Chicago Hosts Jeremy Allen White Lookalike Contest: A Cheeky Commentary
Ah, Chicago—a city known for its deep-dish pizza, jazz music, and apparently, competitions for people to dress up as Jeremy Allen White. That’s right, folks! The Windy City recently hosted a lookalike contest with more than fifty die-hard fans all attempting to look like the star of the hit series The Bear. Clearly, someone in Chicago thought, “What better way to spend a Saturday than by reinventing the wheel with wigs, bronzer, and a side of deep existential crisis?”
Ben Shabad Reigns Supreme!
The coveted title went to one Ben Shabad, a 37-year-old therapist. You know, the type that can *probably* help you work through your feelings after losing a lookalike competition. “I’m so happy. It’s the coolest thing I’ve done all week!” he exclaimed. I mean, let’s be real: in Chicago, there are less royal pursuits than trying to impersonate a character who’s essentially a culinary prodigy with a nicotine habit. Haven’t we all been there?
But wait—for his efforts, Ben walked away with a cool $50 and a pack of cigarettes! Because why not? It’s a tribute to Jeremy’s character, Carmen Berzatto—a chain-smoking chef battling his issues one dish at a time. Nothing screams “success” like a smoker’s pack and the satisfaction of resembling someone famous. Just don’t take that prize money and buy yourself a salad; we don’t need you going all healthy after accomplishing such a feat!
Chalamet’s Glamorous Alternative
If you think that battling for Jeremy Allen White’s likeness is odd, let’s take a moment to look at the other end of the celebrity lookalike spectrum: Timothée Chalamet. Earlier this month, New York threw its own twist on this bizarre phenomenon with a lookalike contest honoring our favorite heartthrob (and general teenage crush). Just over twenty contestants, all dressed to the nines in attire fit for a Wonka-esque fashion show, bravely stepped into the ring. And guess who made a surprise appearance? Timothée himself! Talk about putting the “you” in unique!
However, here’s a plot twist: even though he graced the occasion with his charm, Chalamet didn’t win the contest. The title went to another contestant, who, if I had to guess, was probably putting on his best early-2000s pop star routine while donning Willy Wonka’s purple cape. Can you imagine? The winner sauntered off with a grand trophy and a $50 check, thus proving once more that sometimes the real treasure is the friends we made while trying to impersonate Hollywood’s elite.
The Takeaway
So, to wrap up this delightful saga of celebrity likeness, what exactly is the takeaway? Maybe it’s that in a world where we’re nipping at each other’s heels to be just like our favorite stars, we can end up just one wig away from a good time (and a good laugh). Or perhaps it’s simply that even in the chaos of impersonation and ambition, a little bit of comedic flair can turn ordinary people into extraordinary characters—even if it’s just for one afternoon in Chicago or New York.
At the end of the day, we all want to feel a little like the stars, don’t we? Just remember: keep those cigarettes away from the therapy sessions, and absolutely, positively, don’t take the eye shadow too far—unless you’re aiming for a look that screams “I just lost a contest for being too ‘me’!”
Organized in the bustling city of Chicago, the highly anticipated lookalike competition drew in over fifty enthusiastic participants, all vying to replicate the likeness of actor Jeremy Allen White, the acclaimed star of the hit series The Bear. Contestants donned striking outfits and practiced their best impressions in hopes of being crowned the ultimate doppelgänger.
According to the local newspaper, the Chicago Sun-Times, it was Ben Shabad, a 37-year-old therapist from Glenview, who emerged victorious from the fierce competition. “I’m so happy. It’s the coolest thing I’ve done all week,” he exclaimed joyfully after being crowned the winner.
The triumphant contestant walked away not only with a cash prize of $50 (approximately 47 euros) but also claimed a unique pack of cigarettes, nodding to the character Carmen Berzatto, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White, who is frequently seen smoking throughout the series.
Timothée Chalamet in New York
At the end of October, a similarly themed competition transpired in Washington Square Park, New York, honoring the charismatic Timothée Chalamet. More than twenty eager contestants took part in this event that celebrated the actor’s iconic roles, and in an unexpected twist, Chalamet himself made a surprise appearance amidst the crowd, eliciting excitement and cheers.
The winner of this New York competition, donning Willy Wonka’s signature purple cape, was awarded a magnificent gold trophy along with a check for $50, a fitting tribute to the enchanting character he embodied.
What motivated Ben Shabad to participate in the Jeremy Allen White lookalike contest?
**Interview with Ben Shabad, Winner of the Jeremy Allen White Lookalike Contest**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Ben! Congratulations on winning the Jeremy Allen White lookalike contest. How does it feel to take home the title?
**Ben Shabad:** Thank you! Honestly, it feels amazing. It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. I didn’t expect to win—I just wanted to have some fun and celebrate the show. But walking away with the title was definitely the cherry on top!
**Editor:** You put a lot of effort into your look. Can you tell us a bit about your preparation for the contest?
**Ben Shabad:** Sure! I really embraced the character—so I donned a white chef jacket, threw on some bronzer for that sun-kissed look, and of course, I had to get my hands on some fake cigarettes. I wanted to channel Carmen Berzatto, so I went all out!
**Editor:** And you won not just the title but also a pack of cigarettes and $50. How do you feel about those prizes?
**Ben Shabad:** (laughs) Well, it’s a quirky prize package for sure! I suppose it’s fitting, considering the smoking aspect of Carmen’s character. The $50 is great—it’ll probably go towards my next outing. As for the cigarettes, maybe I’ll just use them as a prop for my next costume party!
**Editor:** Outside of the contest, how do you feel about the entire lookalike phenomenon? What do you think it says about us as fans?
**Ben Shabad:** I think it’s a fun way for people to express their fandom! We all have connections to our favorite shows and characters—sometimes dressing up or impersonating them can bring out hilarious and memorable moments. It makes us feel connected to that world, even if it’s just for one day.
**Editor:** Speaking of connections, what did you think of the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest in New York? A slightly different vibe, don’t you think?
**Ben Shabad:** Absolutely! Chalamet definitely has a more glamorous allure, compared to Jeremy’s gritty culinary charm. But hey, it’s all about having fun and celebrating the stars we love, regardless of the theme. I think as long as everyone enjoys themselves, it’s all good!
**Editor:** So what’s next for you after this win? Any plans for future contests?
**Ben Shabad:** I’m definitely considering more lookalike contests! Who knows, maybe I’ll branch out and find a different character to impersonate. And hey, if Jeremy Allen White himself shows up next time, I’ll be ready to give him a run for his money!
**Editor:** Well, we look forward to seeing where your new fame takes you! Thanks for sharing your experience with us today, Ben.
**Ben Shabad:** Thank you for having me! It was a blast, and I hope everyone finds their inner star. Just remember to have fun with it!
