![Tom Hanks seen riding the subway Tom Hanks seen riding the subway](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/celebrities-subway-nyc-005.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
By Jack Linshi
Actress Helen Mirren thrilled a handful of New Yorkers when they spotted her riding the subway this week.
While the Academy Award winner was praised for having her purse on her lap and being unafraid to sit next to someone — classy subway etiquette made all the more clear by the man-spreader beside her — the Emily Posts of the underground might dock the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for selecting the middle of two seats, a subway faux pas. (Plus, her coat is overflowing onto the adjacent empty seat.)
Mirren’s just one of the many celebrities who’ve shown that they’re down to earth enough to take on the New York City subway — take a look at a few others who’ve been spotted on the platforms.
![Tom Hanks seen riding the subway Tom Hanks seen riding the subway](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/celebrities-subway-nyc-005.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Taylor Kitsch takes the subway in NYC Taylor Kitsch takes the subway in NYC](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/celebrities-subway-nyc-003.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Naomi Watts takes the New York Subway with Alexander Schreiber and Samuel Schreiber on their way to school Naomi Watts takes the New York Subway with Alexander Schreiber and Samuel Schreiber on their way to school](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/celebrities-subway-nyc-002.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Sarah Jessica Parker Takes the Subway in New York City Sarah Jessica Parker Takes the Subway in New York City](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/celebrities-subway-nyc-004.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Katie Holmes rides the subway to rehearsals for "Dead Accounts" in Manhattan. Katie Holmes rides the subway to rehearsals for "Dead Accounts" in Manhattan.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/celebrities-subway-nyc-001.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
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