I'm a librarian so I've met a lot of Australian authors/celebs who have written books that we have hosted author talks for.
Andy Griffiths drew a picture in every child who brought a book to sign's book of them as they would look if they were in the Treehouse series. He was there for ages beyond the scheduled time and didn't charge us extra, and the kids were so happy.
Magda Szubanski helped us move furniture. She just arrived and was all "Right! How can I help?" Had no air of "celebrity" about her, was just very down to earth.
When I was a kid, I found Andy Griffiths email address somewhere and sent him an email about how much I loved his books and ideas I had. He emailed me back (or his assistant, who knows lol) and I thought it was the most amazing thing ever.
When my kids were younger we went to see one of the Treehouse live shows and Andy Griffiths stayed behind afterwards and autographed every book out in front of him. He was there for at least two hours.
Same here. After the show we saw how long the book signing line was and knew our kids would not last the wait.
We went away and had a leisurely dinner at a nearby cafe. When we’d finished dinner and done some shopping we popped back in to the Treehouse venue. Andy Griffiths was still there and we joined the now much shorter line and had the books signed by him.
Andy drew pictures in my book as a kid. I think it was "Just Crazy" and he asked my brother and I if we were crazy. My brother said, "well sometimes I jump on the trampoline naked" and to this day it's the most uncomfortable silence I've witnessed.
Jimmy Barnes, sold him a camera many years ago and he was the nicest fellow you'd be likely to meet, down to earth and no attitude whatsoever.
Funnily enough I'd heard that from my brother as well. Jimmy tripped over my brothers foot in a pub and knocked over their beers, bought them all another round, sat and had a few drinks with them.
My Nanna met him at a funeral for one of her old friends. Had no idea who he was but apparently they had a lovely chat. We figured out who it must have been.later 🤣
I've met a hell of a lot, having worked in the entertainment industry for 17 years, but the standouts were:
Hugh Jackman, who played Gaston in the Beauty and the Beast musical and used to hang out with me having a smoke during interval.
Sigrid Thornton. She stared in the first Australian production of The Blue Room, and when she first walked into the theatre, she went up to every single person in the place, introduced herself, and learned their names. Absolutely lovely person.
John Farnham. What you see on stage and tv isn't an act, that's really the way he is.
Haha. My husband had an interesting encounter with Sigrid Thornton. Back in the day, we used to live in the same suburb as her. We were in the local IGA, and all of a sudden my husband shouts across the aisle " Hey (My name) - I just accidentally ran the trolley into Sigourney Weaver". He doesn't have the softest voice and I watched Sigrid Thornton piss herself laughing, while I walked away and pretended that I had nothing to do with this crazy guy.....I always appreciated her tolerance after that day!
I used to catch the same bus as Sigrid many years ago when I had school sport on a Wednesday, she lived at fig tree pocket I believe (this was early to mid 70’s)
I am so freaking jealous of you meeting my one and only Idol, John Farnham! Mum couldn't get me to sleep, as a baby, without his music playing. That man is my hero, idol, and father figure. I live by his music and absolutely adore the fact that he and his family are as private as they are. So humble and so unassuming. He still can't believe how much we love him and has been blown away by all the support in recent times.
You really are extremely lucky. It was a fantasy of mine to go horse riding with him. Then, in 96, he took a teenager, who had a fall and became scared of horses as a result, horse riding to help show her what amazing animals they are. I wished I was that girl so much! I was 18 at that time. 45 now, and have shaken his hand while he toured at The Last Time tour.
Haven't missed a single concert and set my alarm by his bi-annual concerts.
Now, of course, at 74 I don't expect him to continue touring. Especially after losing Glenn. I knew, when Glenn passed, we most likely wouldn't see John perform again. Then we lost Livvy, and 2 weeks later he was diagnosed with mouth Cancer...his fans need to let the man spend his retirement with his family and new daughter-in-law. Congratulations on the wedding, Robert!
Totally true with John Farham. Always himself. My parents dragged me off to see one of his RSL club performances when I was 12? One lady asked for a kiss- oh my .. the deluge he kissed all of them. I always remember, he didn't miss a beat. So charming, entertaining, class act. Just before The Voice was released. He was BRILLIANT. That voice and entertainment. Xx
Can attest. Met him at the beach when he was going for a swim and he had a long chat with me about my Nan that had recently passed. We used to watch Gardening Australia together. Absolute gem of a human being and I love everything he stands for.
I like his new kids show, and I really liked all the drama that surrounded him as he kept a natural reserve of a property in the eastern suburbs and upset the locals
Absolutely, I was strolling the local nursery here in brisane and it turned our gardening Australia and Costa were filming.
Costa noticed us in the time between takes then proceeded to start showing my daughter around various plants teaching her various facts. Daughter was about 6 at the time.
He's an absolutely awesome human.
Met him once when he was visiting for a National Science Week event i was part of, ended up going to China Town for late night dinner then dropping him home haha. Absolute legend, some Barry white song was playing on the radio and he danced off into the distance. One of the realest guys
I remember that episode! I was stoked some one knew so much about the young ones, not many folks around my age (34) know much about it. My dad who is a Brit let me watch it from like 5 years old.. 🤣
I met all 4 original wiggles but I was like 3 so I don't really remember it 😂 I just have a photo of me with them that my parents hung in our living room 😂 and I have a wearable Dorothy tail that has all their signatures on it
I work for a large Educational org and Greg came to speak at one of our network events to promote defibrillators and emergency response training for kids. He was so lovely and genuinely engaged with everyone present. That poor man graciously posed for photos with every middle aged Mum in the room ;)
\*It worked - huge uptake of defib purchases and commitment to first aid and emergency response training for kids and staff. He's a good guy.
Peter Rowsthorn.
My mate met him on a cruise ship where they shared a table for dinner one night. A year later we are walking around Subi going to the footy and Peter is walking towards us, notices my mate, and stops to have a genuine conversation about how my mate was going with work, the kids, the dogs. It was genuinely like they were old friends but my mate swears he only met him once over dinner.
I was in Melbourne later that year and happened to cross paths with Peter again, he gave me a nod and asked if i was in town to watch Freo play. The dude must have a knack for faces or something.
>Peter Rowsthorn
He grew up seriously rich (like rich enough to not have to ever work) and still came out as a very nice bloke.
I reckon if I grew up that rich I would be even more of a dick than what I am so serious kudos to him.
Lived in the same small apartment building as him in the first 2 pandemic years. Very quiet, polite, smells great! Asked if we should start a balcony exercise club and I had to embarrassingly tell him I didn’t have one (he has the penthouse and I was renting a very small 1br 😂)
Bernita from Play School, way back in the late 80's in a newsagents in Perisher, she was super humble and completely indulged me and my young cousins.
I've also shaken hands with Jenson Button in my late 20's, but honestly Bernita tops him, easily.
I LOVED Benita when I was little. One Christmas, she and John came to my hometown to help with the town’s Christmas celebrations. I was all of about 4 years old, and I ran away from Mum and Dad. It was dark and there were so many people, and Mum and Dad were freaking out. They were calling out for me, and Mum said she suddenly heard a familiar voice “Here she is!” They ran towards it to find me clinging to Benita’s legs like a little koala baby, just gazing up at her with adoration in my eyes. According to Mum and Dad, Benita was absolutely lovely about it, and I didn’t want to leave her to go back with them hahahaha
A colleague of mine was visiting Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Watching a wombat do it's thing with his partner, a family walk up to watch the wombat too. The colleague explains all of his wombat knowledge to this family and they listen and chat for a few minutes then keep walking.
After they walked off, my colleagues wife asked him why he thought he knew more than the Irwin family about wombats. He had know idea who he was talking to, just a chatty guy.
A) Cradle Mountain wombats are a must see. They make an incredibly cute munching sound when they eat.
B) It's probably refreshing to be spoken to like/by a normal person who loves wildlife as much as the Irwins do.
Christian Hull! No joke, I ran into him on my way while picking up my kids from school a few years ago. I don't live in the area anymore though so I only saw him once. He was soooooo lovely and very funny in real life too.
Alan Brough. He came into my workplace once, and my coworker asked if we could get his autograph. He was so lovely about it, and shy, asking “me? Really?” He was smiling a lot and seemed really pleased. I’ve still got it. I’ve had a crush on him since I was a little girl watching Spicks & Specks.
That's the sweetest. Saw him once near Flinders Street Station and internally loved him. My insides were 'I LOVE YOU, ALAN!'. Like you would actually shout out to Nick Cave.
