Jonah Hill's 'very awkward' photo honoring Kobe Bryant, late brother will lift your spirits
Jonah Hill shared a touching tribute honoring both Kobe Bryant and his late brother, Jordan Feldstein, days after the NBA legend's death. On Wednesday, the Superbad star posted an "awkward" photo of himself sitting next to Bryant at a Lakers game. The picture was taken by his brother, who unexpectedly died two years ago.
"This picture became a funny internet thing years back and it always made me laugh when I’d see memes of it," Hill began. "I used to love 'on purpose, very awkward photos' whenever I was around someone I respected and this is about as comically awkward as it gets."
He continued, "I hesitate to post this as it’s usually connected to humor. But for me this photo represents a LOT more. I’m sitting next to my brother and he’s taking this. It was the night we both met Kobe and he was so nice to us. So funny, so amazing and so kind (in the middle of a game!)."
The 36-year-old actor said he and Feldstein "grew up worshiping the Lakers and because of my job we got to sit next to Kobe and the whole team! I have lived a privileged life. Truly." (Hill told Jimmy Kimmel years ago he got hooked up with the seats through his manager.)
"We were literally buzzing with excitement to meet our hero and it’s one of my favorite memories ever. It’s my favorite memory with my brother," he wrote.
Hill included a second photo of him sitting courtside with Feldstein at the game.
"I’m sitting between Kobe and my brother and now they’re both gone," he shared.
Feldstein, a music manager who worked with Maroon 5, Miguel, and Big Boi, died unexpectedly in December 2017 from a pulmonary embolism. He was 40.
"I have been staring at this photo for days in disbelief and sadness and joy," Hill added. "It’s my favorite picture and I think it represents for me, all of the hard and amazing things in life and how fleeting they are."
He continued, "I’ve been thinking a lot about saying Rest In Peace and what that means. But I don’t think Kobe or my brother are resting. I think they’re hustling up there. Working hard and getting s*** done. Cuz that’s what they do. All my love to the ones here left behind. Take care of each other and love each other. That’s the lesson I’ve learned."
In a 2009 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Hill talked about meeting Bryant at a Lakers game.
"It's the most amazing thing forever and I feel so fortunate because I'm a lifelong Lakers fan and I've never had awesome seats like that before," he explained. "I think I got carried away a little bit because Kobe Bryant talked to me and he was like, 'I love your movies,' and he started quoting Superbad and stuff. It was mind-blowing for me."
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