Over the last 30 years traveling for business, I have met a lot of celebrities. Unless you can't possibly not know them (Hilarry Clinton) I never let on I knew who they were, and I have been able to collect some great stories. Since the topic is NYC enounters, here is my best one. I'm sitting at the bar in the Plaza Hotel in the late 90s with a $12 glass of wine, which was a ridiculous price to pay. I recognize the man next to me as David Rockefeller and we began chatting. In walks Donald Trump and walks right up to Rockefeller and shakes his hand and introduces himself to me as he must of thought I was with Rockefeller. I blurted out, "I thought you sold this place." Trump looks at Rockefeller like who is this idiot. Rockefeller, a true gentleman said it was nice to chat and paid for my drink. The two of them sat down at a table.
56
Keanu Reeves stayed in my apartment block for a couple of months s few years ago while he was filming in New York. One morning I was in the local Duane Reade and my son nudged me in the ribs and pointed out that the guy ahead of us in the checkout line was KR, shopping paid for we went in to the Starbucks opposite and yes the man in front of us was Keanu again, I was slightly flustered at the possibility of being though a stalker but not bad enough that I didn’t spot the fact that the barista had written ‘Reeves’ on the Grande cup he was filling.
16
In 1979, I attended "Sweeney Todd" at the Uris Theatre in its opening week. I had bought a new dress at Macy's and had my hair done up like a Perry Ellis model. It was a rare night in my life because I had it in my head that I was looking pretty good. (And maybe I did--but not remarkably so.) Well, I sat down and waited for the play to begin, and as the rows ahead of me filled up, I realized that people were nudging each other and turning around to look up at -- who, me? Was this actually happening? Did I look THAT good? Was I turning heads? Well, I was young and vain enough to let myself believe such a thing, and I absolutely glowed. So the lights went down, the first act finished, and the lights came up again. I turned to make a dash to the bar in the lobby-- and that's when I realized that Omar Sharif was sitting right behind me.
67
I saw Jamie Lee Curtis at O'Hare in Chicago. She saw that I recognized her and smiled back at me when I smiled at her. It was in line at security so I wasn't gonna pester her because who wants to deal with fans at the airport?
23
In 1996 I was waiting for a friend's plane to arrive at the airport in Orange County, CA. The terminal was nearly empty on this Sunday evening. As the arriving passengers entered the terminal, John Travolta and Kelly Preston glided in, moving swiftly to greet some of them. Kelly spoke warmly to their guests, while John went into full escape mode, flitting back out of the terminal, coyly hiding and then showing and then hiding his face behind a hat, zipping behind a pillar. No one seemed to care, except perhaps John Travolta.
22
My mother visited me often during the 4 years I lived in Manhattan and she always lamented that she had never encountered a celebrity. During one of her last visits, we went to brunch on a Saturday morning near Union Square and were seated at a 2-top, inches away from another one. I recognized within moments of sitting down that the young man beside my mother, who I was facing, was Jake Gyllenhaal. Upon failing to convey this message to my mom via silent facial expressions, I finally texted her. Being a true New Yorker, I did not bother him, but my mother and I had a lovely and memorable brunch directly beside Jake (and his mom!).
23
Sometime in the 1980's while out for lunch with a friend we spotted Dick Van Dyke sitting alone on a bench. It was in the theater area and we thought he might be on a break from a broadway show he was performing in. The show had not gotten good reviews and we thought he looked sad. We both liked and admired him and discussed whether we should approach him and tell him so. Several times we walked back and forth towards and then away from him but ultimately decided we should leave him alone. Although that was probably the right decision I've often wondered if it was not.
24
Matthew Broderick didn't like me noticing he was in the subway next to me and I'm still embarrassed I said, "the subway Mr. Broderick?".
But the the best story is my dear friend who lived near The Plaza. A familiar voice behind him said "let me help you with that" and hands were then around his London Fog belt. He turned to find Jack Nicholson with a big grin of his face yanking the proverbially turned inside out belt on his raincoat.
24
Visiting from Philadelphia in the 1970s, I got disoriented in a treed area of Central Park, and asked directions from the nearest person, who turned out to be Jack Gilford. He sort of shied away as I approached him, but warmed up visibly when I treated him as a stranger and not a celebrity, even walking with me toward the park exit. What a nice man!
15
This happened in Paris about 25 years ago. I was reading “The Concert” by Ismaïl Kadaré (Free Albania was hot news then). I went for lunch at a restaurant but realised I had left the book in my car and could not read it while having lunch. Then I noticed two clients on the table next to me: they were talking in a mixture of a slavic language and French, or English, I don’t remember. I somehow entertained the idea that the language was Albanian, and that the bespectacled host seated straight in my line of view could very well be Ismail Kadare ! Of course I convinced myself that I was delusional it was absolutely impossible to sit by chance near Mr Kadaré while I had left his book in my car. And all the more so as by an extraordinary coincidence, I had had some time before an alumni dinner at a french restaurant with Mrs Toni Morrison who had nicely accepted an informal invitation by a friend of her: you don’t meet great writers every time you eat out in Paris ! So I refrained from introducing myself as a happy reader just before leaving the restaurant, although I knew that if the man actually was Kadare with a friend, he would probably be very pleased to hear someone say he how loved his book, and if he was not, so what, no big deal ! So I left and walked back to my car, got in and casually checked the book. Of course, on the last cover page, was the unmistakable photo of the exact same man who had been sitting at the table near me !!
35
I was late for a flight back to Europe in October 2017. The line through LaGuardia security was long, and I said to my husband: we're never going to make it. The man in front of me, whom I'd recognised as the terrifying Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) from House of Cards, turned around and said to me ' go ahead of me, I have time.' I thanked him grinningly and trundled ahead; I was wearing my baby son in a carrier on my front. The security guards sent the baby bag through another line to be inspected, where it sat and sat and sat on a table while I got quietly anxious. Meanwhile, Kelly was chatting with the guards who obviously knew who he was. He kept sending sidelong glances my way and said to the guard near me: this lady is waiting and is going to miss her plane. Can you look through her bag? After the guard obliged, Kelly offered to help me bring my bags to the gate. He took my backpack, his friend took the baby bag, I wore the baby, and we all jogged gently across the terminal to my boarding gate. My husband, who had gone ahead to warn the flight crew, stood there agape at my escorts. Though bone chilling on screen as Doug Stamper, Mike Kelly is a kind, deeply decent gentleman in real life who used his celebrity to help out a total stranger. I never let on that I knew who he was, but I reckon my stunned grins probably were familiar enough.
113
I've lived in the Far West Village for over 30 years, so I've seen countless famous people just walking the street, or in d'Agostino's, etc. I used to see Sarah Jessica Parker with her stroller in d'Ag's every few days, till she sold their brownstone. Keany Reeves, Tony Ward, Juliannne Moore....
A Native NYer, I never spoke to anyone. A year ago, I noticed Willem Dafoe in Dags, shopping with a friend. About six months ago, I saw him again. Then, last week, I turned around in an aisle, and there he was.
"I was just reading about you yesterday," I commented.
"Was it something good, or bad?"
"I don't remember. But any publicity is good publicity."
"You sound just like my father."
48
@Allen Roth I'm pretty sure I rode an elevator with him once in DC. I was in a rush, late, and distracted. The doors opened, and there was a person in the elevator, but I didn't make eye contact, I think I was uncharacteristically focusing on my phone for directions. As I was rushing out of the hotel I stopped and thought, "I think that was Willem Dafoe." I searched on his name later and the ever reliable interwebs told me he was in DC. Great actor.
