Have you ever been introduced to a celebrity and found that there is a very thin line between being a fan and being a stalker? Well, I have. And I’m not really sure how it happened.

I’ve recently been introduced to the world of comic conventions where we have been going to promote our films, and I have gotten to know a lot of really interesting people there, most of whom are super awesome fans of the fantasy/science fiction world. So I am hoping that my experience will fall on understanding ears. Or maybe the world will forever think I’m insane.

Not sure which one…

A Five Time Oscar Winner

While living in New Zealand, I had the most amazing opportunity to meet Richard Taylor, a five time Oscar winner for his visionary work on Lord of the Rings and many other amazing projects. I had seen him in a number of behind the scenes interviews, and it had always been a dream of mine to meet him.

My next door neighbor was actually employed at Weta Workshop, a digital effects and prop company for films where Richard Taylor is the visual effects supervisor, and we went together to a book signing they were hosting for their recent work in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. I was out of my mind excited. How many times in life do you get to meet a five time Oscar winner?

When we got there, my friend introduced us, and it was so much fun for me because I was being introduced by someone who was on the inside at Weta. I figured I wasn’t just a fan because I had that little connection. Richard Taylor is the most down to earth person ever. He was super polite and really friendly, and he asked me questions about my life, so I was feeling really special. I even got to be a part of the conversation he was having with my friend about upcoming work. I felt like I was “in.”

I Kept Bumping into Him in Every Shop

A few weeks later, I saw Richard Taylor on the street with his family. Since I had been introduced to him by someone who works in his department, I just didn’t even think twice about waving and saying hello. When I saw him before, conversation was really familiar and comfortable, not at all like talking to someone who’s won 5 Oscars.

He obviously didn’t remember me because he looked at me like I was insane, and I tried to cover up by explaining who I was and how he should know me. His expression of “Who is this crazy person talking to me?” didn’t change. So I awkwardly walked away.

The worst part is that Wellington is made up of 3 main streets, so I kept bumping into him in every shop I went into after that. I surmised that he probably thought I was stalking him after that. It was a bit humiliating.

Meeting celebrities or well-known people is such a weird experience because you feel like you know them, but you’re really just a complete stranger. And when not promoting their work, a day off is probably the only thing in the world they want. Poor Richard Taylor probably just wanted a laid back day with his kids, but instead he got ambushed by his crazy fan.

Have you ever accidentally stalked someone you’re a huge fan of? What’s an embarrassing story you’ve experienced when meeting a celebrity?