Latest news with #lookalikecontest
The Guardian
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Experience: I won a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest
When I first saw the flyer for the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest last October, I thought it was a joke. Lookalike contests were not mainstream yet. It was also taking place in New York's Washington Square Park – a place I usually associate with chaos. But last year a TikTok of me at a London barbershop went viral before because people thought I resembled Timothée. So, a day before the contest, I headed to a charity shop and picked out an outfit that made me look like Timothée's Willy Wonka. Why not? I was shocked by the size of the crowd on the day. There were thousands there and I was swarmed by people wanting photos. Before the contest even began, the police had arrived to shut it down. We relocated to a nearby park. It was later announced that Timothée had crashed the contest but left when the cops arrived. I missed his visit entirely. Once the contest began, we were asked to complete a series of activities, including a bizarre Timothée-themed Q&A. Eventually, they narrowed down the contestants to me and a lookalike named Zander, who was dressed in a Dune-inspired outfit. Whoever got the loudest cheer would win. At that point, I was pretty calm. I thought Zander had a good shot of winning, too, as he looked a lot like Timothée. After they announced I'd won, hundreds of cameras went off in front of me. The sensory overload was next level. The reporters were aggressively fighting over who would speak to me first. To top it all, I had to walk around Manhattan carrying a 6ft trophy and a massive $50 cheque. I was invited on famous talkshows, like The Drew Barrymore Show, and fast-food companies reached out to me to film sponsored content. A highlight was attending this year's Golden Globes. I was with my mum when I received my invitation, via Instagram DM from CBS, which was broadcasting the event. My mum and I both lost it. This would be my second interaction with Timothée, as I had already met him at a screening of the film A Complete Unknown, which I was also invited to. I had been lucky enough to sit in the front row and when Timothée came out to greet the crowd, I said: 'I kind of look like you.' I did not mention the lookalike contest, but he turned to me and asked: 'What place did you get?' After I told him, he asked for a photo with me. You'd think it would be the other way round. Before the Golden Globes, CBS flew me out to LA. On landing, I went out for a breakfast burrito, and the waiter told me I looked like Timothée. He was so stunned to learn I was there for winning the lookalike contest that he gave me my meal for free. At the Globes, I walked the red carpet with the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest. We stood there for three hours, holding signs that read: 'I won a lookalike contest and now I'm at the Golden Globes.' We spent most of the time looking at each other in disbelief, surrounded by the world's most famous celebrities. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion I thought meeting Timothée was off the cards. But just before the ceremony kicked off, he dashed through the red carpet. He stopped to acknowledge me – something he wasn't doing for anyone else. For a second time, he asked for a picture. I was grateful as he didn't have to do that. I watched the ceremony from the trophy engraving room. I took full advantage of the unlimited food and drink, and ate about 30 lamb chops. The voice actor for Moana came up and said, 'Oh my god, you won the lookalike contest! Fuck, yeah, you did!' But I didn't recognise many people who approached me for pictures. The CBS team had to tell me who they were. I'd just think: 'Wow, that's insane.' It was hands-down the best night of my life. Later, Saturday Night Live asked me to feature me in a promo for a show Timothée was hosting, but I was in Europe and couldn't make the 12-hour turnaround. They cast someone else who wasn't even at the contest. I was disappointed, of course, but that's how this industry works. I'm optimistic about future opportunities, but even if that was the peak, I'm still grateful for all the cool things I got to do. As told to Maria Vieira Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Experience: I won a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest
When I first saw the flyer for the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest last October, I thought it was a joke. Lookalike contests were not mainstream yet. It was also taking place in New York's Washington Square Park – a place I usually associate with chaos. But last year a TikTok of me at a London barbershop went viral before because people thought I resembled Timothée. So, a day before the contest, I headed to a charity shop and picked out an outfit that made me look like Timothée's Willy Wonka. Why not? I was shocked by the size of the crowd on the day. There were thousands there and I was swarmed by people wanting photos. Before the contest even began, the police had arrived to shut it down. We relocated to a nearby park. It was later announced that Timothée had crashed the contest but left when the cops arrived. I missed his visit entirely. Once the contest began, we were asked to complete a series of activities, including a bizarre Timothée-themed Q&A. Eventually, they narrowed down the contestants to me and a lookalike named Zander, who was dressed in a Dune-inspired outfit. Whoever got the loudest cheer would win. At that point, I was pretty calm. I thought Zander had a good shot of winning, too, as he looked a lot like Timothée. After they announced I'd won, hundreds of cameras went off in front of me. The sensory overload was next level. The reporters were aggressively fighting