And the Winner of the Jeremy Allen White Lookalike Contest Is…

Last weekend, a lively crowd gathered at a Chicago park for an exciting contest to see who could best embody the charm of TV heartthrob Jeremy Allen White. Contestants of all ages stepped up, donning everything from pristine chef whites reminiscent of White's character Carmy in The Bear, to outfits that echoed his role as Phillip in Shameless. The energy was palpable as fans cheered on each participant showcasing their resemblance.

When the applause died down, 37-year-old mental health therapist Ben Shabad was crowned the winner. “I didn't really plan on winning – especially when I saw all these guys that looked like Jeremy Allen White – but the energy here is so exciting,” Mr. Shabad remarked. True to the show's gritty essence, he walked away with $50 and a pack of cigarettes—a fitting tribute to Carmy's chain-smoking habits.

The Bear, now thriving in its third season, follows Carmy, a fine-dining chef who returns home to manage his family's Chicago sandwich shop after the tragic loss of his brother. The show has also garnered critical acclaim, winning six Emmy Awards in 2024 and tying with Succession for the most wins.

The creative minds behind this fan event were Chicago roommates Kelsey Cassaro and Taylor Vaske. They decided to host a celebrity lookalike contest inspired by similar events featuring stars like Dev Patel and Paul Mescal. The trend has gained momentum recently—who could forget Timothée Chalamet's surprise appearance at his own lookalike contest in New York last October? These doppelganger events are popping up across the country.

“People were online saying, ‘Why doesn't Chicago have one?'” Ms. Cassaro shared. “I thought it should be Jeremy Allen White if we do it. I think a lot of Chicago guys resemble him,” she added, reflecting on how what began as a social media joke turned into a buzzing reality thanks to their promotional efforts.

Although White himself did not attend the event, his lookalikes certainly kept the excitement alive. “I'm just impressed by [White's] acting ability; his shows have been really good, so I take it as a compliment that people think I look like him,” said Mr. Shabad.