Tony Hawk has become one of the most well-known names in skateboarding, but based on his own Twitter account, public recognition doesn’t always follow. Despite decades of fame, he often finds himself in situations where people either don’t believe he’s Tony Hawk or confuse him with someone else entirely. These tweets highlight the surprising and often awkward moments where Hawk is misidentified, overlooked, or casually dismissed in everyday life.
1. Tweet: Being Humbled at the Drive-Thru
Pulling up to drive-through window, girl starts to read back my order and stops herself: “you’re Tony Hawk?”
me: yes
her: “can I tell everyone?”
me: I suppose
her: “yo, we got Tony Hawk at the window!”
voice from kitchen: “Who?”
Even when someone is sure it’s Tony Hawk, there’s always someone nearby who still has no clue who he is. This drive-thru exchange ends in classic confusion.
2. Tweet: Look, If You Have to Ask, Just Assume It’s Actually Him
at a Covid testing site (wearing masks), handing over paperwork for me & two of my kids:
woman looking over papers: “okay… Anthony, Keegan and Kadence… Hawk? Are you guys related to Tony Hawk?”
me: yes
her: “Are you pulling my leg?”
me: no, we are all directly related to him
Even when faced with multiple people named Hawk, the employee still doubts it could actually be the Tony Hawk. He confirms, with peak deadpan humor.
3. Tweet: No One Believes It Happened
To this day, people say this is a fake pic.
@tonyhawk please help me out
Even when fans have proof they met Tony Hawk, others still don’t buy it. This tweet shows how far the disbelief can go—even with a photo in hand.
4. Tweet: The Most Kindhearted ‘In Your Face’ Ever
Senior pic, 1986. My careers teacher berated me for finishing workbook pages that he hadn’t assigned yet. He told me I wouldn’t make it in the workplace if I didn’t follow instructions. He was absolutely correct, and I am thankful for his indispensable guidance.
While this one isn’t about public recognition, it indirectly reflects the recurring theme: people consistently underestimated Tony Hawk’s success, whether teachers or strangers.
5. Tweet: A Meme Comes Full Circle
I was spared. Life is good.
This callback to a viral meme is more about online recognition than public encounters. Still, Hawk’s understated delivery shows his ongoing amusement at being unexpectedly inserted into pop culture.
6. Tweet: Finally, Someone Recognizes Him!
Flight attendant checking overhead bins, sees four skateboards
Him, jokingly: “is Tony Hawk on this flight or something?”
Looks down, sees me
Him: “I guess he is”
A rare win—this flight attendant jokes about Tony Hawk being onboard… then immediately realizes he’s actually looking at him. Recognition achieved, finally.
7. Tweet: TSA Still Doesn’t Know
TSA agent (checking my ID): “Hawk, like that skateboarder Tony Hawk!”
Me: exactly
Her: “Cool, I wonder what he’s up to these days”
Me: this
Even when TSA agents see his ID and connect the name, they don’t realize he is the Tony Hawk. His dry reply makes the moment even better.
8. Tweet: Confused for Iron Man
Guy approaches me while standing in line at coffee shop in Cancún.
Him: my friend says you are a famous person. Is that true?
Me: that depends on your definition of fame
Him: will you show up on Google if I search your name?
Me: yes
Him (typing into phone): you are Tony Stark?
Someone thought Tony Hawk was Tony Stark. It’s close… if you ignore the skateboard and focus only on the “Tony.”
9. Tweet: Rental Car Misfire
At rental car agency, can’t find my name on the monitor to find my car…
Agent sees me & says “you really are Tony Hawk”
Me: yes
Him: “I deleted it because I thought it was fake”
Not only did the rental car agent not recognize him, they literally deleted his reservation thinking it was a prank. That’s peak non-recognition.
10. Tweet: Paintball Staff Still Missed It
Girl collecting gear (looking down): “Last name?”
Me: Hawk
Her: “First name?”
Me: Tony
Her: “Haha, cool name!”
Me: Thanks!
She looks up, pauses, looks down. “Next!”
This paintball employee hears both “Tony” and “Hawk” and still doesn’t put it together. She thought it was just a cool coincidence.
11. Tweet: Deli Worker Thinks He’s a Villain
“You freaked me out, I thought you were that guy from the movie Ghost”
Me: Patrick Swayze?
Him: “No, his friend that betrays him”
Not only was Tony mistaken for someone else, but for the villain in Ghost. He can’t even get mistaken for the cool guy.