10
During the summer of 1982 or 1983, I studied Russian at a language institute in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). One morning, I and a few friends from my study program made our way to the Hotel Astoria, probably in search of something to eat that wasn't kasha adorned with a huge slab of butter. When we entered the hotel lobby, we came face-to-face with Penny Marshall. We were stunned not only to run into an actor but also to encounter an American, any American, since relatively few ventured behind the Iron Curtain in those days. (And those Americans that did were always herded together and kept on the beaten path by Soviet tour guides, whereas we students were able to roam the city at will.) So, anyway, one of us blurted, "What are you doing here?" And Penny Marshall gave us a big smile and, with this terrific 1980s teenage American intonation, replied, "Just hangin' out." And then she went on her way.
40
Sitting at a formica-table bagel place in the morning, on 8th Av and 23-ish, mid-1980s ... some weird tye-died hair girl and her three male friends, all of them bickering, I told my BF she was awesome: Bjork and the Sugarcubes.
13
My brother walking down a street in Manhattan in the late ‘80s. Ahead, Mike Wallace is walking right in his direction on the same sidewalk. As they walk by each other, Wallace warmly smiles, nods. My brother nods back, smiles.
Class.
27
Growing up in Southern California exposed me to many sightings of celebrities. When dining out, on the freeways and roads and even in the workplace. As such, I was never enamored with them and really paid no attention to them. I would see Cher at a department store and just thought her hair was beautiful. But then moved on. It’s a different environment and since LA is a place where celebs exist en masse, it doesn’t mean much to those of us who lived there.
7
Regarding Henry Winkler, aka The Fonz. About 1977 I was traveling in to Port Authority for school and found that Henry Winkler and Sally Field were shooting a film scene on an escalator of the bus station. A big crowd of course had formed, many of who were yelling "Hey Fonzie." He did not acknowledge them. I decided to yell "Yo Henry!". He turned to look towards me, walked over to me, and shook my hand.
28
Some years ago, around 2000, my husband and I sat down to rest from excessive walking and a hot sun on a shaded bench in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. Letting my eyes play over the lovely greenery I spotted a man I have long admired. Or, rather I thought it was him. A tall man with the telltale white head of hair pulled into the famous pony tail. Could it really be the famous designer....Karl Lagerfeld? I poked my husband and whispered to him ....is it really? For sure.....he said. I could not help looking at the giant of fashion who was casually having a talk with a stylishly dressed women by his side. I knew he noticed our looks and when we stood up to walk we passed Mr. Lagerfeld and his companion as closely as was polite. To my delight he looked me straight into the eyes, smiled broadly and as the perfect Parisian gentleman said .....Bonjour Madame....
39
I don’t know about putting on makeup on the subway, but my favorite car bumper sticker of all time is still -“Caution, Driver Applying Makeup.”
23
Mr. Winkler once visited the university where I worked. I knew he was in town but didn't give it another thought until I saw a gaggle of students with an older man in their center walking down the sidewalk. I did a double-take--one of the students called out, "Yeah, it's him!"--and I shouted a welcoming message. Mr. Winkler grinned broadly and thanked me.
He seemed nice!
17
As a waiter in my 20's, putting myself through college in the city, I always acknowledged and often had great conversations with celebrities I served. There were hundreds, from all walks of celebrity-ville: musicians (Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac), politicians (Mario Cuomo, Alphonse D'mato), athletes (Pele, Reggie Jackson), writers (Arthur Miller, Howard Koch), actors (Bill Murray, Christopher Walken), the un-categorizable (Dr. Ruth), the unrecognizable (until I took his credit card, John Kenneth Galbraith), the uncouth (George Steinbrenner) and the unchained (Robin Williams).
And then there was the untouchable, iconic, and perfectly lovely...Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis...the only celebrity I served that I never once acknowledged.
Her celebrity, if you could call it that, just seemed to exist on another plane. One that was best left unacknowledged and undisturbed.
70
It was a hot summer day in 2017. My husband and I were walking along Greenwich Street from the Christopher Street PATH station to the Whitney. There were few to no pedestrians on the street, perhaps because it was so hot.
A woman who eventually approached us on the same sidewalk caught my attention because she was attired head-to-toe in black, even in the midst of late-July heat and humidity. A broad-brimmed black sun hat covered her head.
As we passed within a foot of each other, I glanced up into the incomparable face of Julia Roberts. I must have had a completely stunned look on my face because she shot a knowing glance my way and then flashed that million $$ smile.
I respectfully waited 15-20 seconds before I turned to my husband and gasped, "Did you...." "I know, I know." he replied.
34
When it comes to acknowledging celebrities, you've got to know when to pick your spots. In the mid-'80s I was working as a delivery boy for a shop in The Plaza, and noticed one day as I left the hotel that John Davidson (the TV host, not the Rangers goalie) was standing on the corner in front of Bonwit Teller. He was still there when I returned, perhaps 20 minutes later.
When I went out on another delivery, maybe 10 minutes after that, and he was STILL there, I figured he could only be waiting to get noticed. I crossed the street and walked up to him. "Excuse me," I said, "Aren't you John Davidson?" His B-List face lit up as he acknowledged himself, and began reaching out to offer a handshake. Of course, by then, I was already on my way, casually tossing a, "Thought so." over my shoulder.
2
This is the best thing I read all week!
11
The last one is amazing. They are all touching segments
18
I was on an airplane with Fred Rogers years ago. There were whispers all around. When we deplaned, I jogged up to him and I guess alarmed who I assume were his body guards. But he turned to me with a smile and I told him how important he had been to me and my children. He said thank you in his Mr Rogers voice. I’m still happy I did not ignore him.
52
Mid-80s one morning, walking to class at Parsons from the dorm on Union Square, the most jaw-droppingly beautiful couple, clearly in love, were strolling up 6th Av. It was Paulina Porizkova and Ric Ocasek. I was only tangentially aware of either of them as celebrities, but it was like traffic parted to let them pass. Sometimes, it's OK to be speechless :)
17
I grew up in NY and have lived in LA, where celeb sitings are normal. I nearly forgot about the time years ago, I flew into LaGuardia for a visit with family. My sister had hired a car to pick me up curbside. I and several others were eagerly awaiting the arrival of our rides after our long flights. There was another petite woman like myself waiting whom I noticed was Natalie Portman! Suddenly a black SUV pulls up that I believe is my ride and Natalie is kinda going for the car door! The driver gets out and announces he is there for me and holds my door open. I am whisked away whilst Natalie clearly not happy, had to continue to wait for her car. I felt like a VIP in my own right at that moment!
48
When I was very young I read Reader's Digest compilations. I will never forget the story a woman told about having a job in a jewelry store in the depths of the depression. A tray of diamond rings fell, and she searched for them on the floor. All but one was found,. She saw an older gentleman watching. She spoke to him quietly about how hard life was, how important her job was for survival, and he quietly put the last diamond into her hand.
45
Having lived in NYC for more than half my life, I have seen more than my fair share of celebrities. A rule of thumb is to give them the privacy they deserve. I can't imagine constantly having countless, endless people in my space wherever I go.
