Through the years whenever I’ve met certain celebrities, I surprise them. I’m from West Philly, not Bel Air, and I am blessed with a sharp memory for a lot of things, including movies and television shows. When I tell them where I’ve seen them, they can’t believe I know who they are and what they’ve done.
For years, I went up to New York City to join the paparazzi for Fashion Week, and I spotted and photographed famous people on the streets of Center City Philadelphia. Actors Michael K. Williams, John Ortiz, Zendaya have all stopped and smiled for my camera. Terrence Howard even let my grandmother kiss him on the lips.
The gift of a celebrity is the ability to bring joy to people they will never meet. When a celebrity can bring joy on the street, to me, that’s something else.
Michael K. Williams, actor, dancer, choreographer
I saw Michael K. Wiliams in 2012 at Fashion Week. I stopped him outside Lincoln Center — he had glasses on and a newsboy hat, but I could tell it was him. He had that swagger when he walked in those gold Lanvin sneakers. I told him I was from Philly and grew up some in Brooklyn, like him, and that I respected his acting prowess. We exchanged info. I got to know him a little. He was a real, genuine guy. Rest in power.
Alana De La Garza, actor
I was working with my folks at Rambling Roots Farm at the Rittenhouse Farmers Market, and I was like, wow, that’s Alana de la Garza from Law & Order and CSI: Miami, getting fresh fruits and veggies. She was here doing a pilot based on Jekyll and Hyde for NBC that had only two episodes.
Ella Rae Peck, actor
This was also at Fashion Week. Ella Rae Peck stopped for me. I said, “I love you on Deception and Gossip Girl,” and, “Would you think a guy who looks like me would like that show?” She noticed and posed for me.
John Ortiz, actor
I ran into John Ortiz while I was street gazing in 2010, when he was filming Silver Linings Playbook. He told me he was in town doing the movie with Bradley Cooper, and had the day off. I said, “Man, I know you from Carlito’s Way …. That part was iconic to me.” That’s a slick wool top coat he’s wearing. There’s nothing more classic than that. That’s a gentleman’s style.
Leslie Odom Jr., singer, songwriter, actor, author
I had just been on a movie set where Colin Farrell and Terrence Howard were filming scenes that were supposed to be set in New York, but were shooting at 17th and Walnut. That is where I ran into Leslie Odom Jr. and his wife Nicolette Robinson. I knew he went to CAPA, so I asked if he knew my little brother, Abdul Rahim-Jackson. And he says, “Stop the presses. That’s my dog.” This was before Hamilton. Later, when started doing his concert series, he hired me to cater and photograph in the Hamptons for a weekend in August 2016.
Zendaya, actor, singer, model, dancer, influencer
I met Zendaya in 2013, before she made her mark. She pulled up with her manager and her father outside Lincoln Center during Fashion Week, just to be seen, to get more exposure. I saw her, and I said, “Man, my daughter loves you.” Next thing you know, Zendaya’s the biggest thing going in Hollywood. And I’m like: Wow. I caught her in the beginning.
Terrence Howard, actor, singer
My grandmother, my Nan, loved Terrence Howard. So, I took her to a party for Philadelphia Style magazine at the Ritz Carlton in 2008 and she was right next to him in the VIP section. I’ll never forget: She told him she was going to kiss him on the mouth, and he said, “What are you waiting for?!” Every time I saw him after that, he’d ask me “How’s Miss Mary doing?” He’s a debonair man.
Nicky Hilton, socialite, model, heiress, fashion designer
Nicky Hilton, that’s my buddy. I met her at the opening of the Sean John boutique on Fifth Avenue — her and Bijou Phillips — in 2005. We were just talking, talking about life, fashion — everything. We had cocktails at the W. I gave her samples of my R. Harley collection before it debuted. Through the years, the photographers and paparazzi, they couldn’t believe when Nicky would stop and pose for me.
West Philly born and raised with a slosh of Brooklyn, Big Rube partnered with Mitchell & Ness in 2000 to help make it a global brand marketing and selling high-end throwback jerseys. He has been photographing Philly since 2009, including in a Daily News Column from 2011 to 2017. He’s also a chef, preparing to open his own space in 2026.
MORE FROM BIG RUBE’S PHILLY