over who would speak to me first. To top it all, I had to walk around Manhattan carrying a 6ft trophy and a massive $50 cheque. I was invited on famous talkshows, like The Drew Barrymore Show, and fast-food companies reached out to me to film sponsored content. A highlight was attending this year's Golden Globes. I was with my mum when I received my invitation, via Instagram DM from CBS, which was broadcasting the event. My mum and I both lost it. This would be my second interaction with Timothée, as I had already met him at a screening of the film A Complete Unknown, which I was also invited to. I had been lucky enough to sit in the front row and when Timothée came out to greet the crowd, I said: 'I kind of look like you.' I did not mention the lookalike contest, but he turned to me and asked: 'What place did you get?' After I told him, he asked for a photo with me. You'd think it would be the other way round. Before the Golden Globes, CBS flew me out to LA. On landing, I went out for a breakfast burrito, and the waiter told me I looked like Timothée. He was so stunned to learn I was there for winning the lookalike contest that he gave me my meal for free. At the Globes, I walked the red carpet with the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest. We stood there for three hours, holding signs that read: 'I won a lookalike contest and now I'm at the Golden Globes.' We spent most of the time looking at each other in disbelief, surrounded by the world's most famous celebrities. I thought meeting Timothée was off the cards. But just before the ceremony kicked off, he dashed through the red carpet. He stopped to acknowledge me – something he wasn't doing for anyone else. For a second time, he asked for a picture. I was grateful as he didn't have to do that. I watched the ceremony from the trophy engraving room. I took full advantage of the unlimited food and drink, and ate about 30 lamb chops. The voice actor for Moana came up and said, 'Oh my god, you won the lookalike contest! Fuck, yeah, you did!' But I didn't recognise many people who approached me for pictures. The CBS team had to tell me who they were. I'd just think: 'Wow, that's insane.' It was hands-down the best night of my life. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Later, Saturday Night Live asked me to feature me in a promo for a show Timothée was hosting, but I was in Europe and couldn't make the 12-hour turnaround. They cast someone else who wasn't even at the contest. I was disappointed, of course, but that's how this industry works. I'm optimistic about future opportunities, but even if that was the peak, I'm still grateful for all the cool things I got to do. As told to Maria Vieira Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Daily Show' Staffer on Triumph at Pedro Pascal Look-Alike Contest: 'It's Been Insane' (Exclusive)
On Sunday, George Gountas enjoyed a life of relative obscurity. True, the 42-year-old resident of Brooklyn has enjoyed a taste of the limelight — literally, as he's been the lighting designer for The Daily Show since 2018. And yes, he was used to being told he looked like a certain celebrity whose profile has skyrocketed in recent years. But for the most part, he was just George from Greenpoint, father of two. More from The Hollywood Reporter "Who Gives a F*** What Other People Think": Walton Goggins, Adam Scott and the Drama Actor Roundtable Late-Night TV Hosts on Trump's "Big Stupid Birthday Parade": "Almost Makes Me Feel Bad for Him" How Celine Song's 'Materialists' Approaches New York City Wealth All of that changed yesterday when Gountas, egged on by his wife and Daily Show staffers, entered a Pedro Pascal look-alike contest. Sponsored by Lower East Side's Son Del North Mexican restaurant — who wanted to prove the Materialists star wrong in his assessment on Hot Ones that New York has no good Mexican food — the competition gave the winner burritos for a year and $50 cash, plus unlimited bragging rights. It was instantly obvious to everyone in attendance (and hundreds of onlookers showed up, plus a couple dozen contestants) that Pedro No. 5 was the clear winner. Pascal, 50, has already given his blessing, commenting on a viral Instagram post about Gountas' win with a teary-eyed smiley face emoji and a heart. Gountas granted his first post-triumph media interview to The Hollywood Reporter. *** George, I have to say this is very startling. Your resemblance to Pedro Pascal must have interrupted your life a lot over the past few years. It started back when Pedro was on Game of Thrones. He was Red Viper, a very beloved character. They killed off a lot of those in very startling fashion. My wife was so freaked out when he got killed. She's like, 'I can't watch this. I feel like the guy is crushing your head.' Then my daughter's classmates would tell their parents how I 'look like famous people.' They'd take pictures of their TVs and send them to my wife. You could be his twin brother. I look more like him than I look like my own brother. What's amazing is that you also work in show business, like him. Tell me about your job. I am the lighting designer at The Daily Show, which is a wonderful place to work. We're a very tight-knit group and have a daily text on what's needed for the day. One of the stage managers, Tyler, found the advertisement for the contest and was like, 'Yo, George, go win some free burritos.' I showed it to my wife and she's like, 'Yeah, you're going to this.' My neighbor is a stylist and art director and she was like, 'I've got shoes for you, I've got pants for you.' It was a whole thing. Pedro has done a lot of talk shows, but has he done ? In my tenure, he hasn't been there. I've been there since 2018. So I don't remember him coming by, but hopefully he does now. I feel like that's imminent now. There was a picture on somebody's Instagram with a