Amy Adams’ first class seat for a first class citizen
by Elsa
Amy Adams photo by Sachyn Mital
As a self-proclaimed pop culture junkie, I get a kick out of the “Stars, they’re just like us” column in my weekly light reading. Society puts celebrities on such a pedestal that pictures of our favorite stars pumping gas, reading a book, and (gasp!) grocery shopping, are considered newsworthy.
On June 27, one simple act of kindness broke into Twitter, the entertainment world and major global news outlets. Amy Adams, one of Hollywood’s top stars, quietly gave up her first-class seat to a serviceman sitting in coach. Adams didn’t trade her seat for publicity reasons, and if an ESPN reporter with a large following hadn’t been on the same flight and seen the exchange, this would not be news.
Jemele Hill, a co-host of ESPN2′s “Numbers Never Lie” show was on that flight with Amy Adams, though, and she tweeted about what she saw. “I noticed Ms. Adams was in first-class and as I was getting seated, I saw the flight attendant guide the soldier to Ms. Adams’ seat. She was no longer in it, but it was pretty clear that she’d given up her seat for him,” Hill said in a story on ABC News. “I was incredibly impressed, and I’m not even sure if the soldier knew who gave him that seat. I guess he will now!”
An act like this headlining ABC News tells us just how rare a gesture it is. The deed is praiseworthy and shows Adams as a class act.
We view celebrities as selfish and aloof, focused on their own popularity and out of touch with those outside of the Hollywood scene. This phenomenon begs the question…would WE [“average” Americans] do the same?
I love random acts of kindness. One of my favorite college memories involved girls leaving “you are beautiful” notes on bathroom mirrors throughout campus. During the holiday season I am quick to buy a coffee for the person behind me in the Starbucks drive-thru line. Yet I am mortified to realize that if I had a first-class seat, I would not have thought to give it up for a first-class citizen.
My hope is that Adams’ deed will inspire a trend of honoring those whom have done so much to honor our country. Not everyone can afford a first-class ticket, but a genuine “thank you” doesn’t cost a thing. I am challenging myself to thank the service men and women in my community, and I encourage you all to do the same.
Get in touch with Easter Seals Dixon Center’s many military services that assist service men and women, veterans and their families.
July 17th, 2014 at 6:14 pm
I cant’t believe you couldn’t find a more appropriate picture of Amy Adams to post on your website!!
July 16th, 2014 at 1:09 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Ben. I’ve always thought that Amy was a genuine, down-to-earth celebrity and I’m happy to see that I’ve been proven right!
I agree that little gestures like these should be the norm, not the exception, but let’s hope this inspires a change!
July 15th, 2014 at 6:44 pm
I knew I loved her!
Seriously, little stories like this should happen way more often, but it is always nice to be reminded that there are people out there doing the little things in life – and doing them right.
Thanks for sharing!