Starstruck to the Max: Seeing Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Malin Akerman & Kathryn Hahn
One of the most unforgettable days of my Hollywood stargazing career. My first time. The day I lost my seeing-an-A-List-celebrity virginity.
I learned from the news that Jennifer Aniston was going to get a Star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was going to be held on a weekday morning but thankfully I had nothing to do for that day. Stars aligned. I’m destined to see her! I went there pretty early, around 8:30 am. My gut feeling told me I had to, because I knew it would be crowded and the earlier I get there, the easier I can get a good spot. I was right. Although I still didn’t get the best spot since some people got there way earlier than me. But it’s fine, my place didn’t look that bad either. The event won’t start until 11:30 so I took the time to meet everyone around me. They were all cool. Some were tourists, some were regulars to star ceremonies. One of them was this crazy guy who never stopped talking and was even wearing a suit because he said it was a very special day for him and he really liked Jen. That was so sweet. Well, at least during that time. But fast forward to today after I’ve been to so many events like this and seeing him wearing a suit all the time even during a 100 deg F summer weather, I learned he was just weird. Anyways, talking made the time pass much faster so just like that, it’s 11! Only 30 mins and I’ll see Jen!
I had no idea who else I was going to see here. I knew there will be a guest speaker, usually a celebrity as well. Common sense told me it was going to be her Friends cast mates (seriously, I was singing the I’ll Be There For You them the whole night and morning before I got there!). Her career skyrocketed with this sitcom, which happened to be my favorite of all time, and it would be easy to assume they were going to be there. Word of mouth was different though, as people said it was Adam Sandler who was going to be the guest speaker. Whoah! Adam Sandler! One of my favorite comedians ever! I said to myself that even if none of the Friends cast attended, I would still be happy (or even happier) if Adam would be there. I’ve seen almost all of his movies and it would be so amazing to finally see him here.
It’s finally time for the ceremony to start. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce CEO Leron Gubler got on the stage to do mike tests and to break the ice. This was also an opportunity for the media people to check their equipment, test their cameras and audios and stuff. I calibrated my camera as well. Ooh yeah. Let’s do this!
First celebrity to arrive was another surprise:
In a sea of people wearing nice suits and gowns came a super gorgeous blonde who’s so beautiful it was impossible not to notice her. Malin Åkerman! I remember seeing Watchmen in the movie house before, it was super boring, my friend fell asleep. I didn’t because of the super hot Silk Spectre II! She’s the only one worth watching in that film haha. No offense, Rorschach. You’re cool but you’re boring! I also had this in my mind the moment I saw her…
I love that scene.
At this moment, I was starstruck! I wasn’t really the type who freaks out when I see a celebrity but Malin was super pretty, like she was from another planet! I was like, wow, people THIS beautiful do exist! I thought magazines just kept editing photos to make people look unrealistic, I learned there were actually people who were above photo manipulation. Like goddesses. Flawless beauty.
The next one I saw was Kathryn Hahn. I didn’t know her name during this time but I her face was very familiar. I’ve seen her in funny movies before like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and the super hilarious Step Brothers (favorite scene: “Don’t touch my drumset!!!”)
None of the Friends cast was there, I guessed they really weren’t going. Oh well. It’s all good because I was already walking in clouds just seeing these two celebrities that I’ve only seen on the big screen before. I still can’t imagine we were sharing the same space!
And then came the Sandman! *play Enter Sandman*
ADAM SANDLER had arrived!!!
Oh hell yeah!!! The man stood right in front of us! I wanted to kneel down and say “I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy!” haha. It was an amazing moment. He talked to the woman seated in front of us, whose name I later on learned to be Terry Moore.
Okay I still didn’t know who Terry Moore was even after learning her name but now I know she was in the original Mighty Joe Young (1949). And guess who’s in the cover of Playboy on the August 1984 issue?
Courtesy iOffer.com
She was a bombshell in her prime! Much love!
Also spotted in the crowd was Jen’s dad, John Aniston.
