2002, I was in New York City’s Theater District delivering a job for the copy company where I worked, when suddenly I noticed a man who might have seen on TV accompanied by two older women. Perhaps shocked by my surreptitious encounter, I couldn’t recall Paul’s name in my mind’s eye. All I saw was the face. Anyway, I went up to him and screamed to Paul newman. I’ll never forget how his face flushed. I believe I may have either embarrassed or slightly upset him with my scream. Of course, it was a different world than. I think it was easier to meet celebrities by chance. Not that it can happen today, just that it was more common then. Anyway, he was very friendly and shook my hand before continuing his walk with his companions. Even today, I feel bad about not having been a bit more delicate in my approach.