31
In the 80’s, I was putting myself through an MBA at NYU and waiting tables at Anita’s Mexican on Columbus Ave. I waited on a lot of celebrities, but the rule was never ever to acknowledge them. The only time I wanted to break that rule was when Mary Tyler Moore and her husband came in for dinner. I loved her! I knew every episode of every show—indeed, she was a role model for me as a single woman trying to “make it after all.” But, I couldn’t do it. To me, they were just the couple at table 15.
17
Flew on a shuttle from Washington Reagan to New York Kennedy with Sarah Silverman once. Spotted her in the gate area pre flight. I didn't say anything, nor did anyone else, from what I can see. I think if I were a celebrity, I'd appreciate that. I'd just want some privacy.
13
In 1978, my boyfriend and i were walking down Park Ave and down the sidewalk comes Kitty Carlisle in elegant black gloves and tiny hat with a net, looking fabulous. Our eyes met and i slightly bowed my head and she gave me a kittenish, sly, wonderful smile, on we passed by and felt very happy at the intimate glance and smile she gave us!
23
Great story. I don't get to New York often, but do see quite a few recognizable people in Nashville. I think for the most part these people just live there and go shopping like anyone else. The general approach I think there is to let them be and not bother them.
10
I was using the mens room facilities in a midtown Manhattan office building to find that standing on either side of me at the urinals were Henry Kissinger and Cyrus Vance who began to chat me up regarding domestic energy policies ( I have no expertise in that subject). I don't recall shaking anyones hands afterwards.
48
Ahhh, loved the ring story!
37
While waiting on line, for the cashier at Integral Yoga Natural Foods on 13th Street, I noticed that the man in front of me looked very familiar. I began the "Where do I know you from" dance. He seemed a bit skeptical of my question, but broke into a big smile when I finally remembered: "You sat right in front of me during the Kalachakra Initiation with HH The Dalai Lama!" It wasn't until some months later that I went to the theater and realized that the man who'd been in front of me, online and at the Buddhist Teaching, was Spalding Gray.
46
The stories as usual are wonderful to read but especially the one about the return of the wandering diamond ring. Marvelous—as is NYC!
55
It didn't happen in NYC but a friend was in Nice for a week visiting from the US so I flew down to meet her for the day (back when easyJet had $15 round trip tickets) and we went to the flea market on the Cours Saleya. We were at a stall that had lovely antique linens and I reached for a tablecloth at the same time a woman on the other side of the table reached for it. When she and I looked at each other, I dropped it from shock. Because it was Barbra Streisand holding the other end of that tablecloth.
52
@Susan You clearly have excellent taste. But who bought the table cloth?
41
My mother worked as an officer at Citibank in one of the upscale 5th Avenue branches in the late '80's, and a dapper, young (to her) gentleman with a crisp British accent sat down and started the process of opening a new account with a rather large initial deposit. He claimed he chose her over the other officers because she had an unusual Welsh first name he was fond of.
During the process, my mother noticed that the tellers and other workers, (and some customers for that matter,) were looking in their direction, whispering and covertly pointing. When they concluded business and the gentleman left, her colleagues rushed over and asked her if she knew who he was. She looked at the papers he signed, and she replied that he was Gordon Sumner. Her colleagues were astounded that she didn't recognize the musician Sting, formerly of The Police, and now out on his own.
Now long retired, my mother is fond of Mr Sumner's work, post-Police, and just loves "Songs from the Labyrinth", with music composed by John Dowland.
If you're reading this, Mr Sumner ... er, Sting ... please know that she remembers your visit and ranks it much higher than her chance encounter with Paul Stanley of the band Kiss, who she interviewed in his gold-record spangled living room as an enumerator for the 1980 census.
80
and regarding meeting up with acquaintances from the past. I grew up in a small town in upstate NY. We moved from a small 3 family walk up to a private home when I was 5 ears old. 25 years later, sitting in a bus terminal in Tel Aviv, an older woman I didn't know walked up to me and called me by my name.
She was the woman who lived on the 3rd floor of that building. Since I don't look much like either parent I still am astonished that she recognized me me all these years later.
45
@marsha zellner. What a wonderful chance meeting!
10
I for one am oblivious to most celebrities. 15 years ago I passed Trump in a lobby at some fancy hotel, didn't know who he was till my friend nudged me and said. So the following is not surprising. A couple of years ago, I was waiting in a VERY long Ladies room line at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater. I had just reached the point where I was at the corner where only a couple of people were in front of me to enter the BR. A very well dressed woman came right up to me and asked if this was the correct line, and made a move to cut right in front of me. I very politely that the end of the line was 20 women back. Didn't let her in. She seemed miffed but walked away. The women around me started laughing. I didn't understand until they explained. It was Martha Stewart!
102
@marsha zellner It's OK. I wouldn't have let her cut in front of me, either.
And I would have recognized her.
76
In 1985, I was inside a popular book store on the Upper West Side when in walked Mick Jagger. He stayed intensely focused for about 10 minutes on finding the book he was looking for, and it seemed as if I was the only person who noticed he was there. Nobody was staring or approaching him. When he found the book he was looking for, he got in the cashier's line immediately behind me. After I made my purchase, I stayed near the cashier, curious about what might happen when Jagger exited the store. The instant he walked out, the store broke out in loud chatter about him, and I heard the cashier, young and female, on the phone with a friend, exclaiming "Mick Jagger was just here!" Apparently everyone had seen him, after all. I was so proud to be amongst a worldly crowd who allowed him his privacy. Only in NY.
115
@Alexi: I read an interview with Jagger in which he said he loved New York because he COULD do things like buy a book or newspaper and not be pestered. You all did good that day!
47
@Alexi
Seems as though everyone got some “satisfaction “ in that bookstore.
34
At the grungy Red Apple grocery, Broadway and around 83rd,= street, maybe 1983, I hear this British voice yelling something from the milk section. It was Mick Jagger calling his daughter to come over. Later they stood in line at the cash registers next to me. The area was crowded and not a soul said a word. No one even looked at him. You could have heard a pin drop. Where else in the world but NYC?
41
@Al from PA I live in an area where many celebs wander through. No one bothers them, or impinges on their privacy.
So - anywhere in the world where celebrities happen to exist with any frequency. This behavior is not specific to NYC.
15
@CF Apparently you don't know how this works. New York and, with the help of the transitive property, New Yorkers are unique in so many ways that the rest of us should just bow and remain silent.
23
@DJ
let me tell you about the coolest New Yorker, not a human, but a little dog that lives near The Mark and gets treats from the hotel doormen every time he goes by. On the day that celebrities depart to the Met Gala from The Mark, there is a big ado and nobody has time to pay attention to him. So he sits down and waits until things calm down again.
43
Love this. reader's digest used to have coluns like this -- maybe still does. But this is my reading these days. :-))
24
A friend from Wisconsin and his two brothers came to visit me and I spent the evening showing them around Manhattan. In midtown we had dinner at a Thai restaurant where I told them about a Robert Klein routine I liked. As we stepped out of the restaurant I recognized Robert Klein getting into a car across the street with his young son. I stupidly approached Klein and told him how I had just mentioned him to my friends. Klein looked mortified, probably fearful for his child's life. Later, in Greenwich Village we saw the director Robert Townsend who at the time was a hot commodity (it was around 1990). Less than an hour later, we spotted Paul Simon in another bar. My friends were awestruck and they thought I was the most amazing guide. I told them, never come back to Manhattan. This will never happen to you again.
