In a recent episode of the talk show “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” comedian and actor Paul Scheer shared his awkward encounter with Hollywood superstar Robert Downey Jr. Scheer, known for his hilarious anecdotes, dished on his favorite moments involving famous celebrities.
According to Scheer, awkward celebrity encounters happen all the time, but they become even more amusing when they involve A-list stars. Scheer admitted that he used to approach celebrities with good intentions, but after a particularly nerve-wracking incident, he decided to keep his distance.
He recounted a stand-up tour during which he hadn’t had his morning coffee and ended up in a coffee shop. To his surprise, he found himself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Scheer, caught off guard and caffeine-deprived, struggled to make conversation with the iconic actor. Although the encounter was meant to be exciting, it turned out to be more awkward than anything else.
But Schwarzenegger wasn’t the only A-lister who left Scheer feeling flustered. He also shared a cringe-worthy interaction with none other than Robert Downey Jr., whom he affectionately referred to as RDJ. Scheer had been hearing stories about RDJ from a mutual friend and got the chance to meet him at Comic-Con. Unfortunately, the encounter didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped.
In his attempt to make conversation with RDJ, Scheer unintentionally made things extremely uncomfortable. Not only did he call him “RDJ,” but he also mentioned the friend who had been talking about him regularly. RDJ seemed confused and uninterested, leaving Scheer feeling even more awkward. Fumbling for a way to salvage the situation, Scheer suggested that RDJ might know his friend by a different name, such as Robert Downey Senior.
Years later, Scheer found himself on the set of a movie where RDJ was present. Hoping to correct his past mistake, Scheer mustered up the courage to approach RDJ once more. However, just making eye contact with the actor reminded Scheer of his previous blunder, and he quickly decided to leave the set, unable to face the situation.
Scheer also shared another memorable encounter, this time with legendary actor Christopher Walken. When he was in fifth grade, Scheer and his father went on a trip to Los Angeles and visited various movie sets. On one particular visit, a security guard offered Scheer the opportunity to meet Walken, but on one condition: no parents or cameras.
Curiosity got the best of young Scheer, and he agreed to meet the enigmatic Walken. He was led into a dark warehouse, where Walken’s pale face and eerie demeanor left a lasting impression. Walken signed a piece of paper for Scheer, who still has the autograph to this day.
Walken went on to give Scheer some peculiar advice, telling him not to let anyone tell him what he can or cannot do. Although the encounter may have seemed strange, Scheer now looks back at it as a memorable experience.
Paul Scheer‘s stories about his awkward encounters with Hollywood celebrities provide a comedic yet relatable glimpse into the unique world of showbiz. From fumbling over words with A-listers to meeting Christopher Walken in a dark warehouse, Scheer’s experiences serve as a reminder that even celebrities can find themselves in hilariously uncomfortable situations.
