Reddit’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions have been one of the platform’s most beloved features for years. They offer a unique opportunity for ordinary people to directly ask questions to celebrities, experts, and interesting personalities. But with thousands of AMAs to choose from, which ones really stick in the collective memory? Here is a list of the top 10 notable Reddit AMAs that were not only popular but also left a lasting impression.
1. Barack Obama
Hey, everyone: I’ll be taking your questions online today. Ask yours here: http://t.co/pcwZHo3O -bo
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 29, 2012
Barack Obama turned Reddit upside down when he held an AMA on August 29, 2012 during his presidency. This was a historic event, as it was the first time a sitting US president participated in an AMA.
He answered questions on a wide range of topics, from technology and education to his favorite basketball player. The AMA attracted a record number of participants and received enormous media attention.
2. Bill Gates
Bill Gates has held multiple AMAs, with his first on February 11, 2013. Each session offers a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the richest and most influential people in the world.
Gates discusses everything from his philanthropy work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to his views on the future of technology. His humor and openness make his AMAs particularly engaging. Gates’ willingness to answer deep and personal questions has earned him much praise and respect from the Reddit community.
3. Keanu Reeves
On March 4, 2023, Keanu Reeves held an AMA that only strengthened his legendary status on the internet. Known for his humble and kind nature, Reeves answered questions about his film roles, his life, and his interactions with fans.
His charm and sincerity made this AMA one of the most beloved ever. The audience’s reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with numerous users expressing their admiration for his work and character.
4. Elon Musk
Taking questions now at http://t.co/CpOyWeAk0G
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 6, 2015
Elon Musk’s AMA on January 5, 2015 was an in-depth session where he discussed the future of space travel, Tesla, and technology. Musk, always a fascinating figure, took the time to answer technical questions in detail and share his vision for the future.
5. Robin Williams
On September 9, 2013, Robin Williams charmed the Reddit community with his AMA. His humor and warmth shone through in his answers, where he shared funny and touching stories about his career and life.
The AMA gained an emotional weight after his passing in 2014, making it a cherished memory for many fans.
6. Peter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage, beloved for his role as Tyrion Lannister in “Game of Thrones,” held an AMA on April 10, 2014. He answered questions about his experiences on set, his career, and his personal life. The AMA gave fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the most popular TV series of all time. The reactions were enthusiastic, with much praise for his acting and humor.
7. David Attenborough
David Attenborough’s AMA on January 8, 2014, was a tribute to his lifelong dedication to nature documentaries and environmental awareness. He answered questions about his many travels, his favorite animals, and the most important environmental issues of our time. Attenborough’s deep knowledge and passion for nature made this AMA particularly inspiring.
8. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson, the famous astrophysicist, held an AMA on October 13, 2014. He discussed space science, astrophysics, and his personal philosophies in a way that was both engaging and educational. Tyson’s ability to make complex concepts understandable and interesting made this AMA a source of inspiration for many.
9. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger has had multiple AMA sessions. He discussed everything from his political insights and film career to fitness advice. Schwarzenegger, known for his versatile career, answered questions with his characteristic humor and directness.
10. Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson’s AMA on February 4, 2012, is often remembered as one of the worst AMAs ever. What initially seemed like a promising session quickly turned into a fiasco when Harrelson decided to only answer questions directly related to his film “Rampart.” This clashed with the open and free nature of AMAs, where users are used to asking all kinds of questions.
Moreover, his answers often felt impersonal and short, giving the impression that he was not really engaging with the community but rather promoting through a PR team. The many ignored interesting questions and the limitation to only film-related answers caused great frustration and disappointment among users, making this AMA infamous as an example of how not to do it.