40
In the early 1970's in the heat of the Watergate drama, I was leaving main dining room of the New York Athletic Club, waiting at the elevators. With me was a friend - an Air Force Major in uniform. Out of the elevator, dressed in evening clothes, stepped Richard Nixon's Attorney General John Mitchell and his wife Martha. At the time, Martha was somewhat famous for, after a few drinks, calling the press late at night, and spilling embarrassing bits of Watergate dirt. Anyway the major fell all over the Attorney General and shook his hand. I avoided him -I didn't like Nixon- but said hello to Martha, telling her how lovely she looked. And she did look lovely. After Nixon left office, Mitchell served a couple of years in jail, I think for lying to Congress, or for his knowledge of the Watergate break-in.
14
How sad that people still say things like this: '“I told her she’s never going to run into anyone she knows,” my friend said. “It will be full of strangers all the time.”' Smalltown residents are not exactly known for their welcoming openmindedness; what a sad item to print.
19
@A Lady I tell out of town people that ignoring you and not smiling at you is not New Yorkers being rude. New Yorkers can in your armpit on a sardine-packed 6 train and still give your 'personal space'. Ignoring you is New Yorkers being polite.
80
@A Lady -- I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, but moved to NYC just after college, where I have remained for the 36 years since. When I visit my hometown, I still get questions about why I would want to live in such a big, anonymous city. Typically, I respond to these comments by pointing out that living in New York is really more like living in a bunch of overlapping small towns. Then I say, "You might be surprised, after living in NYC for a few years, just how anonymous NYC isn't!"
45
Just as sad as stereotyping those of us who live in small towns.
32
As I recall John Lennon loved the fact he could walk all around New York and though people knew who he was and recognized him they left him and Yoko alone
Until that terrible day in 1980
55
Years ago, I was living in NYC with my sister and we were big Knots Landing fans. While strolling through Central Park with my boyfriend, I spotted Hunt Block, the show's young hunk, watching boats by the lake. So I asked my boyfriend to stand by the lake so I could take his picture...only I was surreptitiously photographing Hunt Block! The pictures were the hit of the KL season finale party that year!
22
OK, many, many years ago (1968), four young girlfriends (19ish) were in Manhattan to see the old Jeopardy show being filmed (not taped). After the show and dinner, we were walking in the Times Square area when we all happened to look in to a record store and spotted a celebrity! We all knew this was someone famous, but we couldn't come up with the name. One of us (not I) yelled out loud enough for all to hear, "I know, I know -- it's MITZI GAYNOR!" It wasn't until we were on our way home on the LIRR that one of us said, "Not Mitzi Gaynor - NIPSY RUSSELL!" I hope he had a good laugh over that; I know we all did!
26
"True" New Yorkers can acknowledge or not acknowledge whomever they please. Celebrities make a living off of being recognized. That's the trade-off they make.
11
Stories of tourists in NYC spotting well-known personages are a dime-a-dozen. Here's mine. In late May 2014 I was in town to catch Hedwig. We were meeting friends from New Jersey for dinner the day before the show; they suggested Esca. Soon after being seated, one of our group remarked that Billy Crystal and a companion were at another table. Aside from a few discreet glances to confirm this observation, we behaved as if we were New Yorkers. Reading about this attribute in today's diary was a pleasant reminder of a stand-out weekend.
18
Although most of the comments are focusing on the celeb sightings, let's not overlook the other stories in this wonderful article. The other stories remind me why I love New York!
40
I ran into Bruce Willis in an elevator at TWC. I freaked out. I knew I recognized the person, but his name was on the tip of my tongue. Until I grabbed my friend arm and I think quietly I said, It is Bruce with a big smile on my face. he was not happy. I also met Whoopi Golberg at the Tribeca film festival once, My line was O my goodness it's Whoopi Golberg, and she said "it's me", I couldn't believe it. so I said again O my goodness it is Whoopi Golberg. and she said again "it's me". that night I also met Sean Paul, but I had not idea who he was. he was behind me.
9
On W 39th and 10th I used to see Jesus selling dirty-holy water dogs to an Elvis impersonator all the time back in the 90s.
44
Me too! Except it was back in the 80s! And it was a Streisand impersonator!
Oh don't be so cynical Bart; it's more fun.
11
Most are so overwhelmed with their own self importance that it's uncomfortable,but they're helped with that complex by an over adoring public .Celebrity is also a circus ,it's not the normal world they're not living normal existences,and mostly the television is a vast wasteland devoid of actual content. Many celebrities especially in film are tiny physically ,the size of children,it's because the motion picture lenses are designed in such a way that very diminutive actors are easy to film . This and because security in public is also an issue makes many actors much less accessible in public.
8
On my way to see The Deerhunter, I ran into Meryl Streep on the subway at the West 4th Street Station. I ran into ReggieJackson on the subway at 14th Street during the 1981 baseball strike. Memorable subway moments.
12
UWS, supermarket check out. My girl was about one and a half, and cute as a button. We get on line, and while we wait, she is entertained by Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin.
You see a lot of celebs on the UWS, and no, you never let on-the only time I ever got a dirty look was from Debbie Harry, who was running around the reservoir. We randomly made eye contact and I must have shown an "oh HER" look.
My wife and I would have celebrity sighting of the day over dinner-always fun.
11
Having just moved recently from the Mid West in the early 60s, I learned rather quickly that New Yorkers leave celebrities alone. I was walking to Bloomingdales during my lunch hour and saw Tony Randall across the street. I think it had something to do with Lighthouse of the Blind. I was in awe (as I was a big fan). However, New Yorkers just continued to mind their own business and go their own way. So, I continued to follow this example when observing celebrities in the future. (who doesn't want to be a "cool" New Yorker!!).
16
In my 25 years in NYC, I've seen Sandra Bernhart buying produce in Whole Foods, Sam Waterston buying cat food in same, James Gandolfini near Mad Sq park, the list goes on. I used to see Mario Cantone from SATC often in my Chelsea neighborhood, so often that once I saw him at the 50th St subway station and he said hello to ME!
41
My wife and I encountered Pink in a grocery store on Maui (with an entourage that was keeping their distance ). My wife didn't want to bother her, but I wanted to do something for fun. Pink was in the aisle with the Ocean Spray-type juices. I walked by, pretending to search for something, and said "Excuse me, do see any Cranberry Cocktail?", she politely answered "No " and I moved on.
11
@SB
I've seen Pink in the Venice Beach Whole Foods, pushing her own cart through the line, no entourage in sight.
Well, she's still a Philly girl, right?
I was behind her in line and did exchange a "You know who that was?" look with the cashier. Cue our little fan happy dance.
7
@SB
I see light blue everyday....it’s the sky.
1
I always think they are someone that I know and I am wracking my brain to remember their name and where I knew them from.
So one day in the mid 90's I'm walking east on W.10th near Greenwich Ave and I see this guy walking across Greenwich and I'm thinking oh christ what's his name and I'll have to say hi and try to cover up the fact I don't remember his name or where we met etc. Then a guy on bike riding south down Greenwich rolls by the guy as he's crossing and says to him "Hi, Lou!"
I realize it's Lou Reed and I don't know him so there's not gonna be that awkward thing as we pass one another.
31
@Frank Candor I also saw Lou Reed once, he was riding his bike in the village.
