Who is the most famous person you have ever met

[DobDobDob]

Hi :D

Another member gave me an idea for this thread, and to start it off, I can tell you I have met some quite interesting and famous people during my lifetime and they have come from different arenas, so the old issue of comparing apples and oranges come into it, but....in terms of sheer fame (not their contribution to civilization), who is the most famous person you have ever met?

I'll start, amongst a host of famous people, the one who's face is universally recognized for me was Arnold Schwarzenegger, when I worked with him for a week in the 1980's in Ohio, for a sporting event. I found he was a nice bloke despite being a little gruff around the edges :whistle:

[OneOfOne]

I was travelling to Pakistan for Telecom Australia and in the departure lounge I saw Gough Whitlam come in. When I boarded the plane I found I was sitting next to him (Telecom International flew all their staff business). After checking my boarding pass, understandably, we had a bit of a chat. He asked how long I had worked with Telecom. I said I started in a very important year...1975, to which he said "oh yes, I remember it very well".

Many years ago I entered the Sydney Marathon (finish time was 3:25 for those who care) and on the flight home I was on the plane with Cliff Young. I was on a flight that stopped off at Albury. When we went into the lounge area he was swamped with people asking for his autograph. He was up in Sydney to start the race and he knew I was in it as I still had my tracksuit on. I got a personally signed autographed picture of him.

[DobDobDob]

Great story OneOfOne, I bet we get some interesting characters as this thread grows :thumbsup:

[ving]

I was in a movie with Kelly McGillis and Susie Porter :) I also stumbled across Tom Cruise at a golf match, and theres an interesting story in that :D

[DobDobDob]

Well ??????

[cahullian]

The most famous person I have met was George Best. He used to go to the same secondary school as I did (he left before I started). His mum lived next door to my aunt and when he was home for a visit I would make sure I was at my aunts house too. Every now and again I would kick a ball with him and he would tell me how sad my life was( I'm a Leeds United fan) and how he just loves scoring agianst them.

Gazz

[ving]

I was with a friend and we were watching the golf and wondering around... we were following the one and only great white shark (greg norman). My friend who is a total fan hesitantly aproached Tom (me, I wasnt fazed by Tom's presence) and stuttered " M-m-mr Cruise, Mr Cruise can we have our photo taken with you please!", after little thought he said no... My imediate thought, which I voice was "Snob!". I personally amnot a hero worshiper so i didnt care, but my friend was more than a little peeved and stalked him around teh golf course taking pictures paparazi style for the rest of the day. :P

[DobDobDob]

This thread is starting to hot up, so far we have Tom Cruise, George Best, Gough Whitlam and Arnie (A.K.A Terminator)...doesn't get much more diverse than that, I bet a few more interesting people make the list as time goes by :P

[GTB_an_Owl]

Pat Boone - anyone remember HIM ?

at a church meeting in Parramatta when i was about 12

[okiscopey]

Until I meet you Tailwag, the best I can do is Prof. Fred Hollows, the well-known Australian eye doctor (among other attributes, including political activism and mountaineering).

I had quite a few contacts with Fred in conection with my work as a medical photographer here in Sydney, which was his homebase.

Fred thumbed his nose at red tape or any authority which hindered his pioneering work with Aborigines and the people of Eritrea and Nepal, among others. He was the sort of fellow you either loved or hated. The ‘stuffed shirts’ and beurocrats were generally in the the latter category.

He was a Kiwi, graduated from Otago University, and did a lot of early ophthalmology research work in the mining valleys of south Wales (UK). He was not content to just do a scientific study and move on. “No study without treatment” was the principle he adopted.

You couldn’t ignore Fred, with his gruff voice, casual dress, permanent pipe (which had worn a convenient grove in his front teeth), zest for life and an extensive knowledge of just about everything.

His biography is a good read. I think it’s just called ‘Fred’, by Peter Corris.

[DobDobDob]

Hmnnnnn that's bait if ever I smelt it....but I'll let it slide through to the keeper :D seeing we are in the same 'mega' city, you may yet get your wish :P

Pat Boone - anyone remember HIM? Nope, is he related to Daniel? :whistle:

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes - well daniel was on the TV about the same time as i remember

geoff

[ving]

I once went the what was "the MG garage", a resturant in surrey hills (sydney) and sat at a table next to Jeanie Little... yes she does sound like that in real life! :eek:

[sheeny]

I met Bob Carr when I was presented a Premier's Award in 2002 and a few other times. I offered to take him bushwalking but he's never taken me up on the offer.

Prior to that I met Peter Russell-Clark (remember the "Where's the cheese?" ads?) in Sydney airport. I caught his eye, said g'day and then... "I won't ask." To which he had a chuckle and said thanks.

I also met Dick Smith and Tim McCartney-Snape out at Kanangra Walls one day.

I knew Andrew McAuley quite well, and occasionally bumped into Peter Treseder if you are into famous/well known adventurers.

I said G'day to Rolf Harris once in passing in Sydney airport. (scraping the bottom of the barrel, now getting down to momentary walk bys!)

Al.

[jjjnettie]

I met Barry Crocker at the height of his Barry McKenzie fame. We were at the airport and my Aunt urged me to approach him and he most graciously drew a cartoon sketch of himself in my autograph book, then signed it.

On my 16th birthday I went to see the Beachboys. My friend and I snuck in backstage and met the band. I scored Brian Loves autograph.

Mum took me to see Johnny Farnham many years ago, I would have been only 10 or 11 at the time. At the end of the concert I bolted up the aisle and on to the stage just in time to join him in his encore, he held my hand as his took his final bows.

When I was 18 my boyfriend had to pick up Larry Norman (a very famous Christian Rocker from the US) from the airport and bring him to Festival Hall for his Brisbane performance. I got to meet him after the show, I was so starstruck I could barely give a coherent reply when he spoke to me. The one thing I do remember from the encounter was how short he was. He wore platform boots.

[DobDobDob]

Me too, it was about 28 years ago and I was working inside Westmead hospital at the time, and Barry was booked for an operation (one day from memory), I can recall vividly that they closed the entire floor down just for him, something that was never done before that and probably never since.

You are right, at his height there were none bigger in this country :thumbsup:

[ariane]

me

[DobDobDob]

Okay, I like it, I can understand where you're coming from :thumbsup: I'll bet Alex will be miffed he never thought of your reply before you did :whistle:

[Dujon]

Jackie Weaver. ex-Hornsby Girls High School lass. My heavens she was a gorgeous bubbly thing. She even sat in the back of my '27 Chev all those years ago. I was driving. *sighs*

David Hill - he of the one day cricket fame. In those bygone days he was totally involved in the trotters (not Bolton Wanderers) those hobbled pacers. I received many a tip from him in those days (I was probably 15 or 16 years of age at that time) but, being as flat broke as I am now, I didn't take up the offers. I think that now he's very much involved with SkySport.

Looking at the previous posts I feel somewhat deprived.

[Ric]

Bill O'Reilly the great Australian spin bowler. He was my wife's great uncle and I had the privilege to spend an evening with him talking cricket. What a fantastic person.
On the political side there was cocktails with Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, two more very interesting gentleman to chat with.
Musically, I got very drunk with Matt Taylor from Chain (Blues band) one night in a quiet Canberra pub back in the early 80's.

