Entertainment

The 10 Best Celebrity Tippers and Those who are not so Generous

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5m ago

Jun 26, 2024 / 4522 Views

Evan Walker

In the age of social media, where every action of the rich and famous is scrutinised, how celebrities treat servers and tip staff have become a significant talking point. It’s no longer just about their glamorous lifestyles or the roles they play on screen. Today, a celebrity’s tipping habits can either boost their reputation or lead to public backlash. In this article, we decode the list of the best celebrity tippers and those who are allegedly not so generous.

Tipping culture, especially among celebrities, has garnered a lot of attention recently, particularly because it humanises these larger-than-life figures. When we hear about a Celebrity leaving a massive tip, it creates a connection, making them appear more relatable and generous. On the other hand, hearing about a famous person being a miser can be a huge turn-off. It’s almost as if tipping has become a way for celebrities to showcase their gratitude and humility, proving that they haven’t lost touch with the everyday people who make their lives run smoothly.

For many, the question “How do they treat servers and staff?” has become the new litmus test indicative of whether a person is a red or a green flag. Knowing how the super famous and the super-wealthy approach this situation has always generated interest. After all, if someone with millions can’t be bothered to leave a decent tip, what does that say about their character? Conversely, when we see the best Celebrity tippers going above and beyond, it reinforces the idea that kindness and generosity are timeless virtues, no matter how rich or famous you become.

The best celebrity tippers

1. Taylor Swift

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The 34-year-old singer-songwriter is renowned for her kindheartedness, both on and off the stage. In 2013, during a visit to Philadelphia’s Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, she left a USD 500 tip on a USD 800 meal. But Swift didn’t stop there; she also gave the head chef two tickets to her concert the following night. Her generosity isn’t limited to restaurants either. In 2014, she handed out USD 90 to a fan she met at a Chipotle in New York, simply to brighten the young girl’s day. Swift’s acts of kindness extend beyond tipping; she has a history of making large donations to various causes, showing that her philanthropy knows no bounds.

2. Donnie Wahlberg

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Blue Bloods’ Donnie Wahlberg is another celebrity known for leaving generous tips. His parents’ background in the service industry has made him particularly empathetic towards servers. In 2020, he left a USD 2,020 tip on a USD 35 bill at a restaurant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as part of the “2020 Tip Challenge.” His generous spirit isn’t a one-off; he has repeatedly left large tips at various dining establishments, making him a favourite among servers.

Wahlberg’s tipping habits are often accompanied by heartfelt messages, making his gestures even more special for the recipients. “My mom waited tables, and my dad tended bars — for years!” he explained via Instagram in July 2017 after tipping his Waffle House waitress USD 2,000. “So, when I walk into a #WaffleHouse, and the staff treats me like a king, you better believe I treat them like queens!”

3. Harry Styles

best celebrity tippers — Harry and James in Anguilla with their server. (Image: Yahya/Instagram)

Like Swift and Wahlberg, the former One Direction star has also made headlines for his tipping habits. While dining with Adele and James Corden in the Caribbean, he left a USD 2,020 tip on a USD 473 bill. This gesture was part of the same “2020 Tip Challenge” that Wahlberg initiated.

“Big ups to @harrystyles for taking care of Mr Big Life!” the employee wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the bill, which also featured a handwritten note from Styles saying, “Happy new year!” The employee later posted selfies with the celebrities as well. Styles’ willingness to share his wealth, especially in such a generous manner, has endeared him further to his fans and earned him the title of best Celebrity tippers in Hollywood.

4. Tom Selleck

I found out that my TV Dad #TomSelleck has generously accepted the #2020TipChallenge at Elios Upper East Side!
Love ya dad. ❤️
I didn’t start it but I’m proud to be part of it. To those who gave even the smallest extra amount this year — THANK YOU.#spreadloveandlovewillspread pic.twitter.com/1NcEswVbsO
— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) December 24, 2020

Following in Wahlberg’s footsteps, the Friends star also participated in the “2020 Tip Challenge.” He left a USD 2,020 tip on a USD 204.68 bill at Elio’s restaurant in New York City, along with a heartfelt handwritten note thanking the staff for their service and expressing his hope for a better year. Selleck’s gesture was not only generous, but also inspirational, encouraging others to spread kindness and gratitude during challenging times.