Jen’s boyfriend, Justin Thereoux was also there but I didn’t get to see him well as he was a bit far from our side.
I just loved how Adam Sandler always wore a T-shirt and shorts no matter where he went and what event he’s attending. Later during the speech, he even joked to Jen how special she is to him that’s why he wore T-shirt and shorts on her big day haha.
And finally, the Walk of Fame Inductee, Jennifer Aniston had arrived!
“Weeee!!!” clap clap clap!
She was greeted by her friends on stage, who both gave a speech for her.
So cute seeing these real-life friends together.
Adam Sandler took the stage after and his speech was hilarious, from calling her “Jeneefer Anistofalufagus” to putting his chewing gum on the podium! Here’s the video courtesy of CELEBScom:
And here’s Jen’s speech:
Jen was nice enough to pick up Adam Sandler’s chewing gum that he left on the podium with a napkin. Such a nice lady!
It was then time for the star to be revealed. Congratulations, Jen!!!
Courtesy of Worldmonitor.tv
The event was covered by a lot of different networks, and I even saw myself on CBS later that night haha. Yep. On the left of the two screaming girls is the face of a man you could’ve easily mistaken for Brad Pitt. Just kidding. Not even close. I’ll keep this screenshot as a souvenir though!
It was an epic moment sharing one of the biggest days of Jennifer Aniston’s career with her. Her name is now immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
For those of you who would like to see her star, it’s right in front of the W Hotel in Hollywood Blvd (near Vine). Her star can be found together with the stars of Adam Sandler, Ellen Degeneres, Reese Witherspoon, and may others.
So that’s my story. I think I have already told this a million times to all the people I’ve talked to and I don’t mind telling it a million times more. Feel free to browse this website and read the rest of my celebrity encounters. If you’re planning to visit LA and would love to see a Walk of Fame induction ceremony, please visit this website, http://www.walkoffame.com/ You may check on their upcoming ceremonies so you can schedule your visit.
My Super Unexpected Hollywood Red Carpet Moment of a Lifetime
September 10, 2012. Warm day in LA. I learned the previous night from my friend that Emma Watson will be in Hollywood for the red carpet premiere of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Wow. Emma Watson. I’ve always wanted to meet her in person. Five years ago she had a tattoo of my face on her leg. Well, not really. I photoshopped it obviously but seriously, it would be a great honor to finally meet this talented young lady and possibly hear her speak in that super cute accent of hers. Excited. Yiiiii!!!
So off to the Arclight Cinerama Dome I went. Zooom. I’ve been going to a lot of these events lately for my photography hobby. I usually go later in the afternoon, this time I got there a little too early, around 1:30 pm. Celebrity arrivals won’t begin until after 6 (too excited, I am!). There were a little less than 20 people waiting, some with their huge Emma Watson photos ready to be signed. Some were ready for battle, battling the sun that is. They had those huge umbrellas to protect their silky smooth skin while waiting in line for hours. I didn’t. No protection for my silky smooth skin then. Sh*t. All I had was an SLR camera and some lenses, plus sandwich and water in case I got hungry. It was hot. Arghh. I wasn’t new to gala premieres so I knew what to do: make friends with everyone around you. You will not feel the heat nor the boredom. So socialize, socialize, blah blah, tell them about your life stories, blah blah. I met Michelle and her sister, I then saw my friend Brenda, met her friend John, met some more people, blah blah, look at the clock, blah blah some more and voila! It’s go time.
We noticed that a lot of people had cut in front of the line, they were “friends” of those people in front. And then those friends had friends, and those friends had friends. Wow suddenly we’ve gotten farther and farther from the front. These people by the way, were the “graphers.” They’re the most notorious gang in LA. Just kidding. They’re the ones who sell their autographed pictures for a living so if you keep going to these events, you’ll pretty much see the same faces again and again. I think it makes good money, maybe I should try it. Nah. Anyways, I don’t see any problems with them, just don’t freaking cut the line! Good thing was that the SEM guys (Security and Events Management?) sorted us out and prioritized us, the innocent souls with halos on top of our heads. They gave us wristbands. Wow. Wristbands. Of all the red carpet events I’ve been to, I’ve never had a wristband. Usually, you just stay in the same spot until the actors arrive and hope they come your way so you can take good pictures or autographs. Or kisses and hugs if you’re the type who expects too much. No wristbands whatsoever. Right then and there I had a feeling… that tonight’s gonna be a good night. That tonight’s gonna be a good good night. Woohoo.
