20 Of The Most Disappointing Celebrity Encounters, Shared By The Online Community

It is said that you should never meet your heroes. And, while many may disagree, like with most adages, there is always some grain of truth at the heart of it. Many of us may spend years looking up to our idols, viewing them as role models, and seeking inspiration or motivation from them. However, the heartbreaking reality is that many are just as human as everyone else. They can also make mistakes and have poor behaviors. This is especially true in the entertainment industry, where the pressure to maintain a certain image can be overwhelming. The most disappointing encounters with celebrities can shatter the illusions we have built up over years of fandom, leaving us feeling disillusioned and let down. These Most Disappointing Celebrity Encounters might be unexpected.
They have bad days just like us, but occasionally they are simply too harsh to their fans, which can ruin their image. What’s more, due to their popularity and many orbits from various media sources, one mistake can damage their reputation. The Most Disappointing Encounters With Celebrities might be found here.
If you're a fan of a celebrity, it's natural to want to approach them and express your admiration. However, some celebrity interactions can be disappointing, leaving fans feeling unsatisfied or even hurt. In fact, some average people have shared their worst encounters with celebrities, ranging from rude behavior to the most heart-wrenching encounters. These stories may make you think twice before approaching your favorite star. Read on for some of the most disappointing encounters with celebrities.

#1 Joaquin Phoenix

Source: CBBuddha

Joaquin Phoenix and the drummer from the Raconteurs once came into the bar I was hanging out at. (This was posted crazy beard phase) He wasn't acting weird or anything but a bunch of girls I guess he knew came in and they were all mingling. Having a good time. I thought it would be fun to buy him (Joaquin) a round of whatever he was drinking. The bartender served it to him, turned around, and pointed to me, and Joaquin looked dumbfounded. Like totally flattered. He bowed and mouthed "Thank you so much!"
I felt kinda dumb for doing it. Later on, I found out (from the bartender) that he was acting like a madman. Not a total douche but just kinda wild. Irritating folks. Walking in front of cars in the street and being loud.
When I asked for my tab (which had been pretty hefty) the bartender told me that he had picked up my bill. And all my friends' bills as well.
So. Crazy weirdo or not. I'll always remember that kindness. As sad as it was to see him drunkenly irritating the F out of people.
F*cking Joaquin Phoenix bought my tab.

#2 Peter Mayhew

Source: Gred-and-Forge,flickr

Organized a good-sized comic con, so I've worked with quite a few. But the saddest was really subtle:
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), was in the green room for lunch on the 2nd day. He looks very tired and is almost totally wheelchair-bound because of his terrible joint problems. I'm sitting across from him while we eat and his assistant asks if his hand is feeling alright to sign more autographs (terrible arthritis).He closes his eyes and nods his head and whispers "how much longer will this go today?" To which his assistant delicately replies "just 5 more hours."
And he whimpers a little and sheds a few tears as they wheel him away from the table and back out to the fans.The saddest part is that he's the nicest guy and never denies a fan while he's at the con and always smiles even though he's in loads of physical pain.

#3 Muhammad Ali

Source: GretSeat,wikimedia

Been waiting for a moment to tell you this one. When I worked at a restaurant in Florida a few years ago Muhammad Ali and his family came in to eat. Me being a fanboy and knowing who Ali was kept staring from a distance, and eventually ran next door to Books A Million to buy his biography "King of the World" and have him sign it.As he was leaving I stood and held the door open for them.His wife was helping him out of the door. He was looking at the ground. No speaking. Slow walking. Shaking from the Parkinson's.He got to the car and his wife was helping him in. I asked her if I could meet him and have him take a photo and an autograph.She was delighted and said sure! "Cassius, this young man would like to meet you," she said. I held out my hand and shook the hand of the greatest Boxer to ever live. The hand that knocked out Fraiser. That mighty right hook.I immediately started crying. (And tearing up right now). She said, "don't cry, it's okay!" I had to explain that it was surreal to meet the famous "Ali".She handed him the book and the sharpie and said "Cassius he wants your autograph" she opened the book for him and put the pen in his hand. He took at least (no joke) 2 full minutes to sign his name. And it was at that point that it killed me. This was Cassius Clay. Muhammad Ali. The most charismatic, float like a butterfly sting like a bee, man in boxing history. And he was such a shell of his former self because of Parkinson's. It was so heartbreaking. It really was.She then took a photo of us together and I thanked him, and her and went on my way.But god damn that will be the saddest moment meeting a celebrity I think I'll have to face.

#4 Ben Affleck

Source: kikilovesmakeup

I used to go to a small gym. The owners were laid back and had their cats roam around all the time. It was never an issue and people who went regularly would pet them in between sets. My husband and I go to the gym one day. We're the only ones there aside from a trainer in the corner with someone. My husband (a very observant man) tells me to go do some kettlebell swings. I thought it was weird but headed over to the kettlebell section. There was the trainer with Ben Affleck (training for Batman). I didn't want to disturb him, so I completely ignored him. Except it's a small gym. So I was working out on the bench next to a nice guy Ben, and I could feel him trying to acknowledge me. Suddenly I noticed one of the cats starts to pee in the corner next to Ben. I shouted "NO!" to stop the cat, and scooped him up. Ben turned to me and says "Hey, is that your cat?" Clearly trying to start a conversation. I looked at him and awkwardly say "It's not my cat" and walked away. I had an opportunity to talk to Batman and instead became the crazy cat lady. My husband was watching from afar, dying laughing. Now, whenever I do something awkward my husband will scream "It's not my cat!!"