12. Tweet: Everyone Thinks They Know Him
“Hey Tony Hawk”
“You grew up skating with my friend X!”
“Where did he skate?”
“In XX!”
“I grew up in San Diego”
“Pretty sure it was you though”
This happens often—people are so sure he was someone they vaguely remember from their past, even when the facts don’t add up.
13. Tweet: Mistaken for Tom Brady
Guy at restaurant: “you famous?”
Me: depends on who you ask
Him: “you look like Tom Brady”
Me: never
A guy thinks he might be someone important—but definitely not Tony Hawk. Tom Brady? That’s a new one.
14. Tweet: Mistaken for a YouTuber
Kid: “Are you a YouTuber?”
Me: “No, I’m just a skater and a dad”
This kid couldn’t recognize one of the most iconic skaters ever—but still thought he might be a content creator. Fair guess, wrong answer.
15. Tweet: From Taxis in Paris
Guy on sidewalk: “hey, you are a famous sports guy, I saw a video with you and @CaseyNeistat!”
me: yeah, he’s cool
him: “can I get a selfie & your name?”
me: yes, it’s Tony
him: “what’s your Instagram?”
Even after confirming his identity, this guy in Paris still seems more focused on Tony Hawk’s Instagram than realizing who he’s actually talking to.
16. Tweet: To Cure Concerts in Greece
Him: I know you but I don’t KNOW you
Me: It happens
Him: is your name Kelly?
Tony gets semi-recognized while ordering drinks in Greece, but not quite. The guy almost gets there—then guesses “Kelly.”
17. Tweet: Surfing in Hawaii
Guy: “anyone tell you that you look like Tony Hawk?”
Me: “yes, but you’re the first today”
Guy: “you should tell people you are and then sign his name”
Friend: “he’s real one”
Even when he admits he’s Tony Hawk, people still think he’s kidding. Thankfully, someone nearby knows the truth.
18. Tweet: Even at Disneyland
Girl: “you look like Tony Hawks”
Me: really?
Girl: “yes”
Me: is that good?
Girl: “I guess so”
Spotted at Disneyland, but even then, she gets his name slightly wrong—and isn’t too impressed either way.
19. Tweet: Getting Called ‘Anthony Hawkins’
Agent: “you’re… skateboarder! And your name is…”
(glances at ticket) “Anthony Hawkins!”
Me: close enough
Her: “my son would love a picture with you”
Me: is he here?
Her: no
The name is butchered, the recognition is vague, and the photo request is for someone who isn’t even present. Classic Hawk moment.
20. Tweet: Recognition That’s… Frequent
Three different people on a plane told me I look like Tony Hawk.
My wife turned to me and said “you started it.”
He didn’t say a word—but people still felt the need to point out he looks like himself. Even his wife is tired of it.
21. Tweet: Recognition… with an Age Check
Kid: “Are you Tony Hawk?”
Me: I am
Kid: “You don’t look like him”
Me: ok, I’m not
Kid: “But ARE YOU, FOR REAL?”
Me: yes
Kid: “You look older”
Me: ME TOO
This kid refuses to believe it’s him—then hits him with the ultimate insult: “You look older.” Hawk agrees.
22. Tweet: Sometimes, It Helps
Cashier: “Do you want a turkey burger?”
Me: yes please
Cashier: “Can I get a name?”
Me: …Tony Hawk
At least one time, it pays off. He confirms his identity, and suddenly the food is coming a bit faster.
23. Tweet: And Sometimes, It’s Just a Bit Mean
Guy: “You’re Tony Hawk?”
Me: yes
Him: “I’ve seen recent pics. You’ve gotten older.”
Me: it happens
Just when he gets recognized, he gets reminded of aging. Tony takes it in stride, as usual.
24. Tweet: Crazy!!
TSA agent (staring intently): I’m trying to figure out who you look like before checking your ID.
Me: ok
TSA: that cyclist Armstrong!
Nearby agent: that ain’t Lance Armstrong
Me: he’s right
TSA: oh you look like that skateboarder (checks ID). Same last name too! Crazy!
Me: crazy
The TSA agent went on a full identity scavenger hunt—confusing him with a cyclist before realizing, yes, it’s that skateboarder. Bonus points for the “same last name” mix-up.
25. Tweet: He Still Signs Autographs Even Though They Went Extinct
Woman on plane: “Are you Tony Hawk?”
Me: yes
Her: “my son knows all about you”
Me: I’m honored
Her: “do you sign autographs, or is that too 80s?”