5. Amy Schumer

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Schumer might be famous for her relatable humour but it’s her kindness that takes the front seat when it comes to celebrity behaviour. In 2016, she tipped USD 1,000 on a USD 77 bar tab while attending a performance of Hamilton. Schumer explained that she understands the struggles of the service industry, having worked in it herself before her rise to fame. This empathy drives her to ensure that servers receive the recognition and compensation they deserve for their hard work. “I’ve been there, I get it,” the New York native explained to her server at the time.

6. Chrissy Teigen

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The former supermodel once left a USD 1,000 tip for her 21-year-old server, Mikayla Scott, at Outback Steakhouse in Centerville, Ohio. Teigen’s generous tip was a pleasant surprise for the staffers, who were undoubtedly thrilled to serve her and her family. Her approachable personality and consistent support for service staff make her a beloved figure among those in the hospitality industry. “Guess she really liked that Bloomin’ Onion!” the server joked, highlighting Teigen’s warm and personable nature.

7. John Leguizamo

Actor John Leguizamo carries USD 100 bills specifically for tipping. He emphasises the importance of recognising good service, joking that USD 20 tips are a thing of the past. His philosophy is simple: if someone is giving their best service, they deserve a tip that matches their effort. Leguizamo’s consistent generosity reflects his respect and appreciation for the hard work of service industry professionals. “You gotta give back. If people are giving you their best service and you don’t tip ’em? Come on. Who are you? I’m not a cheapskate,” he remarked during an appearance on GMA3: What You Need to Know.

8. Gabrielle Union

Known for her roles in films like Bring It On, the 51-year-old actress takes her tipping seriously, especially at strip clubs. She has been known to leave tips ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000, ensuring that the performers go home with something substantial. Union’s support for these entertainers highlights her understanding of the value of their work and her desire to see them fairly compensated. Union revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live that she frequents one Atlanta strip club so often that the performers there know her by name.

9. Johnny Depp

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Depp is another high-ranker on our list of the best celebrity tippers. One of the most famous instances occurred in 2009 when he left a USD 4,000 tip at a Chicago steakhouse. His generosity is well-documented, making him a beloved figure among servers.

10. Tom Hanks

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While in Boston in 2016, Hanks joined friends for a casual lunch and left a significant tip, impressing the staff with his generosity. Known for his down-to-earth personality, the actor’s tipping habits are just another facet of his well-rounded, generous character. Speaking to People, a staffer at the establishment shared, “At the end of the meal, he gave the staff a thanks — telling them he ‘loved the chowdah’ — and was ‘a great tipper.'”

The not-so-generous tippers

1. Madonna

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Despite her enormous wealth, Madonna has a reputation for being a poor tipper. Reports suggest that she often leaves little to no tip, even for exceptional service. This habit has not gone unnoticed and has negatively impacted her image in the service industry. Servers have recounted instances where her tipping was either non-existent or far below expectations, painting a less-than-flattering picture of the pop icon.

2. Katherine Heigl

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The Grey’s Anatomy actress has also been accused of being a bad tipper. Reports from restaurant staff describe her as demanding and unappreciative, often leaving minimal tips regardless of the service quality. Heigl’s reputation in this regard has overshadowed her acting career for many in the service industry, who view her as difficult and miserly.

3. Tiger Woods

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Woods has been noted for his reluctance to tip generously. Despite his significant earnings, Woods reportedly leaves modest tips, a behaviour that has drawn criticism given his financial status. Servers who have waited on the Golfing legend have shared stories of low tips and a lack of appreciation, contrasting sharply with the generosity of other wealthy celebrities. The 48-year-old currently runs a bar named T-Squared in New York along with Business partner, friend, and Celebrity, Justin Timberlake.