Chicago’s Lookalike Contest: Finding the Bear’s Best Double
Ah, Chicago! Known for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and apparently, a brigade of Jeremy Allen White lookalikes. Yes, you heard that right! This past Saturday, a park in the Windy City transformed into a veritable runway of doppelgangers vying for the coveted title of “Bear” lookalike. And let me tell you, nothing screams “I love a good sandwich shop” like over 50 contestants clamoring to resemble an award-winning chef who has dreams bigger than his family dive shop!
The event, a delightful cocktail of ambition and excess facial scruff, culminated in the rewarding ceremony of one lucky winner snagging not just the glory of being Jeremy’s official unofficial body double, but also a crisp $50 bill and a pack of cigarettes. Because nothing says “I’ve conquered the sandwich” quite like a pack of smokes in hand while being paraded around like a deity at a toga party. And who needs Michelin stars when you can win a crown and a nicotine fix?
But it wasn’t just a parade of bearded men trying to channel their inner “Carmy.” The diverse mix included women, other ethnicities, and even a toddler impersonator! Now, if we’re giving out awards for miraculous parenting choices, then hat’s off to the parent who thought, “Why yes, child, dress up as a chef from a sandwich shop. A brilliant idea!” You can almost hear the child’s fervent cries of “I want to be a bear!” echoing through the festivities.
One of the greatest elements of this lookalike contest is how it reflects our society’s obsession with celebrities. Seriously, a contestant named Ben Shabad, a 37-year-old mental health therapist, emerged victorious while sporting his finest “Carmy” swagger. The moment he was hoisted into the air like a champion after his hard-fought victory, I was half-expecting someone to break into a spontaneous rendition of “Eye of the Tiger.” And let’s be real, it would be fitting given the sheer hilarity of it all—our charming therapist earning his place among the pantheon of amateur actors and wannabe chefs.
We also had some lovely words from Jeremy Allen White’s superfan, Alexis Kline, who described him as “a Roman god.” Well, bless her! Next time I see my reflection in a spoon, I’ll be sure to view myself as Apollo with a side of fries. But do we really think White has the physique of a Roman deity? I mean, let’s not forget he spends much of his time playing a character neck-deep in sandwiches, not exactly the ideal diet if one were to, you know, maintain a godlike figure.
All in all, this lookalike contest was a raucous celebration of fun, fandom, and a sprinkle of ridiculousness that only a city like Chicago could muster. From the bearded fellows to the surprisingly competitive toddler, the event highlighted just how passionately people can rally behind a show about sandwiches and mental health! After all, why reach for the stars when you can just aim for the double-decker sub? It seems the Chicago spirit is alive and well, fueled by both admiration for Jeremy Allen White and a fair amount of, well… pack of cigarettes.
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CHICAGO –
An intriguing spectacle unfolded as “The Bear” finds itself with a mirror image.
Over 50 enthusiastic contestants gathered at a bustling Chicago park on Saturday. They competed in a lively lookalike contest, all vying for the opportunity to portray actor Jeremy Allen White, the star of the locally beloved television series “The Bear.”
The victor of this playful contest not only earned the unofficial title of White’s body double but also took home a $50 cash prize along with a pack of cigarettes. This prize was a nod to the chain-smoking character he embodies in the show — Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto. Berzatto is an ambitious young chef who transitions from the high-stakes world of fine dining back to his Chicago roots, where he aims to breathe new life into his family’s struggling sandwich shop.
Within the narrative, the character occasionally goes by the moniker “Bear,” alluding to his aspirations of running a fine dining establishment named after this very title.
As hundreds of onlookers cheered in excitement, the coveted prize was awarded to 37-year-old mental health therapist Ben Shabad, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Shabad expressed his delight, stating, “This is the coolest thing I’ve done all week,” while being lifted aloft by jubilant fans, a crown adorning his head and a pack of cigarettes tightly grasped in one hand.
The crowd of aspiring lookalikes was predominantly made up of white males; however, a delightful mix of women and individuals from various ethnic backgrounds also joined in on the spirited competition. Notably, the contest even featured a toddler lookalike of White, adding a charming touch to the festivities.
The event organizers expressed their amazement at the unexpected turnout, which included superfan Alexis Kline, who remarked, “He’s like a Roman god to me.”
What inspired you to participate in Chicago’s Lookalike Contest for *The Bear*?
**Interview with Ben Shabad, the Winner of Chicago’s Lookalike Contest**
**Editor:** Today, we have with us Ben Shabad, the triumphant winner of Chicago’s first-ever “Bear” lookalike contest! Congratulations, Ben! It seems like quite the unique experience. How does it feel to be crowned Jeremy Allen White’s official unofficial body double?
**Ben Shabad:** Thank you! Honestly, it feels surreal. When I stepped onto that improvised runway surrounded by all those talented doppelgangers, I just thought, “What an amazing way to embrace the absurdity of life!” It was as much a celebration of community as it was about impersonating Carmy.
**Editor:** It sounds like a fun atmosphere! We heard there were over 50 contestants, ranging from dedicated fans to even a toddler dressed as a chef. What was your favorite moment from the event?
**Ben Shabad:** There were so many! But honestly, seeing that little kid dressed up like a chef was absolutely heartwarming. It really showed how this show resonates with people of all ages. Plus, I think he stole the audience’s hearts away from all of us adults—hard to compete with that adorableness!
**Editor:** Definitely! Your character, Jeremy Allen White, seems to have a strong hold on the audience. What do you think makes his portrayal in *The Bear* resonate so much with fans?
**Ben Shabad:** I think it’s the authenticity. Jeremy plays a character who is deeply flawed yet relatable, navigating challenges that many of us face—whether in our careers or personal lives. Plus, who doesn’t love a good sandwich, right? It taps into that hard-working, gritty spirit.
**Editor:** And speaking of the event—$50 and a pack of cigarettes as part of the prize? That’s definitely unique! What are you planning to do with your winnings?
**Ben Shabad:** (laughs) Well, I’m definitely treating myself to some deep-dish pizza first! As for the smokes, I’m not a smoker, but maybe I’ll frame the pack as a reminder of this hilarious experience. After all, this whole thing was about fun and community spirit, right?
**Editor:** Absolutely! you mentioned that it felt like a celebration of fandom. Do you think this type of event could become a regular thing in Chicago?
**Ben Shabad:** I really hope so! Chicago has a vibrant culture of embracing the quirky and the creative. If people can come together for something as lighthearted as this contest, why not? Plus, who wouldn’t want to share a moment of laughter over a beloved show?
**Editor:** Thank you, Ben! It sounds like it was a fantastic event that encapsulated the spirit of Chicago. We look forward to seeing what you do next!
**Ben Shabad:** Thank you for having me! Here’s to more joyous celebrations!