#5 Neil Degrasse Tyson

Source: creativepun,wikimedia

I became interested in evolution and physical anthropology in high school after exploring the topic in books and discovered Richard Dawkins. I was in the process of reading another of his recent books when I found out he was doing a signing in the city. So I went to his talk and waited in line to get an autograph.
All through the Q&A session, people had great complex questions for him about his theories and ideas on evolution or certain species. I thought I would be clever and ask a simple and fun question. So on the cover of the book, I wrote, "What is your favorite animal?" I expected this to be refreshing when he went to sign my book.
I got to the front and as he opened my book to sign it, he was a little thrown off. He gave me a look like I was mentally impaired and just signed his name.
I was crushed and felt really embarrassed that my recent idol thought I was stupid. I wandered off through the racks of books and found a small group of 5 people huddled around one man speaking.
I was curious and still trying to forget my last encounter, so I listened to this energetic man speak about the universe at this impromptu gathering. He was very knowledgeable and interactive. When I got a chance I asked him the same question, "What's your favorite animal?" He was very happy with the question and went on a long explanation of why the wolf was his favorite and when he first encountered one in Yellowstone.
I learned later that man was Neil Degrasse Tyson. What a day.

#6 Betty White

Source: joeb7474,flickr

Betty White. It was right after the Golden Girls (and Golden Palace) had ended. Her career was not in the best place at the time. I was at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles and saw a poster promoting Betty White signing her latest book about how much she loves animals. I liked the Golden Girls so I thought I would swing by the bookstore to take a gander at Betty White. It was so sad. I'll always remember she was sitting alone at a big table with a stack of books in front of her. People were in the bookstore shopping but no one was buying her book or really acknowledging her. She just sat there, pen in hand, waiting. She would occasionally wipe off some imaginary dust to look busy. I'm getting the chills just remembering it. Of course, I was such a self-involved college kid that I just stared at her from far away. I should have just gone up and talked to her.

#7 Sam Elliott

Source: auburnjohn,wikimedia

My saddest celebrity encounter was also my greatest. When I was in college I was an extra in a few scenes of "We Were Soldiers", a Vietnam movie with Mel Gibson and Sam Elliott. While I was waiting for a bus to take me back to wardrobe one of the casting guys came up and picked me out of the crowd and asked me if I wanted to be in another scene with Sam Elliott. Of course, I was ecstatic. I sat in this van waiting for Sam to come out and it was going to drive us to the scene.
Finally, he comes out looking all pissed off and sits in the front seat. Against my better judgment, I said something to the effect of, "Mr. Elliott I'm a huge fan of yours and it's an honor to be in a scene with you." He snaps back: "Shut the f*ck up kid." Needless to say, when Sam Elliott tells you to STFU, you do it. So that's the sad part, though getting cussed out by a guy who typically plays the badass in Movies was cool in some way.
We film the scene which is a short scene where he walks by Chris Klein and cusses at him about something. We film it over and over and I'm just some soldier walking by in the background. Occasionally between takes Sam would look over at me and scowl. After it's done we get back in the van to head back and Sam is again in the van. He turns around and says, "Sorry about the earlier kid, I just didn't want to f*ck up my mood for the scene. I appreciate the compliment." Suddenly it dawned on me that when he cussed at me he was trying to stay in character for the upcoming scene. Pretty cool experience.

#8 Jane Goodall

Source: Odonata_Anisoptera

I met Jane Goodall at my University and she had become so tiny and little old-lady-like that I realized the world doesn't have that much time left with her, and upon hugging her I burst into tears.

#9 Bob Saget

Source: DiscoHippo

I saw Bob Saget at the Holocaust museum. He was crying.

#10 Tom Cruise

Source: Axcalibur

I work for an airline, so I see some celebs from time to time. One time Tom Cruise cussed me out because I wouldn't violate federal law and bring his checked bags to him planeside. Made him go to baggage claim like everyone else. Once Tom Cruise kicked me out because I wouldn't break federal law and brought his checked bag on board.

#11 Adam Savage

Source: alphex

This is more embarrassing for me...At 4 AM in an airport, I ran into Adam Savage.Strike 1: Don't talk to anyone in an airport at 4 AM. They're just as delirious and tired as you are.Strike 2: Don't f**k up and say his co-host's name when you try to say hi.Bonus. He tweeted about 5 minutes later complaining about idiots in airports trying to say hi by calling him, Jamie...Learn from my mistake.

