Celebrities' Thanksgiving Stories: From Delivering Turkeys & Tweet about ‘Cancelled’ Holiday to Creating Own Friendsgiving

• Celebrities are just like us, right? Well, not exactly. They have more money, fame, and glamour than most of us can ever dream of.
• But when it comes to Thanksgiving, they also have their share of fails and anecdotes that are too funny or too weird to ignore.
• Here are some of the most memorable celebrity Thanksgiving stories, from a panic-inducing tweet about canceling Thanksgiving to a Friendsgiving poop incident.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and express gratitude for the blessings in life. But it can also be a time to experience some hilarious and unexpected moments. In the world of celebrities, where everything appears flawless, you'd think celebrity Thanksgivings are the epitome of perfection.

Well, not quite. Turns out, the Thanksgivings of the rich and famous are just as eventful and entertaining as anyone else's, if not more so. Contrary to the picturesque scenes we might imagine, celebrities aren't spared from the quirks of this festive season.

Behind the scenes of fame and fortune, these renowned figures deal with the holiday with the same blend of absurdity and candidness that defines our own experiences. It turns out that, no matter how rich or famous you are, Thanksgiving has a way of bringing out the unexpected and revealing the quirky side of this tradition.

From cooking disasters to cryptic tweets, celebrities have their share of Thanksgiving stories that are sure to make you laugh or cringe. Here are some unforgettable Thanksgiving stories of Mariah Carey, Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell, Steve Harvey, Matthew McConaughey, and Jennifer Aniston.

Julia Roberts' Dry Turkey Drama

The "Pretty Woman" star is one of the most successful and beloved actresses in Hollywood, but she is not the best cook, apparently. In 2018, she invited her "Ben is Back" co-star Lucas Hedges to her house for Thanksgiving since he couldn't go back to New York to be with his family.

She thought she was being a gracious hostess, but she didn't know that Hedges would have a little complaint about her turkey. During a hilarious episode of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," Colbert gladly threw Hedges under the bus, turning a turkey dinner into a beefy affair.

After disclosing that Hedges joined her and her family for Thanksgiving, Colbert mentioned that he had inquired about it the night before. Roberts asked if Hedges had said "something mean" or if Colbert had made Hedges say "something mean," after which Colbert happily played a clip from the show of Hedges talking about Thanksgiving with his co-star.

When pressed by Colbert about his Thanksgiving at Roberts' house, Hedges said that Roberts' house was very nice, and the food was good, but the turkey was a little dry. Cue Roberts' comically shocked expression and swift response: "That's the last [expletive] turkey he's getting at my house." Lesson learned: never critique Roberts' turkey, especially on national TV.

Sandra Bullock's Party for 65

In 2006, Bullock and her neighbor Claire thought it would be a good idea to throw a Thanksgiving party for a whopping 65 people. Here's a funny detail – they only knew five of their guests! The rest were strangers who had RSVP'd to their invitation. They set up a tent in the backyard and cooked a lot of food.

The following year, when Ellen Degeneres asked about her plans, Bullock, with a smile, hinted that hosting a Thanksgiving for 65 strangers might be a tad ambitious. The solution? Opting for a quieter celebration with beer, football, and, presumably, a smaller guest list.

Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell's Thanksgiving Traditions

Hawn and Russell are one of the most iconic and enduring couples in Hollywood. In their cozy household, the lovebirds' Thanksgiving is all about family, fun, and, of course, turkey. In 2015, Hawn's daughter, Kate Hudson, spilled the beans on their family dynamics.

Even when Hudson hosts the Thanksgiving gathering, her mom, Hawn, takes charge. Delegating tasks while still being the mastermind behind the scenes, Hawn proved that, in their family, Thanksgiving is a collective effort, but only if she gets to call the shots.

Mariah Carey 'Cancels' Thanksgiving

In September 2020, Carey took to Twitter with a bold declaration: "THANKSGIVING IS CANCELLED." Cue collective panic. Later, on "The Late Show," host Colbert accused her of inciting chaos. Carey clarified that it was a teaser for her book, "The Meaning of Mariah Carey," with a backstory.

Someone once gravely told her, "Thanksgiving is canceled," and she tweeted it cryptically. While she did not actually cancel Thanksgiving, maybe the Queen of Christmas should be more clear next time.

Steve Harvey's Thanksgiving Buffet Blunder

Harvey is a comedian and a host, but he doesn't joke around when it comes to his food, especially his Thanksgiving dishes. In November 2018, Harvey shared a Thanksgiving story of how his wife Marjorie convinced him to spend the holiday at her friend's house.

Expecting a feast, Harvey was met with disappointment as the buffet showcased unappetizing dishes. Despite the luxurious setting, the food was a letdown. From questionable yams and pizza-like cornbread to potatoes that were set up to look like teeth, Harvey left the party hungry. Lesson learned: never compromise on a good Thanksgiving meal, especially if you're Harvey.

Matthew McConaughey's Turkey Surprise

In 2017, McConaughey celebrated his birthday by surprising strangers with Thanksgiving turkeys. The actor, along with 250 volunteers, distributed 4,500 Butterball turkeys in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Going door-to-door, McConaughey brought smiles and gratitude to families in need. Putting others before himself on his birthday, he exemplified the spirit of Thanksgiving and proved that sometimes, a simple gesture can make a big difference.

Jennifer Aniston's Friendsgiving Shenanigans

Aniston is famous for her role as Rachel on "Friends," but she is also a great hostess. In a quirky tradition dubbed "Fakesgiving," Aniston hosts a pre-Thanksgiving Friendsgiving where she invites close friends for a quiet celebration.

In December 2018, she had to deal with some criticism from her friend Jimmy Kimmel, who complained that her Friendsgiving menu was too similar to his Thanksgiving menu and that he wanted something different. Aniston obliged, but she had a condition for Kimmel that his children would refrain from mistaking her backyard for the bathroom.

Aniston brought up a memorable Friendsgiving when Kimmel's daughter added an unexpected element to the celebration – she decided to do her business in Aniston's backyard, right next to the pool. Aniston and Kimmel shared a laugh about the incident on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," proving that even A-listers can't escape the unpredictable charm of Thanksgiving.

These are just some of the celebrity Thanksgiving stories that show that no matter how many zeroes are in your bank account or how famous you are, you can still have a good time with your loved ones, and maybe even some mishaps, on this special day.

These stories, far from the glamorous image we have of Hollywood, offer a glimpse into the relatable, sometimes funny, and sometimes awkward moments that mark our shared Thanksgiving festivities. Happy Thanksgiving!