25 people reveal the nicest celebrities they've met in real life

Editor's note: This article was originally published on November 17, 2021. It has since been updated.

It's hard to know what a celebrity is really like when there aren't any cameras around. Stars usually tend to put forth only carefully scripted, edited, and photoshopped versions of themselves before their fans as their livelihood pretty much hinges on the public's perception of them. However, on rare occasions, some lucky folks get to meet the real person behind the Hollywood glitz and glamor in what almost always ends up being an unforgettable encounter—for better or worse. While some stars might turn out to be horrible human beings, the internet has a zillion stories about celebrities who've proved to be genuinely good and down-to-earth people in real life.

Several of these heartwarming stories came out on Reddit a few years ago when Reddit user Kdial2002 asked the r/AskReddit community this question: "Who is the nicest celebrity you have met?" Here are 25 of the top responses:

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"Danny Devito. I ended up at a hotel bar in Philly with this girl I was hanging out with and her friend. Turns out the cast of Always Sunny was filming the 10th(ish?) season and staying at the hotel and hanging out downstairs. So girl’s friend flags down Danny as he’s walking by and he ends up sitting with us for a solid 2 hours. Buys us a couple of rounds. And tries to invite the girl up to his hotel room. A weird turn but he also introduced us to Charlie Day so I’m calling it a win." — jellis1014

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"Having met Hugh Laurie in person, I can confidently state that he is one of the nicest and most humble celebrities out there. Not only is he completely happy to interact with his fans, but he also does so in a way that makes each and every one of them feel like they're a friend. He remembers names and personal details with amazing accuracy, and he makes each conversation seem like it's an extension of a treasured (and ongoing) dialogue. Add to that the fact that the man is outwardly hilarious, and you've got a recipe for a genuinely great guy." — RamsesThePigeon 

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"I didn't actually meet him, but Tracy Morgan bought my younger sister an iPhone many years ago. Hers broke, and his gf, now wife, at the time lost her phone at the Superbowl or something so that's why he was at the same Verizon store. The Verizon employee said my sister's damage wasn't covered under insurance and my mom couldn't afford to buy her a new phone, and my sister I guess clearly got emotional because Tracy Morgan, who had been talking to my mom for a bit before while they were waiting (my mom and sister had NO idea who he was until my dad came in and recognized him) bought the phone for her. My mom tried to say no but he said to just pay it forward." — leese216

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"Colin Firth. I saw him sitting in a cafe with his son. Extremely nice, I waited until they got up to leave before I went and asked if I could get an autograph for my mom (who’s a huge fan). He asked me a few questions about her and wrote a quite nice autograph, For her. He asked if I wanted one as well and I told him that meeting him was more than enough. I had told him where she worked and he went in the next day and made a point to stop and chat with her. Truly a class act." — ninjakaji

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"Nathan Fillion when I was working at a movie theater. Guy bought 6 large popcorns and a bunch of smart waters when I thought, 'man this guy is loaded.' He was wearing a hoodie and glasses so I couldn't quite tell at first. I eventually said, 'Hey you kinda look like this guy Nathan Fillion.'
He took off his glasses and said, 'I sure hope so.' I stood at attention and said, 'Captain.'
He replied, 'As you were, Browncoat.' Coolest moment ever." — BanyonNoble

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"Gene Wilder, but there’s a story behind this... I worked at a pharmacy in the '80s and was asked to deliver medicine to Gilda Radner (Gene's wife) during her cancer battle. After a long delay to make the delivery due to issues related to getting in touch with her doctor, I was finally given the prescription and drove up to their house to make the delivery. During my drive, I was excited at meeting one of the brightest comedy stars of the time...
When I arrived, I rang the doorbell and Gilda answered. I knew she was sick, but even I was surprised at her gaunt appearance - she did not look well at all. Immediately, I realized she was very angry because of the long delay in getting the medicine to her. Unfortunately, she let loose all that anger at me. I apologized many times (even though I had nothing to do with the delays). After she finished and I gave her the prescription, she closed the door on me. I was not upset at her, though - indeed, I was very sad - that this brilliant comedienne was sick and was going through such an absolutely awful ordeal... This was an awful situation and not at all as I had hoped my encounter would go.
As I turned around to walk away from the door, I went several steps before I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around and it was Gene, letting me know that his wife was very sick and he apologized many times for her behavior. He then gave me a nice tip for the delivery service and shared his gratitude for the weekend delivery and work by my pharmacy. I'll never forget the encounter and appreciate that I got to meet both of them, even for a brief time, under difficult circumstances..." — PedroGarvey

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"Anne Hathaway. We were backstage waiting for her cue to go on started chatting. She told me how she was such a klutz and we joked around a bit. Then, when she was called on stage she tripped hard going up the stairs and face planted, then turned around to me and we both started laughing. She’s a sweetheart and a genuinely nice person. I’m glad I got to meet her." — menicknick

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"John Barrowman (Captain Jack in 'Doctor Who' and 'Torchwood 'and also Malcom Merlin in 'Arrow') is so cool and gives amazing hugs." — allthatisman1

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