You never know who you'll meet at SEA.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a major hub for air travel, so it's no wonder so many celebrities fly through it to and from destinations around the world. From athletes and entertainers to artists and world leaders, SEA Airport has attracted many famous visitors over the years. Take a look at some of the famous people you may know who have traveled through SEA Airport.
athlete
muhammad ali
Millions of people travel to Southeast Asia, but few are as famous as three-time heavyweight boxing champion, activist, and global icon Muhammad Ali. In late April 1972, boxing legend Muhammad Ali was on his way to Vancouver, British Columbia, to face stalwart Canadian George Chuvalo in his second fight. (Ali had defeated Chuvalo by a 13-round decision in 1967.) During his stop at SEA, Ali held a press conference about his upcoming fight in front of sportswriters and various media outlets. The audience included airline and port employees.
After finishing the press conference, he turned to the onlookers. Ali mistook port worker Royce Mahomes in the crowd for a flight attendant and asked her, “Who are you flying for?”
“For the Port of Seattle,” Lois answered.
Inspired, Ali composed the following poem: “Oh, you're on the ground, you better stay where you can be found.”
The champion was quickly sent off, and on May 1, 1972, he won another lopsided decision over George Chuvalo. Ali had promised to defeat Chuvalo, but failed to do so in his first fight. He easily defeated the Canadian, but could not defeat him. In fact, Chuvalo never took a knockdown in 93 professional fights, which was one of the reasons Ali later admitted that Chuvalo was the toughest man he had ever fought.
Look at the 1972 Ali vs. Chuvalo fight.
Sue Bird and the Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm is the most successful sports franchise in Seattle's history, winning four WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. Here is a photo of his triumphant return game after winning his second WNBA Championship in 2010.
seattle seahawks
No team is more iconic to Seattle than the Seattle Seahawks. Here are some shots of the team after coming back from a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl 49. It was a cloudy day, but 12 people still came to SEA to support SEA, the hawks.
jim whitaker
Jim Whitaker, a local mountaineering legend and the first full-time employee of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), became the first American to conquer Mount Everest in 1963 before descending to Southeast Asian levels. did.
entertainer and artist
Dave Grohl and Dave Pickering
Dave Grohl, legendary drummer for Nirvana and founder of the iconic band Foo Fighters, is also joining SEA. While filming the Seattle segment of the 2014 HBO music documentary series Sonic Highways, Grohl had a chance encounter with Screaming Trees drummer Mark Pickerell at the Sub Pop Airport Store. They filmed an impromptu segment about Seattle sound and grunge. You can see him at 51 minutes into the episode.
The two musicians were kindred spirits, and both were active in the Seattle music scene in the early 1990s. They shared stories about their experiences and the impact Seattle has had on their careers. The segment was a fitting tribute to the city's musical heritage, giving fans a glimpse into the minds of two of her generation's most influential musicians.
alan stone
In 2019, Alan Stone performed in front of many fans at SEA, surprising and delighting passengers. Watch his performance on Port of Seattle's YouTube channel.
Lena Priest
Seattle is known as one of the most literate cities in the United States. As we reopen the N Concourse in 2021, we invited Washington State Poet Laureate Lena Priest to help us dedicate the new facility. Check out her readings on her Port of Seattle YouTube channel.
movie star
Did you know that many movies have been filmed at SEA airports? Below is a partial list.
- “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993) — The iconic scene where Tom Hanks’ character Sam Baldwin meets Meg Ryan’s Annie Reid at SEA Gate N7 is one of the most memorable moments in the film. One.
- “Bill Nye the Science Guy” (1993-1998) — This educational television show filmed part of Season 1, Episode 1, “Flight” at a Southeast Asian airport in 1996. The parody of Nirvana's song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is also fun. 19 minutes into the episode: “Smells like air pressure.”
- “The Amazing Race” (2001 – present) — This reality show features SEA airports in several episodes, including the season 13 finale.
- “Captain Fantastic” (2016) — Ben Cash, played by Viggo Mortensen, takes his family to a Southeast Asian airport to board a flight to South America.
- “The Paper Tigers” (2020) — This martial arts comedy includes a scene where the main characters fight in the baggage claim area at SEA Airport.
Here are a few more stars who were ready for their close-up around the airport.
Elliott Gould
Elliott Gould appeared in the 2012 film Just for Christmas, which included scenes filmed in SEA's Gina Marie Lindsay Arrival Hall. Fun fact about the movie: The film crew brought in palm trees and dressed it up in SEA costumes to make the airport serve as a Florida airport. Our airport should be credited as an actor on IMDB!
jack benny
In April 1972, while traveling to a gig in Vancouver, British Columbia, famous comedian Jack Benny sat down to shine his shoes at SEA Airport. Curt Yondo, who was shining shoes, confirmed that it was indeed the famous stingy comedian. he said to Benny. I can't even get a tip now! ”
Benny replied with a laugh. “You'll get a bigger tip for that comment!”
See, honesty pays!
global leaders and icons
As a gateway to the world, the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA Airport) have hosted many international leaders. From heads of state to business moguls and cultural icons, SEA Airport has been a meeting point for some of the world's most influential people. These leaders are coming to Seattle to discuss important issues, make deals, and build relationships. They also come to experience the city's unique culture and enjoy its natural beauty. SEA Airport is more than just a place for planes to arrive and depart. This is where ideas are exchanged, cultures are bridged and the future is shaped. It's a place where anything is possible.
So, you're done! Take a look at some of the most famous people who have used Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you're a sports, music, art or politics fan, you're sure to find someone you know on this list.
Next time you're at SEA Airport, keep an eye out for your favorite celebrities. You never know who you'll meet.