Cheers :)

[jase]

Bill Clinton - When he came out to Melbourne. He was out of office at the time (no longer President of the US). There was a special dinner and speech held at crown casino. I didn't go, but was passing by when he was shaking hands with the crowd in the reception area. Just got in line and shook his hand. Four days later 9/11 hit and he was ushered out of Australia. Was quite a buzz.

Also went to school with Robert Alenby - the pro golfer.

[GTB_an_Owl]

I am surprised !

am i the only one that has met Mike Salway ? :whistle:

[h0ughy]

I met Paul Russell

[Ric]

I haven't had that honour yet Geoff :)

Cheers

[ballaratdragons]

I guess I am at an unfair advantage due to my years in Television and Movies.

I have worked with the biggest names in the world and It wasn't a matter of just being in the same room or studio with them, part of my job was too look after them (drinks, nibblies, footstool, conversation, all that sort of crap). Jimmy Stewart, Steve Martin, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Sammy Davis Jnr. (regularly), Jerry Lee Lewis, Liberace, Demis Roussos, Muhammad Ali, The Bee Gees, Sydney Poitier, etc.

Many of them were regulars on some of the shows we made and became friends.

For example, just before I left channel 9 Melbourne I made a rough count of the 'Stars' I had spent time with, and I lost count around 1200!!! I just couldn't remember them all.

Each week we had roughly 12 international guests on the ''Don Lane Show' (movie stars, bands, Authors, Sports stars, Politicians, etc), on ‘Hey Hey it's Saturday’ we had 2 or 3 internationals each week and the usual round of Aussie performers, Paul Hogan Show had it's special Guests, then there were the specials we made: 2 Ronnies down under, Ronnie Corbett Show, etc. and I had to look after them all.

Also out the back of Channel 9 (unknown to most) is a recording studio for international bands and singers that sneak into the country and record albums then sneak out again. If we weren't having lunch with them in the cafeteria, no-one would even know they were in Oz!

Movies I have worked on include Storm Boy, The Stud, Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith, Patrick and other minor ones (I am mentioned in the credits).

I have even been in a few shows myself. The Floor manager says, "quick stand over there and look like you are doing something".

The worst people I ever worked with were Ronnie Corbett and Burt Lancaster. Both very rude and their 'poo' don't stink and they let you know it. Practically all the others were fine. Some I even kept in touch with up until only a few years ago.

But among them all, some really stood out as good friends and were happy to spend time privately socialising while they were in Oz regularly: Debbie Reynolds, Stevie Wonder, Lee Marvin, some of the M*A*S*H cast, Kiss, etc.

Then there were the ones who felt like neighbours coz we worked with them so much. Bert Newton, Daryl Somers, John Farnham, John St.Peters, Little River Band, John English, and on and on.

Apart from my time at TV and Movies, my uncle is Reg Lindsay (country singer, yuk) and all the Rugby League stars I have had to have meetings with in the last few years.

I was a regular golf partner with actors from 'The Sullivans' on weekends, and generally visited and spent time with many Aussie actors and performers outside work.

So I suppose you could say I've had my share of 'Stars'.

I have lots of funny memories from those days. One I have mentioned before about having to pull Paul Hogans pants down many times LOL, nearly getting the sack because the 'Village People' wouldn't give props back that I had to get from them, Peter Hehir (Bert in 'The Sullivans') rolling a joint and offering it to a cop (in uniform), Reg Gorman (Jack the barman in 'The Sullivans') M.C.'ing my wedding reception and spent all night cracking everyone up with his jokes, getting plastered beyond belief with Wilbur Wilde and John Blackman till we were thrown out of the bar/restaurant which was holding the end of year party we were supposed to be at with the 'Hey Hey' cast & crew, Glenn Shorrock (Little River band) pinching his own bands Drum Skin for me, arguing with Renee Geyer coz I told here I didn’t like her song, helping ‘sober up’ Kate Bush from a cocaine over-dose 2 minutes before she had to go live on air, and so on.

They were all fun times and good memories.
I still have the video of me being said farewell to on three channel 9 shows.

Interestingly, I am never star-struck because of all the people I have worked with. They are just people doing a job and I happened to work along side of them and became friends with some.

I am still currently a close friend with Jac Kreemers (gold record) the drummer from Madder Lake, Mick Fetters the Lead singer from Madder Lake, and Phil Irving, the designer of the famous 'Vincent' motorcycle and other world famous engineering feats, worked for me for at my Harley Davidson shop in Ballarat for a week and a half before he died.

So as you can see, I am at an unfair advantage.

It’s certainly been a colourful life!

[Astroman]

:eyepop: Ken! Thats one hell of a part of your life story! and now you know ME! :D

[Shawn]

Thats Easy

Santa in Woolies when I was 7 years old...:lol:.

Serously

Marc Bolan, rember him..

70s rockers...

S

[Deeno]

Several yars ago while in Sydney, I stumbled upon the filming of "Hart to Hart" in Australia. My Mum loves Robert Wagner (Prince Valiant) and Stephanie Powers was the source for many a wet dream in my teenage years so, a little autograph hunting seemed the logical to do. Mr Wagner (Bob) was very polite and chatted warmly, beaming his best Hollywood smile. Ms Powers was a little nervous about this fury headed numbat and seemed to on the lookout for security but, politly smiled and coughed up an autograph anyway.
They now hang on Mums wall of fame.

Once bought Merve Hughes a beer at the Tall Timbers Hotel.

See motorcycle champ Wayne Gardner fairly regularly as he is involved with a magazine I work for. Nice bloke.

[Greg Bryant]

No chance of matching Ken!

Two occasions of particular note.

Late 70s - attended an antique car expo as a young kid. Was peering into the front of a car, turned around, and there was the then Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.

1995 - had a one-on-one interview with Gene and Carolyn Shoemaker (comet impact with Jupiter) in their hotel room when they were in Canberra for a public lecture.

There was also the time in 1986 when I was introduced on the dance floor (School Deb Ball) to a certain ex NSW policeman of note...

[Blue Skies]

I met Rob McNaught last night - does that count?

[iceman]

I went to school with Natalie Imbrouglia - she was in my year (year 11&12).

Belinda Cotterill (starred on some ABC shows and commercials) was also in my year in high school (7-10).

Belinda Emmett was a year above me in school (may she RIP).

Great stories from everyone!

[ballaratdragons]

There may be some in here who know famous people but can't say so. I know for a fact that there are approx 40 old Hollywood Movies Stars and Rock Legends living in Australian Rural towns but the locals are asked not to divulge this infromation.

There are also approx 15 current Hollywood Stars and famous International Band members living scattered about Australia incognito. One of them that I know of lives in the Hawthorn (a Suburb of Melbourne).

American/Australian Gus Mercurio (actor) and his son Paul Mercurio (actor, Dancer) still practice Chiropractic in Ballarat (its OK, it ain't a secret).

Lee Marvin lived in Cairns for about 20 years!

So for those that are busting to say "I know so & so" but can't, we accept your silent post here :thumbsup:

[danielsun]

I got to know Steve and Terry Irwin whilst living on the sunshine coast in the early to late 90s and going out with one of his employees.


He really was a good bloke.

Steve that is....

[Paddy de Klerk]

I too once shared a queue at the fish &chip shop at Ettalong& yes she does sound like that in real life.A deceased, dear friend of mine once 'paid a penny' along side Ian Andersen,the lead singer of Jethro Tull's band.Leslie Philips of Doctor in the House fame &I shared similar times in London.My wife once posed with the Queen Mother while working for the British Legion,whatever that meant,(for a photograph that was).Joel" Bigbird" Garner popped up in Melbourne once as well.A big boy when he grows up!

