Home / Arts and Entertainment / Actors Kaluuya & Withers Flip Travel Delay into Viral TV Bit
Actors Kaluuya & Withers Flip Travel Delay into Viral TV Bit
15 Nov
Summary
- Actors Daniel Kaluuya and Tyriq Withers improvised a viral comedy bit during a flight delay.
- They adapted a popular internet meme to humorously describe their airport predicament.
- The actors praised safety precautions despite the significant travel disruption.
On November 13, 2026, actors Daniel Kaluuya and Tyriq Withers found themselves stranded at Eugene Airport in Oregon due to a nationwide FAA ground stop. The disruption occurred after they had already boarded their flight to Los Angeles.
Approached by KVAL News reporter Gold Meadows, Withers humorously adapted the viral "Bella Noche" meme to describe their unexpected situation. He and Kaluuya took turns answering questions, blending appreciation for safety protocols with the meme's distinctive style.
Kaluuya, while acknowledging the inconvenience, emphasized the importance of the safety precautions, suggesting the pause in flights could have prevented potential harm. Withers also echoed gratitude, referencing the midterm elections and the FAA's role in passenger protection.
The exchange quickly gained broader attention, with PEOPLE covering the story the following day. Both actors have notable connections to director Jordan Peele; Kaluuya starred in 'Get Out' and 'Nope,' while Withers appeared in Peele-produced 'Him.'
The FAA ground stop, initiated due to air traffic control communication and radar issues, lasted over four hours. The disruption stemmed from overloaded older network equipment. While departures were halted, the FAA ensured aircraft already airborne landed safely. The ground stop was lifted at 5:15 p.m. in Eugene, though restoring normal flight schedules took additional time.
