An entrepreneur flying from New York to Los Angeles was delighted to discover Hollywood actress Meryl Streep was on the same flight, seated just a few rows in front of her.
Leah Gervais, who posted about the encounter on Instagram, was boarding her flight when she spotted the Oscar-winning star.
Surprise sighting on board
Gervais wrote: "You will not believe who is on my flight. I was minding my own business, boarding my flight from New York to LA when I realised... 'I think Meryl Streep is on my flight!'"
She asked a flight attendant to confirm whether it was indeed the Devil Wears Prada actress, and it was confirmed to be her.
In-flight tribute
Gervais pointed out Streep's position, saying: "With her in row one and me in row four." During the six-hour flight, she watched Mamma Mia, in which Streep stars as Donna Sheridan.
She added: "And we flew over the Grand Canyon and the pilot told us to raise our window. I looked to see she was also raising her window, we had snacks and really just a delightful flight because you know she's Meryl freaking Streep."
Viral reaction
Gervais admitted she was too nervous to speak to Streep, saying: "I really wanted to get up the nerve to talk to her but I was way too nervous but woman kind is indebted to you. Thank you Meryl." At the end of the flight, she caught a glimpse of the star, who was disguised with a hat and sunglasses.
The post has gone viral with over 19,000 likes. One commenter said: "You played it cool!" Another added: "I love this." A third wrote: "I would have talked to her. But, then, she's dressed to disguise herself. So cool!" A fourth posted: "Wow that's so awesome."
