Ever since Tanner Smith made his debut on Love on the Spectrum, people from all over the world have been falling in love with his positive spirit.
Ahead of the season 3 premiere, which dropped on Netflix April 3, Tanner, 25, caught up with PEOPLE and revealed he has some A-list celebrity fans.
One supporter of Tanner has been Rosie O’Donnell. “She loves me. And that she’s glad that [I’m] spreading kindness,” he says with a smile, recalling how the former talk show host “communicated with [me] quite a bit.”
Another one of Tanner’s favorite celebrity shoutouts came from Jack Black, who sent him a special video message after learning he was a big fan of his 2008 animated film, Kung Fu Panda.
“He said, ‘Yo, what’s up Tanner Smith? Jack Black here,'” he recalls. “He said, ‘I heard you’re a big fan of Kung Fu Panda.’ And he’s just been loving watching the show, and he wanted to tell me that the feeling is mutual.”
Tanner adds that Black told him to “keep up the great work” and promised they’d meet in person “someday soon.”
The reality star got the ultimate surprise on April 3. During Tanner’s appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, host Kelly Clarkson played an unexpected video that featured a second message from Black.
“What’s up Tanner? Jack Black here! I still cannot wait to meet you in person, but I’m on the road with A Minecraft Movie right now,” he said before revealing a twist. “But luckily, I have insane ninja kung fu powers, which means I can come through these doors and I’m gonna see right now when I come through these doors!”
As he ran through the doors, Tanner leapt from his seat to hug the actor. “Jack, I’m so glad I finally get to meet you!” he gushed. “Jack, I’m your biggest fan cause you’re a great actor and a great singer!”
Eventually, Black joined them on the couch, where Tanner complimented the actor on how “handsome” and “strong” he was. When Black suggested the two lift weights together sometime, Tanner ecstatically replied, “Guess what, I’m going to get your phone number and then we can work out together!”
“Hey I love you on the show and I can’t wait for the next season,” Black said, smiling at Tanner. “And I’m so happy for you, having all of this success and time in your life. And to meet you in person is amazing for me too!”
This season on the Netflix hit show, the Clemson University graduate continues his journey in finding love. The “insightful and warm-hearted series” follows people on the autism spectrum as they “navigate the world of dating and relationships,” per an official synopsis.
Tanner’s on a quest to find a girlfriend who checks all of the boxes he’s looking for, including someone with “pretty eyes” and who’s “very talkative.”
For anyone else on the autism spectrum venturing into the dating world, Tanner says his advice would be to remember it’s OK to be “nervous at first.”
“But it’s going to be great and they can do it,” he adds. “And all they have to do is they have to just be nice, kind, polite and a gentleman.”
Reflecting on all the love and positive feedback he’s received from fans over the past year, has made him “feel more confident.”
“It makes me feel good inside,” he adds.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Love on the Spectrum season 3 is streaming now on Netflix.
Read the full article here
