Classic Gawker Stalker: One Reader's Awkward Meta Moment with Jon Voight
Sightings are sent in by readers, fact-checked by no one, and posted daily to our Gawker Stalker Map. This is our occasional, old-school compilation. Send your celebrity gawks to tips@gawker.com.
In this rather lengthy edition of the Stalk: Jon Voight, a scruffy Heath Ledger, a cleanly-shaven Jake Gyllenhaal, Alex Rodriguez and Jane Seymour, Natalie Portman, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Anderson Cooper and Ralph Fiennes, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey, Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Kirsten Dunst, Zooey Deschanel, Parker Posey, Sandra Oh, Barbara Walters, Jodie Foster, Hugh Grant, Sigourney Weaver, Jonathan Franzen, Bob Dylan with Larry Campbell, Ashley Olsen, Axl Rose...
...Brian Williams, Woody Allen and Soon Yi, Kevin Bacon, Carson Daly, Ed Norton, Maggie Grace, Rufus Wainwright, Rachel Dratch, Tobey Maguire, Taylor Hicks, Drew Barrymore, Helena Christensen, Joan Rivers, Tate Donovan, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze, Jr, John Forsythe, Michael Stipe, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Esposito, Morgan Freeman, Ali MacGraw, Cynthia Nixon, Julianne Moore, Ric Ocasek, Kate Winslet, Tim Robbins, Chris Meloni, Randy Harrison, Willem Dafoe, Kerri Russell, Yoko Ono, Gary Busey, Kyle MacLachlan, Richard Belzer, Idina Menzel, Drea de Matteo, Steve Schirripa, Gifford Miller, Dave Attell, Richard Thomas, Andre Leon Talley, Star Jones, Dan Rather, Jake Shears, David Caruso, Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan, Al Sharpton, Bob Vila, Nick Carter, and, appropriately in the caboose, Mario Cantone.
Sunday, May 28, one day after the birth of Shiloh "Messiah" Jolie-Pitt, I wound up on a flight from Indianapolis to New York with grandpa Jon Voight (I assume he was in town for the Indy 500). The airport was practically empty, so he only had to deal with two starstruck fans (and overly enthusiastic US Air employees) who chewed his ear off while he politely tried to eat his sandwich. He was seemed very happy and had an eerily pleasant look on his face the entire time. On the plane, he sat two rows behind me, and unfortunately had an unobstructed view of my celebrity rag which featured a giant photo of his daughter's face on the cover. (I nervously flipped past the Brangelina story, as if he were actually looking at me). Saw him again at baggage claim with a young, professional-looking man who may have been an agent/publicist/assistant, and who didn't bother helping Voight with his suitcase.
I saw Heath Ledger accompanied by a small, blonde woman (not Michelle) walking up Mott St toward Houston about 15 minute ago. He was sporting a scruffy beard and something in between a Mohawk and a Fauxhawk. Every woman and man sitting in Mottsu Sushi got whiplash from turning their heads so quickly.
Spotted a distressed Jake Gyllenhaal, now clean-shaven, with a hipster-ish bearded male on Bedford Street between downing and carmine around 10 pm Tuesday night. Jake was standing in the street rubbernecking for a cab while his companion made a desperate, whiny phone call, to (i guess) a disgruntled acquaintance...lots of excuses being hurled...maybe they were running late for something? I'm happy to report that Jake does not look as thick-necked in person as he does in tabloid pictures, but his head still appears to be full of meat.
I just saw Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) and Jane Seymour having lunch together at Serafina on East 62nd Street (and 5th Ave).
Last night my brother saw Natalie Portman at the Magician on the LES. He bumped into her on purpose so he could say (he just moved to New York) that he'd bumped into a movie star. He also saw a guy in a band (I forget who) who left his drink behind and my brother took a sip, so he could say...well, you get the picture.
May 23- 9:15 pm—Beyonce and Jay-Z dining at Bar Pitti on Houston and 6th. She is very slim and pretty without makeup.
I saw Anderson Cooper, Ralph Fiennes, and a short blond woman standing outside of Cooper's building on 38th street this evening, about 15 minutes ago. They were just talking and laughing, and Cooper's hand was on the woman's back. Maybe the rumors aren't true? Yeah, right.
On my walk home from work yesterday I spotted Meryl Streep walking West on 53rd b/w 5th and 6th Ave, near the MoMA. Looked really nice in an off-white blouse and slacks, like she was going somewhere. She was laughing with a guy friend.
May 20th at 1:00am: we were at Butter for dinner in NYC with friends and were told there was a private party starting at 12am. It was Mariah Carey's cousin's birthday party so of course I had to get downstairs to see the Diva in person. I personally thought she was more beautiful and definitely smaller in stature than she appears on television. She was very welcoming to her fans and didn't seem to mind the huge crowd surrounding her table....until she snuck out the back door of the restaurant with security.