8
@Frank Candor
I wrote a post here on a "missed acknowledgement of a celebrity". Like you, I have this problem recognising people, even acquaintances seen out of context (ouch!). Sometimes I see a perfect stranger and mistake him/her for someone I know, this can lead to hilarious situations (like hugging a stranger in the street, thinking he is a former colleague "Hey ! Dupont!" "- I am not Dupont" "- Oh, I am so sorry" ; or : "No, I have nothing to do with this company, you must just have seen me on TV" .
3
I have a reverse Fonz story. Years ago, the desk clerk in a hotel in Colorado where I was staying, leaned forward and whispered, "I know who you really are." "Who am I?" I asked her and she said, "Your secret is safe with me, Mr. Winkler."
95
When I first came out to Los Angeles, to write on a TV show, I was at the multiplex movie theater at Universal Studios in line to see "In the Line of Fire." I hear some guy yell, "Pssst!" I look to my right and see Henty Winkler gesturing to me (ironically I had seen him in my boss's office earlier that day, but didn't meet him). He apologetically asks if he can cut in front of me because the movie he is seeing with his kid and wife is about to start. I of course say yes. It's Henry Winkler! We talk for a minute. He is sooo nice. He buys his tickets, turns to me to say thank you and hands me a ticket for "In the Line of Fire." I tried to protest, but he insisted, and he ran off waving and saying "thank you" again. My first week out here! And I meet the Fonz. I did not say "Ayyyy!" though.
79
I saw the Fonz on upper B’way 3x not looking so good. Now I realize it could easily have been his public act. Those were days of the NYC drug epidemic and long before NYC turned into the present day Truman Show (Just kidding, Chel-sea, NYC was the original “Seahaven” in the 1990’s Jim Carrey movie)
While I’m dropping names, I saw Benedict Cumberbatch 2x walking a dog on 23rd & 9th, NYC. None of the other Truman Show actors on the set seemed to noticed. I didn’t give him any Dr Who or Sherlock Holmes signs or gestures because I never heard or saw him in those. His hair was grey but it was him pre-Dr Strange & just before heading to BAM to do Shakespeare.
3
Thank you, Joyce Gold. Your delightful story put a smile on my face in 100 words or less! Still chuckling.
18
The best thing to do when you see a celebrity is to leave them alone.
So many people don't, I'm sure it drives them crazy. Selfies, autographs, whatever.
The best thing to do when you recognize them and they know you've recognized them, is to do the David Letterman thing he used to do when walking by people in his show.
You just say, "Hi, how are ya? Nice to see ya." And keep walking.
34
Awesome story, Wasim!
25
I have lived in New York City for 17 years now. Before that I grew up in North Hollywood and went to high school in Los Angeles. I was liked in school, but always enjoyed my solitude. There was always one kid who sat in front of me in English class. Always funny, pleasant, and nice. Depending on the day, I would either be annoyed of him turning around to talk to me, or I would welcome it. I learned a lot about him when he would turn and ask questions about my life. I found out he was Egyptian American, Coptic, and he wanted to be an actor. Under my breath I would say.. "you and everyone else in this town (Los Angeles) thinks they can make it big." I also would walk around campus wondering why he would ignore me when he would pass. So I asked him why he ignored me and he told me "oh that must have been my twin brother." Well, that guy was Rami Malek. Thanks for the chats, Rami. You did what you said you would and became an actor.
111
@Anna I had no idea Rami Malek had a twin brother, but as the IMDb bio for him says: "Malek has an identical twin brother named Sami, younger by four minutes, who is a teacher, and an older sister, Yasmine, who is a medical doctor." Thank you for the great story!
26
These stories are great!
39
I was a grad student in Toronto in the 90's, part time, but working full time. I had classes downtown so I took my bike from work (uptown) and dressed accordingly. One day I had a meeting with an overseas business associate and he wanted to go somewhere nice to wrap up a contract and have dinner. I was just getting out of class, so he suggested we rendezvous at the Four Seasons, which I had never heard of. Four Seasons. He in a perfect dark suit and me in my bike tights, shorts and day glo jacket. Half way through dinner he whispered that I should glance over to my right. And so I found out we were dining beside Whoopi Goldberg and Ed Begley Jr. I hope they didn't notice.
25
I grew up on St. Croix, USVI in the 1960's. My sophomore year of college (in DC) I went to NYC for the first time. Leaving the Metropolitan, walking down 5th Ave, I bumped into my St. Croix neighbor's daughter, whom I had grown up with. She was visiting NYC for the first time too, on vacation from school in California. NYC isn't such a big town after all.
47
The ring story reminds me of a ring I found over a dozen years ago in my own apartment. It was back when I lived with five other roommates and I asked each of them if they had lost a ring or knew someone who had lost a ring. No one did.
It was a yellow gold band with small diamonds and sapphires set into it; clearly something of value and I imagined might even have been a gift from someone special. I still hold onto it, hoping one day to return it to its owner.
57
@Dottie Maybe a quick call to the landlord to contact the previous tenant may have worked?
15
When I covered the Village in the late 80's an aspiring Chris Rock was often honing his timing and material in Washington Square Park. His sets always drew the largest audience and loudest cheers.
Years later after moving to midtown I ran in to Chris in the elevator of the HBO building on 6th Avenue. I definitely recognized him and pretty sure he recognized me from the Village. Not sure if I was bit with a little green-eyed monster at his success or lamenting my status of still dragging my tools on my cart, probably a little of both, made for an awkward and quiet elevator ride.
Well Chris was a perfect gentleman and when the elevator doors opened, finally, we went about our business.
19
Congrats to all the creative commentators who have completed the "The Story of the Ring".
O. Henry couldn't have contrived a better short story premise.
39
Loved all of these.
I think it's understood that New Yorkers do not gawk at celebrities. One of the blessings of this place is that we can all get lost in the crowd, most of the time.
As long-time residents of Washington Heights, we often saw the beloved casts of many Law & Order iterations in our neighborhood, and always cursed their parking privileges anyway.
It was fun to see Chris Noth on West 12th Street many years later, and Jodie Foster strolling along Hudson Street in the early 90s.
Beloved longtime NY newsman Gabe Pressman (RIP), in an Upper West Side coffee shop.
Sue Simmons, another beloved news anchor, West 50s, mid-80s, when she was still on. Still miss you, Sue!
Madonna, not so glamorous, coming out of a recording studio in the West 50s, near the unemployment office, when I was between jobs (besides twice in surprise appearances in gay clubs, not counting those).
Mike Tyson, outside a midtown hotel. He is much shorter and nicer looking than I expected.
David Letterman, West 50S, when he was still on, looking angry and disheveled.
More recently, Wendy Williams, with an adoring daytime crowd, West 40s.
If you wait at a stage door, you can ask for a memento. If you see them minding their everyday business, then don't be a pest. If they are disrupting traffic on your street, remember it's just a job.
Years into that periodic groan, Law & Order showed up at my mother's complex in the suburbs, disrupting their parking scheduling.
14
@KMF Be kind. That series in its various iterations has given many accomplished stage actors a chance to make better money and show their acting chops to audiences who don't typically see plays. The parking issue, as well, is not the fault of the thespians, but of the production companies in cohoots with the city.
11
Not a New Yorker but on many visits over the years this reader successfully managed to ignore Ruth Gordon, Sly Stallone, Sting, Jack Lemon, Paul Simon and Madonna. Their obvious relief over not being bothered somehow only made such thrilling non encounters all the more memorable.
