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Tulsa native and Hollywood actor Jay Ellis shared a heartwarming moment with actress Gabrielle Union during a recent appearance on Bravo’s hit talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Ellis, known for his roles in Insecure and Top Gun: Maverick, appeared alongside Union in Season 22, Episode 35, which aired March 3, 2025.
The episode offered fans plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories, but one moment stood out: Ellis reminded Union that their first meeting happened when he was just 12 years old.
“Do you know the first time we met?” Ellis asked.
Union guessed, “No, no. Was that at the gym?”
After some playful teasing, Ellis recalled, “The very first time we met was actually at a premiere for American Pie.” He jokingly added, “I was 12 years old.”
Ellis went on to explain that he and his friends, celebrating their senior year in high school, had taken a trip to Los Angeles.
“We walked up to Gabrielle Union, and we were like, ‘Hey, what’s up?’” Ellis said.
Union remembered the moment, replying, “Are y’all a boy band or what?”
Midwest Roots: How Oklahoma and Nebraska Sparked a Sweet Connection
The conversation took a heartwarming turn when Ellis shared how they bonded over their Midwestern roots.
“We told you we were from Oklahoma,” Ellis said. Union immediately responded, “Oh, and then I said, I’m from Nebraska.” She also mentioned a friend who attended Oklahoma State University, adding another Oklahoma connection to their first meeting.
Both actors were on Watch What Happens Live to promote new projects. Union discussed her role in the dark comedy Riff Raff, while Ellis talked about playing a professional basketball coach in the comedy series Running Point.
The full episode is available to stream on Bravo’s website. Ellis, a proud alumnus of Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington High School, continues to bring positive attention to Oklahoma, both through his work and the genuine moments he shares with fellow stars.
Their conversation served as a reminder that sometimes, Hollywood dreams are closer to home than they seem — and that first impressions last a lifetime.