[Paddy de Klerk]

:) I too once shared a queue at the fish &chip shop at Ettalong& yes she does sound like that in real life.A deceased, dear friend of mine once 'paid a penny' along side Ian Andersen,the lead singer of Jethro Tull's band.Leslie Philips of Doctor in the House fame &I shared similar times in London.My wife once posed with the Queen Mother while working for the British Legion,whatever that meant,(for a photograph that was).Joel" Bigbird" Garner popped up in Melbourne once as well.A big boy when he grows up!

[Omaroo]

I was on a flight back from Japan one day and was trying to get some sleep. The bloke behind me was snoring so loud that the whole row of seats shook. During the night I leaned over the seat and asked the guy to keep it down. He was Malcolm Fraser.

[DobDobDob]

Ken as the originator of this thread, I am exercising my right to expel you from the thread :P You are way too into famous people, actually we can all now claim we know you, which makes us famous by proxy :whistle:

Naw, just kidding, it sounds like you had a lot of fun. There's still another 1900 odd members who can add their momentary brush with fame :thumbsup:

[bloodhound31]

I stuck my finger up at Ita buttrose in traffic in sydney years ago. she ran a light and cut me off.

It all started with Brian barker, the weatherman in perth.
Then it was Jeff fennech, paul keating, little johnny howard 3 times...i felt like saying, "this is the third time you have met me and you still dont remember my name...I remember yours"... go figure.

Uncy Pete Cosgrove a few times. My hero. A distant brush with Kylie...oooohh ahhhh.....
The umbilical brothers in macca's at south nowra. Nice chaps. They were having a shake with that grey haired joke teller from Hey Hey its saturday.

Oh, and I chat on a regular basis to the Father and Son when I feel the need.

Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baz.

[33South]

Me too, and also D.K.Lillee at Auckland airport.

Came across quite few 'people' at work in the mid 60s when I worked at Manchester Square in London - Then head office for EMI records.

Used to chat to Fatty Vautin, he was the caretaker at my kids school, Mona Vale Public.

Probably the most famous, by association was a small group of us having tea and a private tour of the family home, seeing all the memorabilia (got some piccies, might scan and post them one day) then watching the first(? about 1977) Mars landing on TV with Caroline Herschel the great-great-granddaughter of Sir William.

[okiscopey]

Ron, when this thread has run its course and all 1900 have responded, how about "What is the most famous person (living or historical) you'd LIKE to meet?" Reasons would have to be mandatory of course to make it more interesting. Didn't want to start it now in case it diluted the current interesting topic.

[DobDobDob]

Hold that thought buddy, it's a good idea.

Btw, seeing Ken tried to steal all the limelight, I have a couple of other people I would like to mention, firstly I went to the Hulk's 40th birthday party, he was a bodybuilder I knew named Lou Ferigno, he is a really nice bloke despite his awesome mass.

My school teacher in English was Thomas Keneally, I like to think I taught him a lot, he used to drive me home (we lived close to each other) in his mini.

And just slightly off topic, I rode Comic Court at the age of 28 years, he won a Melbourne Cup :P cool huh?

[ballaratdragons]

That reminds me of another one :lol:
Paul Anderson (the Mighty Apollo, the strongest man in the world) is one of my mates Dad. I got to know Paul very well, and he came to visit Bruce (his son) and I a week before he died. He knew he was going, and we all had a good hug and cry together.




Ron, I didn't start this thread, you did!

[bloodhound31]

I'd like to meet Kylie minogue properly....I'll let you work out why for yourselves...ROWR!

If I was single that is....of course.....

Nothn beats the love of a good woman.:love2:.that'd be my wife.....:love:

sorry Kylie, you missed out this time mate.

Baz:D

[Ambermile]

Steve Chambers :lol:

Does he count? If so then I claim Nik Szymanek and Tommi Worton too!

Arthur :D

[OneOfOne]

I just remembered, when I was in the early years of High School (Form 1 to 3) my parents owned a milk bar and Mary Hardy (Sunnyside Up and sister of the author) lived about 3 doors away. She would often ring for bread and milk and my brother and I would walk across the road and deliver it to her.

Ken, am I getting closer to your tally now?

[Dujon]

I've been having a bit of a thunk.

Trawling back through yesteryear, when I was a mad motor racing enthusiast, I recalled meeting with many a well known racing car driver; Graham Hill, Jimmy Clark, David Mackay (owner of Scuderia Veloce), Lex Davison, Colin Bond (in his Sprite days), David Bowden (Total Team Sprite driver), Frank Matich (also a Total Team driver but most definitely not a Sprite) and, of course, many lesser lights.

I regret not speaking to the Geoghan brothers (Leo and Peter), Norm Beechey, Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Denny Hulme, Jack Brabham, Spencer Martin (a protegé of David Mackay who was a brilliant driver and who retired to ensure his family a living) and Lorraine Hill who punted a Lotus 7 around a few of the local tracks. Ah weel, 'tis too late now for many of them.

The thing I remember most of these blokes is that virtually all of them were decent, down to earth, men. To speak to them was no different to talking to a stranger in a strange pub.

Oh, yes: I spoke to Don Burke on one occasion (no, he isn't a motor racing driver - least ways as far as I know). In my opinion he was the antithesis of all the above.

[Ken] You've got it all over us mere mortals. May your memories stay as clear as the Snake Valley skies.

[jjjnettie]

Ok Ok, Horse stories.
I looked after the Arab stallion, Halim, that Sam Neil rode in the movie "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot"
I had showjumping and dressage lessons on Lysyn who was Gunsyn's giant half brother.( Gunsyn was very short for a racehorse )
And I had the good fortune to work as strapper for a short while for Guy Creighton, an Aussie Olympic showjumping competitor.
Young Gun competitor at the last Olympics, Rebel Morrow, grew up in Kilcoy. Her dad used to be my farrier. My horses had Olympic toenails!:)

[DobDobDob]

That's very clever :P

[avandonk]

I met someone who was in Rome at the same time as Ken and he overheard an Italian say "who is that guy in white up there on the balcony with Ken?"


Bert

[JimmyH155]

LLOYD GEORGE KNEW MY FATHER
FATHER KNEW LLOYD GEORGE,
LLOYD GEORGE KNEW MY FATHER, FATHER KNEW LLOYD GEORGE.....ETC ETC
Sing along to the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers":rofl:

[ving]

nudge or "hey dad!" used to borrow sheet music from my library... I served him a few times. :)

[Deeno]

When I worked part time in the fruit and vegie section at the local super market while still at school, regular customers were John English, Tony Packard (up the Windsor road), Bob Hatfield (A Country Practice) and Leanne Edilson would turn up in her pink Detomasso complete with mink seat covers.

Aso had Ian Chappel sign a biography for dad.

[Dujon]

That's enough of that you disrespectful thing, you! This is a serious matter and, serious or not, is one of those things which should be taken without salt.

Honestly, kids these days. Sheesh. :( :innocent:

[styleman333]

Once when i was about 5 or 6 Prince Charles came to australia and i was dragged there to see him . He actually shook my hand , which was pretty cool though at that age i had absolutely no idea who he was. Another brush with fame was my mother used to go out with Paul McCartney when she was in her teens in England she thought he was a bit of a stuck up pig and dumped him to date John lennon for a time.
She could have been a very very wealthy woman ....... but she just got stuck with my old man and us kids ....

