Photo Credit: Getty/ Marcus Ingram
Shaquille O’Neal spent his 46 birthday last week surrounded by Oreo cookies. In fact, he spent much of his birthday doing random acts of Shaqness which included handing out free Oreo Chocolate candy bars to fans. The retired NBA superstar was all smiles and sarcasm as we caught up with him in the rain where he was almost drowning in piles and piles of the cookies. Next to his tent was the Snack Shaq, a playhouse customized just for 7’1 retired ballplayer featuring a sunroof and a special door just for him.
The NBA Hall-of-Famer was beaming as he basked in a sea filled with his favorite cookie. “We have the same birthday which is really why I love Oreo. Since I was a kid these have always been my favorite cookie,” he tells Haute Living. “I was born on March 6, they [Oreo} were born on March 6, so obviously, all the greatest things are born on March 6th.” The part-time Atlanta resident also gave us the rundown on his Oreo preference these days. He said that while the Classic used to be his go-to flavor, he has since transitioned to the Lemon flavor and now he loves the Birthday Cake Oreo.
But this birthday giveaway was about more than just cookies. It was another way the superstar continues to give back to the community. From surprising families in need to donating time to local organizations and becoming active in the local communities, Shaq continues to make a big impact on Atlanta and beyond. In fact, NBA Hall of Famer and philanthropist was recently honored by the New York-based prestigious Jefferson Awards Foundation for his dedication to the children in America for the last 25 years.
“I love children. I love making people laugh. I love making people feel good.” he tells Haute Living. “We live in stressful times so if I can make a person feel good about themselves or their surroundings for a least a few minutes every day than at least Shaq has done his job.”
The soft-spoken guy, who recently became the proud owner of his very own “speakeasy” tree house which was showcased on the Animal Planet’s show “Treehouse Masters”, told us he was laying low for the remainder of his birthday. No big party for Shaq? Well, according to his Instagram, he did indulge a little with a pedicure. We can imagine he also spent some time in his Shaq-custom Speakeasy.
But true to his nature, he continued to use his birthday as a day to give to others. In fact, he decided to tie $500 in cash to his birthday balloons and set them free hoping to make a person’s day. In his video post, he watches the balloons and money head out into the Atlanta skyline and asked for one thing in return. He wanted the lucky person who happened to find the balloons and money to reach out and let him know they received it.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes #46andfineashell #hopeyougetthis #moneybaloonchallenge A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on
O’Neal who owns a sprawling compound outside of Atlanta recently purchased some property in Los Angeles but we are hoping he doesn’t stay away from Atlanta too long. During his Oreo giveaway, he graciously answered questions from fans and everyone wanted to know his thoughts on March Madness and who he would be watching and rooting for the NBA playoffs. The goofy and sarcastic O’Neal flatly responded that he does not like watching basketball. “I don’t like TV,” he continued. “Except for the show “Scandal”. That I watch.”
But we have to assume the sports analyst, actor, and tv personality does have some thoughts on the impending playoffs, but he kept those to himself on his birthday.