49
@Leigh Oh! I envy you the chance to "ignore" Ruth Gordon or Jack Lemmon, two of my favorites. Like most New Yorker's I, too, have ignored many luminaries over the years. But once, on a brutally hot Sunday in July, on a desolate street (most everyone was indoors, in air conditioning), I noticed the woman on the opposite corner waiting (as I was) for the light to change. Elaine Stritch! As we passed, I simply said, "Thank you!" and kept going... but, she stopped me! She wanted to know my name, and what I was doing out on such a hot day (going to the theater... what else?). She was a gem, and I was a few feet off the ground for the remaining walk to the theater.
31
Once I rode the elevator in Bergdorf’s from 1st floor to top floor with Pat and Tricia Nixon ( post Watergate ). I loved watching the faces of the jaded New Yorkers getting on the elevator at each stop when they recognized them. Pat & Tricia just stared straight ahead, off into space. Their secret service agent however looked quite amused at the reactions.
36
@Cate My favorite comment among many wonderful ones.
3
I love these various but similar series The NY Times shares.
6
Rush hour routine is priceless
It says something amazing about the open mindedness and freedom of our society when we don’t bat an eyelash that it was a man applying full makeup, and
In Los Angeles, drivers, usually women, apply mascara and the full routine, while DRIVING on the freeway (albeit slower, but with car in motion).
15
This is my the of the best features of the New York Times
30
When I first moved to New York in my early 20s, I had come from London, and despite being an American was still carrying the slightest lilt of an English accent. In truth, the only time I revert to the Queen's English is when I'm swearing.
On my first day of work in my new city, I was attempting to pay for the taxi I had mistakenly believed would get me to my office on-time when I (still in the taxi with the window almost entirely shut) was marked by bird splatter. The strafing run was so precise and implausible, and I was so disgusted and befuddled, I bellowed a series of very British curses. While attempting to discern how to clean myself or whether to return home for a new suit, John Cleese paid the driver and congratulated me on my 'many marvelous uses' of the English language. He had witnessed the whole thing, paid for my taxi, then walked away laughing.
Legend.
202
@Souvient
lol
That bird had impeccable timing.
17
@Souvient they say being pooped on by a bird is good luck. You are the first person I have ever heard confirm that!
34
In the late '70's, I took a date to Serendipity, on the East Side. While approaching the individual at the register, a party of four which included Andy Warhol appeared behind us. Not knowing what to do, I looked at Serendipity's greeter and said "Warhol -- for six." I heard groans and slight snickering from behind us, and quickly gave up the ruse, but still wonder how that might have worked out.
58
@Ben Morris
lol
So clever. The comments here today are some of the most amusing I've read in Metro Diary.
20
@Ben Morris Yes, of course at Serendipity ! Well played
10
My beloved Grandmother was a travel agent in the 1980’s after my Grandfather retired from a distinguished military career. She wanted to keep traveling, as she was curious and inquisitive about people and places. Her motto was “you’ll never learn about things if you don’t ask”. At that time in my life, I was in my teens and deeply into New Wave and British “import” bands. My Nana had a returning flight from London to LA, and upon her return, told me all about the “lovely boys” she met in the airport club lounge and then continued their conversations during their entire 8 hour flight. “What do you do?”, she asked. “We’re in a band and are playing some shows in LA”. “Well, My granddaughter loves all that New Wave stuff. How about an autograph for her for when you become famous?” They kindly obliged.
She handed me the slip of paper and, to my amazement, it was signed by all the members of Depeche Mode, They had flown in for their epic, sold out shows at The Rose Bowl, for which I had nosebleed tickets.
I still treasure it today.
183
"For has it not been ever said that all the world one day
Will pass in pilgrimage before the Cafe de la Paix?"
----Robert Service
If someone moved from a small town in western Massachusetts to New York City I would expect them to see people they know all the time.
If the move were the other way around, I would not.
19
About 15 years ago I worked in downtown LA and would take the train in. I don’t know about going in, but going down to the subway after work I noticed the same people everyday.
6
@Kenneth Ranson Right on! I'm from a large suburb outside of Detroit, and I've run into people I know on the streets of Chicago, London and Prague; yet when I return to where I grew up, I never seem to run into anyone, though I know most people are still there.
Coincidence is a wonderful thing in its own right. And I love your quotation!
31
@j. I have experienced extremely random meetings with people I know during travel as well. For many years I attributed it to a Jungian concept of synchronicity. Then I saw a mathematician's dissection of so-called "coincidence"--and I'm not so sure anymore.
13
When I was just a shy high school kid from Long Island (before I moved into Manhattan and became a real New Yorker), I was on a class trip to see a play at Lincoln Center and Dustin Hoffman walked into the cheap restaurant where my class was eating lunch. He was with two other men - perhaps associated with the production of The Merchant of Venice that he was doing at the time.
Now he was and still is my favorite actor so I felt compelled to get his autograph. When I approached the table with a scrap of paper pathetically trembling in my hand, one of the other gentlemen gruffly said, "No, you can't have my autograph." That bit of levity helped me calm down and Mr Hoffman signed the paper and I scurried away without ever actually saying a word.
Well, me being the first to get his autograph opened the flood gates and the rest of my class then lined up for one at his table. In short order, Mr Hoffman had had enough of suburban teenagers and he and his companions departed.
I always felt bad about bothering him - disturbing his quiet cup of coffee with two business associates.
So when I did move into Manhattan, I refused to react when I saw a celebrity – Bette Midler powerwalking near the Met, Lou Reed in a deli downtown, Jeff Bridges near the Plaza, Woody Allen filming on our street, who cares!
But I still have the autograph...
73
@Phillip I lived on Nantucket for a number of years, just a regular town worker, and one day I was walking back to work after lunch and saw a man walking up the street in the opposite direction who I recognized but didn't know from where but figured we had worked together in Boston in the 70s or 80s so I gave him a big "Hello, how are you? Good to see you!" And he gave the same right back to me. It was just after we passed each other that I realized it was Dustin Hoffman.
13
A lovely ring story.
I think I will be wonde-ring
the next five years
Multiplying it with dozens of stories
that try to fill out the blank.
Maybe in five years time
that man reappears
And tells us the missing puzzle
part of the story.
That would make it a full circle,
A lovely ring story.
54
From the late 1980s until 2015, I (first) worked for a small landscape design , installation & maintenance company. It was located in Tribeca on Duane Street at Greenwich.
Our "best sighting" (by far), was Great Garbo. We used to work for 2 other clients that lived in the same building she did. We wouldn't dare bother her; it would have been rude. Unfortunately, she died not very long afterwards.
A couple of years later, I co-founded a company with another person; doing the same work, only a larger co.
We both lived in downtown Manhattan, and worked all over Manhattan. We had many celebrity clients. Also, we saw many more you would know.
I lived in a 4th floor walkup on Sullivan Street between W. Houston and Prince St. I used to see Willem Dafoe in the early morning. He lived very close by (on Wooster St). I would say "Hello", and leave it. Even though he is 1 of my favorite actors, I respect his privacy; something most New Yorkers do.
My favorite is Bill Murray. He is as authentic a man I have ever met, as far as actors go. He was kind, funny, and friendly.
A couple of years later, we had our Company Holiday dinner at "Indochine"; a well known French-Vietnamese restaurant on Lafayette St. near Astor Place. Mr. Murray was there, too. He remembered us & came over to our table to say hello & chatted us up a little. He is an extremely funny & kind person; a great guy.