I just saw Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld (wearing a Mets cap) in front of Nero, a restaurant in the Meat Packing district.
I saw Hugh Jackman about 10:20 this evening walking over to Starbucks near the Broadway Theatre on 53rd and Broadway. He was wearing a black pinstripe jacket and looked very friendly and approachable.
Saw Kirsten Dunst on Sunday 5/28 at Scoop in the meatpacking district. I wouldn't have noticed her except she did a little jig on the sidewalk outside the store, saying "Scoop! Scoop!" before she walked in the door (no joke). Was with a girlfriend and looked pretty good, skinny and wearing one of those sundresses that looks like a potato sack.
Saw Zooey Deschanel walking by Al Di La (looking so normal in jeans and a too-big black jacket that half our group didn't recognize her) in Park Slope, Brooklyn Friday night around 8:15pm.
Passed Parker Posey on E. 12th and 3rd Ave today (Sunday). She was walking her dog. I didn't see what kind of dog it was because I was too busy praying that she'd trip over the leash and fall onto my cock. She was making baby-talk noises at it. So sexy. Then a few blocks over, on 14th near union square, Rick Springfield was walking in all black next to some doude (dude+douche).
Spotted Sandra Oh yesterday in Bloomingdale's on 59th. Looked very normal, may not have recognized her if I hadn't almost bumped into her in the cosmetics department. She was with a blond male friend.
After leaving the Bloomberg building around lunchtime today, I wandered over to le cirque to see if they had a menu up (of course they didn't). I peered through the window anyway and who did I make eye contact with but Barbara Walters, looking older than god, caked in makeup and perfectly coiffed. She was dining with several look-alikes. There seemed to be only women in the restaurant—maybe some kind of special event?
Jodie Foster, on West 4th between West 10th and Charles. Very pretty and small, blond shoulder-length wavy hair and wire rimmed glasses. With a brunette friend. Surprisingly friendly and chatty (asked me about my Vepsa as I was parking it.)
As I was walking home I walked right by Hugh Grant, walking with an assistant on 7th Ave near 23rd Street. I only noticed him when the girls behind me began to squeal in delight. I asked them that annoying question, "Who was that?" and they said didn't you see, it was Hugh Grant. He is so good looking that they shrieked with madness!! Being a celebrity whore, I turned around just in time to see him round the corner into the sun where I was able to get a shot of the side of his face with the camera I always carry in my pocket.
Sigourney Weaver, around 6pm on 55th and Madison hailing a cab. She looked tall and very skinny. She had pulled back red hair, big sunglasses and looked very pretty.
I saw Jonathan Franzen at 2:50 p.m today walking by the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a man I couldn't identify. Mr. Franzen seemed very excited (he actually did a little dance!).
Bob Dylan with Larry Campbell drinking a Guinness at Dublin 6, Hudson and 11th Street in the West Village.
Monday, 5/29/06—saw Ashley Olsen with a normal-looking brunette friend getting a pedicure at SpaBelles (Christopher and Bleecker). She was wearing the expected homeless attire. She seemed to be in hiding—huge shades, slouched to left side looked like a 12 yr old girl in a smock. Never spoke and repeatedly checked her nails—red on hands and feet. On her way out, bodyguard/helper (surprisingly small) was in tow carrying a black quilted designer handbag. Sped off in an SUV.
Just spotted Axl Rose driving east in a rockin' convertible, with some chickie in the passenger seat. Don't know about her, but I would not feel comfortable with Axl behind the wheel. Kung Fu Master Tommy Hilfiger was NOT chasing them in hot pursuit.
Just saw Brian Williams at 1:30 walking into Cucina & Co in Rockefeller Center. He was looking particularly tan and well coifed.
Saw Woody Allen and Soon Yi walking south on 74th and Park around 2pm today.
On my way to the train station I saw Kevin Bacon walking alone at 7:50 am. He had on sunglasses, a black skull hat, and a tight black tee. He would not meet my gawking gaze. He was walking between 88th and 89th Street and Central Park West.
My friends and I went to Serafina on 61st and Madison for lunch and saw Carson Daly and a female friend come in to eat at 3pm! He had 2 drinks and the filet mignon salad while she had pizza!
I am walking down 5th ave near 49th street right next to Ed Norton. He's talking on his blackberry phone, carrying a manila envelope. He's in sunglasses on a very cloudy day. Wearing jeans, lace up shoes on small feet, a button down shirt. Close cropped hair, goatee. He looks good. I think he knows I'm stalking as he just looked over and saw me feverishly typing on my berry. He made a left on 45th. I'll leave him alone now.