After giving us the wristbands, they pointed to us the direction where we should go and guess what? It’s right by the red carpet! Ahhhh!!! And it’s just a few meters from the drop off site so we’re gonna be the first to greet them! Ahhh!!! The professional photographers were setting up their equipment right in front of us. What did that mean? That we had a really great spot indeed. What else?! That our faces will be flooding celebrity gossip websites the next day. Ya know, those celebrity pics with people in the background who look so happy… that would be us! I looked to my side and the girls were applying foundation. I guess they figured that out too haha. Me, well, I stayed under the sun for hours, I was sweaty as hell and my skin had turned to charcoal. Psh. Why should I care? I’m a guy. *turn around, apply foundation too*
The photographers were set, the lights were on. They’re handed out the list of celebrities coming. Now to tell you honestly, I didn’t really know much about the people coming other than Emma, Kate Walsh, and Dylan McDermott. The main cast of the movie were mostly young actors (it’s about high schoolers, go figure) so I will just be hoping that they make it big someday. Good luck guys. Alright now, take practice shots.
Hello cameraman!
Hello interviewer!
Hello another interviewer!
Hello super good looking man!
Wonk wonk. Okay forget about that last picture. Now some interviews.
Anticipation. Anticipation. We’re getting there.
We’re almost there.
Alright in 3…2…1…
HERE WE GO!!! First arrival. Beautiful girl with long hair in a white dress. It’s Lindsey Shaw from Pretty Little Liars! How did I know?! Well, with each celebrity is a promoter holding a piece of paper with the name of that particular celebrity, it also shows a title of a movie or TV show on which s/he appeared. The promoter will walk before the celeb, put this paper up and photographers will then take a picture of it before shooting the celeb so they will not be confused in captioning later on.
This piece of paper helped a lot, it made me feel like I know all of them haha. When the photographers get the celeb’s name, they will scream it at the top of their lungs to get his/her attention. “Look to your left!” “To your right!” “Let me see those lovely eyes!” One guy shouting this can be fine, but imagine dozens of photographers shouting all at the same time. It’s crazy! Add to that all the flashes. Wow. And right then and there, I felt it. This is it. This is really it! This is… HOLLYWOOD!!! *goosebumps*
Photographers, ATTACK!!!!!
Lindsey Shaw
I realized by now that being right in front of the cameras had a downside: it’s hard to get a good picture coz the celeb’s backs are towards you while they’re striking that Hollywood pose. I still managed to get some shots but not as good as I wanted. Plan B. Take out the hidden weapon: my small digicam. I’m gonna take pictures WITH them rather than OF them! Woo!
This is how you do a celebrity photo op!
And here’s the finished product, with Bridgit Mendler!
w/ Disney Channel’s Bridgit Mendler
We had some fun posing with Jackson Rathbone too (he played Jasper from the movie Twilight) and look we’re on youtube. Kewl.
Jackson Rathbone
And they kept coming! It’s raining suits and gowns! Hallelujah!
It was awesome to meet Rumer Willis, the daughter of Demi Moore and my super idol, Bruce Willis. Yippie ki-yay!
w/ Rumer Willis
Even Olympic silver medalist April Ross was there, loud and proud!
w/ US Volleyball Player April Ross
And now the big one! No other than Dylan McDermott with Shasi Wells! I just recently watched The Campaign and he did great on that one. Cool guy, Dylan is.
