Jimmy Fallon’s Heartthrob Status in the early 2000s Helped Gay Actor Land Lead Role in Iconic Rachel McAdams Movie ‘Mean Girls’
In his early years, Jimmy Fallon was the quintessential heartthrob for teenagers, known primarily for his charisma and charm as a late-night talk show host. However, what’s often surprising to many is the unique connection he shares with the iconic casting of the teen comedy film Mean Girls.
It’s an intriguing revelation that Jonathan Bennett, the actor who portrayed Aaron Samuels in the movie, wasn’t chosen solely for his acting prowess; rather, he secured the role due to his striking resemblance to none other than Jimmy Fallon.
Aaron Samuels, brought to life by Jonathan Bennett, was not just the high school’s most popular jock; he also exhibited a genuinely compassionate and warm-hearted character. This parallel between Jonathan Bennett’s portrayal and Jimmy Fallon’s heartthrob status from the early 2000s is indeed a fascinating twist in the casting of Mean Girls.
Exploring Jonathan Bennett’s Mean Girls Casting Mystery
Mean Girls is undoubtedly a cult classic, delving into the intricate and often tumultuous lives of teenage girls in a humorous and sometimes perilous manner. However, amidst the ensemble of characters, there’s one figure who stands as a linchpin, making the show complete – Aaron Samuels. This vital character, which holds a special place in the hearts of fans, is impeccably portrayed by the talented actor Jonathan Bennett.
Interestingly, the casting of Jonathan Bennett as Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls wasn’t solely based on his acting abilities. In a surprising turn of events, Jonathan Bennett revealed in an interview that he owes his iconic role to his uncanny resemblance to The Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon.
It was Tina Fey, the creative genius behind Mean Girls, who was captivated by Jonathan Bennett’s likeness to Jimmy Fallon. The fact that they shared a resemblance seemed to resonate with her vision for the character of Aaron Samuels.
Jonathan Bennett told HuffPost that Although he has never had the chance to meet Fallon face to face, Bennett holds a strong desire to make an appearance on The Tonight Show at some juncture in his life. Regardless of whether the actor naturally looked like Jimmy Fallon or not, Jonathan Bennett will forever be etched in the minds of fans as the movie’s quintessential heartthrob. His portrayal of Aaron Samuels brought charisma and charm to the screen, making his character an integral part of the Mean Girls experience.
Nicole Kidman’s Date Confusion with Jimmy Fallon
In the early 2000s, Jimmy Fallon was a heartthrob who captured the hearts of teenage girls nationwide. During this time, he had a surprising encounter with Hollywood star Nicole Kidman. However, their potential romantic connection turned into a comical twist of events.
Nicole Kidman was interested in Jimmy Fallon and was excited about their date. Yet, to her surprise, Jimmy Fallon seemed disinterested and showed no signs of romantic attraction. The lack of chemistry left Nicole Kidman puzzled and even made her wonder if Jimmy Fallon might be gay. Kidman told Jimmy Fallon,
“So I go over though, and you were there in a baseball cap and like…nothing! You put a video game on or something, and I’m like…’This is so bad!’. You did not talk at all. And after about an hour and a half, I thought, ‘He has no interest. This is so embarrassing. And then I was like… ‘Maybe he’s gay.’”
In 2015, when the story of Jimmy Fallon’s missed romantic opportunity with Nicole Kidman was unveiled on his show, it left him utterly embarrassed and the audience in absolute frenzy. The episode featuring this revelation became an instant fan favorite and a memorable moment in the history of The Tonight Show.