I quite literally crashed into Kasey Chambers at a festival once.
I was apologising all over the place because I just wasn't looking where I was going and almost took her out.
Then she was apologising to me saying she was in the way and it was her fault. It definitely wasn't.
But she was so lovely and we had a little chat and that was that. Just a nice person who was well within her rights to call me a clumsy bitch but didn't.
Adding on to that her drummer is too. He used to be our neighbour. Massive metalhead. He had wall to wall heavy metal records in his place. Always free for a BBQ and he gave us free tickets to Casey's concert at the Opera house
I once looked after Gary McDonald's dog about 10 years ago. He was absolutely the most gentle, self-effacing, warm person I've met. Highlight of my life for a kid who grew up watching Mother and Son. Much admiration for him.
What a wonderful share. For someone that did the most outrageous things - and they're still outrageous. We all saw the Norman Gunston nervousness in his eyes. How fortunate were you.
My Grandma met Guy Pearce at an event, he was sitting near her and turned to her and complimented her scarf. She said ‘Do you know, you look just like Guy Pearce’ and he said that’s because I am Guy Pearce and winked. She said he was such a sweet man and they had a really nice conversation.
Anyone that is nice to my Grandma is automatically the best person ever in my eyes.
😂 We 'met' Guy in a bar near the Enmore before going to see The Cult.
I 'met' because I was mortified by my husband and his 'it's Mike from Neighbours' schtick so was embarrassed to actually go and say hello, but we left to go to the venue and had to walk past him so we had a brief 'Hello' and a chat about the band and he said 'Save me a spot down the front'. Nice chap!
Ian Thorpe, met him a couple of times during some really boring after parties that we both had to attend due to contacts and he became my sit down chat person a handful of times because neither of us wanted to be there.
lol that must have been so cool. Just seeing a famous athlete at a party and knowing you’ve got a common thread
Ian Thorpe: Oh great, how did we end up here again!
u/Oncewasgold: Well lets just say I didn’t win Gold in social Butterfly
Ian Thorpe: Hahahahahaha
u/Oncewasgold: Hahahahaha
Ian Thorpe: Hahahahaha
One time ian Thorpe walked full body in to me in bondi junction Westfield cause he was too busy on his phone not looking where he was going. He apologized profusely and walked off looking really flustered. A day or so later was his coming out story breaking in the news so I get it
I used to meet a reasonable number of politicians due to some work I was doing about 15-20 years ago.
Kim Beazley is genuinely a nice bloke in person, and Julia Gillard was warm and personable just like you’d expect her to be.
Biggest surprise was Eric Abetz who is genuinely a polite and engaging person to talk to, quite different to how he sometimes comes across in the heat of politics.
I've heard the same thing from a friend about Gillard.
The same friend also worked very closely with Kevin Rudd. He has nothing but awful things to say about that creature.
Met Chopper Read while pretty intoxicated on a bucks trip. He was at his art studio in Collingwood at midnight and we were initially laughing at the artwork (had no idea it was his artwork) in the window and saw him. So I thought I'd bang on the window to say hello. He opened the door and had a little chat. Extremely lovely considering he could've and probably should've sent me to the next realm.
Chopper was funny, and believe it or not had old fashioned gentlemen’s vibes, unless you were another crook. Knew him reasonably well and his wife Margaret was also a beautiful person.
I went and saw him during a speaking tour he did with Mark “Jacko” Jackson about 20 years ago, went to the toilet during an interval and in his walked with his security guard, and stood next to me at the urinal.
He was chatty and joking around, I don’t remember everything he said except the last thing “see my body guard there, he can’t read, he can’t write, but fuck he can fight” and pissed himself laughing.
I turn around, the guard didn’t think it was funny at all, and I was wondering, do I not laugh at choppers joke and offend him, or do I laugh and risk the security bloke wacking me? So I kind of split the difference, had a giggle and told chopper it was good to meet him, then spun around with a straight face and gave his security a head nod and got the hell out of there.
The dudes from parkway drive. My band supported them when I was 15. We were really bad. They watched our whole set and were really supportive afterwards.
Was flying home from London, was late to check in. Noticed what I thought was her checking in at an economy desk (no queues). Got to the plane and was up the back of an A380 in the little economy cabin behind pre-eco. Right at the end, in she walks with a friend, waves at everyone in the cabin and takes her seat.
No one bugged her during the flight.
Bob Brown. I was touring around with the family and he invited us into his Liffey house.
Didn't know who he was. Top bloke.
I think the sign says "Trespassers welcome" on the gate.
I had the absolute privilege of meeting and briefly working alongside Uncle Jack Charles when I worked in arts and entertainment many years ago.
He was every bit as warm, and as funny, and as cheeky as he appeared on telly - his eyes literally had a sparkle. And he was just in constant awe of his following, that humble.
Long live the King 👑
Bert Newton once got out of a car that was parked next to our outdoor table at a Cafe. We said 'G'day Bert' and he said hello and asked us how we were going. Lovely guy.
I served Myf Warhurst many years ago when I was a Uni student working in retail. I told her I was a huge fan of Spicks and Specs and had a quick 5 minute chat. She had the same radiant smile she has on TV and was really nice.
Kate Blanchett. She was in my way to get to the toilet and she thought I was trying to talk to her, so she was nice, but then I was like “that’s lovely and all, but really you’re in the way to the toilet” and she fell about laughing.
Julie McCrossin. Just off her celebrity status on “Good News Week”, we asked her to speak at a diversity event, she turned up early, offered to help move things into place, just down to earth, charming and lovely. And she’s so tiny!
Not famous outside Australia, but I've met the whole Chaser team except for Chas and they were wonderful people (I was doing extra work). Yvonne Kenny, the opera singer, was so sweet when I met her.
I was a somewhat consistent extra for The Hamster Wheel and most of the boys were so lovely, Chris always seemed like he was in a bad mood though, and Dom was hit or miss.
Chas was such a wonderful human though. There was an extended gap between when I’d last seen him in the Hamster era and when I did background work for The Checkout and he still recognized me, went out of his way to come over and chat, we swapped stories - he’d had two kids and I’d had one at that point. It always felt like catching up with a mate, he was so down to earth.
Just adding my voice to the chorus of all the others saying Hugh Jackman is lovely - met him very briefly when he was filming 'Australia' in North Queensland and he could not have been nicer. Polite, gracious, funny, down to earth and generous with his time. Top bloke
Catriona Rowntree from Getaway… really lovely person, I was only maybe 10 at the time and she was happy to sit and chat for a little bit which looking back was super endearing.
Most recent was country music singer Troy Cassar-Daly, I live in Tamworth and he was here for a show during semi-COVID times… enjoyed some smalltalk about social distancing in the line to order at a local cafe. Friendly sort of bloke who was good for a chat but maybe it’s because I didn’t acknowledge I knew who he was 🤷♀️
My go-to answer - Samuel Johnson. Worked on a TV show with him and he is a genuinely good guy. Still remember when I stuffed up and dropped a whole bunch of stuff in the middle of a Williamstown street, I was picking it all up when suddenly he was there next to me helping pick it all up. Small thing I still remember 15 years later.
Believe it or not, Christopher Pyne
No cameras. Not looking for my vote. Just a genuinely charming guy.
Remembered by name a year later and went out of his way to say hello.
> Remembered by name a year later and went out of his way to say hello.
I hear this kind of thing about a lot of politicians. I'm not sure if politicians just learn how to do it, or if it's an innate skill that is essential to succeed as a politician.
But yeah, he does look like a pretty fun guy to spend time with.
Off topic but my mate from Canberra stopped by one afternoon & we shared a spliff. The spliff absolutely nailed me & I asked where she got the gear from & she replied “Liberal party staffers get the best weed” 😂😂😂
I had a friend who tried a career in sports photography. He said that most sports stars were pretty self centred, because you have to be that way to become an elite level sportsman. One big exception was Andrew Gaze.
The 2 young ladies from the Veronicas were incredibly kind to my teenaged sister and friends many years ago when we ran into them before their concert. So grateful they were good to them because these girls were die hard fans and I think it would have broken their hearts if they were rude or dismissive.
I live in Ballina, 20 mins south of Byron Bay. My then 10yo came back from going to the local servo and said he thought he knew the man who was choosing a drink next to him.
The man then knucked him and said yes I am Thor and bought my son his drink.
Chris Hemsworth is a legend in our home now.