Shasi Wells and Dylan Mcdermott
w/ Dylan McDermott
Leven Rambin from the Hunger Games!!!
w/ Leven Rambin
Nina Dobrev from The Vampire Diaries. She had a lot of fans there.
Nina Dobrev Signing Autographs
Kate Walsh! Hello Dr. Addison Montgomery! Ugh, she was too fast, I didn’t get a pic with her! Oh no!
Kate Walsh
Well, maybe this will do. Extra! Extra!
Kate Walsh’s Arrival
Here are the rest. There are a lot of it, ready?!
The picture I took with Jackson Rathbone…
This next girl is really sweet and pretty, I just didn’t get her name. Uh, help?
From The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, Amadou Ly
Savannah Jayde from Big Time Rush…
Billy Unger, from National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets…
Also from Big Time Rush and My Name Is Earl, Kelli Goss
Super cute Allison Miller. She’s appeared in Kings, Terra Nova, and Go On…
Remember Seth from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn? Here’s Booboo Stewart. He WASN’T in the Yogi Bear cartoons…
Booboo has a sister, Fivel Stewart, and she’s an actress, as well as a martial artist. Cool, isn’t it?
From the TV series The Secret Life of The American Teenager and the movie 13 Going on 30, Renee Olstead…
Here’s Cassie Scerbo, from the movie Bring It On: In It to Win It and the TV series Make It Or Break It…
Made appearances on Two and a Half Men, House M.D., and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Melanie Lynskey. Hmm she looks naked on this picture…
Another one whose name I didn’t get…
Sometimes, you think you’re taking a picture, but you’ve actually hit the record video button! So here’s my awful chinless and foreheadless shot with Nicholas Braun. Known for his appearances on Red State, Prom, and just recently, The Watch…
Erin Wilhelmi. Look at this girls’ IMDB page and it’s written there that she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Acting. Wow…
From A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, Tom Kruszewski. Dude, how about considering removing the last 2 syllables of your name?
I didn’t get the names of these next three… maybe they’re not even actors! I got into a picture taking frenzy I really didn’t know anymore who’s the celeb and who’s not haha!
And then there’s Alex Frnka from MTV’s The Inbetweeners…
From How to Rock and Good Luck Charlie, Samantha Boscarino…
Julian Morris of ER, 24, and Pretty Little Liars..
Tyler Blackburn from Pretty Little Liars, Wendy, and Days of Our Lives…
Derek Hough from Dancing With The Stars. He came in with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. And I just learned he’s Julianne Hough‘s brother!
Also from Dancing With The Stars, here’s Aussie Peta Murgatroyd…
Hatty Potter fans you’ll know this girl for sure, it’s Ginny Weasley, Bonnie Wright!
And now, for the main event of the evening, EMMA WATSON! ***explosions!!!!***
Here’s the video that I took:
Yep. Poor quality. I’m an awesome videographer. Not!
The main cast arrived all at the same time, I was wondering why they had a cardboard cut out of somebody with them. Apparently, it was a picture of Logan Lerman, the guy who plays the lead role. He can’t be there but they had to promote no matter what, hence, cardboard. Nice to see you, Cardboard Logan!
Now’s the climax! I gotta get a photo op with Emma. This was what I’ve been waiting for the whole day! It felt like the place got so crowded coz the main cast were all there, with some other people I didn’t know. Come on people, give me and Emma some space!
And now here she is right in front of us!!! Let’s do this!!!
Aww. Anticlimactic moment. The girl beside me asked for a photo and she said, “I’m sorry I can’t, just signing.” Bummer. Total bummer. But then again, how many people can say a rejection statement and still sound so adorable?! Listen to it again. Then again. And again! What a lovely accent. That should be in my answering machine. “I’m sorry I can’t take your call right now, my accent’s too lovely.” That would we be super cool. Though I gotta say I was still pretty disappointed. I only wanted one picture. Just one picture with Emma. I ended up having so many, but without her. Well, it’s still a pretty good bargain, isn’t it? Haha. It’s alright Emma. Maybe next time.
