As parents, we often hear the advice that our children are constantly observing us. Most of us take this to heart, making an effort to improve ourselves even before our little ones arrive. We attempt healthier eating habits, drive with more caution, and practice speaking in a calm tone. However, as they grow, our influence can be surprising and challenging to assess. One moment, your daughter may appear in an outfit that’s far too risqué, claiming it was yours, and the next, your son may drop an unexpected curse word during a game. Where did that come from?
By the time our kids reach their teenage years, we tend to let our guard down a bit and enjoy shared experiences. It’s not like when they were young and we pretended to enjoy endless rounds of making Play-Doh pizzas or listening to the same children’s songs on repeat. Now, we can binge-watch shows together, catching up on what we missed while managing the chaos of school carpools.
One of the series we enjoyed as a family was the acclaimed Mad Men, during which I developed a rather enthusiastic admiration for the actor Jon Hamm. My sister claims I was “obsessed,” but I’ll argue I was just a fan. Regardless, Jon Hamm’s name was often brought up during dinner conversations.
The notion of a “hall pass” existed long before the Farrelly brothers’ film made it popular. I recall chatting with friends about which celebrities their partners would permit them to pursue. My list contained only one name: if I ever had the chance to meet Jon Hamm, I would seize it. To my surprise, my kids were quite accepting of this idea. We all agreed that, should anything happen to their dad, Jon Hamm would be a suitable replacement.
Eventually, I got the chance to meet the charming Jon Hamm at a Stand Up to Cancer event in Los Angeles, which was a work function for my husband. Typically, I’m the perfect plus-one at such events, as long-term partnerships require genuine interest in each other’s work. The evening was both moving and entertaining, and afterwards, we were directed to the after-party. My husband likes to joke that I homed in on Jon like a heat-seeking missile; as soon as I spotted him, I was on a mission.
Jon Hamm exceeded all my expectations—he was warm, engaging, and even held my hand when we were introduced. We took pictures together, and during our conversation, we shared heartfelt stories about losing our mothers to cancer. For those fleeting moments, it felt as though I was the only person in the room. He reminded me of the harsh reality of cancer while also inspiring me to contribute to the cause.
When I returned home with my husband, I eagerly recounted the experience to our kids, hoping they would grasp the importance of supporting meaningful causes. If your celebrity crush advocates for the same issues you care about, it’s a double win.
The following year, our family had the opportunity to accompany my husband on another business trip—this time to London. Once we landed, my teenage daughter excitedly informed me that Ansel was in London! By Ansel, she meant Ansel Elgort, the talented star of The Fault in Our Stars and Baby Driver (with Jon Hamm!).
Despite our carefully planned itinerary of cultural sites and culinary delights, we decided to veer off course after receiving a tip from a doorman. Ignoring our fatigue and hunger, we dashed through London to capture a photo with Ansel, who turned out to be just as kind and approachable as I had hoped.
The power of social media to connect us with celebrities, especially in a foreign city, continues to astound me. However, the highlight of that trip will always be the sheer joy on my daughter’s face. While that day didn’t yield lessons about culture or philanthropy, it provided a lesson in something perhaps even more vital: the happiness of our children.
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Summary:
Meeting celebrities can create memorable experiences for families, as demonstrated by a mother and daughter’s encounters with their famous crushes, Jon Hamm and Ansel Elgort. These interactions, rooted in shared interests and cultural moments, serve to strengthen family bonds and offer lessons in happiness and support for meaningful causes.