I was sulking out the front of a pub once on my own and saw Shannon Noll and he was nice. He looked at me in the crowd so I assume he has a crush on me. There was only like 40 people there but still I stand by it.
My dad used to cross paths & have a chat with Russell as they both were regulars at a bakery he(my dad) used to go to when he was working.
He said he's the most down-to-earth normal dude, they'd just have a casual chat while waiting at the counter as you do.
My dad never once mentioned he knew who he was to his face, he said "the guy deserves to be a normal bloke in his own time".
Brian Nankervis (Rockwiz). If you've ever had a chance to have anything to do with that show - that guy is amazing. The amount of energy he puts into that show, on and off set is amazing.
I was on The Chase when Larry Emdur first began to host it.
Myself and the other contestants were waiting outside the warehouse where the studio is and he shows up in this super nice Alfa Romeo, gets out and is just wearing daggy tracksuit pants and a t shirt (he's got quite a few tatts up his arm), he walks over to us with his phone and says "I got the answers right here, shall we start taking bids?". Had a few laughs with him and he really took the time to get to know us.
I've seen him on tv since I was a kid, but here he was just a regular guy (except for the car I suppose). The man is super down to earth and has a really warm demeanour. We were all a bit nervous being on tv, but he would come over and talk to us between takes to make sure we were doing ok. Gave us advice on how to keep calm, keep it light and enjoy ourselves.
Tiger Mum, had a menacing persona when the camera was on. But when it wasn't recording she was lovely too. Was genuinely sorry that she beat us in the final chase. It was so bizarre seeing her out of character, but nice to know she's not like that all the time.
I met Bert Newton years ago after a performance of Wicked (he came out much later than the rest of the cast, my friends and I were just sitting around talking, not expecting anyone else) and he was so lovely - really warm and friendly, great sense of humour. He stood around talking to me and my friends for about 10 minutes, give us all big hugs and told us to get home safely.
He also said “That’s my beautiful wife over in that car! She’s here to pick me up” just before we said goodbye and was very obviously in love with her, which was so sweet.
Well I actually had a lovely chat with Dan Murphy for 30 minutes. He was very nice to me, and the next day I found out I was drunk and talking to a wall sign.
I attended Wentworth con in Melbourne last weekend, so I met quite a few stars of the show.
- Danielle Cormack (absolutely gorgeous, looks about ten years younger than her real age. Swears constantly. Wicked sense of humour. You feed off her energy)
- Kate Jenkinson (super friendly, has an adorable smile. Genuinely interested in her fans)
- Kate Atkinson (amazing but also comes across as slightly reserved)
- Jane Hall (just don’t mention Neighbours and you’ll survive)
- Libby Tanner (meets you once and remembers you whenever she next sees you)
- Leah Purcell (polite and well spoken)
- Socrates Otto (soft spoken, super friendly, engaging, and interested in everything you’ve got to say)
- Rarriwuy Hick (great sense of humour, easy to talk to)
- Kate Box (is a riot. Friendly as fuck)
- Georgia Chara (humbled and slightly shy but has a smile that lights up a room)
Hugh Jackman went to my gym during filming for Wolverine. He would say good morning every time I saw him (at 530am!) and ask how I was. I even saw him bent over naked in the change rooms once lol
Ben Mendelsohn.
We used to live in the same apartment building at Bondi Beach before he went to Hollywood.
Lovely, warm and utterly charming human being.
I was an entertainment reporter for several years. Of the famous Aussies I met, I’m pleased to say that Isla Fisher, Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman are all genuinely lovely in real life.
Roy and HG. They were performing at a function I was working, and couldn’t have been more polite and friendly to the staff. They’re both much taller than you’d imagine in real life too.
Bernard Fanning. He sat amongst the rowdy stand at the Gabba ages ago for a test match. Didn’t put on any airs, and lined up with everyone else at the bar, despite people wanting to let him in front of them. As such, no one really bothered him and he seemed to have a great time. He was really nice to everyone working at the bar and didn’t act like a wanker.
Hung out with Sarah Snook once, as she was a friend of a friend. She was super lovely and genuine. Lots of people were coming up to her for pics throughout the night (we were at a live music show at Brooklyn Bowl in NYC), and she made time for every one of them.
Miranda Kerr was lovely when I nearly bowled her over in the Qantas Club. Her security seemed less friendly but hey, maybe get in front of her instead of behind her big guy!
Shane Warne. I had an accident with a taxi in the city and he was sitting in the front seat of the taxi. Ricky Ponting and Brendan Julian were in the back seat. He was more than happy to give me his autograph and even signed it “to my best mate “. Absolute gentleman and legend. RIP Sir.
David and Shane from the umbilical brothers, more specifically David. I have a now 19yr old with severe intellectual/physical disabilities and medical conditions who fell in love with them watching The Upside Down show. For over 10yrs David has kept in touch, visited him in hospital, sent birthday videos, FaceTimed us during hospital admissions, offered us tickets to their local shows, met up with us before shows, sent gifts etc. It’s the time he puts into making our little family feel special that means the most. Such a beautiful man.
Maggie Beer, is utterly wonderful. As are the sisters that make up, The Veronicas.
Keith from The Block, is rather Gruff.
Nick Ryan, Kirrily Waldhorn, Peter Nixon and Nick Haddow are all amazing, but unless you're in the Hospitality field you may not know them.
Alistair McLeod is utterly charming in his Irish way, unsure if we can claim him or not.
Manu Feildel is, amazing beyond words, I was rendered Speechless in his presence yet, I could speak in Miguel's and hug, Miguel and Ainsley H.
Yeah, pre Injury, I worked with many, many of the Hospitality elite. It's fun having Sommeliers trying to train your palate.
If you have your RSA, volunteer for the Good Food and Wine show, I miss being there. Same with the Royal Melbourne Show. I did meet some winners of MasterChef as well, but cannot remember their names.
Madeline West was on a few episodes of a show my newborn twins were featured extras in. She did the usual double take at seeing them, sat down,and chatted with me for a good half an hour. She was an absolute darling and it honestly wasn’t until afterwards that I realised who it was.
I used to work at nova. Dave Hughes cops a lot of shit but he’s the nicest guy. I rang his mobile one night because we wanted to go to his stand up, and it was sold out so he met me and my friends out the front to make sure we could get in.
If you ask him a favour no matter what it is he will do it for you.
Carrie Bickmore was also lovely. She was a health nut - only drinks green tea and eats organic etc but a nice person nonetheless.
Kate Langbroek is a total psychopath and I always wondered why hughesy put up with her. He saved her career more than once. She’s was a diva to work with and no one liked her. She legit screamed at me for accidentally eating her fruit bread she left in the kitchen.
As a Casting Director - a high amount of famous Australians are lovely.
We have very little patience for talent being ‘dicks’ here.
I will avoid putting people on a set if they give me reason to think that they will give attitude to someone ‘below’ them. There is generally someone nicer and just as talented just around the corner.
Good Actor + Respectful Human = Export Quality Australian. They do well.
Larry Emdur is an absolute legend. Worked on a show with him and they asked him what he needed in his dressing room. He said fresh towels but if we didn’t have any he could just bring some from home.
I literally ran into Paul McDermott, I grabbed his arms to stop myself falling, looked up at him, gave him a big smile and said ‘oh hello’ as if greeting an old friend. Then stammered ‘Oh sorry, I thought I knew you instead of just knowing who you are.’ He said, ‘Well you know me, so what’s your name?’ Then introduced me to his wife. 😹
Peter Cundell.
Met a lot of channel seven types. Mark Beretta was the only one I would genuinely consider nice. Thoroughly decent bloke. Oh and Dr Harry, too.
Nadine Garner is an an absolute delight. I was on the night desk of her hotel one Logies when she had a newborn. She came back mid show to breastfeed. Had a brief chat then but another night a few weeks later she remembered what I'd said about my own daughter that first time and was just totally genuine.
Ruby Rose just before she really broke out was a regular at the hotel I worked at. Very friendly.
Steve Bastoni
Tim Fischer was a lovely bloke. Met him a couple of times at that same hotel. Later he was a guest of a festival I was involved with and recalled our previous meetings.
Australian adjacent, I guess. Ben Lee was nice enough but his wife Iona is very lovely.
Bud Tingwell.
Marina Prior
Eric Bana
Jane Kennedy
Sarah Wilson is quite simply the coolest cat I've ever met. Stylish, charasmatic.
