Who is Greta Gerwig? Why Travis Kelce mistook Hugh Grant’s wife for her

Greta Gerwig at the London premiere of “Barbie” in July. Image Credit: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images
Greta Gerwig is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of her generation. Known for her sharp writing and unique directing style, she rose to prominence with Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019), both of which earned Academy Award nominations.
Her 2023 blockbuster Barbie cemented her reputation as a cultural force, blending comedy, social commentary, and vibrant visuals in a film that grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Beyond directing, Gerwig has also worked as an actress and screenwriter, making her one of Hollywood’s most versatile creative voices.
The Travis Kelce Mix-Up
During an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers (Oct. 8, 2025), Taylor Swift revealed a funny behind-the-scenes story from her Eras Tour. According to Swift, her fiancé Travis Kelce was excited to meet Greta Gerwig, whom he admires greatly for her films.
At a London tour stop in June 2024, Swift told Kelce that his “favorite director” was in the VIP tent. Kelce later struck up a conversation, even joking, “I’m just Ken too,” in reference to Ryan Gosling’s iconic line from Barbie.
But there was one problem, Kelce wasn’t speaking to Gerwig. Instead, he was complimenting Hugh Grant’s wife, Swedish TV producer Anna Eberstein.
Why Did Kelce Confuse Them?
Kelce reportedly noticed Eberstein speaking closely with Hugh Grant throughout the evening and assumed she was the award-winning director. Swift explained that Kelce believed they were “soulmates” and thought Gerwig was simply too polite to correct his mistake.
Later, when Swift saw videos of Kelce chatting with Grant and Eberstein, she had to break the news: he had congratulated the wrong woman on directing Barbie.
READ ALSO
Why did KISS star Gene Simmons faint while driving? Inside details of his frightening car accident
What led Chandler Moore to sue Maverick City Music?
Greta Gerwig’s Impact in Hollywood
The mix-up has sparked laughter online, but it also highlights Gerwig’s unique cultural footprint. Few directors command such wide admiration from both critics and mainstream audiences. Her films often explore themes of identity, womanhood, and creativity, earning her comparisons to iconic storytellers like Nora Ephron and Woody Allen.
That Travis Kelce, an NFL superstar, counts Gerwig among his favorite filmmakers shows just how far her influence extends beyond cinema into pop culture at large.
Why the Story Resonates
Fans are finding the incident both hilarious and relatable. Mistaking celebrities is not uncommon, especially in fast-paced VIP events. Swift’s lighthearted retelling added charm to the moment, and Seth Meyers’ joking comment, “The good thing is he recognized true love”, turned the story into instant entertainment news.
With Gerwig fresh off promoting Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery at the London Film Festival, and Swift riding the success of The Life of a Showgirl, this anecdote connects some of the biggest names in entertainment today.
FAQ – Greta Gerwig
Q1: Who is Greta Gerwig?
Greta Gerwig is an American filmmaker, actress, and writer best known for directing Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie. She is one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed modern directors.
Q2: Why did Travis Kelce mistake Hugh Grant’s wife for Greta Gerwig?
At Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in London (June 2024), Kelce thought he was meeting Greta Gerwig but was actually talking to Hugh Grant’s wife, Anna Eberstein. The confusion arose because Eberstein and Grant appeared inseparable during the event, and Kelce assumed she was the director.
Q3: What did Travis Kelce say during the mix-up?
Kelce congratulated Anna Eberstein on directing Barbie and even made a playful “I’m just Ken too” joke, thinking she was Greta Gerwig.
Q4: How did Taylor Swift reveal the story?
Swift shared the anecdote on Late Night with Seth Meyers (Oct. 8, 2025), laughing about Kelce’s innocent but funny mistake.
Q5: Who is Hugh Grant’s wife, Anna Eberstein?
Anna Eberstein is a Swedish TV producer and retail director. She married actor Hugh Grant in 2018, and they share three children.
Q6: What movies has Greta Gerwig directed?
Gerwig has directed Lady Bird (2017), Little Women (2019), and Barbie (2023), along with co-writing several other films. Her next major project includes Chronicles of Narnia adaptations for Netflix.
Q7: Is Greta Gerwig married?
Yes, she is married to filmmaker Noah Baumbach. The two often collaborate on film projects.
Q8: Why is Greta Gerwig important in Hollywood?
Gerwig is one of the few women to direct billion-dollar box office hits. She is celebrated for her storytelling, ability to capture emotional nuance, and her influence on a new generation of filmmakers.
Q9: Did Travis Kelce ever meet the real Greta Gerwig?
As of now, reports only confirm the humorous mix-up with Anna Eberstein. Fans are waiting to see if Kelce will officially meet Gerwig in the future.
Q10: How did fans react to the story?
Fans found the mix-up endearing and hilarious. Many took to social media to joke that Kelce’s love for Gerwig’s work proves he has great taste in film, even if his celebrity spotting skills need improvement.