Bill Nighy might be one of the UK's most admired actors but even he knows what it is like to be intimidated by somebody famous.
The 67-year-old told 7.30's Leigh Sales he was star-struck after finding himself face-to-face with musician David Bowie.
"It was a crowded room and there was literally nowhere to move," he said.
"I looked around and there was David Bowie."
Nighy explained that Bowie, who succumbed to cancer last year, had dropped by his dressing room while he was performing in a play in New York.
"I had no time to prepare, not that I think it would have made much of a difference," he said.
"I can't even remember what I said, I went into some gush about how important he had been through my development all my early life and how I could never think of the words to express my gratitude.
"I could see his eyes just glaze over because he was hoping to have a chat. It was a mistake I never made again."
Nighy said he was fortunate enough to meet Bowie again some years later when the conversation flowed more freely.
"I could be more relaxed and just say, 'Hi, how are you?'"
'If I ever get something on my tombstone, that would be it'
He went on to joke about his iconic role as a crusty rocker in the Christmas favourite, Love Actually.
"I don't think anyone was prepared for how [Love Actually] has entered the language," he said.
"People quote it to me as I walk down the street.
"Kids used to run after me and say, 'Don't buy drugs, become a rock star and people give it to you for free'.
"If I ever get anything on a tombstone that would be it."
Nighy is currently in Australia to promote the release of his new film The Finest, the story of a British army propaganda unit putting out material during the London blitz of WWII.
Their Finest releases in cinemas on April 20, with sneak previews over Easter long weekend.
