Starstruck at SDCC

The 2nd installment of my weekend SDCC posts is about one thing that’s sure to be seen during the event aside from geek culture. The celebrities! With panels and autograph sessions happening inside different parts of the Convention Center, there’s bound to be a celeb sighting. They can also sometimes be seen walking around outside as well. Some other places to catch them are at sponsored off site events and nearby hotels. This post by Crazy for Comic Con gives better insight on what you can do to make your celebrity experience during the event memorable.

I’m going to share a few encounters that I had during SDCC 2010. While majority of the people on the exhibit floor are vendors and attendees, celebrities want in on a piece of the action too. They tend to walk around wearing masks so they won’t get noticed, but a few actually prefer to go sans the disguise. You never know who could be out there the same time you are. For instance, I happened to be just a few feet away from Tyrese while we were headed in opposite directions. My phone camera was ready, so I got to snap a quick photo. Slightly blurry quality, but it’s still a photo!

The best place in my opinion to get up close with the stars is at off site events. A few years ago, some of these events were free to attend, but are now either paid for or by private invitation only. My friends and I met some of the cast of Chuck, which was awesome. What was even more awesome was when I had to excuse myself to use the restroom. I was almost there when a tall man dressed in a suit asked me to stop for a moment. I had no idea what was happening until I saw Zachary Levi (aka Chuck himself) emerge from the men’s room, then they let me through. Again, I was able to snap a quick pic.

Sarah Lanaster (who plays Ellie Bartowski)

Ryan McPartlin (aka Captain Awesome)

Zachary Levi (Chuck Bartowski) heading out of the men’s room

My absolute favorite celebrity sighting was pretty random. My friends and I were attending another free off site event at the Puma Store in the Gaslamp. It was catered, had an open bar, and a DJ. Pretty great setup in itself. The event was well into full swing when a rep from the LA Times came in accompanying Stan Lee. STAN LEE. At the same party we were. What are the odds?! Within minutes, a crowd slowly gathered around him. Although he was only there for a short time, he was very nice, talked to everyone, and took photos. My friends and I were able to get one with him. I have mine in at least 2 albums, and I still plan to frame a copy. Maybe I’ll have it signed if I see him this year? We’ll see.

Fans at the Puma event during Stan Lee’s appearance.

The best SDCC photo I have to date.

Yep, 2010 was the year of celeb sightings for me. I did manage to come across a few in the years after, but had no interaction with them due to bad timing. Attending SDCC isn’t necessary when it comes to seeing your favorite celebrity. It does help though. Either way, just being around the area during the convention can always bring up the opportunity. Just keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!