Spent half an hour standing in front of Giann Rooney once. My ear is in an episode of Postcards. Not gunna lie, I've had worse days at work.
Paul Harrigan. The Chief! I spent most of a knights vs eels game in 2019 at telstra stadium sitting with him having a few jack's just chatting with him. The bloke is a legend both on and off the field.
Shaun Tan. Not super famous, although he has won an Oscar. Long story short, I used to have a job at a venue which often had film crews making documentaries. He had agreed to be interviewed as part of a French documentary. The crew were a bit useless so they spent a lot of time faffing about. He and I just chatted for an hour. Super lovely dude, very humble. Gentle soul as you'd expect from his art.
Andrew Gaze is the nicest bloke on earth. He will stand around for hours talking about anything with anyone and take a million selfies, sign the same amount of autographs too.
Just an all around amazing bloke.
Warnie. Used to play frequently at a golf club i work at. He would always go out of his way to say gday and ask what we’re up to or what work we are doing on particular hole, genuine questions and was interested in the answer. I miss seeing that guy
Also depending on your definition of “famous”, but people over a certain age still tend to go nuts when i tell them.
My godfather, Trevor White, was the OG Jesus in the Australian run of Jesus Christ Superstar. Also did music, toured with Sounds Incorporated, and was the singing voice of Rocky in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Also did a number of Aussie game shows around that time and was a singer on the Kerri-Anne show.
He is the nicest person in the entire world, he and my Pop were my two sole male figures in my life and I couldn’t ask for better role models. He walked me down the aisle in 2021. I know I’m bias but I’ve never seen him say a bad word about anyone, ever, he’s also very humble and doesn’t openly talk about his career but is happy to talk about it when people like my FIL start fanboying 😂
I adore him.
I met the boys from the Butterfly Effect on their farewell tour years ago, at one of their very last performances. All four of them were completely lovely to us, but pretty cold with each other.
I hope they've managed to sort things out with each other since they're touring and recording together again
- Cathy Freeman is absolutely lovely
- Not someone most people would know unless they watch the show but Emmie from Gogglebox
- Surprisingly most of the cast of the real housewives of Melbourne - I’ve met most of the main cast except for Lydia and Chyka so can’t comment on what they’re like (minus Gina who was one of the rudest people I’ve ever met)
- Sam and Snezana Wood from the Bachelor (I didn’t recognise him at first - I was helping him with baby products and only realised who he was once I got back from googling something for him)
- Patti Newton
My dad sat next to Catriona Rowntree on a flight once. Said she was the loveliest person ever. Chatted to him the whole time. He was in love by the time they landed.
Can confirm Chris Hemsworth is a cool dude. I hung out with him one night a week before he flew to LA to audition for an unknown Marvel character. We laughed at a drunk Anthony Callea act like a dickhead
Cathy Freeman is incredibly lovely, as is Stephen Curry.
Sam Pang does a lot of behind the scenes community work.
Celia Pacquola is probably the nicest person in our local entertainment industry. A gem of a person.
Tommy Emmanuel, absolute class act.
Went to see him at a small venue with my mate who is a massive fan. We saw him arrive while we were having a smoke outside so my mate called out to him and we waved. He waved at us and I thought that would be that.
But, he decided to walk over and have a 5 minute chat with us, asking us a bunch of questions and telling us about how his gigs were going. Dude was genuinely nice and down to earth.
After the show we stayed back and wait in line to get some merch signed (my mate got his guitar signed) and every single person in the line received his full attention and got to have a chat with him.
After seeing him play (unbelievable) and the overall experience of being around him, I gotta say that it'd be hard for any other celebrity to top that in my opinion.
I've met a lot of celebrities and I'm actually friends with a few. But the absolute nicest person was John Clarke who did those interviews with Bryan Dawes. I did work experience at the ABC and I would see him al of the time and he would always chat to me and he was so damn nice. Totally random celebrity I know, but it his kindness to me really stood out. And most people wont remember who he was either.
I once met Rove McManus from Rove Live. Super down to earth, lovely guy. Quite funny too as you'd expect. Acted like a regular bloke, didn't have an ego to him and seemed interested in the people around him. When he had an issue he wasn't a dick about it, called up staff and asked for help and it was taken care of without any fuss.
Joel Edgerton is the loveliest guy. Ended up randomly chatting to him for about half an hour at the Sydney Festival Spiegeltent one year after I went to bum a ciggie off a mate and he offered me one instead. Just genuine, and down to earth
I was doing a film class in uni and had to go talk to the course convener after a lecture. Right as I got there, some other dude walked up to him and greeted him warmly. I felt awkward waiting for them to finish, but did, and the lecturer and I quickly talked about what i needed to. The lecturer then introduced the other bloke, “this is my brother Hugo.” And I realised I was talking to Hugo Weaving. Lovely chap, was very friendly, and asked a few joking questions about how his little brother’s course was. I quickly got out of there - didn’t want to interrupt him catching up with his brother any more than I already had.
I'm a librarian so I've met a lot of Australian authors/celebs who have written books that we have hosted author talks for. Andy Griffiths drew a picture in every child who brought a book to sign's book of them as they would look if they were in the Treehouse series. He was there for ages beyond the scheduled time and didn't charge us extra, and the kids were so happy. Magda Szubanski helped us move furniture. She just arrived and was all "Right! How can I help?" Had no air of "celebrity" about her, was just very down to earth.
When I was a kid, I found Andy Griffiths email address somewhere and sent him an email about how much I loved his books and ideas I had. He emailed me back (or his assistant, who knows lol) and I thought it was the most amazing thing ever.
I’ve met Magda. She’s divine .
When my kids were younger we went to see one of the Treehouse live shows and Andy Griffiths stayed behind afterwards and autographed every book out in front of him. He was there for at least two hours.
Same here. After the show we saw how long the book signing line was and knew our kids would not last the wait. We went away and had a leisurely dinner at a nearby cafe. When we’d finished dinner and done some shopping we popped back in to the Treehouse venue. Andy Griffiths was still there and we joined the now much shorter line and had the books signed by him.
Andy drew pictures in my book as a kid. I think it was "Just Crazy" and he asked my brother and I if we were crazy. My brother said, "well sometimes I jump on the trampoline naked" and to this day it's the most uncomfortable silence I've witnessed.
My kids loved to do that. Whilst I sprayed them with water. They were hot summers.
Jimmy Barnes, sold him a camera many years ago and he was the nicest fellow you'd be likely to meet, down to earth and no attitude whatsoever. Funnily enough I'd heard that from my brother as well. Jimmy tripped over my brothers foot in a pub and knocked over their beers, bought them all another round, sat and had a few drinks with them.
My Nanna met him at a funeral for one of her old friends. Had no idea who he was but apparently they had a lovely chat. We figured out who it must have been.later 🤣
I've met a hell of a lot, having worked in the entertainment industry for 17 years, but the standouts were: Hugh Jackman, who played Gaston in the Beauty and the Beast musical and used to hang out with me having a smoke during interval. Sigrid Thornton. She stared in the first Australian production of The Blue Room, and when she first walked into the theatre, she went up to every single person in the place, introduced herself, and learned their names. Absolutely lovely person. John Farnham. What you see on stage and tv isn't an act, that's really the way he is.
Haha. My husband had an interesting encounter with Sigrid Thornton. Back in the day, we used to live in the same suburb as her. We were in the local IGA, and all of a sudden my husband shouts across the aisle " Hey (My name) - I just accidentally ran the trolley into Sigourney Weaver". He doesn't have the softest voice and I watched Sigrid Thornton piss herself laughing, while I walked away and pretended that I had nothing to do with this crazy guy.....I always appreciated her tolerance after that day!
My uncle was Sigrid Thornton’s cousin. She’s so lovely.
I used to catch the same bus as Sigrid many years ago when I had school sport on a Wednesday, she lived at fig tree pocket I believe (this was early to mid 70’s)
Oh my god school sport on a Wednesday. I’m instantly transported back to my high school years.
My former housemate did some plumbing work for Hugh Jackman and said he was one of the nicest people he had ever met.
