We all have had our own close encounter with a celebrity. There will be many different occasions in which we will run into them. Those of us who are lucky enough to run into a celebrity, tend to let the moment slip away from us. Our tongues become tied and we fail to speak the right words. Most celebrities are kind enough to nod their head in reaction, or even say hello. Then the moment is done as quickly as it started. My close encounter allowed happened to be the exact opposite of what usually happens. My tongue worked and the words flowed. The result was a wonderful conversation with a wonderful woman.
Debra Jo Rupp is a popular actress. She has been acting for over twenty years. Her biggest gig was landed when she became the mother for the hit television show “That ’70s Show”. She was one of the funniest characters on the show. Her wit and charm made her a favorite of my own. I never thought I would ever run into her, but I did. Surprisingly, she was one of the most down to earth people I have ever met.
I was working my part-time job at Stop & Shop. The usual daily grind was taking it’s toll on me. I had just came to work from my regular full-time job. My body was not looking forward to the long night ahead. My time always seems to pass quicker when I interact with the public. My skills as a people person allow me to meet and joke around with a wide variety of people. A bit of polite charm can go a long way in the business world. Thankfully I was lucky enough to interact with Debra Jo Rupp like any other customer.
She came up to me and asked me where the coffee was. I explained to her that it was so close it could bite her in the behind. She laughed her famous laugh and explained that she seems to get lost often. She said thank you for helping her and I told her I was pleased to be of assistance. We both walked our separate ways and I realized something. I was just talking to the mother from that ’70s Show. I ran back over to her and told her she looks just like who I thought she was She laughed at me and told me she was indeed her.
We talked for quite awhile. She told me that she lives in Lee, Massachusetts. This surprised me because her biography explained she was California. She told me that she has kept her address secret over the years because our area offers her the peaceful life. It is a place for her to go and get away from it all. The Hollywood life has treater her wonderful, but she needs to get away and live a normal life.
I asked her about her experiences on “That ’70s Show”. She let me know that the cast was a true joy to work with. Ashton Kutcher was as big of a hunk as he looks on t.v. Plus, Topher Grace was one of the most humble and nicest men she has ever had the privilege to work with. Her experiences have allowed her to work with a lot of people. No other group of people would have been better to work with. They clicked so well that she knew the show was on it’s last leg when both Grace and Kutcher decided to leave the show. It was time for a change, so everyone was ready to move on.
Rupp explained to me that she was burned out from filming over 150 episodes of the show. She continued working hard even when the show was not filming. This is why she has taken a much needed break since the show stopped filming. Currently, she spends her time going out to eat, shopping, and spending the night at home. She also enjoys visiting all the sights around the Berkshires. The area is a beautiful place and she will always be glad to call it her home.
We finished our conversation with me asking one more question. I was curious to find out what was next for her career. She explained to me that she is working on something big. Sadly, she would not fully elaborate on what it would be. All she would tell me is that it will be something special and that it will be on television. I was truly excited to she what it will be! Rupp politely wished me my own luck in the future and said goodbye. My chance meeting with a celebrity had come to a close.
Debra Jo Rupp is one of the nicest celebrities I have ever met. My early life has allowed me to meet Jean Claude Van Damme, Bobby Knight, and Michael Jordan. None of them were as polite as Debra Jo Rupp. She took the time to answer my questions and allowed me a quick glance into her life. I look forward to bumping into her once again. Rupp is a one of a kind person and actress. I only can wish that others will be lucky enough to meet her.
