Whether it was in cars getting coffee or dancing on Ellen, the Obamas fostered relationships with many celebrities during their time in the White House. See photos.
On Dec. 7, 2015, comedian Jerry Seinfeld knocks on the Oval Office window to begin a segment for his series, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
Having just met with the U.S. Olympics gymnastics team on Nov. 15, 2012, the president suggested to McKayla Maroney that they recreate her “not impressed” photograph before they departed. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Oct. 21, 2016, Bill Murray stopped by the White House to be honored as the recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. When the president opened the door to the Oval Office, he laughed that Murray was in full Chicago Cubs regalia just before the Cubs were to begin the World Series. After the presentation, Murray demonstrated his prowess in putting, “sinking” several putts into a White House drinking glass, all while doing a public service announcement to sign up for the Affordable Care Act.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
President Barack Obama poses with Usain Bolt, the fastest runner in the world, backstage following a “Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative” town hall at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, April 9, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama participates in an interview with Zach Galifianakis for “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis” in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On July 18, 2015, the president greets the cast and crew of “Hamilton” after seeing the play with his daughters at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama poses for a selfie with Bill Nye, left, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson in the Blue Room prior to the White House Student Film Festival, Feb. 28, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Jan. 25, 2012, first lady Michelle Obama participates in a potato sack race with Jimmy Fallon in the East Room of the White House during a “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” taping for the second anniversary of the “Let’s Move!” initiative.” (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Chuck Kennedy)
The White House/Chuck Kennedy
Jay Leno tells the punch line to a funny story as the president waits to tape the Tonight Show in Burbank, Calif. on Oct. 25, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Sept. 12, 2016, first lady Michelle Obama goes shopping at a CVS Pharmacy in preparation for life after the White House during a segment taping for the Ellen DeGeneres Show in Burbank, California.
(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson
After a meeting with actor and human rights activist George Clooney on Sept. 12, 2016, the president invited him and three of his colleagues to shoot hoops on the White House basketball court. “This photo garnered a lot of attention when it was hung on the walls of the West Wing,” said White House Photographer Pete Souza. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
First lady Michelle Obama poses for a selfie with Ryan Seacrest after taping a “Let’s Move!” interview at E! Networks in Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 29, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Lawrence Jackson)
The White House/Lawrence Jackson
President Barack Obama talks with Betty White in the Oval Office, June 11, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama reaches out to shake hands with Bruce Springsteen in the Blue Room of the White House prior to the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony Nov. 22, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
President Barack Obama greets cast members from ABC’s sitcom “Modern Family,” including Julie Bowen, center and Sofia Vergara, right, in the Oval Office, Saturday, April 28, 2012. The group was in town to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Aug. 5, 2016, Stevie Wonder stopped by the White House for a visit, and the president described many of the items in the Oval Office including the bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
President Barack Obama jokes with tight end Rob Gronkowski, as he greets the New England Patriots in the State Dining Room, prior to an event to honor the team and their Super Bowl XLIX victory, at the White House, April 23, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to actress Meryl Streep during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 24, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
WASHINGTON – Whether it was getting coffee in cars, dancing on Ellen or shooting hoops with the stars, the Obamas fostered relationships with many celebrities during their time in the White House.
It’s not unusual for celebrities to rub elbows with politicians, but Michelle and Barack Obama made space for celebrities over the past eight years.
Check out images of some of the celebrity encounters captured by White House Photographer Pete Souza and his staff.
Sarah Beth Hensley is the Digital News Director at WTOP. She has worked several different roles since she began with WTOP in 2013 and has contributed to award-winning stories and coverage on the website.