Saw Maggie Grace today on W. Broadway around 5.30 pm. Leggy, blonde, and gorgeous, walking with a cute girl in a beret. Hear she is filming A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing
The NYC-Hamptons Exodus has begun; I'm pretty sure that was Rufus Wainwright who just jogged past me on Main St. in Amagansett. Looked sweaty, lethargic, and kind of bored.
Thursday night, The Delancey: Rachel Dratch drinkin' some hooch. Seems sweet. No Apple products in sight.
Tobey Maguire is waiting in is trailer on 24th and Park Ave at 10:40am.
Fogo de Chao: Taylor Hicks was in for dinner on Tuesday night with a bunch of friends.
5pm: Drew Barrymore, dressed like it was 50 degrees in a down vest and long-sleeved thermal, walking her large white dog on 6th Ave. between 11th and 12th. Very normal and subdued looking. If not for the gorgeous dog, we would not have noticed her.
Helena Christiansen on Bleeker and west 11th at 2pm on the 27th. With her kid and some guy dressed in rags. Browsing for books at the used book store.
Just saw Joan Rivers at the new Starbucks in the Bloomberg building. Bought coffee for everyone behind her in line saying "Momma's buying!" Was charming and impeccably dressed.
May 27, 2006: It was 1:45 on a deserted path in the west side of Central Park when I noticed a handsome, middle-aged, shirtless man walking towards me. I took off my sunglasses and recognized Tate Donovan (aka Marisa's Dad from The OC). He was both tan and toned and apparently just finished his mid-day run.
My sister and I saw Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze, Jr. hailing a cab with another couple outside of Nobu around 7:45. She is so tiny, can't imagine she ate
anything.
I saw John Forsythe at 47 & 9th on Tuesday on May 30 at 3 PM. He looked like the Blake Carrington of old with a few more wrinkles. Very distinguished looking and fantastic for his age (must be 70). People were taking double takes; I guess they recognized him from Dynasty. He was well dressed in a gray suit with a yellow shirt.
Michael Stipe and his Dorian Gray boyfriend or assistant waiting for a table at Cafe Colonial on Sunday at 2pm. Was trying to be incognito—grayish beard, dressed for winter. Walked away after waiting for 2 minutes.
10:20pm: Saw Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Esposito in the lobby of the Union Square cinema. They went to the 10:50 showing of The DaVinci Code. She was wearing a white peasant skirt and high heeled wedge espadrilles. He was wearing a blue dress shirt. They both looked lovely.
Saw Morgan Freeman Friday around 5pm walking into the Le Parker Meridian on 56th and 6th. Very tall with tons of earrings in.
Looking summery and at least ten years younger than she actually is, Ali MacGraw (clearly a dog lover) stopped to pet my dog and others on her way to and from the Whole Foods at Columbus Circle. She is warm, sophisticated, approachable and gorgeous! In great shape for someone pushing 70!!
Just spotted Cynthia Nixon walking with her 2 children on Amsterdam at 90th street around 3:15pm today. She looked very nice and was wearing a brown hat as she pushed one of her children in a stroller.
Julianne Moore at the Soho House on May 29th, 2006 at 5pm. Was with hottie hubby and their two adorable children.
Ric Ocasek, Union Square at 1:15pm. Was just wandering around the Square looking for someone or something? Perhaps he couldn't find just what he needed. Looked sartorially splendiferous on this sunny day, decked out in white plaid coat, black trousers and two-tone shoes. The man looks the same as he has for years. Or maybe he's just catching up to looking so aged before.
Kate Winslet at Awake and Sing looking stunning in a purple dress... Yummy!
I just saw Tim Robbins as I was passing by 37th bet 9th and 10th. He was shooting a movie and sitting on his chair. He looks pretty tall and the same as in person.
May 24th, 10:50 PM, 49th and 8th ave: Sexy beast, Chris Meloni, was walking with a few of his friends in hell's kitchen. He was wearing a green flannel shirt and faded slim fit jeans. My friend and I couldn't resist and followed him for like a block, we were giggling like two little school girls but decided to stop after realizing that were giggling like...two little school girls.
I spotted Randy Harrison (Justin from Queer as Folk) this morning at Starbucks on 67 Front Street in Brooklyn around 9:30. He was sitting at a corner table talking to some guy (good looking brunette) and they were looking quite cozy. I saw Randy and his boyfriend Simon Dumenco in March at an art gallery in Manhattan, so I know what Simon looks like. The guy Randy was with today was definitely not Simon.
Willem Dafoe at the Whole Foods store on 25th and 7th Ave. on May 29 at approx. 5 p.m., with a dark-haired female companion, looking a little lost in the baked goods section.
Keri Russell leaving the Equinox gym on Greenwich ave in the West Village Sunday morning, looking amazing.
I just saw Yoko Ono shopping for carpets at ABC Carpet & Home. She was wearing a stupid hat.