106
I lived in Edmonton when Wayne Gretzky played for the Oilers. I recall seeing him at a local restaurant. He would have been in his early 20's. One person after another approached his table to speak with him or ask for an autograph (this was before selfies!). He spoke kindly to every single person and I doubt he had a chance to eat his meal while it was still hot. I met him several more times at the children's hospital where I worked. He was always gracious and very kind.
83
I liked all of these stores. The one about Henry Winkler made me think of a celebrity encounter I had, and I've had several. My MO, however, has always been to ignore them. I figure stars like their privacy when they're not working.
In approximately 1991 I was taken, as a client being wooed, to an exclusive private restaurant in Honolulu--no prices on the menu. After being seated, I noticed that George Kennedy was seated at the table immediately to my right. An Oscar winner! And I love "Cool Hand Luke." But I ignored him.
It wasn't too long before I got that uncomfortable feeling that eyes were burning a hole in me. Kennedy was glaring at me. It happened several times. Why? At that time in my life I was often mistaken for Christian Slater. Did Kennedy make that mistake and was annoyed I wasn't paying homage? Or was I just talking too loud? I'll never know.
53
I remember once that Michael Douglas was in the same restaurant as me. Everyone left him alone and let him eat in peace. I've seen plenty of other celebrities in restaurants, as well.
I used to also often fly to LA, and in those days my company flew me first class. When I got off the plane, there was always a slew of photographers waiting to see if a celebrity got off the plane and I would stand behind them until I could see who it was.
Also, at trendy restaurants there. photographers would stalk the parking lots looking for celebs, so they could get one of those pictures of someone who really didn't want to be photographed.
I'd rather live in New York.
25
Eating at Kitchos with a friend about 30-40 years ao. At a very poular very small Japanese restaurant on 46th street.
In the room to my right was Andy Rooney of CBS; to my left was Liv
Ullmann agorgeous Sweedish actress very popular at the time; and to the front of me about 2 tables away was John Lennon.
Only in a New York restaurant.
56
It appears to be a day for old true stories, so here’s mine.
It was about thirty-five years ago and I was waiting in a line of cars at the dealership service department in Flushing. It had snowed heavily the day before. I looked up to see a Toyota Starlet, the smallest model they sold in the US in those days, it’s front end halfway up a tree. It had a California vanity plate on the back. It read: SNDHELP
35
I,too enjoyed the Fonz story as I’ve also heard he’s a good soul. Here’s to you Henry. We will always love you.
67
'Repeated encounters' made this reader laugh and enjoyed the finale. Thumbs-up!
A postcard to New York from a family friend at Versailles comes to mind, where in 2008 she was visiting the art gallery of the chateau and standing next to her was the new president of France wearing a pair of blue-jeans. It is unlikely that we are going to see an American president standing in line at The Met.
If somebody had given me a ticket for the annual gala party at The Met, at $35,000 a pop, I would have shared it with all of you, while taking care of the laundry dryer which is in 'Harry Potter' mode.
A fire is no laughing matter and this reader received a pamphlet with a reminder to bolt with the photo album. These are keepsakes that cannot be replaced, and glad Carlyle T. found a wonderful surprise in the mail-box.
Joining L. Wolf in calling it a night. I once was waiting for a friend at the bar of an empty restaurant on the Upper West Side, and there alone reading a paperback was Jeremy Irons. We exchanged a smile and nodded.
I feel terrible because Jeremy Ironsides named after the above, a kitten hanging out with a gang and now a handsome tuxedo in his bib and tucker has fled the premises because two big bow-wows have moved in next door.
With appreciation to the Metropolitan Diary, and great illustrations by Agnes Lee, please keep publishing these New York City anecdotes.
20
I really like the Winkler story. I have heard from multiple sources that Henry Winkler is one of the nicest celebrities, period.
48
I've always thought that a woman who puts her makeup on in the subway ends up looking like a woman who put her makeup on in the subway.
49
@bobbyhollywood I've always thought that a woman OR MAN who puts eye makeup on in the subway looks like an accident waiting to happen...
5
Have to wonder why the man applying make up had any possible effect on the person watching him? Make up....???
7
@RLiss
But I feel that way about anyone and make up. I ask myself --why? You looked better, aka real, before the mascara dearie.
7
Love the story about fighting the urge to say 'Heeyyyy' to the Fonz! Thumbs up!
33
Having an unusual surname name which I fearlessly listed in the phone directory some 5 decades ago I opened my mailbox to find an envelope addressed to me w/o a return address ,opening it I was surprised to see a small 4x5 inch Kodak Prints binderr of me and my family at Christmas time eating food among our Christmas presents in back in 1944 .
Never saw them before and don't know who ever sent them or how they were gotten....still think about it from time to time and yes!
that apartment building we inhabited during the war is long gone on Second Avenue my father probably contributed to that having raised fancy pigeons on it's rooftop.
65
Five years ago his wife was shopping in the store and when she unpacked she found the ring. She showed it to her husband, who wanted to return but she refused. She wore it, telling herself she was meant to have it. A couple of months ago the wife passed away and when going through her things he saw the ring again and decided to at least try to find the rightful owner.
135
@Meta
Or the ring holder would occasionally pass through the store and notice the same clerk who dropped the ring in his bag. And after years of not knowing what to do with the ring and knowing the original owner was still working at the same place, he did the rightful thing and returned it. Think about how many of the same familiar faces we see on a daily basis in the city. People we know absolutely nothing about until one day they're gone, and we're left to wonder!
27
@meta -- Is this simply a theory, or what really happened? I'm so curious.
12
@Meta
That is SO weird! I thought exactly this! That his wife kept the ring, and she probably recently passed, so he was then able to return it.
18
Celebrities are still just people.
There was a well known model railroader I happened to be standing next to at a train shop on 45th Street. We struck up a conversation about the exquisite model of the New York Central's "Empire State Express" he was buying, and talked trains for a few minutes before I wished him well.
I understand he's done a little singing too. His name is Rod Stewart.
100
I've met a bunch of celebrities in my life. Your story is a great example of my technique--don't talk to them about their most famous work. Talk to them about what they love instead, which hardly anyone talks to them about. One example: I met Fred Schneider from the B-52s. I didn't mention his music. Instead I talked to him about a book of poetry he published which was illustrated by the great New York pop artist Kenny Scharf. It had gone out of print and was pretty obscure. Bringing it up turned him from grumpy and aloof to happy and enthusiastic.
60
@The View From
I was at a party about 20 years ago at the Museum of Natural History. I told this woman that she looked like the woman in the B-52's, I don't know her name. She giggled, said "very funny". I said, really, you do. Again, she laughed it off.
Later found out, it was Kate Pierson of the B-52's.
14
I like the bit about our laundry lady
changing from jeans into a dress,
though even that, apparently, was
not enough to distract a New York
City doorman. I am sure,however,
that she was quite beautiful.
38
@Frank
I work on the UWS and pass many a doorman on the daily. Once we started recognizing each other it seemed proper to get to know many of them. Since then, my lunch walks have become open appointments with whichever ones are standing around, willing to greet me and share a laugh or two.
Talking with NYC doormen is an incredible way to get to know this city.
26
I like to think of the man who returned the ring as a repentant thief slowly returning stolen jewelry, which would make a good story.
78
I made up a simpler story. The shopping bag was saved and put aside for years. One day it was pulled out to be used. The ring (and possibly the receipt) was in there and the shopper put two and two together.