[DobDobDob]

I'm sure she has never regretted her life for a moment :P

[fringe_dweller]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :eyepop: :prey2:

[fringe_dweller]

So it was your mum that was responsible for the breakup of the beatles then!!! ;) and Yoko oh no took the blame! sheeesh

[acropolite]

Boonie, (Cricket legend) used to give me money every time I saw him, he was a humble Bank teller working across the road from me. Other than that I can't recall meeting anyone particularly famous.

[duncan]

I met Bob Hawke in Adelaide once. I wasn't impressed cause at the time he was selling the workers at the car plants out. I can't print what i thought, so i guess that says it all.lol.

[CometGuy]

What a great read Ken, must of been a hoot working with Hey Hey? I always remember John Blackman winding up Molly Meldrum..made for some very funny TV!

Haven't met a lot of famous People myself. Well I did meet Patrick Moore in the late 90's when he came to Brisbane. One of the more interesting encounters was outside a barber in an eastern Melbourne suburbs shopping centre and running into Mark Mitchell who was walking around doing his 'Con the Fruiterer' impersonation (seriously!!). Apart from that you see different celebrities from time to time in shopping centres, airports, etc. I also spent a Christmas holiday in Snowbird ski resort in Utah, and there were heaps of holywood celebrities around.

Terry

[taminga16]

My son is the scuba dive master on board one of Paul Allen's private yachts (310 ft, more of a ship really). The list starts at Allen and finishes at Yeltsin with Gates, Clinton, Kidman, U2 etc filling the gaps. Greg.

[DobDobDob]

Hey I met him as well, he came to a gym opening in Sydney and spent over an hour trying every bit of equipment and improvising all the way, no script, just in at the deep end. He is a true talent.

I also forgot to mention that I once met Andre the Giant in Kings Cross, a long long time ago, he was the largest person I ever saw :thumbsup:

[Bobj]

My mum.....Next year she will receive a congratulation telegram from HM Queen Elizabeth for attaining 100 years of age. Also, She and dad were invited on the HMS Ajax for a soiree, in Calcutta, India. Then she danced with the Captain. A couple of hours later came the order for all civilians to go ashore because the Captain had received orders to proceed with all due haste to the River Plate, and engage the "Graf Spee". And the rest is history.

Met Primo Carnera."The Ambling Alp" I believe he fought for the world heavyweight boxing championship.

[DobDobDob]

Tell your Mum hello from Tailwag <woof> :whistle:

[Blue Skies]

Hmmm...you forgot the rest of the joke. I heard it not long ago, but can't quite remember how it goes. But a big LOL for it anyway. :lol:

[DobDobDob]

We all know he was talking about Michael Jackson :screwy:

[toetoe]

I'm a bugger for dates but i am sure it was the late 1980's when i meet Gordon Jackson while he was making a film in Chiltern ( north east Victoria) and around the same time or may have been early 1990 in Yackandandah (north east Victoria) i meet Michale York and Sigrid Thorton while they were doing a film. Chatted with Brian Cadd some time back when i was playing in a band, we were the support band. Mark Hunter (RIP) and the the boys from the band Dragon. Strange how the years have gone by when you think back to good old memories.

[ving]

a friend of mine went to school with that jamie dury guy (you know the gardening/manpower one). she recons he was a right royal knob! :lol:

I was singing in teh shower this morning and cheryl said i sounded like Tom Jones and I probably get that from all teh girls... I told its not unusual...
:P

[ballaratdragons]

Look in the mirror Terry!!!!

Hint: Comet Lovejoy!

[ballaratdragons]

Oh yeah, how could I forget. I met Andrew Wall and spent 4 nights at Camp with him sharing Astro photo techniques!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup:

[taminga16]

I met Captain Mark Phillips at a horse event in the Yarra Valley some years ago and he seemed like a nice bloke, but he had something in his mouth and I couln't understand much of what he said. Well done on the thread Ron, good fun. Greg.

[GrahamL]

The wife got groped by this weird smelling old guy once but we could never decide who he was ?? ;)

[DobDobDob]

Hey watch it, I resemble that remark :whistle:

[Sonia]

Ive met Bradley walsh who plays danny baldwin in a famous soap Coronation street that is popular here..http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=3971

[nightsky]

G'Day,
I didn't actually meet this person as in shake hands or talk to him, but I had the privilege of being on the Guard of Honor when the late President John F Kennedy made a official visit to Eire (Ireland) a few months before his death in 1963 I will never forget it,only inches away from me.
Cheers
Arthur

[DobDobDob]

Impressive :thumbsup:

[Sausageman]

I met Sean Connery, when I was about 10. Sang in a competition with Spike Milligan as a judge.
Then when I was a big boy, I worked for the Royal Family for 5 years, and was part of the crew that took them on holidays and official functions all over the UK and overseas.
I have met the Heads of State from many Countries, dined with Ambassadors,
and met Richard Attenborough, who got off one of our planes one night with Prince Phillip.
I have travelled with almost every Royal, and have the photo's.
Been to a party at Kensington Palace.
My favourite was the Princess Michael of Kent, who always made time to sit and talk to the crew. Diana came a very close second, and provided me with my funniest sight. The poor dear was suffering from morning sickness really bad and came to visit us during a flight, during the chat she took off like a scalded cat to the crew toilet and spent 10 minutes throwing her heart up with her bum in the air. It wasn't funny at the time, but we all laugh about it now.
Poor dear, may she rest in peace.
The Queen Mum once complained that there was a fly in the aircraft, the reply from the Crew Chief was, "Yes Ma'am, and it's not on the passenger manifest". She burst out laughing.

Mike

[matt]

Steve and Mark Waugh (separately), Mark Taylor, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Slim Dusty, Iva Davies, Nick Faldo, Valentino Rossi, Kostya Tzu, the late (and great) Johnny Warren, Ross Wilson, Stevie Wright (Easybeats), Bryce Courtney.

That's just off the top of my head.

There would be dozens more. All guests on the various radio programs I have hosted over the years.

And to a person... all wonderful and decent human beings.

There have been a few who have behaved less than nicely. I won't name names. We all have bad days:)

[wavelandscott]

Famous is a relative term...but for this exercise I'll pick a bit more obscure...

Several years ago as a recently married man I accompanied my new wife with her parents on holiday to Iceland were we stayed at the US embassy, my Father-in-law was university room mates with the then Ambassader.

You get through customs/immigration much faster when an Ambassador picks you up...but that is another story...

We had just arrived tired and a bit jet lagged and the Ambassador was taking us on a walking tour of the capital and the area near the embassy...a big Mercedes pulls up and a well dressed gentleman and lady emerge from the car and begin to talk to the Ambassador and we are introduced...with the usual "how do you like our country?" questions...unshaven, in jeans and a bit jet lagged we respond it seems nice etc. The gentleman and lady get back in the car and drive on...

It is then explained to me that I have met the then President of Iceland!

It was prety cool for a farm boy from middle America...

[avandonk]

I've been really enthralled by everybodies experiences. The fly not on the passenger manifest really did it for me.
In my previous life at CSIRO I have met more than six Nobel Prize winners. But they don't count as they are not famous.

One thing that is a trend that I can detect is that the more accomplished the person the more ordinary or humbly they behave. It is only the twits who demand special priviledges.

