The rules of meeting a sitting U.S. President are clear: be respectful, be reserved, and certainly, do not use colorful language. But actress Anna Kendrick, known for her sharp wit and relatable social awkwardness, famously disregarded this unwritten protocol during a White House-related event, creating one of the most charming and talked-about celebrity-meets-politician anecdotes. The incident not only became a legendary tale on the talk show circuit, but it also showcased the genuine, down-to-earth personality of both the actress and then-President Barack Obama.
The Awkward Star and the Presidential Tease
The encounter took place at an event in Los Angeles, where Kendrick was an attendee. According to her retelling on various talk shows, she arrived early and, feeling out of place, stood awkwardly by herself, away from the main mingling crowd. When President Obama entered, he spotted the solitary actress. Being a known film enthusiast, the President immediately recognized her and decided to tease her about her Oscar-nominated role in the 2009 film Up in the Air. In the film, Kendrick plays Natalie Keener, an ambitious young consultant. The President’s playful jab referenced her character’s stringent, rule-bound personality.
Breaking the Mold with a Four-Letter Word
Instead of replying with a deferential or politically correct answer, Kendrick, caught off guard and feeling embarrassed by the playful teasing, instinctively blurted out a phrase of mock indignation. As she recounted the story, she called the Commander-in-Chief a “bastard” (or sometimes referenced with the less harsh “ahole”). The reaction was immediate and entirely unexpected: President Obama didn’t stiffen or become offended. Instead, he reportedly threw his head back and laughed out loud on the spot, genuinely appreciating the actress’s candidness and her quick, unfiltered response.
Related Notable Event: The Talk Show Tour
The reason this story became so widely known and beloved is due to Kendrick’s mastery of comedic storytelling. She recounted the tale—often with self-deprecating humor about her social anxiety—on several major television programs, turning an awkward moment into a viral classic. The anecdote cemented her public image as the charmingly unpolished, witty star who wasn’t afraid to be herself, even when facing one of the most powerful people in the world. The incident proves that genuine humor and breaking the mold, even in the most formal settings, can occasionally lead to the most memorable and positive interactions.