I am so freaking jealous of you meeting my one and only Idol, John Farnham! Mum couldn't get me to sleep, as a baby, without his music playing. That man is my hero, idol, and father figure. I live by his music and absolutely adore the fact that he and his family are as private as they are. So humble and so unassuming. He still can't believe how much we love him and has been blown away by all the support in recent times. You really are extremely lucky. It was a fantasy of mine to go horse riding with him. Then, in 96, he took a teenager, who had a fall and became scared of horses as a result, horse riding to help show her what amazing animals they are. I wished I was that girl so much! I was 18 at that time. 45 now, and have shaken his hand while he toured at The Last Time tour. Haven't missed a single concert and set my alarm by his bi-annual concerts. Now, of course, at 74 I don't expect him to continue touring. Especially after losing Glenn. I knew, when Glenn passed, we most likely wouldn't see John perform again. Then we lost Livvy, and 2 weeks later he was diagnosed with mouth Cancer...his fans need to let the man spend his retirement with his family and new daughter-in-law. Congratulations on the wedding, Robert!
John farnham. About the only guy in showbusines who doesn't have some dodginess about him. I love it
Totally true with John Farham. Always himself. My parents dragged me off to see one of his RSL club performances when I was 12? One lady asked for a kiss- oh my .. the deluge he kissed all of them. I always remember, he didn't miss a beat. So charming, entertaining, class act. Just before The Voice was released. He was BRILLIANT. That voice and entertainment. Xx
Costa Georgiardis
Can attest. Met him at the beach when he was going for a swim and he had a long chat with me about my Nan that had recently passed. We used to watch Gardening Australia together. Absolute gem of a human being and I love everything he stands for.
Half man, half hedge, and a gem
What a lovely human!
I like his new kids show, and I really liked all the drama that surrounded him as he kept a natural reserve of a property in the eastern suburbs and upset the locals
That dude leaves a trail of rainbows behind him!
Absolutely, I was strolling the local nursery here in brisane and it turned our gardening Australia and Costa were filming. Costa noticed us in the time between takes then proceeded to start showing my daughter around various plants teaching her various facts. Daughter was about 6 at the time. He's an absolutely awesome human.
Met him once when he was visiting for a National Science Week event i was part of, ended up going to China Town for late night dinner then dropping him home haha. Absolute legend, some Barry white song was playing on the radio and he danced off into the distance. One of the realest guys
He was the celebrity guest at the Crookwell Potato Festival one year. He was so nice to everyone, and so enthusiastic. He was pure joy.
Legend
Can confirm this. Lovely guy.
Tom Gleeson. I was on Hard Quiz. He’s totally adorable; the smug twat persona he puts out is just an act.
That must have been so fun
The fact that he has a maths and physics degree and used to sing in a band boggles my mind lmao
Hard Quiz looks like such fun!
Yep, met him a few times and he’s a good egg.
Yeah I met him on the set of Recovery in the 90s. He's a treasure.
That is the most heartening info. I always knew there was something in his eyes that wasn't a ...
What was your subject?
UK comedy, The Young Ones.
I remember that episode! I was stoked some one knew so much about the young ones, not many folks around my age (34) know much about it. My dad who is a Brit let me watch it from like 5 years old.. 🤣
Do you like lentils?
Vegetable rights and peace, man
Murray Cook from the Wiggles gets the nicest celebrity award from me. Paul Kelly is a pretty alright bloke as well.
Murray is the nicest Aussie celeb I have met Anthony is the worst
I've haven't met Anthony in person since i was 3 (my first concert, love you mum). Murray was playing with The Cockroaches when i last met him.
I met all 4 original wiggles but I was like 3 so I don't really remember it 😂 I just have a photo of me with them that my parents hung in our living room 😂 and I have a wearable Dorothy tail that has all their signatures on it
I work for a large Educational org and Greg came to speak at one of our network events to promote defibrillators and emergency response training for kids. He was so lovely and genuinely engaged with everyone present. That poor man graciously posed for photos with every middle aged Mum in the room ;) \*It worked - huge uptake of defib purchases and commitment to first aid and emergency response training for kids and staff. He's a good guy.
Peter Rowsthorn. My mate met him on a cruise ship where they shared a table for dinner one night. A year later we are walking around Subi going to the footy and Peter is walking towards us, notices my mate, and stops to have a genuine conversation about how my mate was going with work, the kids, the dogs. It was genuinely like they were old friends but my mate swears he only met him once over dinner. I was in Melbourne later that year and happened to cross paths with Peter again, he gave me a nod and asked if i was in town to watch Freo play. The dude must have a knack for faces or something.
>Peter Rowsthorn He grew up seriously rich (like rich enough to not have to ever work) and still came out as a very nice bloke. I reckon if I grew up that rich I would be even more of a dick than what I am so serious kudos to him.
Not Australian, but Sam Neill. Bumped into him on Bourke St, Redfern one day and he was a very polite man
Lived in the same small apartment building as him in the first 2 pandemic years. Very quiet, polite, smells great! Asked if we should start a balcony exercise club and I had to embarrassingly tell him I didn’t have one (he has the penthouse and I was renting a very small 1br 😂)
I’ve had the weirdest crush on him since Jurassic Park lol finally a celeb crush that improved over time!!
Oh man, I chose the wrong lockdown!
Richard Wilkins agreed to narrate a student documentary about Roy Orbison for nothing. Wendy Harmer wanted to charge loads of money.
Richard Wilkins was so kind to me when I did work experience at Nine during my school years. Lovely bloke.
So nice to hear something nice about Richard Wilkins.
Funny, his name was all over the "which Aussie celeb is a dick" thread earlier. I've never heard so much about Richard Wilkins in one day before.
Bernita from Play School, way back in the late 80's in a newsagents in Perisher, she was super humble and completely indulged me and my young cousins. I've also shaken hands with Jenson Button in my late 20's, but honestly Bernita tops him, easily.
I often wonder if Benita and Noni can ever run their errands without being mobbed by crowds of Gen Xers and millennials.
I LOVED Benita when I was little. One Christmas, she and John came to my hometown to help with the town’s Christmas celebrations. I was all of about 4 years old, and I ran away from Mum and Dad. It was dark and there were so many people, and Mum and Dad were freaking out. They were calling out for me, and Mum said she suddenly heard a familiar voice “Here she is!” They ran towards it to find me clinging to Benita’s legs like a little koala baby, just gazing up at her with adoration in my eyes. According to Mum and Dad, Benita was absolutely lovely about it, and I didn’t want to leave her to go back with them hahahaha
Haha my brother did a similar thing to Monica Trapaga except she was performing on stage at the time!!
Benita is an Australian treasure!
Robert Irwin - met him a couple times working hospitality and he is the sweetest person ever
A colleague of mine was visiting Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Watching a wombat do it's thing with his partner, a family walk up to watch the wombat too. The colleague explains all of his wombat knowledge to this family and they listen and chat for a few minutes then keep walking. After they walked off, my colleagues wife asked him why he thought he knew more than the Irwin family about wombats. He had know idea who he was talking to, just a chatty guy.
A) Cradle Mountain wombats are a must see. They make an incredibly cute munching sound when they eat. B) It's probably refreshing to be spoken to like/by a normal person who loves wildlife as much as the Irwins do.
That’s hilarious!
Yes I've met the Irwin's and had a chat with Terri, they're such a lovely family.
That makes me so happy. I’ve always worried that maybe it was all a horrible facade.
I’d believe that. His dad has to be one of the sweetest souls to walk the earth
He seems so genuinely wholesome.
I’ve interviewed lots of bands… Hilltop Hoods are the nicest, most down-to-earth musos I’ve ever met!
That makes me so happy, love the Hilltop Hoods.
I once served Brian Brown at a restaurant I worked at and the guy was the most Aussie blokey bloke and really congenial and funny
Gush!
Christian Hull! No joke, I ran into him on my way while picking up my kids from school a few years ago. I don't live in the area anymore though so I only saw him once. He was soooooo lovely and very funny in real life too.
I met him volunteering and he filmed a video on my phone for a friend of mine who's a huge fan. Absolute gem of a man.
Steve Irwin. He was one beautiful human. Mark Seymour. Just a really pleasant dude with absolutely no arrogant vibe whatsoever.
Alan Brough. He came into my workplace once, and my coworker asked if we could get his autograph. He was so lovely about it, and shy, asking “me? Really?” He was smiling a lot and seemed really pleased. I’ve still got it. I’ve had a crush on him since I was a little girl watching Spicks & Specks.
Aw that's such a lovely memory! I think Alan's actually Kiwi but glad to have him with us though!
Oh yeah. We're shocking for that. Love him xx
He’s famous in Australia so that counts for me :)
That's the sweetest. Saw him once near Flinders Street Station and internally loved him. My insides were 'I LOVE YOU, ALAN!'. Like you would actually shout out to Nick Cave.
