Chicago buzzed with excitement over the weekend as fans of Jeremy Allen White gathered for the inaugural Jeremy Allen White Lookalike Contest. Set against the backdrop of the Windy City, this quirky event drew numerous contestants, all vying for the coveted title of best doppelganger of the star from the hit series The Bear.
On Saturday, dozens of participants, including some dressed as toddlers, converged at the local park, sporting chef’s aprons and white tees resembling White’s character, Carmen Berzatto. Others opted to channel his famous role as Phillip Gallagher from the long-running series Shameless. With cheers echoing from a crowd of eager spectators, contestants stepped forward to strut their stuff and showcase their uncanny resemblances.
Ben Shabad, a 37-year-old mental health therapist, emerged victorious at the contest, earning the loudest applause, which was the judge's deciding factor. “I didn’t really plan on winning — especially when I saw all these guys who looked like Jeremy Allen White — but the energy here is so exciting,” Shabad told the Chicago Tribune, visibly thrilled by the unexpected win.
His prize package included $50 and even a pack of cigarettes, which playfully honored Berzatto’s notable smoking habit on the series. The Bear, now enjoying its third season, follows Carmy, a chef transitioning from the high-end restaurant scene to managing the family’s sandwich shop after his brother’s suicide — a premise filled with emotional spectrum and culinary chaos.
The overwhelming success of the show, which bagged six Emmy Awards this year including three for acting, has transformed Jeremy Allen White not just from an actor to something of a local icon.
The event was conceived by Chicago roommates Kelsey Cassaro and Taylor Vaske, who drew inspiration from earlier celebrity lookalike contests, such as those for individuals like Dev Patel and Paul Mescal. “People were online saying, ‘Why doesn’t Chicago have one?’” Cassaro said during her interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. “I was like, ‘I think it should be Jeremy Allen White if we do it.’ And I also think a lot of Chicago dudes look like him,” she added.
Initially planned as more of a humorous venture, the contest took off after social media buzz sparked interest among residents. What began as simple flyers listed around town soon turned town-wide, transforming the informal idea to an official event and showcasing the city’s creative spirit.
While White was absent from the competition, the playful spirits of his lookalikes remained high throughout the event. Many who donned aprons and mimicked the celebrity’s style expressed their admiration for his talent and the impact of his roles. “I’m just impressed by [White’s] acting ability, and the shows he’s been in have been really good, so I take it as a compliment if people think I look like him,” remarked Shabad, underlining both his respect for the actor and his pride as one of his lookalikes.
This lookalike contest is just the latest addition to the growing trend across the country, making Chicago part of the fun. Whether it was the communal energy bubbling under the surface or simply the chance to channel their inner celebrity, attendees truly enjoyed what turned out to be one memorable Saturday filled with laughter and friendly competition.
From casual spectators to highly spirited participants, the city came alive, showcasing what it means to enjoy the little things together. So, there you have it, Chicago: A community gathering, tons of smiles, and heaps of cheers centered around one charismatic star! Who knows, this may be the beginning of regular celebrity lookalike extravaganzas for the city. The charm of fun and creativity seems to take hold of Chicago, proving there’s always room for laughter — just around the corner.
