Wild celebrity sightings on the Gold Coast revealed
Forget the official functions and highly publicised photo opportunities, these are the crazy celebrity encounters that Gold Coast locals are really buzzing about, years later.
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Exploring the Gold Coast has long been a rite of passage for global celebrities who come to Queensland, with many including Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and George Clooney, making highly publicised visits.
But what about the celebrity sightings that have slipped under the radar?
The Reddit community is chock full of details about more intimate encounters with some of the biggest names in entertainment, sport and even royalty
This is what Redditors had to say when asked about celebrities encounters Gold Coast locals are still buzzing about years later.
Hugh Jackman
Actor, singer and producer
“Hugh Jackman came to my work at a gym in Burleigh … shook my hand and asked my name. Was very polite.”
Ron Howard
Director, producer, screenwriter and actor
“Used to see Ron Howard and his wife every day when they were making that movie about the Thai cave story. First time I saw him, after he ordered a coffee and the next customer walked up I said ‘was that Richie Cunningham?’ before realising he was still in earshot.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla
King of the United Kingdom
“Had no idea he was that short.”
Jason Momoa
Actor
“I saw Jason Momoa in 2017 in the Harbour Town Nike Outlet but didn’t call out to him as no one else did it, so I was like ’I’m fairly certain it’s him but why isn’t anyone else noticing?’ It was before Aquaman released and his look post-Aquaman is quite different from his Game of Thrones look so I guess no one was gonna call out Khal Drogo.”
Paris Hilton
Media personality, businesswoman and socialite
“I used to work at the airport and once I escorted her off her plane.”
Sam Neill
Actor
“Really wanted to fan girl out over Jurassic Park, but decided to leave him in peace. Also was afraid I’d just verbally diarrhoea all over him.”
Tony Hawk
Skateboarder and entrepreneur
“I saw Tony Hawk at Nerang skatepark when it was just refurbished. Him and his Birdhouse crew were on tour promoting Dragon Ball Z movie. The stop on the Goldy was Varsity so Nerang was quiet the day before they were there it was a cool session.”
Tom Hanks
Actor and filmmaker
“I work at the cinema at Pacific Fair so we have met so many over the years. But the most famous would have to have been Tom Hanks when we had the Elvis premiere.”
Venus Williams
Tennis player
“Probably most famous was Venus Williams after she won the Australian Women’s Hardcourt title at Royal Pines in around 2001. I had a tennis ball for her to sign (hopefully) and waited around after the match. She was known for being generous with her time for her fans and this was no exception. She signed autographs for every single person who was there and I chatted with her maybe five minutes and got the ball signed. She was absolutely lovely. Very sweet and she had a cute giggle I remember. And what an athlete. Seeing the speed and power in person is incredible. TV doesn’t do it justice.”
Sophie Monk
Singer, actor, television personality, and model
“I ran into her like 20 years ago. Asked for her autograph. She asked what she should write. I said (being a 20 year old with nothing to lose) ‘thanks for last night. I’ve never come that hard in my life.’ She laughed and wrote something entirely different. Still makes me giggle.”
Samuel L Jackson
Actor
“I saw Samuel L Jackson in Broadbeach while he was here filming I think Kong. He looked like he was staying at Peppers. Had to take a few looks because he was dressed fairly hobo-ish and carrying a shopping bag from Woolies.”
Angelina Jolie
Actress, filmmaker and humanitarian
“Angela Jolie in a pet shop at Coomera in about 2016.”
Taika Waititi
Filmmaker, actor and comedian
“Taika Waititi just the other day at Pacific Fair, second time I’ve seen him and Rita Ora in three months.”
Richard E. Grant
Actor and presenter
“I was sitting in Mecca Bah, and, Witnail himself, Richard E Grant, walked through without stopping. Had just been watching a doco series he hosted that morning.”
Other stars that were name-dropped:
Alan Ritchson
Amber Heard
Margot Robbie
John Mayer
Dolph Lundgren
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Keanu Reeves
Kurt Russell
The Hemsworth brothers
Matt Damon
Lincoln Lewis
Originally published as Wild celebrity sightings on the Gold Coast revealed
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