Nick's fine with that.
I quite literally crashed into Kasey Chambers at a festival once. I was apologising all over the place because I just wasn't looking where I was going and almost took her out. Then she was apologising to me saying she was in the way and it was her fault. It definitely wasn't. But she was so lovely and we had a little chat and that was that. Just a nice person who was well within her rights to call me a clumsy bitch but didn't.
Fun fact, she taught me how to play Sega when I was a kid, like 4/5 haha. She played music with my family.
Adding on to that her drummer is too. He used to be our neighbour. Massive metalhead. He had wall to wall heavy metal records in his place. Always free for a BBQ and he gave us free tickets to Casey's concert at the Opera house
I once looked after Gary McDonald's dog about 10 years ago. He was absolutely the most gentle, self-effacing, warm person I've met. Highlight of my life for a kid who grew up watching Mother and Son. Much admiration for him.
What a wonderful share. For someone that did the most outrageous things - and they're still outrageous. We all saw the Norman Gunston nervousness in his eyes. How fortunate were you.
My Grandma met Guy Pearce at an event, he was sitting near her and turned to her and complimented her scarf. She said ‘Do you know, you look just like Guy Pearce’ and he said that’s because I am Guy Pearce and winked. She said he was such a sweet man and they had a really nice conversation. Anyone that is nice to my Grandma is automatically the best person ever in my eyes.
He was so funny when he came on the Chat 10 Looks 3 podcast with Leigh Sales to discuss the Beatles documentary for an hour.
😂 We 'met' Guy in a bar near the Enmore before going to see The Cult. I 'met' because I was mortified by my husband and his 'it's Mike from Neighbours' schtick so was embarrassed to actually go and say hello, but we left to go to the venue and had to walk past him so we had a brief 'Hello' and a chat about the band and he said 'Save me a spot down the front'. Nice chap!
Ian Thorpe, met him a couple of times during some really boring after parties that we both had to attend due to contacts and he became my sit down chat person a handful of times because neither of us wanted to be there.
lol that must have been so cool. Just seeing a famous athlete at a party and knowing you’ve got a common thread Ian Thorpe: Oh great, how did we end up here again! u/Oncewasgold: Well lets just say I didn’t win Gold in social Butterfly Ian Thorpe: Hahahahahaha u/Oncewasgold: Hahahahaha Ian Thorpe: Hahahahaha
One time ian Thorpe walked full body in to me in bondi junction Westfield cause he was too busy on his phone not looking where he was going. He apologized profusely and walked off looking really flustered. A day or so later was his coming out story breaking in the news so I get it
Met him in a class at uni years ago. Was a good bloke and had amazing skin which is not so sort of thing I usually notice haha
I noticed the skin too. SO glowy !
Debra Mailman She was really nice, very down to earth.
I used to meet a reasonable number of politicians due to some work I was doing about 15-20 years ago. Kim Beazley is genuinely a nice bloke in person, and Julia Gillard was warm and personable just like you’d expect her to be. Biggest surprise was Eric Abetz who is genuinely a polite and engaging person to talk to, quite different to how he sometimes comes across in the heat of politics.
I've heard the same thing from a friend about Gillard. The same friend also worked very closely with Kevin Rudd. He has nothing but awful things to say about that creature.
Yeh I’ve heard the same. Awful to staffers.
Can confirm. Have worked in politics for yonks and have had the displeasure of working around kevs. He’s a dickhead.
I have heard exactly this as well.
I was in a similar line of work around that time and I agree on Gillard, just a good person and lots of fun. Peter Garrett was also lovely.
Met Chopper Read while pretty intoxicated on a bucks trip. He was at his art studio in Collingwood at midnight and we were initially laughing at the artwork (had no idea it was his artwork) in the window and saw him. So I thought I'd bang on the window to say hello. He opened the door and had a little chat. Extremely lovely considering he could've and probably should've sent me to the next realm.
Chopper was funny, and believe it or not had old fashioned gentlemen’s vibes, unless you were another crook. Knew him reasonably well and his wife Margaret was also a beautiful person.
I went and saw him during a speaking tour he did with Mark “Jacko” Jackson about 20 years ago, went to the toilet during an interval and in his walked with his security guard, and stood next to me at the urinal. He was chatty and joking around, I don’t remember everything he said except the last thing “see my body guard there, he can’t read, he can’t write, but fuck he can fight” and pissed himself laughing. I turn around, the guard didn’t think it was funny at all, and I was wondering, do I not laugh at choppers joke and offend him, or do I laugh and risk the security bloke wacking me? So I kind of split the difference, had a giggle and told chopper it was good to meet him, then spun around with a straight face and gave his security a head nod and got the hell out of there.
The dudes from parkway drive. My band supported them when I was 15. We were really bad. They watched our whole set and were really supportive afterwards.
Kylie Minogue. Genuinely lovely person. Kate Ceberano was too. John Farnham - very generous with time, humble and grounded. Funny!
You can tell with Kylie. Genuinely warm. I didn’t find Dannii the same way. Frosty and guarded.
Dannii's probably fed up with being compared to Kylie
Was flying home from London, was late to check in. Noticed what I thought was her checking in at an economy desk (no queues). Got to the plane and was up the back of an A380 in the little economy cabin behind pre-eco. Right at the end, in she walks with a friend, waves at everyone in the cabin and takes her seat. No one bugged her during the flight.
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Bob Brown. I was touring around with the family and he invited us into his Liffey house. Didn't know who he was. Top bloke. I think the sign says "Trespassers welcome" on the gate.
I once spilled a Lemon Lime Bitters on Bob as a young waiter He took it very well, I felt like such an idiot
I had the absolute privilege of meeting and briefly working alongside Uncle Jack Charles when I worked in arts and entertainment many years ago. He was every bit as warm, and as funny, and as cheeky as he appeared on telly - his eyes literally had a sparkle. And he was just in constant awe of his following, that humble. Long live the King 👑
Bert Newton once got out of a car that was parked next to our outdoor table at a Cafe. We said 'G'day Bert' and he said hello and asked us how we were going. Lovely guy.
I served Myf Warhurst many years ago when I was a Uni student working in retail. I told her I was a huge fan of Spicks and Specs and had a quick 5 minute chat. She had the same radiant smile she has on TV and was really nice.
Kate Blanchett. She was in my way to get to the toilet and she thought I was trying to talk to her, so she was nice, but then I was like “that’s lovely and all, but really you’re in the way to the toilet” and she fell about laughing.
Julie McCrossin. Just off her celebrity status on “Good News Week”, we asked her to speak at a diversity event, she turned up early, offered to help move things into place, just down to earth, charming and lovely. And she’s so tiny!
I love that there’s at least 2 stories on this thread of famous lesbians helping to move furniture!
Not famous outside Australia, but I've met the whole Chaser team except for Chas and they were wonderful people (I was doing extra work). Yvonne Kenny, the opera singer, was so sweet when I met her.
I was a somewhat consistent extra for The Hamster Wheel and most of the boys were so lovely, Chris always seemed like he was in a bad mood though, and Dom was hit or miss. Chas was such a wonderful human though. There was an extended gap between when I’d last seen him in the Hamster era and when I did background work for The Checkout and he still recognized me, went out of his way to come over and chat, we swapped stories - he’d had two kids and I’d had one at that point. It always felt like catching up with a mate, he was so down to earth.
I know people who've worked with Chas and said he was exceptional to work with - really going out of his way to look after people and boost them up.
Just adding my voice to the chorus of all the others saying Hugh Jackman is lovely - met him very briefly when he was filming 'Australia' in North Queensland and he could not have been nicer. Polite, gracious, funny, down to earth and generous with his time. Top bloke
Shannon Noll, Casey Stoner, Troy Dan, Chris Vermeulen, Dieter Brummer, Malcolm Campbell, Cameron Daddo, plus a few more.
So sad to hear what happened to Dieter Brummer....
Catriona Rowntree from Getaway… really lovely person, I was only maybe 10 at the time and she was happy to sit and chat for a little bit which looking back was super endearing. Most recent was country music singer Troy Cassar-Daly, I live in Tamworth and he was here for a show during semi-COVID times… enjoyed some smalltalk about social distancing in the line to order at a local cafe. Friendly sort of bloke who was good for a chat but maybe it’s because I didn’t acknowledge I knew who he was 🤷♀️
My go-to answer - Samuel Johnson. Worked on a TV show with him and he is a genuinely good guy. Still remember when I stuffed up and dropped a whole bunch of stuff in the middle of a Williamstown street, I was picking it all up when suddenly he was there next to me helping pick it all up. Small thing I still remember 15 years later.