Bert

[ballaratdragons]

As far as I'm concerned, Bert, meeting Nobel Peace Prize winners would be far more exciting and important than all the 'stars' and celebrities. (same as someone mentioned Fred Hollows :thumbsup: )

The 'Celebs' have entartained us with acting, sport, etc, but your friends have made a REAL and meaningful difference to the world!!! And yet, Nobel winners remain unknown and forgotten. :shrug:

They just made the world a better place, no biggy :whistle:

And don't forget Bert, you are famous in certain ways too! I have googled and found many of the Scientific papers you have written and the world-changing research you have been involved in :thumbsup:

[kevy02]

Well lets see, I grew up and played rugby with Ray Price,went to school with Ray Hadley, back in the seventies I was in a bar having a beer ,and later shared quite a few more with David Carridine of Kung Fu tv show.
Hey Ron,hows the Synta refractor going,how are the images?
Kevin.

[RB]

Let's keep the thread on topic please.

[DobDobDob]

Hey Bert, I'm 100% with Ken :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Oooo, another one I just remembered :lol:

My old '59 Chev Impala 4 door was chopped up in Mad Max :thumbsup:

They painted it in a flame job and axed it to smithereens!!!! :(

And contrary to what the movie company says, the car was in very good condition!!!

http://www.madmaxmovies.com/cars/madmax/ChevyImpala/index.html

[ispom]

>>>Who is the most famous person you have ever met<<

Chrustschow, when he visited Leipzig in 1960

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikita_Khrushchev (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikita_Khrushchev)

[Ingo]

No idea...I think I met a senator of USA in like 8th grade when he spent a day in one of my classes.

Oh and the old governor of NY George Pataki.

Other than that, I don't think anybody. :shrug:

Boring life.

[Satchmo]

My great uncle Francis Forde. He was Prime Minister of Australia for 7 days in July 1945

I was reminded of him when I 'saw' him in the ABC tele-drama called ''Curtin" the other day, as he was John Curtins Minister for the Army during WW11. I have an original photo of them together.

I was only a boy when I met him at Grandma's in 1970 but he impressed me as although in retirement , he arrived in a black Limo with peak capped driver and showed me his Gold Pass which he claimed entitled him to free travel anywhere in the world , all for being prime minister for 7 days. I wonder if anything has changed :lol:

http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/fastfacts.asp?pmSelectName=15

[bkm2304]

My old prof did his PhD at Princeton in the late 40's early 50's. He was swinging down a stairway once - you know how you grab both railings and swing your legs out. On the last swing at the bottom of the stair case he swung right out and just as he did who came around the corner and nearly got his teeth knocked out but Einstein. I said to Prof that he nearly finished a brilliant career and he quippied that he nearly didn't start one!

[joe90]

I got to meet John Dobson of the San Fransico Sidewalk Astronomers and also Dobsonian telescope fame.

I also met Sir Patrick Moore before he was knighted. He autographed his book Passion For Astronomy for me. He was a very interesting and genuinley nice man. If anyone gets to read his autobiography he has met Wilbur Wright the first man to fly a plane (or was it Orville?) and Buz Aldrin the first man to step on the moon (or was it Glenn whatshiface?) anyway thats an awsome comparison, (not to mention he's met all the other astronauts who've landed on the moon and Uri Gargarin) and Werner Von Brawn and played piano with Albert Einstien who was playing the violin (They probably got on the turps together -he he).

JOe.

[Greg Bryant]

Joe,

You've reminded me - something I should have added in my earlier post.

In 1990, I got to meet Buzz Aldrin at a talk he gave in Sydney. Afterwards, he was autographing copies of his book "Men From Earth".

It reads:

To Greg
Best Wishes
Buzz Aldrin

He came across as a very friendly person.

Regards,

[ballaratdragons]

Joe, you reminded me of another one too :lol:

I got John Dobson to autograph my 12" Dob OTA :thumbsup:

We went for a walk together to give him a breather. He was getting a bit fed up with the conversation in the hall, and he asked me to go for a walk with him (away from all the others), so we walked thru the Gardens and talked nothing but crap and he got to relax from the usual lecture style conversation he gets stuck in. Very nice bloke.

[ballaratdragons]

then just after that, when I was in Italy at the Vatican, I couldn't hear what the crowd was yelling out to me coz the bloke in a white robe next to me kept talking :rofl:

[robagar]

Not really "met", but when I lived in Cambridge, I almost ran over Stephen Hawking on my bicycle. Man, that would have been embarrassing.

One time we also attended the same lecture, by Benoit Mandelbrot on fractals. He could barely squeeze his wheelchair in the door because it was so packed.

Oh, and Clive James at a party when a friend was dating his daughter.

[astronut]

Lee Marvin, from the film "The Dirty Dozen" nice friendly person.
Story Musgrave, the astronaut that fixed Hubbles blindness, a very inspiring character.:D

[Odlaw]

I met Billy Connerly and Michael J Fox in Townsville.

Played a round of golf with Micheal.

I was security for Bill Clinton when he went to North Queensland on Holidays.
But the only thing he said to me was "how are you today"

[ballaratdragons]

Lee Marvin lived in Cairns for much of his life. I remember going on his boat as a little kid and I didn't know who he was back then. All I remember is he was a nice man with a crewcut and talked funny. Dad didn't tell me who he was until about 10 years later.

He used to take people out on his boat for Marlin fishing. We only went for a joy ride coz all the other Marlin fishing boats were bookled out. We were walking back up the jetty when he yelled out 'did we want to go out'.

[julie]

I have Met David Vanian and The Damned
David Jason from only fools and horses, my uncle is famous Jonathan Gash he wrote the Lovejoy books, Simon Le Bon from Duran Duran

[DavidU]

I have met hundreds of national and international who's who of the music biz.
If you are in the biz for 30+ years it's bound to happen.

[goober]

Drove cars at the Australian Open for four years and drove a good swag of the top tennis players (10 years ago ... Davenport, Hingis, Seles, etc). You quickly desensitize to the fame thing - they're just people.

[Terry B]

Boy, this is an old thread back from the dead:shrug:

[Waxing_Gibbous]

3-way tie between Stephen Hawking, Fidel Castro and Mick Jagger.
Met the Queen three times too. But she never remembered me so she's off the list!

[PCH]

Peter, - wow

what sort of job do you have that allows you to meet all these famous types ??

[AstralTraveller]

You met Castro! Wow. Please tell all!

[supernova1965]

I made and served a meal to george harrison when I was a chef on hamilton island. he would have to be the most famous. I alsp made peter russell clark a cheese platter while I worked there. by the way I have written this post on my nintendo Wii console

[sadia]

I Met Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, and Angelina Jolie while working for UNHCR.

[Octane]

Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater at a meet and greet before their Sydney concert in 2007.

Steve Carfino of Sydney Kings fame came to my primary school. Michael Bevan came to my high school, he was a NSW player at the time.

I'm sure there's others, just don't come to mind at the moment.

H

[TrevorW]

Famous or infamous only if we make them

[styleman333]

Met Prince Charles about 30 years ago when him and diana came to australia . Shook his hand in fact and hes got a very limp wristed shake i do remember . My mother also grew up in liverpool and she dated Paul McCartney for a while then dumped him and dated John Lennon. Then she dumped him too ( big mistake she should have got preggy first ) .

