Love him or hate him, former Toronto mayor Rob Ford managed to grab a lot of media and celebrity attention while he was in office. When stars came to visit Toronto, many of them would seek attendance with Ford.
From 2010 to 2014, when the embattled mayor was in power, Ford made appearances on numerous talk shows and at one point even flirted with the idea of attending the Oscars.
READ MORE: Rob Ford, former Toronto mayor, dies after 18-month struggle with rare form of cancer
The 46-year-old polarizing politician succumbed to complications on Tuesday from a fast-growing cancerous abdominal tumour known as pleomorphic liposarcoma, which was diagnosed in September 2014.
Here’s a look back at Rob Ford’s many celebrity encounters, from Toronto musician deadmau5 to former wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In perhaps his biggest celebrity encounter, Ford was invited to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March of 2014. (In fact, Kimmel picked him up at the airport.)
Even though he appeared nervous and sweaty, Ford believed that he “held his own” against the wry host.
There were even reports that Kimmel was going to be able to get Ford to attend the 2014 Oscars, which were coincidentally taking place the same weekend in L.A. Due to “security concerns,” Ford’s alleged invite was rescinded.
TIMELINE: Rob Ford’s 18-month battle with cancer
Kimmel tweeted his condolences after hearing about Ford’s passing.
Will Ferrell & Zach Galifianakis
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis accept Ford for Mayor swag from Ford, who gave the two actors stickers as well as miniature Stanley Cups at the Hockey Hall of Fame in July 2012. The actors were in Toronto promoting their movie, The Campaign.
Hulk Hogan
In 2013, to open Toronto’s biggest comic-book convention, Ford was challenged to an arm-wrestling competition by legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan.
After all the hoopla, Ford “won.”
READ MORE: Statement of condolences on passing of Rob Ford
Dave Chappelle
The comedian made a personal visit to Ford’s office in 2012 to see if he could bypass the city’s smoking laws, which prevented him from lighting up during his stand-up performances. Ford, as any mayor should, denied the request, but not before posing for a picture.
Deadmau5
In one of his stranger celebrity encounters, Rob Ford went on a “Timmy’s run” with Toronto musician deadmau5 in the summer of 2014.
Drake
When Toronto rapper Drake was named the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors in April 2014, he was seated right next to Ford. The two seemed to get along swimmingly.
The Iron Sheik
Not to be outdone by Hulk Hogan, pro-wrestling legend The Iron Sheik also challenged Ford to an arm-wrestle in 2013. Alas, it never happened.
He tweeted (as only The Iron Sheik can) about Ford’s passing.
READ MORE: Rob Ford dead: Canadians share condolences on social media
Mike Tyson
In 2014, toward the end of his stint as mayor, Ford met with boxing superstar Mike Tyson in his office.
After the meeting, Tyson declared Ford “the best mayor in Toronto history.”
Matt Lauer, Today
Ford, along with his brother Doug, appeared on the Today show to be interviewed by Matt Lauer. He was grilled about his drug use, his drinking and his commitment to his job.
Even celebrities who didn’t meet Ford tweeted their condolences.
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Rob Ford passes away at the age of 46 -
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Remembering Rob Ford -
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Justin Trudeau extends his condolences to the Ford family -
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‘I will personally miss the hell out of Rob Ford’: Mammoliti -
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Premier Wynne announces death of Rob Ford in Queen’s Park -
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Rob Ford defied everything normal within conventional politics -
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Rob Ford death ‘doesn’t feel fair’ says Norm Kelly -
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Ford family remembers father, son, brother, former mayor -
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Rob Ford, 46, dead after battle with cancer -
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David Miller: My thoughts are with Rob Ford’s children
With files from Adam Miller
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