Robert De Niro may be an Oscar-winning actor, but he wasn’t the biggest celebrity on Mackinac Island during his visit—at least not to one woman at Grand Hotel.
The famed actor was in Michigan filming a movie when he made a trip to Mackinac Island, as longtime Grand Hotel concierge Bob Tagatz recalls. Coincidentally, his visit overlapped with that of Sadie, a Scottish terrier who had recently won the world’s most prestigious dog show and was enjoying a celebratory stay at the resort.
Sadie was a star in her own right, drawing crowds from far and wide who came to catch a glimpse of the champion pup during her daily walks on the hotel grounds. Among her admirers was a woman who hurried to the concierge desk, where De Niro happened to be standing. Mistaking the Hollywood legend for a hotel staff member, she asked him for assistance.
“This lady runs up to him and says, ‘Sir, do you know where that dog is?’ And Mr. De Niro says, ‘There’s a dog on the front porch,’” Tagatz recalled. “Then he turned to me and said, ‘Should I clock in?’
“I just wonder if she ever knew that it was De Niro who gave her directions.”
Famous People Who Have Visited Mackinac Island Over the Years
Mackinac Island has long been a destination where celebrities come to relax and enjoy its charm. Sometimes their visits become a big deal, while other times they go unnoticed. Regardless, when you visit the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination, you might just find yourself sharing the island with a famous face.
The list of distinguished guests at Grand Hotel reads like a who's who of notable figures including presidents, political VIPs, Olympic gold medalists and cultural icons such as the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Kate Upton.
Here are some memorable celebrity visits, as shared by longtime Grand Hotel concierge Bob Tagatz:
James Earl Jones on Mackinac Island
James Earl Jones (the iconic voice of Darth Vader) frequently visited Grand Hotel with his family, enjoying the world’s longest porch while reading newspapers. Though Tagatz typically avoids requesting autographs or photos, Jones’s kind demeanor inspired an exception for a Star Wars-loving colleague.
Tagatz arranged for the coworker to meet Jones at the concierge desk when the actor came to pick up his newspaper. Jones graciously posed for a photo, leaving the fan thrilled and starstruck.
Kid Rock on Mackinac Island
On two occasions, Robert Ritchie—better known as Kid Rock—visited Grand Hotel’s front porch after 6 p.m., a time when the hotel’s formal dress code requires men to wear ties. Hesitant to enforce the rule, staff turned to Tagatz for help.
“He was super nice about it,” Tagatz recalled, even letting him tie the tie for him on one occasion.
Eartha Kitt on Mackinac Island
Eartha Kitt, the legendary singer of “Santa Baby” and famed Catwoman, brought her signature flair to Grand Hotel’s jazz festival. Known for her humor and charm, she sipped daiquiris at the resort’s bars and delighted audiences with her performances.
“She was hilarious,” Tagatz said, recounting how during one risqué song, Kitt playfully used a handsome bellman as a makeshift stripper pole on stage.
Colin Powell on Mackinac Island
Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell once stayed at Grand Hotel. When the man once considered a potential presidential candidate stopped by the concierge desk to say goodbye, Tagatz thanked him for coming and expressed regret that Powell wasn’t staying in the presidential suite.
“And he goes, ‘We were,’” Tagatz recalled. “And I said, ‘I meant Washington.’”
Political VIPs on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has long been a gathering spot for political heavyweights. Every year, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual policy conference at Grand Hotel draws elected officials, business leaders and media personalities.
During his presidency, Gerald R. Ford made a visit to Mackinac Island, marking a notable moment in its history. More recently, Vice President Mike Pence visited while serving under Donald Trump, a visit that made headlines for featuring Mackinac Island's first-ever motorcade.
Presidents and First Ladies who have visited Mackinac Island
Sports Stars and Hollywood Celebrities on Mackinac Island
While some high-profile visits are highly publicized, many celebrities come to Mackinac Island seeking privacy. Rock legend Bob Seger, for instance, is said to frequent the island without drawing much attention.
However, there are moments when a celebrity sighting turns into a buzzworthy event. Football coach Jim Harbaugh was seen mingling with his team while he was leading the Michigan Wolverines, and rapper Ice-T was spotted enjoying Grand Hotel’s Labor Day Jazz Weekend.
The roster of famous visitors is long and varied including TV host Mike Rowe, legendary baseball broadcaster Ernie Harwell, actor/director Ron Howard, jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, actress Jane Seymour, crooner Mel Torme, journalist Barbara Walters and Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson.
You never know who you might encounter while exploring the scenic streets of Mackinac Island—it could be a political powerhouse, a sports legend or a Hollywood icon!
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