Okay so that’s a wrap. Had a great time at the red carpet. I want just one last picture: me walking on the red carpet and waving haha. Who wouldn’t want that? Come on, that would be cool right? Though I know they won’t allow us. Let’s go home. Oh wait. WAIT! We’re not done! Somebody’s coming, and he’s got movie passes! AAAAHHHH!!! We’re gonna get movie passes!
The Perks of Being A Wallflower Screening Ticket
He gave the passes to us, and let us walk on the red carpet towards the cinema. WHAT?! We’re gonna WALK ON THE RED CARPET?! Oh hell yeah! I had two dreams when I was a kid, (A) walk on the moon and (B) walk on the red carpet. I guess B is now fulfilled! I wonder when A will be. Hmm. I just had to record this moment. I can’t even hide the excitement on my face!
We got in! I lost my company without me realizing, I think they went to the restroom, so I got inside the dark cinema by myself. I didn’t know where to sit so I just sat wherever I felt most comfy. I realized there’s a seating order written at the bottom of the ticket so I asked an usher where I’m supposed to be. It was high up, nowhere close to the comfy chair I was seated at. She pointed it to me but then it got so dark it was hard to walk. Oh well, I decided to stay instead. I’ll just stand up if somebody asked me to move. I saw Shawn Johnson the Olympic gymnast walking towards her seat just a few rows in front of me. Wow. Who else might be close by? I dunno. It was too dark to tell. Nobody asked me to move, so my butt stayed. And finally the movie started. *clap clap clap!!!*
Fast forward to the movie ending. *clap clap clap again*
It was a nice movie! I’ll just link the trailer here so I don’t reveal too much haha. Please watch the movie! Coming soon to a theater near you!
When the movie was done, we were ushered outside the cinema. It seemed like they were telling us all to go to a particular direction. Okaayyy… I think I’m supposed to exit right but the crowd is going left. I think I’m lost. I didn’t know where to go. And then I saw Rumer Willis so I followed her coz she’s the one person I knew the most in this crowd. It’s like “hey, we talked a while ago, we’re friends now…so where are we going?” haha but then she turned while the rest of the crowd were going straight. I followed the bigger crowd instead, I didn’t know they were all going to the after party. Ha. Wrong way. I’m not there yet. When am I gonna get there? We’ll see. I need to watch How To Lose Friends and Alienate People (with Simon Pegg) again and get tips.
So the night ended for me but the story hasn’t. I said something about seeing our faces on the internet the next day, didn’t I? So yep! I found some…
there’s one on www.aceshowbiz.com…
Peta Murgatroyd
…and look, I’m on Nina Dobrev’s Website! Taking a nap!
Nina Dobrev
And some more…
Okay I’m totally just ego tripping now, searching for my own face haha. I got nothing else to do right now, let me! And look, another one!
Then, the news broke out. Emma Watson had a wardrobe malfunction during the event! Poor Emma! But I’m glad it’s just the pasty that showed, not a full blown nip slip. It’s all good.
Here’s a short video from Maximotv.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VvLwSSce4K8#!
You’ve gotta see that because at 0:13, I’m on the freaking screenshot!!! And HEYYY! The view is on the left. On the left! Stop looking in there! Nothing to see there you perv! Haha my moment with Emma was captured on camera after all! It’s not the best but, well, it’s okay, I guess.
Emma Watson Wardrobe Malfunction
And I’m also an extra here!
And here…
Hmmm yeah you’re probably right. It’s pretty awkward that while your favorite celebrity is having a near nip-slip, you’re seen right there on the background… and you’re taking a picture! I’m so sorry Emma! Next time, we’ll have really really nice pictures together!
Whew. Never in my life did I expect that I’ll be walking on the red carpet and never did I expect as well that I’ll have a picture with my favorite celebrity while she’s having a wardrobe malfunction. As awkward as this maybe, my super unexpected Hollywood red carpet moment is something I’ll never ever forget in this lifetime.
The end.
HOLLYWOOD STARGAZER 
