Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA Hall of Famer and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, recently shed light on Shaquille O’Neal’s hilarious long-standing habit of paying an eye-popping $1,000 per pedicure. Known for his 7-foot-1 frame and size 22 feet, O’Neal hilariously opened up about why he spends so much on something as simple as foot care during his appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
O’Neal, whose net worth is estimated to be $500 million, revealed that he feels genuinely bad for the women tasked with the responsibility of tending to his feet. “Because I feel sorry for the young lady that’s doing my feet. I really do,” O’Neal said, humorously referring to the condition of his feet. He also took a jab at his TNT co-host Charles Barkley, joking that his feet look like Barkley’s face—a comment that sparked laughter both on the show and on social media.
.@SHAQ explains why he pays $1000 for a pedicure 😂 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/aB2rOMqNi1— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) September 26, 2024
While the average cost of a pedicure can range anywhere from $20 to $100, Shaquille O’Neal’s hilarious $1,000 splurge is at least 10 to 50 times higher than the norm. But for a man worth half a billion dollars, spending that much on pedicures seems trivial, especially when it brings him peace of mind. It’s not just about comfort—O’Neal’s regular pedicures are rooted in his basketball career.
During his interview with Fallon, O’Neal reminisced about how his mother, Lucille O’Neal, helped him realize the importance of foot care. He recalled a moment early in his career when he suffered from a toe injury. His mother painted his toenails, and O’Neal claimed that after that, he had one of his best games. “One time I had a toe injury, and my mother put nail polish on it, and I had 40 points,” O’Neal shared with Fallon, a claim that was made in jest. He added that once he began painting all his toenails, his performance improved, leading him to adopt regular pedicures as part of his routine. While the exact details of his claim don’t align with his career statistics, the humorous recollection drew more laughs from the audience.
The funny tale doesn’t stop there. O’Neal’s feet have been a point of fascination and shock for years. In 2017, during a TNT appearance, he showcased his seemingly deformed right big toe, which left fans and viewers in disbelief. His deformed toe is largely a result of his 2002 surgery to address arthritis. Despite the foot issues he’s faced, O’Neal continues to see the humor in the situation, even as he spends lavishly on pedicures to maintain his feet.
Someone get this man a pedicure! 😱😂 pic.twitter.com/SFCjnq7XV7— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 26, 2017
What stands out most about Shaquille O’Neal’s hilarious story is not just the amount of money involved but how O’Neal, with his towering personality and immense wealth, remains down-to-earth and relatable. His openness about something as mundane as pedicures—paired with his sense of humor—resonates with fans. Even with a net worth of $500 million, Shaq’s human touch shines through, making him not just an NBA legend but a beloved figure off the court.
O’Neal’s decision to overpay for pedicures highlights a lighter side of wealth and celebrity. Many famous athletes tend to focus on high-profile investments, luxury items, or philanthropic efforts, but Shaq brings an amusing spin to spending money on something ordinary. The public’s fascination with celebrity spending often lies in the extremes—either lavish extravagance or surprisingly relatable choices. O’Neal’s pedicure story fits perfectly into that mix, offering a humorous look at the daily life of a larger-than-life figure.
What makes Shaquille O’Neal such a compelling public figure is his ability to connect with people through humor. His larger-than-life personality, combined with his anecdotes about everyday activities like pedicures, showcases a side of celebrity that feels more human. In an era where many stars maintain an air of distance, Shaq breaks that mold by being open, funny, and relatable—traits that continue to make him a favorite among fans worldwide.
Shaquille O’Neal’s lighthearted approach to life and his ability to make fun of himself sets him apart from many other celebrities. His decision to overpay for pedicures, despite his immense wealth, reveals his playful nature and his desire to entertain even in the most mundane situations. It’s these moments that keep Shaq in the spotlight and beloved by the public long after his playing days are over.
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