Me: it is a tradition that endures
Her: “please sign this”
Me: ok
Her: “not sure what he’ll do with it”
Me: I can’t imagine
Even when recognized, people treat Tony like a retro novelty. She’s not even sure what her son will do with the autograph—but hey, at least she asked.
26. Tweet: At Least The Son Was Impressed With Tony
Woman: “Are you Tony Hawk?”
Me: I am today
Her: “I took a picture with you years ago”
Me: where?
Her: “In Vegas. It was the first time my son thought I met someone cool.”
Me: wow thanks
Her: “He took the print, cut me out of it & put it on his wall”
Tony wasn’t just recognized—he was framed. Literally. This kid cut his own mom out of a photo just to display Hawk.
27. Tweet: He Is a Super Supportive Skate Father
My daughter overcoming her fear in real time (wait for it). I might have been more nervous than she was.
This one’s less about being recognized and more about being the dad behind the legend. Still worth noting how human he is.
28. Tweet: A Fair Exchange
Clerk: “you look like someone”
Me: oh yeah?
Clerk: “What’s your name?”
Me: Tony
Clerk: “Last name?”
Me: Hawk
Clerk: “You are him?”
Me: yes
Clerk: “No charge, but you owe me a selfie”
In this case, recognition = payment. Tony gets his snacks for free, but the price? A quick selfie.
29. Tweet: Hawk Still Has It
Older dude outside the fence yells: “do a kickflip!”
So I did one.
He turns to his friend and says: “holy sh!t, he actually did it”
Sometimes people recognize him—but still doubt his skills. Hawk shows he’s still got it and stuns the heckler.
30. Tweet: He Once Skated in the White House
Goodbye @BarackObama, thanks for letting me skate in the House.
Tony Hawk has skated places most people only dream of. No mistaken identity here—just appreciation.
31. Tweet: He Joins in on the Latest Memes
Flight attendant: Is there a Dr. on this flight?
Dad: that should’ve been you
Me: Not now Dad
Dad: Maybe you can flippy Mctwisty him back to health
Me: Dad, there’s an emergency
Dad: use your “always special” cheat code
Me: But we’re in first class and I paid for our flight
Tony uses his platform to mock himself and his game legacy in the best way. His dad clearly hasn’t forgotten the Tony Hawk Pro Skater cheat codes.
32. Tweet: He Graciously Gave Out His Number to the Internet and These Were the Results
Top 5 texts (or derivations of) that I receive after posting my number:
Skamtebord
Do you know Joe?
Is this the Krusty Krab?
Is this really you?
You look like Tony Hawk
Even after voluntarily sharing his phone number, the main reaction was… doubt. Not even his texts escape mistaken identity.
33. Tweet: Mistaken for a Contestant on The Masked Singer
Just finished surfing, standing on the sand drying off.
VERY small child nearby:
“Mommy, effant!”
I turn to see him and his mom looking at me.
His mom: “Can he take a picture with you? He loves the Masked Singer”
After a beach session, Tony Hawk gets mistaken for someone from a reality TV show—again proving people recognize his face, just not his name.
34. Tweet: Conflicting Statements at the Hotel
In hotel lobby, about to leave for @CAMuseum Hall Of Fame induction
Woman: “I don’t know who you are, but my friend recognized you and I want to get a picture for my son”
Me: Ok
Her: “He’s a big fan, we watched your videos when he was young”
Me: Those are conflicting statements
Tony gets asked for a photo by someone who openly admits not knowing him—followed by a compliment that totally contradicts the first sentence.
35. Tweet: He Gets Mistaken for the Other Celebrity Hawk(e)
At will call: I have 2 tickets for Hawk
Agent: “Can I see your ID?”
Me: I forgot it but I have a credit card
Other agent: “He’s Tony Hawk”
Agent: “He doesn’t have ID”
Guy behind me: “That’s him”
Agent: “I can’t find your name”
Me: there is no E on the end
Agent: “Here you go”
Even with a crowd of people confirming his identity, it all came down to a typo. Tony Hawk is not “Hawke,” but apparently, that’s a common mix-up.
Conclusion
For someone with a long and highly visible career, Tony Hawk’s encounters with mistaken identity are both unexpected and frequent. Whether it’s at airports, restaurants, or skateparks, people seem to recognize his name more than his face. Through his tweets, he shares these stories with a dry sense of humor, showing how even household names aren’t always recognized when it matters.