[cohiba]

Had a famous year
Had lunch with Princess Ann in the Uk during January
Had a beer with Valantino Rossi in KL in Febuary
one of the best I met was Alice Cooper

[koputai]

I've met tons of actor/actresses and opera singers over the years, having worked in the business.
Probably the most famous people I've met (as in sat/stood and talked to):

Dame Joan Sutherland
Richard Todd
Lemmy Kilmister (yes, THE Lemmy)
Bruce Dickinson (Singer from Iron Maiden)

Cheers,
Jason.

[Octane]

Jason,

Sir Bruce! phw0ar! Nice. : )

H

[CoolhandJo]

Had a quiet chat to Glenn Shorrock in the Hong Kong Qantas loung the other month... nice bloke..

[leon]

My Dear Alice.

leon

[DavidU]

I met Leon once ! A nicer fella than most of the rockstars.

[astroron]

I met Jen from iceinspace :D, she's famous on this forum:thumbsup:

[leon]

Yea but she is Purple, but a true mate, and buddy,

Leon

[leinad]

Darth Vader at Myers(1984? ) :lol:

[OICURMT]

John Elway (Gridiron Quarterback, at a Denver Bronco promo event)
Craig Morton (Gridiron Quarterback, he worked in my building after he retired, in Denver)
Kevin Spacey (Actor, sat next to him on a flight from Houston to LA when I was going back to Indonesia)
Kim Beazley (Politician, in the toilet, Perth Airport)
Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (Singer, after his concert at Leeuwin Estates)

I highly doubt any of them remember me, so.... no, I've never met anyone famous...

I know there are many more... just can't think of them.


The most memorable was Spacey, as I was trying to do work and people were trying to get his autograph... I just shouted out loud, "Would you f'in stop already, I'm trying to do work!"... Spacey was sitting at the window (1st class), quietly thanked me and kept reading his magazine. He was wearing an FCUK hat pulled down. I'd never heard of FCUK (living in Indonesia) so I asked him if he was dyslexic... he laughed.

[Barrykgerdes]

I have been to a royal garden party but only had a close up of the Queen and Duke. It was more fun having tea in each of the five marquees. I got quite ill after five helpings of tea, scones, jam and cream.
Had a long talk to Lee Marvin while I was fixing a radio on his game boat. We talked about fishing and radio coms in California.
However the most famous people I know are my real friends and relations.

Baz

[sejanus]

I've photographed a wedding of a very famous female aussie but part of the contract was that they retain the rights to the images and that I can't mention & publish anywhere. This was a few years ago when I wasn't as well known in the photo world as I am now and their agent negotiated it with me - these days I wouldn't be so eager and wouldn't have agreed to those terms.

hint she was smoking hot :D

Taking photos of a girl who has been in front of the cameras for a good portion of her life is childs play, jeeze they know how to look/pose for the camera!

[kinetic]

I consider it an honour to have met Bill Bradfield :)

I also saw Peter Russell Clark once at the Murray Mouth, during
his heyday :)

Bob Hawke when I was an apprentice.....

Rob and Iain from the Curiosity Show :)

Steve

[jjjnettie]

My son Tom goes to school with Levi and Chilli Lowndes. ( their Dad, Craig, drives fast for Holden)
He hates that they (seem to) get preferential treatment from the teachers in the playground.

[AdrianF]

Baron Knights, Cliff Richard, Shirley Bassey, Freddie and the Dreamers, John Williamson at Mt Isa (although he was very rude he told me and a few others to F*** off), ACDC (the originals at Malvern Wintergarden in UK nice guys). But no one really famous.
Amost forgot Joh Bjelke-Peterson and Flo when then came to Mt Isa in the 1970's

Adrian

[Nesti]

John English.

Was having a chat with him over coffee in a cafe in Perth (just by chance). Along came this lady, she recognised him and started screaming and pointing him out to her friends. She came over and was carrying-on about how her mother was one of his Groupies. The cafe was packed with city lunch-time people.

Damn, that was one of the most embarrassing days of my life.

BTW, he's a very cool guy...hate to be in his shoes though.

[Nesti]

:rofl: LOL, me too!!!!

And Boba Fett was there too, right?

Geez, that's old memories...felt earlier than 84.

[Screwdriverone]

I have met Wallaby John Eales at a corporate function (where I won the trivia contest he hosted !!)

Sat behind "Vulcan" from Gladiators on a flight from Brisbane and he unfortunately tried to recline his seat into my legs (I am 6"9) and I politely tapped him on the shoulder and advised it wasnt a good idea...he had a laugh (and was a nice bloke)

I was supposed to meet Bob Hawke when I was school captain as we annually went to a lunch with the PM from my school area, but alas, I was on a state sports carnival that day and couldnt go.... DOH

I met Shane Warne (who never got off his mobile the whole time) on the day of the Sydney one day match where Michael Bevan scored a 4 to win off the last ball against West Indies. He was in front of the Picadilly Hotel on Castlereagh St and he signed my match ticket. Best game ever.

I met and chatted to Peter Berner (Back Berner & Einstein Factor) when he was a comedy guest at my company function in Sydney and Melbourne. I even waited out the front of the powerhouse Melbourne with him while he waited for a cab and swapped jokes and impersonations of people in cricket and Guido Hatsis (which he cracked up about) - yeah maaaayte. Do not schpeak when I am schpeaking....

Just last Friday, saw (but did not stop to talk) Amanda Keller in Macquarie Shopping Centre at 9:30am (after her WSFM shift finished) going into the bank I walked out of....damn, she was smokin' hot! Never noticed that before....

Oh...and I crashed my car (in 1988) into John Cartwright's Mazda (Penrith Panthers League captain) after watching a game at Penrith Park. Spoke to him on the phone about it later....lucky I didnt have to confront him about it.....

My youngest has a friend around the corner whose dad is Will Leyshon (ex Melbourne Storm RL player) and we chat often when picking kids up from each other's houses.

All my addled brain can remember at the moment..

Cheers

Chris

[bartman]

Mine are - but not limited to - :
Having dinner with Jimmy Barnes at the Cable Beach Club resort.

Having Wendy Harmer drink and party with us in the staff quaters in Broome.

Having lunch with Russell Ingall and in a V8 super car on the Wannaroo Race track. And....also with Mark Skaife in a V8 ute on the same track doing some whicked stuff!!!! BTW Mark sticks his toung out when doing burn outs and is like a kid when he is behind the wheel.
Both seriously funny great guys!!!!!!!.

Literally bumping into Billy Joel accidentally. I was a porter at Ob city and both of us coming out of the lifts at the same time. I headed one way , he the other . After apologising he said " no worries mate"....
The 'mate' threw me off and wont forget...

Apart from that I have many other encounters. As I work in hospitality, I always meet and great famous people. Some for a few secs to others I have good convos with.
Too many to list...
Bartman

[el_draco]

In 1987 I went to Riverside Telescope Makers Conference in California. I wrote ahead and became one of the organising team which was a seriously great idea. Second night in, the organiser, a bloke called Cliff Holmes, dragged me away from a fantastic seminar. with my protest being, "Man, this better be good".

A few minutes later I was ushered through the dark to a little cabin where I was presented to a tiny little bent over man with eyes that sparkled like a teenagers.

Cliff smirked and said, "Rom, say G'day to Clyde Tombaugh". I did;.. didn't asked for a autograph, (Thank Gawd), and had a twenty minute chat with him. Amazing, amazing man!