50
@reader
It has a pleasant O. Henry story ring to it!
19
You can’t fool a good doorman!
The laundry story brought back a memory of my own coin-op washing days. My boyfriend (now husband) and I used to pack up our respective laundry loads (from separate apartments) and drive out to a coin-op in a quiet, largely residential neighborhood in the city. The laundry business we liked sat across the street from a tiny, family-run Chinese restaurant — the kind of place where mom and grandma assembled dumplings at one table, while the kids did homework at another. We would load up our washing machines and walk across the street to eat dumplings and noodles and other wonderful things. I looked forward to those evenings!
174
Carolyn Taranto - what a great story!
33
All good stories.
Seems like the Fonz was too cool to be acknowledged until he wasn't.
I hope the mother of the young woman was relieved a familiar person passed her in NYC.
The doorman was excellent at his job; very observant, informative, and polite.
Very interesting about the ring. Did this man actually hold onto it all those years and then he just had to return it?
People grooming in public places is an ick factor to me. I wonder why a man applying make-up in public was encouraging rather than all the women she observed.
21
I love to sneak away from work for a few minutes to read the Diary.
This week is no exception.
Thank you, Times.
90
How or why people apply their makeup on public transit is not as fascinating to me as it is annoying. I’ve sat next to people doing it who inevitably lose their grip with a brush or powder, and it lands on me - one time, it was a mascara wand on my white shirt. Why should I be the one who has to move and schlep my stuff to another seat. If I can put my full makeup on before leaving the house for an *hour-long* commute why can’t others? Same with the coffee drinkers who dribble on others, and the snoozers who drift into using others’ shoulders as pillows.
33
@TurandotNeverSleeps There are literally as many reasons why other people can’t do things as you do them as there are other people. I understand you are annoyed by the choices other people make and I empathize, but come on.
48
Laundry Day: "put my laundry in a suitcase, changed out of jeans and into a skirt"
To the tune of "You Can't Always Get...":
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell by her Tide-stained hands
79
@pale fire
Not being of a jaded nature ,my feeling was that he had just finished a prison sentence .
9
Dear Ms. Taranto,
Your Diary entry is so very intriguing! My assumption is that the male customer had purchased items from you and when he got home and was unloading his shopping bag came across your ring and knew that it must have slipped off your finger while you were packing his items.
But there are so many questions: Why didn’t’ he bring it back straight away and ask you the same questions he posed to you that day five years later?
What might account for his long delay in doing so? Did he avoid making purchases at your store during that period? Did he perhaps use your ring in what turned out to be an unsuccessful engagement of his own? After finally returning the ring to you, did you ever see him in the store again (or anywhere else, given the way in which people keep reappearing in recent Diary entries)?
The questions I thought about which relate to you and the ring all seemed too personal and private to pose. So let me just say that I hope the ring with the diamond from your grandmother’s ring brought you good luck and happiness, both while it was on your finger as well as during that five years when you were without it.
Thank you for providing such a fascinating mystery to start the week.
Stay well,
Allen
111
@Allen J. Share, such interesting thoughts about why the delay. My initial thought had been that they were about to give it away to charity or discard it, which is when my folks make totally sure (in a very thorough way, since this is the last chance) that nothing is in the pockets or seams. It's interesting how much is missed over the years, even with regular cleaning.
Maybe with your imaginative list, this could be a series of one-acts, a title like "A Familiar Ring," all the different ways it could have happened.
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@Allen J. Share, my guess is the man returned the ring to the cashier because having it was making him unhappy. Whether he was the one who initially didn’t do the right thing when the ring fell into a shopping bag, or whether it was a wife or girlfriend who found and kept it, handing the ring back to its rightful owner removed the burden of guilt.
The little story works because so many possibilities hide behind it. The best part is that now everyone is happy.
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Dear Passion for Peaches,
I agree with your guess as to why the ring was finally returned. It is indeed very interesting to speculate as to who made the purchases that day and therefore brought the ring home in the first place, and what conversations might have taken place over those five years regarding the ring. And of course you are right about the happy ending, particularly with respect to Ms Taranto once again having the stone from her grandmother’s engagement ring.
Take care and enjoy a good week.
Allen
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Good entries!!!!
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How would you like it if a stranger said the same stupid thing to you every day?
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@Paulie
Indeed. Henry Winkler is a class act, indeed!
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@Paulie I had a pharmacy in downtown Seattle by the Market. EVERY morning after opening, this same homeless man would approach me and say "why be normal", then leave. I loved it! He never missed a morning !
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Dear Ms. Gold,
Such a funny story and such a very observant doorman. But I wonder: what were you planning on telling him? Something like: “Hi, I just arrived on the bus from Elmira and I’ll be staying with my cousin who lives in this building only she’s at work right now and said that it would be okay to wait for her until she gets home in the laundry room?”
Enjoy a good week.
Allen
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@Allen J. Share
I just came here to laugh.
hahahahaha.
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From today's stories, you might think New York is just another small town.
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@yl
New York is many small towns, all intersecting w/ each other. The regular inhabitants of any neighborhood are well known to each other and strangers are easily identified. Community habits are well entrenched and deviations from the norms are frowned on. People are people no matter they live in NYC or that small town in the Midwest.
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i live in NYC, boro of Queens, town of Elmhurst. Each day, as i walk down Broadway about 4 blocks to breakfast at Starbucks, i see many people for the first time and will never see them again.
Some 'small towns' in NYC have very large populations.
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I enjoyed all five Metropolitan Diary entries this morning. I truly admire Agnes Lee’s weekly illustrations. With pencil and charcoal, in black and white, she captures the essence of each entry. I stare at each illustration and smile.
“Familiar Sound” by Catherine Sanderson fits right in with last week’s entry titled “Old School” and the many comments about the small world in which we all live.
“Laundry Day” by Joyce Gold took place 50 years ago, and it sparked a memory for me from 50 years ago. At that time I lived in a small apartment without laundry facilities, and I would go to a laundromat about two blocks away. I carried my laundry in a backpack with the soap powder in an old one-pound can of Maxwell House coffee. I can still see the price on the bottom of the one-pound coffee can: 59 cents. Haven’t thought about that in years.
“At the Register” by Carolyn Taranto makes me think that the man must have seen the ring fall off her finger; he probably lived with pangs of guilt for five years. When I was a graduate student, I found a Mido wrist watch on the sidewalk, not the most expensive watch, but by no means the cheapest. I posted notices in the local area and I put an ad in the paper, but after several months, nobody had claimed it. I took it to a jewelry story and had the band repaired. I wore"My Mido" for several years until it finally stopped.
Dean from CT
May 6, 2019
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@Dean
I just read my own comment. It sounds as if my "old one-pound can of Maxwell house coffee" had the coffee mixed in with the laundry soap powder. I think I should have called it "an old one-pound Maxwell House coffee can."
The dangers of posting too quickly? Or, details that only a grammar nerd would notice? :)
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Hi Dean,
I think we all knew what you meant, although it is funny to think of a washing machine with extra dial settings for regular or decaf and for adding cream and/or sugar during the brew cycle.
Enjoy a good week.
Allen
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@Dean
Just reread my own comment immediately after posting, repeating myself in less than 8 words. In my defense, I've been on the computer doing research for work for hours, and took a break because I couldn't read any more legal documents without seeing double!
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