From the window of my cab around 70th & Columbus, I was very fortunate to glimpse a relatively normal looking Gary Busey. Given the crazy stuff I have read about him in the media and the character he played in "Under Siege" I was quite surprised. Hair was totally gray (with blond highlights?). He sort of noticed us looking and turned away in a surly fashion - now that's the Gary I know.
I just saw Kyle MacLachlan at Best Buy on 23rd and 6th. He was returning something. He was in what looked like workout clothes and an AWFUL doo-rag! And I must say, he has the skinniest chicken legs I have ever seen!!
Richard Belzer (by far the tallest, skinniest man since Ichabod Crane) strolling across W. 79th before meeting two "unknowns" and lunching at Nice Matin (79th & Amsterdam).
Idina Menzel going into a doctor's office on 72nd and 5th. Seemed lovely.
I saw Drea de Matteo of the Sopranos on East 6th and Cooper Union at about 10:45 talking to a couple about there dogs (I can't tell what kind they are). She was talking about how her dog breathes really hard or something. She looked amazing for dog walking.
I saw Steve Schirripa (Bobby from the Sopranos) last night at Edwards around 10 pm (West Broadway and Duane). He was standing in the middle of the bar trying to get noticed, and an older blonde woman was hanging on him, trying to keep him all to herself. He is a big and tall drink of water.
About 15 minutes ago, I saw a bespectacled Gifford Miller eating lunch with a good looking younger man at Cipriani's Especialita (110 E. 42nd Street). Gifford didn't look as boyish in person, even had a few gray hairs, but was still very cute. I wasn't sure why he had sunglasses on since it wasn't all that bright out.
Saw Dave Attell about an hour ago at an empty bar on 51st between 8th and 9th. He looked pretty chubby, but seemed to be enjoying himself. He wasn't very friendly.
Saw Richard "John Boy" Thomas on the F train Friday evening around 6:45. He was with his wife and at least two of his kids. He got up and gave his seat to a woman at Broadway-Lafayette and they all got off at Second Avenue. He is tall and spoke quietly (so nobody would recognize him?). Wife called him "Rich". Seemed like a very nice, friendly family. Hope they were going someplace cooler and less touristy than Katz's.
Thursday May 25, 11:20 am: the fabulous Andre Leon Talley waiting outside the candy shop on 7th Ave around 38th Street while his assistant ran in for a bag of goodies. Having a print studio and a color trend service, I was tempted to rush the giant and try to finagle a mention in Vogue or at the very least shove a business card in his hand. Figuring he'd verbally squash me like a bug, I trundled on to my next appointment wondering if he went for the licorice sticks or all day suckers.
Star Jones eating curbside at La Goule on Madison Ave in the 80's with female friend. Spotted at 4 in the afternoon on Tuesday May 30th with a female friend then got into a town car with curtains blocking the windows— lots of shopping bags were put into the trunk.
Last Friday, 5/19/06, 2ish. Dan Rather completely checked me out on 56th between 5th and 6th... he looked me up and down and I almost threw up. He was walking towards 6th Ave, wearing a business suit. He's an old perv w/ a bald spot and his face looks like it's going to crumble.
Rock & Roll sighting: saw Jake Shears from Scissor Sisters walking and talking through Central Park with Lou Reed yesterday. Shears was wearing a backpack that can only be described as bizarre. Looked totally hot.
I saw David Caruso (NYPD Blue) in front of the Phillips Club unloading his adorable baby and handing the baby over to a nanny. Black baseball cap, very pale.
Saw Depeche Mode hottie Dave Gahan on the corner of Washington and Jane today at 1:00pm. He was walking down Jane St. dressed in a navy army jacket, tight black pants (ow!) and giant sunglasses, like the ones from the Suffer Well music video. Seemed like he was coming back from the gym, as he was carrying an Adidas bag. Was tempted to run up to him and do the breathing sequence from Personal Jesus, but his utter hotness made me just stand and stare like a dumb idiot. He's old enough to be my Dad, but boy does he look good.
Monday 5/22/06 7:00 pm, 56th and 5th, outside of the "Trump Bar," I saw the Reverend Al Sharpton. He is still looking slim and was sporting his signature 3-piece suit. I gave him a high-five, he participated with a smile.
Tuesday 2:00 pm, 57th bet. 5th and 6th- just outside Nobu 57, Bob Vila in deep conversation w/ another gentleman. Bob was wearing jacket and tie, and his hair and beard are much grayer than the This Old House Days, and his glasses appear thicker as well.
I saw Nick Carter (from the Backstreet Boys) walking around Union Square with some ditzy blonde. He looked dazed and confused as he was sipping his Starbucks coffee.
Outside Henri Bendel's, there was Mario Cantone screaming TAXI! TAXI!!!! for the whole world to see. The cab didn't stop. Annoying flaming queen. Lovely clothes though.