[barx1963]

At the 2000 Olympics, I went to the Archery (I was a keen archer for many years!) and found myself sitting next to Tim Fischer, ex deputy PM who had left the job the year before, who was stting with his wife and young kids. As they had no idea what was going on, I had a pleasant time explaining the intricacies of modern Archery to them.

[wavelandscott]

Since moving back to the states and taking up my new "Corporate" role

I've had the opportunity to meet (not necessarily get to know) a whole bunch of well known folks...Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Sarah Brown (Gordon's wife), Condaleeza Rice, Forrest Whitaker, Youssou N'Dour, Smokin Joe Frasier (boxer), Dikembe Mutumbo...several Congressmen and Ambassadors for several African Countries...Oh, I should have added the "Astro" folks too...Al and David Nagler and Paul D. (Ethos designer) as well as the rest of the attendees at NEAF...

All linked to the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) work that our comapny does with the manufacture of long lasting insecticide treated bed nets in Africa to fight malaria. Interesting work...

[rcheshire]

Mel Gibson, Malcolm Fraser, Gough Whitlam - ran head long into him - didn't see him coming round the corner. Don Burrows, James Morrison, Sir John Mills and body guards.

Judy Davis - she refused to get on board a flight and used some fairly colourful language about the weather. Darryl Somers - Hey Hey! Some very shady characters carrying suitcases to out of the way places in regional Australia. Sam Newman - does he rate a mention.

Exchanged a 10 dollar bill with the Quebec Minister of Finance - he liked to colour of Australian money - not sure who came out ahead on that transaction?

Literally bumped into Pamela Anderson, stepping backwards from the coffee machine in the business lounge in LAX. I apologized and we exchanged a few pleasantries then went our separate ways. Nice lady.

[mill]

Me !! And afcourse my wife :P

[ngcles]

Hi All,

I've been lucky enough to meet quite a few famous people in my life and I'm not going to go through the whole list but will stick to several of the sporting ones.

I met Peter Brock at my high school (Jannali Boys High School in Sydney) in 1977 when he came specially to our school to do a talk on road safety. None of the other schools in the area (or indeed Sydney) were treated to this. In fact he came three times over two months to speak to different years within the school. We all I wondered -- why?

The answer came a year of so later. At the time, he was having an extra-marital affair with my Yr 9 science teacher Mrs McIntosh who (in time) went on to become Mrs Beverly Brock who we all know from her appearances at Peter's side in the Bridgestone ads on TV and elsewhere.

I bumped into Bev in the pits up at the Mt Panorama (Bathurst) circuit in 1988 (I working there for the weekend) and was pretty surprised that she remembered me (knew my name without help). I'd have loved to meet Peter again, but he was a little busy that day.

Curiously enough I've met a lot of Australian cricketers over the years too and quite few former and present captains of our team.

Brian Booth about 20 years ago was the first one.

In 1999 I was taken to the cricket at the SCG by a then work friend (Brian) who was very well connected in Cricket NSW. About an hour before the match (a day/night one-dayer -v- India), we were loitering around in the Bradman stand bar and Brian said that he was waiting to see his mate Ian Chappell. (I thought he was spinning a yarn -- to put it politely). Sure enough about ten minutes later in walked Chappelli who came up to Brian shook hands and bought us a round of beers. We talked like old friends for about 15 minutes until ... Ritchie Benaud walked up and joined in the chat. So this star-struck cricket lover got to meet and speak with two of my all-time favourite cricketers for maybe 30 minutes.

Living in the Sutherland Shire we see quite a few international cricketers around the traps -- but mostly in Westfield Miranda (better known locally as Miranda Fair). Many of our best cricketers have chosen to make "The Shire" their home. I met Steve Waugh (lives at Alfords Point) in Target Miranda (I think it was 2003) shopping with his wife. We spoke for a while about how much time men waste in shopping centres trailing around after their better halves.

Ricky Ponting (lives at Dolans Bay) in Big W Miranda in the queue to be served and of course when Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle lived in the shire a few years ago they were more than occasionally spotted in and around. I met him outside Lowes in Miranda Fair when we were both buying coffee at Rubyniks.

I've enjoyed lunch in the food court twice with (sitting next to) Glen McGrath (lives at Cronulla) (the first time, I introduced myself to and shook his hand and we talked about cricket for a few minutes) (the second time was only 2 weeks ago when he was having coffee with his new girlfriend) and I've also met Stuart Clark who lives at Cronulla. Also met Shane Lee (Brett's older brother) while we were filling up our cars at the servo at Engadine.

Almost forgot, where I grew up at Oyster Bay we had a vacant block next door where there was a lot of fiercely competitive backyard cricket played. One of the occasional participants (he was about 10 years my senior) was John Dyson who grew-up just around the corner in Carina Rd (great street name yeah) and played about 20 tests as an opener (but with no great success).

Quite a little list huh?

Did someone mention Sam Newman? I had the dubious pleasure of meeting him in 2001. I was the senior police prosecutor at Burwood/Bankstown/Ryde and I prosecuted him at Burwood when he was booked near Ashfield driving in his Lambo. Got to cross-examine him for about 20 minutes. He is as un-likable in real life as he is on T.V -- and industrial strength pain in the posterior. I won, we didn't shake hands. His lawyer appealed and it was lost up there on appeal.

I have also prosecuted (not a hearing -- just a mention after arrest) Dallas Hayden -- wife of our former Governor General when she was arrested for shoplifting. For some strange reason, that charge was later dropped.

One non-sporting personallity I bet no one on this list can match was meeting Zhao Ziyang who was at he time the Premier (2IC) of Communist China (that one's a looooong story) in 1982 in a Chinatown restaurant, Sydney ... (not kidding)


Best,

Les D

[Gallifreyboy]

Hate to be a name dropper.....but hey everyone else is. While still at school in 1981 played in a musical performance for HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, the prince shared a few nice words with me afterwards. Playing cricket got to meet Clive Lloyd (when he was manager) and all the West Indies touring party at a function and even better bowled to them in the nets before the WACA test. While working in the US had several meetings with Muhammed Ali, everybody calls him champ, even his kids. Also met Ted Turner and when he found out I was from Perth chatted a bit about the Americas Cup.

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Actually I forgot this person, but she is arguably the one of the most famous people in the world, though hardly anybody new who she was: Maria von Trapp (for those of you born after 1990, you might have to look her up:) )
I met her at the ski lodge her family owned in Vermont, when the original place we booked burned down. I think I was about 17 or 18.
Quite frankly I was totally gob-smacked as I tought the whole "Sound of Music" thing was fiction.
She was really shy about her fame and virtualy no-one knew where she lived except the locals, who stayed pretty 'mumb' cuz they're New Englanders and do that sort of thing really well.

[peterl]

It was a Friday afternoon when Glenn Shorrock and the Little River Band walked in to the Camera House store I was working in the late 70's.
I still work there now!!
They were on their way up the coast to do a gig and I ended up selling them a full movie outfit. A Sankyo Super 8 camera,movie projector,
Film etc. It was high tech stuff back then..

I also went to school with Liz Hayes.We used to skateboard around our
home town in a small group and she grew up and was a local journalist
and called in to our store to pick up film etc for her work.

I must be showing my age!! :)

Peter.