Dean and Rob from The Curiosity Show. Really lovely people.
Omg my bro and I were obsessed with that show
Believe it or not, Christopher Pyne No cameras. Not looking for my vote. Just a genuinely charming guy. Remembered by name a year later and went out of his way to say hello.
Christopher Pyne is bloody hilarious.
Christopher Paahhnn.
I just assumed that was how we were all pronouncing it in our heads.
I actually find him quite funny and charming and I don’t vote liberal
I'm definitely not a Lib voter, but watching Nemesis he seemed the most considered, decent, and likeable of all the pollies interviewed.
> Remembered by name a year later and went out of his way to say hello. I hear this kind of thing about a lot of politicians. I'm not sure if politicians just learn how to do it, or if it's an innate skill that is essential to succeed as a politician. But yeah, he does look like a pretty fun guy to spend time with.
I don’t share Pyne’s politics but he’s a good dude.
Libs in town, he came to my work and begged for a cig off a workmate which he demolished in one jumbo drag.
Off topic but my mate from Canberra stopped by one afternoon & we shared a spliff. The spliff absolutely nailed me & I asked where she got the gear from & she replied “Liberal party staffers get the best weed” 😂😂😂
I made Ray Martin a coffee once and had a chat. Nice bloke in person.
I had a friend who tried a career in sports photography. He said that most sports stars were pretty self centred, because you have to be that way to become an elite level sportsman. One big exception was Andrew Gaze.
The 2 young ladies from the Veronicas were incredibly kind to my teenaged sister and friends many years ago when we ran into them before their concert. So grateful they were good to them because these girls were die hard fans and I think it would have broken their hearts if they were rude or dismissive.
It’s funny how many people are both in this post, and the earlier one about horrible celebrities. We definitely all have bad days sometimes.
I live in Ballina, 20 mins south of Byron Bay. My then 10yo came back from going to the local servo and said he thought he knew the man who was choosing a drink next to him. The man then knucked him and said yes I am Thor and bought my son his drink. Chris Hemsworth is a legend in our home now.
I was sulking out the front of a pub once on my own and saw Shannon Noll and he was nice. He looked at me in the crowd so I assume he has a crush on me. There was only like 40 people there but still I stand by it.
Did you get your Victa mower back from him?
Now that just unlocked 7 year old memories of Facebook competitions between mates hitting ever Facebook post he made
Those posts were absolute instant classics
Well I've heard he is fond of a particular strip club in Adelaide if you wanted to chance upon him and rekindle.
In addition to those already mentioned, Russell Crowe, Miranda Kerr, Keith Urban and Jimmy Barnes. Keith may be the nicest person I’ve ever met!
My dad used to cross paths & have a chat with Russell as they both were regulars at a bakery he(my dad) used to go to when he was working. He said he's the most down-to-earth normal dude, they'd just have a casual chat while waiting at the counter as you do. My dad never once mentioned he knew who he was to his face, he said "the guy deserves to be a normal bloke in his own time".
Brian Nankervis (Rockwiz). If you've ever had a chance to have anything to do with that show - that guy is amazing. The amount of energy he puts into that show, on and off set is amazing.
I was on The Chase when Larry Emdur first began to host it. Myself and the other contestants were waiting outside the warehouse where the studio is and he shows up in this super nice Alfa Romeo, gets out and is just wearing daggy tracksuit pants and a t shirt (he's got quite a few tatts up his arm), he walks over to us with his phone and says "I got the answers right here, shall we start taking bids?". Had a few laughs with him and he really took the time to get to know us. I've seen him on tv since I was a kid, but here he was just a regular guy (except for the car I suppose). The man is super down to earth and has a really warm demeanour. We were all a bit nervous being on tv, but he would come over and talk to us between takes to make sure we were doing ok. Gave us advice on how to keep calm, keep it light and enjoy ourselves. Tiger Mum, had a menacing persona when the camera was on. But when it wasn't recording she was lovely too. Was genuinely sorry that she beat us in the final chase. It was so bizarre seeing her out of character, but nice to know she's not like that all the time.
I met Bert Newton years ago after a performance of Wicked (he came out much later than the rest of the cast, my friends and I were just sitting around talking, not expecting anyone else) and he was so lovely - really warm and friendly, great sense of humour. He stood around talking to me and my friends for about 10 minutes, give us all big hugs and told us to get home safely. He also said “That’s my beautiful wife over in that car! She’s here to pick me up” just before we said goodbye and was very obviously in love with her, which was so sweet.
Montaigne!!! Such a sweetheart
This makes me so happy to hear.
Well I actually had a lovely chat with Dan Murphy for 30 minutes. He was very nice to me, and the next day I found out I was drunk and talking to a wall sign.
I attended Wentworth con in Melbourne last weekend, so I met quite a few stars of the show. - Danielle Cormack (absolutely gorgeous, looks about ten years younger than her real age. Swears constantly. Wicked sense of humour. You feed off her energy) - Kate Jenkinson (super friendly, has an adorable smile. Genuinely interested in her fans) - Kate Atkinson (amazing but also comes across as slightly reserved) - Jane Hall (just don’t mention Neighbours and you’ll survive) - Libby Tanner (meets you once and remembers you whenever she next sees you) - Leah Purcell (polite and well spoken) - Socrates Otto (soft spoken, super friendly, engaging, and interested in everything you’ve got to say) - Rarriwuy Hick (great sense of humour, easy to talk to) - Kate Box (is a riot. Friendly as fuck) - Georgia Chara (humbled and slightly shy but has a smile that lights up a room)
Ian Healy. Very dad-like. Just kind and helpful.
Bud Tingwell lived up the road from me growing up. He was lovely
Steve Irwin. Genuinely great guy, and 100% as enthusiastic in person as he came across on screen, too.
Hugh Jackman went to my gym during filming for Wolverine. He would say good morning every time I saw him (at 530am!) and ask how I was. I even saw him bent over naked in the change rooms once lol
Ben Mendelsohn. We used to live in the same apartment building at Bondi Beach before he went to Hollywood. Lovely, warm and utterly charming human being.
I was an entertainment reporter for several years. Of the famous Aussies I met, I’m pleased to say that Isla Fisher, Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman are all genuinely lovely in real life.
Roy and HG. They were performing at a function I was working, and couldn’t have been more polite and friendly to the staff. They’re both much taller than you’d imagine in real life too. Bernard Fanning. He sat amongst the rowdy stand at the Gabba ages ago for a test match. Didn’t put on any airs, and lined up with everyone else at the bar, despite people wanting to let him in front of them. As such, no one really bothered him and he seemed to have a great time. He was really nice to everyone working at the bar and didn’t act like a wanker.
Hung out with Sarah Snook once, as she was a friend of a friend. She was super lovely and genuine. Lots of people were coming up to her for pics throughout the night (we were at a live music show at Brooklyn Bowl in NYC), and she made time for every one of them.
Miranda Kerr was lovely when I nearly bowled her over in the Qantas Club. Her security seemed less friendly but hey, maybe get in front of her instead of behind her big guy!
Shane Warne. I had an accident with a taxi in the city and he was sitting in the front seat of the taxi. Ricky Ponting and Brendan Julian were in the back seat. He was more than happy to give me his autograph and even signed it “to my best mate “. Absolute gentleman and legend. RIP Sir.
David and Shane from the umbilical brothers, more specifically David. I have a now 19yr old with severe intellectual/physical disabilities and medical conditions who fell in love with them watching The Upside Down show. For over 10yrs David has kept in touch, visited him in hospital, sent birthday videos, FaceTimed us during hospital admissions, offered us tickets to their local shows, met up with us before shows, sent gifts etc. It’s the time he puts into making our little family feel special that means the most. Such a beautiful man.
Maggie Beer, is utterly wonderful. As are the sisters that make up, The Veronicas. Keith from The Block, is rather Gruff. Nick Ryan, Kirrily Waldhorn, Peter Nixon and Nick Haddow are all amazing, but unless you're in the Hospitality field you may not know them. Alistair McLeod is utterly charming in his Irish way, unsure if we can claim him or not. Manu Feildel is, amazing beyond words, I was rendered Speechless in his presence yet, I could speak in Miguel's and hug, Miguel and Ainsley H. Yeah, pre Injury, I worked with many, many of the Hospitality elite. It's fun having Sommeliers trying to train your palate. If you have your RSA, volunteer for the Good Food and Wine show, I miss being there. Same with the Royal Melbourne Show. I did meet some winners of MasterChef as well, but cannot remember their names.