side-by-side of him and me. Apparently he commented with a couple of tear emojis and a heart. So it was pretty funny. That's going to be a huge summit, just the two of you meeting. Let's talk about the contest. It was at a Mexican restaurant. The whole root of it is that he complained about Mexican food in New York? That's my understanding. I'm assuming he lives in Los Angeles and obviously L.A. is known for its great Mexican food. He wasn't happy [with New York's offerings]. So they said, 'We'll show you. We're going to do this contest.' I already started trying my first burritos. And they're excellent. Tell me about the scene there. Was it mayhem? How many people showed up? It was unbelievable. I live in Greenpoint, which is not too far away. My kids wanted to come, so my wife and kids joined me. And as we're getting closer, there's 1,000 people in the street. Cars are honking, trying to get by. Apparently you're supposed to sign up in advance. I didn't. I just kind of walked up and said, 'Hey, I'm here.' And so you met your other contestants. The other ones did not hold a candle to you. I guess they all realized it the second they saw you. Listen, I sized them all up, I'm not going to lie. No. 18 look good from far. Great head of hair. No. 18 had me beat in that department. The Instagram comments are pretty vicious, saying I should go to Turkey. Don't read the comments. So you were named the winner and what do you get? Burritos for a year, and 50 bucks. That's like going out for ice cream at Greenpoint. Have you heard from any of your bosses at yet? Everyone's super supportive. It's been pretty insane. There's a full page spread in The New York Post and people are just screenshotting everything and sending it to me. Has Jon Stewart said anything? I haven't seen or spoken to him yet. I'm anxious about going to the show and have everybody make fun of me. It's kind of a very cool family environment there. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
Geek Feed
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Feed
The Winner of the Pedro Pascal Lookalike Contest Works on the Daily Show
It all started with a silly Timothee Chalamet Lookalike contest back in 2024, and since then there have been several other attempts at celebrity lookalike competitions throughout the year. The latest one making headlines is a Pedro Pascal lookalike contest, and what's funny is, the winner, George Gountas, actually works on The Daily Show, and he was brought in to actually talk about his experience on air. Check this out: What's funny is that, people were supposed to sign up to enter the contest, but Gountas was so confident that he would win and he just walked up to the event and everyone immediately thought that he would land on top. Though people aren't really expecting things to blow up for Gountas after he won the contest, he is using his few seconds of fame to call out to the actual Pedro Pascal; apparently, Gountas' wife said that she would only be okay with all the attention her husband is getting if she managed to meet the actual Pascal. We don't know if that will eventually happen, but with the popularity of The Daily Show and Pascal currently doing press for Fantastic Four , having him meet up with Gountas and his wife would probably be a quick payday for the press if they managed to get it together. Watch out for The Daily Show weeknights on Comedy Central. Pedro Pascal stars in Fantastic Four: First Steps which comes to cinemas on July 25.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Pedro Pascal lookalike contest crowns shock winner as he poses with fans
fans were left stunned after the winner of a lookalike contest for the star was crowned on Sunday. A father named George Gountas - who is the spitting image of the actor - won the grand prize of $50 and a year's worth of burritos for his resemblance to Pascal. Gountas had certainly got the Pascal memo as he wore the star's signature black rimmed spectacles and muscle flashing tank top to take photos with delighted fans. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO The event took place at Del North Mexican restaurant in New York City 's Lower East Side neighborhood on Father's Day. 'When we saw this [contest], I was like, "It's Father's Day. You have to go. It's going to be your Father's Day treat,"' George's wife Jenny Gania told the New York Post. She said it was over ten years ago when she and her family first recognized the actor as her husband's doppelganger. 'It started when the Game of Thrones came out the first time - that's when we first heard it,' Gania recalled, adding, 'Then some kids started noting it, too.' Gania noted the irony of her spouse taking home the prize as she said, 'It's funny, because he's not on social media at all. But now he's going to be everywhere.' Thirty other Pedro contestants descended on the Mexican food joint in hopes of winning the competition. Son Del North chef and co-owner Annisha Garcia said the motivation for the contest stemmed from Pascal's 2023 comment that there isn't any satisfactory Mexican food in NYC, which he made during a Hot Ones appearance. Quoting Pedro, Garcia said, '"I'm so sorry, but there's no good Mexican food in New York"? We were like, "There is, and we are here."' The restaurant's other co-owner, Wim Shih, added that the goal of the lighthearted contest was to bring levity during tough times. 'There's just so much sadness in the world right now, and we wanted to be a bit of sunshine today amidst all that,' Shih shared with the Post. In the wake of the stunning victory, fans took to social media to proclaim 'Is that not Pedro?', 'Crazy' and 'Is that not the real Pedro??@ Doppelgangers: Gountas's wife Jenny said they'd spotted his likeness to the star years ago Cash prize: Gountas gleefully held up a check written out to 'Pedro #5 for being a Zaddy'