[GrahamL]

You know I don't think I've ever met anyone famous.. really .. I can't think of anyone at all .

my wife working in hospitality for many years has met a few though

Bart cummings, really nice fellow
Farnsy and Barnsy .. the laters vocal warms ups by all accounts sounded like someone throttling a cat.

All the city origin players a few years back .. really nice well behaved young men who attracted a bit of attention when they had there ice baths after training sesions
Sorry I can't see anything great about athletic young men getting about in there scunnos.. so maybe she was wrong on that observation ..

Tommy Raudonikis on the same time frame walking back in the door to ask my wife for a Dam phone as the team bus had driven off without there team manager :D

A well known large metal band on a world tour who had one of the members convinced he had a serious memory problem .. whenever the chance arose they would steal his motel room keys and leave them at the front desk saying they were found somewhere obscure...My wife perpetuated the game of course.

A couple of large well known MC clubs over the years who were much less a task than many other group bookings .

[Davros]

I've met JJJ :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thum bsup:

[Spanrz]

I remember along time ago as a kid, I used to annoy Molly Meldrum when he was DJ'ing at the St.Kilda Footy club back in the early 80's.
Everytime after the game, he be downstairs in the ballroom cutting up tracks.
We as kids used to go up to him and request songs and piss him off... Haha.

When to my wife's work function one year, stumbled back to the Hotel, just happened to get in the lift with Troy Cassar-Daley, however, I had to keep my mouth shut, because I was so drunk, I would have made an idiot of myself.

Met the late Brian Naylor (CH9 Melb News Anchor), he bought a small dozer from my work, for his property at Kinglake.
Met Sam Kekovich a few times, 2 different purposes. He even had the decency to buy me a beer. (Brother was in a reality TV football gameshow and my wife also bought office supplies through his company)

But in recent times, I've met Al Wordon of Apollo 15 fame.
Also just missed meeting Henry Winkler, he literally walked right behind us, just as my wife and I had our backs turned to get some food at a stall, in a Kansas Airport (USA). Wrong time to get hungry.

[M54]

Alfred Gregory, who was the official photographer on the 1953 expedition to Everest (Tenzing and Hilary's) had an exhibition close to where I live of the photo's from that amazing trip.
I met him and shook his hand and he signed my copy of the book written by Sir John Hunt (the leader of the expedition).
He was 90 something and very charming.
I bought a framed photo which is proudly hanging on my lounge room wall.:D

[Jen]

Anthony Wesley (aka Bird) :lol::lol::lol:
He da man :D

[koputai]

Oh, have also met Nobu. My wife and I were at his restaurant in Tokyo
for her birthday in 2003 and the man himself came and sat with us at our
table and had a chat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobu_Matsuhisa

Cheers,
Jason.

[Glenhuon]

Can't think of many famous people I've met apart from Billy Connolly, downed a few pints with him at the Marymass Festival In Kilmarnock many years ago. Chatted with (and sang for) The Corries, one of Scotlands most famous Folk Duo's, in a pub where we were regulars. Latest one was meeting the Governor of NSW at a Muscular Dystrophy Function in Sydney, real nice lady and very down to earth in conversation. Heard my accent and came across to speak with me as she reckons McQuarrie was the best of the bunch of the old governors :)
Almost forgot Merve Hughes, met him at a Mens Health seminar afew months back, nice guy too.

[skinny]

Hi everyone. First post. Why not...

I was interviewed by Ray martin about 2 weeks ago. My boss brought him by my office and he shook hands, introduced himself and drilled me for a few minutes on the program I'm currently coordinating at our local university. I was taken aback and embarrassed. Longest few minutes of my life. He's a nice fella - but his face became 'TV Ray'
http://images.6pr.com.au/2008/09/12/206208/RayMartin-Thumbnail-172x115.jpg
as soon as he started the interrogation and he ground the info out of me with precision. Very professional.

And he's a shorty. Never know til they're right there in front of ya.

[noswonky]

Buzz Aldrin, at a book signing in Huntville Alabama in 1989. It was during the moon landing 20th anniversary festivities.

[peterl]

Patrick moore came to one of our meetings of the S.A.S. in Queensland in the 80,s and did a talk.
Have a photo of him speaking at the table with Peter Marples and others.
Great times.
Peter Langdown.

[ballaratdragons]

This very old thread was originally started by Ron Ziemiecki (tailwag).

It is a fascinating subject with a lot of funny stories thrown in, but I've noticed that Ron himself hasn't been in here much lately.

So I thought I would Google him and see what he has been up to.

Well!!!
It is interesting that a thread about meeting famous people was actually started by a famous person.

What I discovered when Googling Ron is that he is highly praised and highly recognised in Australian Sports.

Not only as a young Sportsmen himself but later as Commentator for Rugby League, a Director of Harness Racing, International Delegate for Bodybuiling, plus other positions, and now the founder and CEO of AussiePeople Athlete & Sport Registry:
http://www.bodyscience.com.au/?page=corp/news&news_id=49&search=

http://www.mmaofficialsaustralia.com/ron_ziemiecki.aspx

ONYA RON :hi: :thumbsup:

[spearo]

" If there's anything more important than my ego around here, I want it caught and shot now. "
Zaphod Beeblebrox
HHGTTG

[Barrykgerdes]

I love name dropping. I have been with a couple of ardent name droppers and stopped them in their tracks with people I have met. Probably not the most well known but the person I liked my chat with most was Lee Marvin on his game boat.

Barry

[tlgerdes]

Too many names, but the most "famous" would be Natalie Portman (actress Star Wars Ep1,2,3). Had dinner with her and some friends on when she was out here filming Ep2.

This was not an elaborate media function, just 8 of us having a quite dinner together in The Rocks. She hardly spoke all night.

It all came about as my best friend and his wife met her best friend and husband on a European holiday tour, and when they came out to Aus for filming, they arranged a catchup dinner.

Others

Jason Morrison - 2GB drive presenter, went to school with him and also worked with him at DSE when we were younger.

Doc Neeson - Angels frontman, sold him a Radar Detector at DSE in the late 80s

Don Lane - sold him a computer at DSE in the late 80s.

Peter Luck - former TV presenter, sold him an answering machine while his car got booked for being park in a clearway:rofl:, again at DSE.

[Barrykgerdes]

Oh Dear!

I forgot one of the most noted person I know. My very good friend Elva Creighton. She was the breakfast/morning announcer on 2GF Grafton from 1939 to 1944.:thumbsup:. I wonder if there are any of our members in the Grafton area who remember her?

Baz:thumbsup:

[seanliddelow]

Well not exactly famous but well known in Astronomy- Brian J O Brien He talked to my astronomy club. He worked with Van Ellen and was the man behind the Lunar Dust Detector experiment and he knew the Apollo astronauts personly:D.

Another familiar name Daniel Bandy- He has played for Fremantle Football Club and the Bulldogs. He's my cousin :)

Another well known name who I may meet soon- John Travolta. As my dad may be working on his plane when he flys into Perth I may tour his private plane :P

And all this from a 15 yearold I'm sure ill see many more.

[shelltree]

The most famous person I've met was Corin Nemec at Supanova this year. There was much swooning and hugging :D

[Suzy]

:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::eyepop: :eyepop::eyepop::eyepop: :eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::eyepop: :eyepop::eyepop:
:prey2::prey2::prey2::prey2::prey2: :prey2::prey2::prey2::prey2::prey2: :prey2::prey2::prey2::prey2::prey2:
Just look next to my avitar and signature, does it give anything away?