“I’m Crying & I Can’t Stop”: FOX Reporter Erin Andrews Shares Embarrassing Flight Experience With Charissa Thompson

Erin Andrews is all about the positive energy that she carries while announcing the games. She adds fun and flavor to the sport with her reporting. But after some recent events, she couldn’t hold back her tears on a flight. But the reason wasn’t what you’d think.

Sharing the story on her Calm Down podcast with Charissa Thompson, the FOX reporter revealed how she became emotionally entangled with her seatmate’s choice. And how it turned an otherwise quiet journey into a hilariously heartfelt experience. Andrews confessed to committing a travel faux pas. As she watched her seatmate’s screen without permission. “It’s a five-hour flight, and I’m just grinding away because it’s the holiday,” she said as she was perplexed about not covering enough of Baltimore’s news. “The guy next me is great, hasn’t said a word, doing his own thing, and I’ve looked over a few times, and I’ve noticed it’s the Christopher Reeve documentary. I am in and out looking at this thing.” It must be out of habit for reporters to snoop, even on a flight.

But Andrews found herself completely engrossed as the documentary unfolded. “I’m in. I’m watching. I don’t want him to think I’m the person that I bi*** about all the time,” she said, laughing at the irony of being “that person” she usually criticizes for peeking at others’ screens. Despite having no sound or subtitles, the story struck a chord. “I’m crying. I’m crying, and I can’t stop.,” she admitted. But the story has another twist up its tail.

Unable to contain herself, Andrews finally tapped her seatmate’s arm. She apologized for her behavior, only to discover he’d noticed. “I know you have,” he replied, confessing that he too had struggled to hold back tears, but he had to. “I’ve had to stop crying because I knew who you were and I didn’t want to be crying in front of you,” he said.

The exchange turned from awkward to bonding. The shared emotional moment highlighted the film’s ability to move people deeply. Even from over the shoulder.

The power of Reeve’s story: Bringing strangers together

The documentary that had Erin share an unusually fulfilling moment chronicles Christopher Reeve’s journey. The journey from Superman to disability advocate after a life-altering accident. It dives into his friendship with Robin Williams, his family’s resilience, and his tireless fight for spinal cord injury research.

For Erin Andrews, watching even snippets of the film was enough to evoke powerful emotions. Reeve’s story isn’t just inspiring. it’s universal. His triumphs and struggles remind one of the strength within human vulnerability, a theme Andrews couldn’t ignore. And Andrews isn’t alone in her reaction.

The New York Times‘s Melena Ryzik hailed the documentary as a ‘thought-provoking tear-jerker.’ It has touched audiences worldwide. It unflinchingly shows the challenges of caregiving, the weight of personal tragedy, and the hope Reeve embodied. For Andrews, the flight became more than just a journey. “There’s no close caption, but you can tell everything happening,” Andrews said. It simply underscores the power of cinema. Cinema that is rooted in reality.

Reeve’s life and legacy continue to impact audiences long after his passing in 2004. The documentary reveals not just the Superman of cinema but the superhero of real life. A person who faced immense challenges with grace.

By the end of the flight, Erin Andrews and her seatmate had shared more than a screen. They shared a connection rooted in humanity, empathy, and the enduring power of storytelling. An unforgettable experience that Andrews and her seatmate will probably recount for years.