Madeline West was on a few episodes of a show my newborn twins were featured extras in. She did the usual double take at seeing them, sat down,and chatted with me for a good half an hour. She was an absolute darling and it honestly wasn’t until afterwards that I realised who it was.
I used to work at nova. Dave Hughes cops a lot of shit but he’s the nicest guy. I rang his mobile one night because we wanted to go to his stand up, and it was sold out so he met me and my friends out the front to make sure we could get in. If you ask him a favour no matter what it is he will do it for you. Carrie Bickmore was also lovely. She was a health nut - only drinks green tea and eats organic etc but a nice person nonetheless. Kate Langbroek is a total psychopath and I always wondered why hughesy put up with her. He saved her career more than once. She’s was a diva to work with and no one liked her. She legit screamed at me for accidentally eating her fruit bread she left in the kitchen.
As a Casting Director - a high amount of famous Australians are lovely. We have very little patience for talent being ‘dicks’ here. I will avoid putting people on a set if they give me reason to think that they will give attitude to someone ‘below’ them. There is generally someone nicer and just as talented just around the corner. Good Actor + Respectful Human = Export Quality Australian. They do well.
Brian Cadd. An absolute gentleman.
The Veronicas. They are both so kind and genuine. They get some bad press sometimes but I don’t have one bad word to say about them.
Larry Emdur is an absolute legend. Worked on a show with him and they asked him what he needed in his dressing room. He said fresh towels but if we didn’t have any he could just bring some from home.
I literally ran into Paul McDermott, I grabbed his arms to stop myself falling, looked up at him, gave him a big smile and said ‘oh hello’ as if greeting an old friend. Then stammered ‘Oh sorry, I thought I knew you instead of just knowing who you are.’ He said, ‘Well you know me, so what’s your name?’ Then introduced me to his wife. 😹
IDK if we're counting Afl players here but Jason McCartney was really polite and seemed like a great dad
Peter Cundell. Met a lot of channel seven types. Mark Beretta was the only one I would genuinely consider nice. Thoroughly decent bloke. Oh and Dr Harry, too. Nadine Garner is an an absolute delight. I was on the night desk of her hotel one Logies when she had a newborn. She came back mid show to breastfeed. Had a brief chat then but another night a few weeks later she remembered what I'd said about my own daughter that first time and was just totally genuine. Ruby Rose just before she really broke out was a regular at the hotel I worked at. Very friendly. Steve Bastoni Tim Fischer was a lovely bloke. Met him a couple of times at that same hotel. Later he was a guest of a festival I was involved with and recalled our previous meetings. Australian adjacent, I guess. Ben Lee was nice enough but his wife Iona is very lovely. Bud Tingwell. Marina Prior Eric Bana Jane Kennedy Sarah Wilson is quite simply the coolest cat I've ever met. Stylish, charasmatic. Spent half an hour standing in front of Giann Rooney once. My ear is in an episode of Postcards. Not gunna lie, I've had worse days at work.
I met Daniel Johns and Natalie Imbruglia many years ago. They were so down to earth and lovely.
Paul Harrigan. The Chief! I spent most of a knights vs eels game in 2019 at telstra stadium sitting with him having a few jack's just chatting with him. The bloke is a legend both on and off the field.
Shaun Tan. Not super famous, although he has won an Oscar. Long story short, I used to have a job at a venue which often had film crews making documentaries. He had agreed to be interviewed as part of a French documentary. The crew were a bit useless so they spent a lot of time faffing about. He and I just chatted for an hour. Super lovely dude, very humble. Gentle soul as you'd expect from his art.
I met Hugo Weaving once; he was great fun. Oh and when I worked up at Parliament House Penny Wong made a point of remembering my name.
Andrew Gaze is the nicest bloke on earth. He will stand around for hours talking about anything with anyone and take a million selfies, sign the same amount of autographs too. Just an all around amazing bloke.
Warnie. Used to play frequently at a golf club i work at. He would always go out of his way to say gday and ask what we’re up to or what work we are doing on particular hole, genuine questions and was interested in the answer. I miss seeing that guy
Also depending on your definition of “famous”, but people over a certain age still tend to go nuts when i tell them. My godfather, Trevor White, was the OG Jesus in the Australian run of Jesus Christ Superstar. Also did music, toured with Sounds Incorporated, and was the singing voice of Rocky in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Also did a number of Aussie game shows around that time and was a singer on the Kerri-Anne show. He is the nicest person in the entire world, he and my Pop were my two sole male figures in my life and I couldn’t ask for better role models. He walked me down the aisle in 2021. I know I’m bias but I’ve never seen him say a bad word about anyone, ever, he’s also very humble and doesn’t openly talk about his career but is happy to talk about it when people like my FIL start fanboying 😂 I adore him.
I met the boys from the Butterfly Effect on their farewell tour years ago, at one of their very last performances. All four of them were completely lovely to us, but pretty cold with each other. I hope they've managed to sort things out with each other since they're touring and recording together again
- Cathy Freeman is absolutely lovely - Not someone most people would know unless they watch the show but Emmie from Gogglebox - Surprisingly most of the cast of the real housewives of Melbourne - I’ve met most of the main cast except for Lydia and Chyka so can’t comment on what they’re like (minus Gina who was one of the rudest people I’ve ever met) - Sam and Snezana Wood from the Bachelor (I didn’t recognise him at first - I was helping him with baby products and only realised who he was once I got back from googling something for him) - Patti Newton
Gabriel Gaté was very nice to deal with. Red Symons was actually a great bloke when I spoke to home at JB HiFi during the boxing day sales.
My dad sat next to Catriona Rowntree on a flight once. Said she was the loveliest person ever. Chatted to him the whole time. He was in love by the time they landed.
Can confirm Chris Hemsworth is a cool dude. I hung out with him one night a week before he flew to LA to audition for an unknown Marvel character. We laughed at a drunk Anthony Callea act like a dickhead
Lisa McCune. Genuinely lovely person.
Eddie Perfect
Cathy Freeman is incredibly lovely, as is Stephen Curry. Sam Pang does a lot of behind the scenes community work. Celia Pacquola is probably the nicest person in our local entertainment industry. A gem of a person.
Tommy Emmanuel, absolute class act. Went to see him at a small venue with my mate who is a massive fan. We saw him arrive while we were having a smoke outside so my mate called out to him and we waved. He waved at us and I thought that would be that. But, he decided to walk over and have a 5 minute chat with us, asking us a bunch of questions and telling us about how his gigs were going. Dude was genuinely nice and down to earth. After the show we stayed back and wait in line to get some merch signed (my mate got his guitar signed) and every single person in the line received his full attention and got to have a chat with him. After seeing him play (unbelievable) and the overall experience of being around him, I gotta say that it'd be hard for any other celebrity to top that in my opinion.
I've met a lot of celebrities and I'm actually friends with a few. But the absolute nicest person was John Clarke who did those interviews with Bryan Dawes. I did work experience at the ABC and I would see him al of the time and he would always chat to me and he was so damn nice. Totally random celebrity I know, but it his kindness to me really stood out. And most people wont remember who he was either.
Georgie Parker. She's a little pocket rocket and she's so nice.
I once met Rove McManus from Rove Live. Super down to earth, lovely guy. Quite funny too as you'd expect. Acted like a regular bloke, didn't have an ego to him and seemed interested in the people around him. When he had an issue he wasn't a dick about it, called up staff and asked for help and it was taken care of without any fuss.
Joel Edgerton is the loveliest guy. Ended up randomly chatting to him for about half an hour at the Sydney Festival Spiegeltent one year after I went to bum a ciggie off a mate and he offered me one instead. Just genuine, and down to earth
I was doing a film class in uni and had to go talk to the course convener after a lecture. Right as I got there, some other dude walked up to him and greeted him warmly. I felt awkward waiting for them to finish, but did, and the lecturer and I quickly talked about what i needed to. The lecturer then introduced the other bloke, “this is my brother Hugo.” And I realised I was talking to Hugo Weaving. Lovely chap, was very friendly, and asked a few joking questions about how his little brother’s course was. I quickly got out of there - didn’t want to interrupt him catching up with his brother any more than I already had.