As a pilot, I occasionally went to the cabin to shake hands with VIPs or celebrities.
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In the Anglo-Saxon world... my favorite was actor John Ritter (TV show "Three is company"). Had him on flights 3 times... As a passenger, he made me laugh more than I would have laughed watching his TV shows. Really, John Ritter must have been a nice guy in day-to-day life. Sorry he died so young.
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The one I disliked (top of list) was Bob Hope. So popular then, but a real SOB with no humor in real-life. Only had him on board once, flight JFK to LHR. He was sitting in F class with Mrs Hope. I introduced myself as the co-pilot. His answer was "well, boy, want dont you go back to the cockpit to keep an eye on your captain"... Mrs Hope rolled her eyes... I saw she wanted to apologize for the "kind words"... All cabin staff told me same about Bob Hope...
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Finally... never was on my flight, but met her on the cargo ramp in Nairobi.
Audrey Hepburn... my favorite actress.
She was with UNICEF. I was flying a Cargolux plane - 1992.
After landing, a ramp agent said "Captain, someone to see you"...
Who knows me in Nairobi...?
Went down the plane with my bags... There was a tiny little lady there.
Other people with her, and TV cameras...
I recognized her, that was Audrey Hepburn, my idol...
UNICEF wanted her to appear on TV with crew of airplane flying relief supplies.
What is your name, captain... where from...?
I said "originally from Brussels, Miss Hepburn, you were born there".
She switched from English to French, and to Dutch, for 10 minutes...
And when she left, she hugged me... My favorite movie star hugged me...
She passed away less than a year later. I cried...
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Happy contrails