#12 Steve-O

Source: willie1707,wikipedia

Went and saw Steve-O do his stand-up tour. After his show, he said he would meet everybody there. We waited in line, and he was being super nice, laughing, and taking pictures with everyone. Right before we got to the stage some fat, redneck asshole told him that he was funnier back when he was on drugs. It killed his whole vibe. When we got to him he just took a picture with us and said thanks for coming, but he was clearly in a bad mood. I don't blame him at all, he was still extremely nice, but he was clearly irritated. It was cool that he still met us and took a picture with us though. Seemed like a really cool dude.

#13 George R. R. Martin

Source: rmpriest13,wikimedia

I met George R. R. Martin at the Blaze Pizza in Evanston a couple of months back when he was in town to accept an award from Northwestern University. At the time, I was listening to the audiobook of A Clash of Kings, and he very excitedly told me, "You've got a ways to go to catch up!" When I told him that I've already read what he's published three times, and am listening to the audiobook as a new way to experience the story, he just kind of ... deflated. He let out a big sigh and just said, "Yeah, I need to finish the next book. People won't stop bothering me about it."

#14 Demi Lovato

Source: katerynabbcan4

Demi Lovato. Just thinking of this story makes my blood boil.
I was at a restaurant downtown Toronto with my little sister who at the time was 9 and a huge Demi fan. We saw her walk in with a couple of people and one of them (not Demi) began chatting with the seating hostess over what looked like the menu. Demi wasn't a part of the conversation and was just kind of standing there her eyes glued to her phone.
My sister was flipping out at this point and I gave her my cell phone and told her to go ask for a picture. Mind you I would not have encouraged her to go over there if Demi was eating or having an important conversation or whatever, I know some celebrities don't appreciate being interrupted while they're eating and I completely understand that, but she was literally just standing there doing nothing so I didn't think it would be a big deal.
My sister walked over on her own and I sat and watched Demi tell her something along the lines of "No, can't you see I'm f*cking busy?!" My sister came back to me in tears and we immediately paid for our unfinished food and left, because she was so upset. Her saying no is not what I had the problem with, it's the tone of voice she used and the fact that she cursed at a 9-year-old child that got to me. My sister was a very shy and timid kid so her going over there on her own was a huge deal and showed me how much that stupid picture meant to her.

#15 Michael J Fox

Source: Tallywacka

Little late to the party but Michael J Fox has a house where I live and I was putting a grill together for him and he was leaning again his car talking to me and he was just all over the place, being an 80s baby he was one of the biggest actors for me growing up and it was hard seeing him like that, Parkinson's is a hell of a disease.

#16 Heath Ledgers

Source: TheOffTopicBuffalo

Worked for a cell phone carrier call center a while back, and canceled Heath Ledger's cell phone post-mortem.

#17 Gregory Hines

Source: Corndoggy420,wikipedia

I was drunk at a friend's bachelor party in vegas in '95. We are walking through the casino, and I see this glorious man with what can only be described as the aura of a movie star around him. I immediately recognize him as Sammy Davis Jr. I run up and say "Sammy can I get an autograph?!" and he just turns around like he didn't hear me and started walking. Thinking he couldn't hear me I kind of yelled "Sammy Davis Jr!". He turns around, looks right at me, and says "You're a real asshole".
I was pretty oblivious and had no idea why Sammy Davis Jr. was treating me like I had slapped his little sister's ass. For a few years after that every time his name came up I told people how big of a jerk Sammy David Jr. was. Fast forward to a few years later and I'm watching the movie Renaissance Man with Danny DeVito and I'm like "wait I didn't know Sammy David Jr was in this movie" ....which caused me to IMDb it ...and it all finally clicked.
I had called Gregory Hines Sammy Davis Jr. to his face 5 years after Sammy died. It was probably the most delayed embarrassment I've ever felt in my life.
TLDR: I have no idea what Sammy Davis jr. looks like.

#18 Hulk Hogan

Source: JoyceCarolOatmeal

I met Hulk Hogan when I was four (latish 80s) at some wrestling thing in Dallas. All I remember is that my dad got his attention as he was walking toward the ring, and when he came around he stuck out this GIANT hand and said "Put it there, darlin'!" I recognized him but he was scary, so I peed my pants and cried. I guess it's obvious now that he wanted a handshake or a high-five or.... something? No idea. Anyway, scared the piss out of me. The dude is huge.

#19 Chris Rock

Source: anotherredditvirgin

I had waited an hour and a half in line for a ride at Great Adventure. Was in the front seat line so the wait was even longer. Finally, I was next in line--watched gleefully as my train pulled in. And Chris Rock and his family come walking up from the exit and are given my spot, without waiting at all. I was both sad and mad and have held a grudge against him ever since.

#20 Jack Black

Source: nectarousness

Not me but my friend's sister-in-law saw Jack Black walking down the street and eventually they crossed paths and she, not wanting to pass up the chance at meeting him, approached him. She said something like "Is it really you?" And he said yes. Then she said, "This is so weird, it's really you." And he said, "It's not weird for me."
Then he asked her where she was going and she said she was going to the weed dispensary, thinking he might find it funny but he turned a bit sullen and said he was going to visit his mom in the hospital. She said she wouldn't bother him for a picture and he thanked her and left.