The comparisons to Jeremy Allen White first began for Ben Shabad when the tv present “Shameless” premiered. Between his hair and face, the 37-year-old Glenview resident and psychological well being therapist bears a putting resemblance to the actor.
By the point “The Bear” got here out, Shabad stated “Hey you appear like the man from that present” turned a typical chorus. The tons of who attended Saturday afternoon’s White lookalike contest in Humboldt Park appeared to agree. Shabad obtained the loudest cheers, and walked away with a crown, trophy, $50 and pack of cigarettes. (He stated he doesn’t smoke.)
“It felt actually good, and it was simply thrilling,” Shabad stated whereas surrounded by dozens clamoring to take an image with him. “I didn’t actually plan on profitable — particularly after I noticed all these guys that additionally appeared like Jeremy Allen White — however the vitality right here is so thrilling. I didn’t understand he had so many followers.”
Shabad was one in all dozens of contestants who confirmed as much as the competitors. Whereas some appeared just like the 33-year-old actor greater than others, they selected the identical costume — a blue apron over a white t-shirt to imitate White’s character as a Chicago chef who works at a Mr. Beef-esque sandwich store on “The Bear.”
There’s been a slew of celeb lookalike competitions — from Paul Mescal to Harry Types — ever since the actual Timothée Chalamet confirmed as much as his competitors in New York Metropolis final month. Chicago’s White contest picked up traction on-line all through the week.
Shabad credited his win to “luck that he appeared a little bit extra like him” than everybody else, particularly because it “wasn’t a contest of talent.” He stated he was shocked so many individuals confirmed up. At first, he thought he could be the one doppelganger current.
Throughout the run of Chicago-based “Shameless,” Elise Wagner stated she began noticing similarities between her brother and White, particularly when he grew taller and began figuring out in highschool. She satisfied him to compete Saturday, with the hopes that White would possibly make an look.
“That’s the one purpose why she introduced me right here,” her brother, Charlie Wagner, joked. Whereas he didn’t win, he stated he thought the competitors went nicely.
“I used to be stunned that there have been so many individuals within the metropolis that sort of do look lots like him,” Elise Wagner, 26, added.
Lily Grey, a 25-year-old Previous City resident, was one of some ladies who confirmed up in costume. Carrying an Italian beef sandwich and a cigarette she picked up from Household Greenback, Grey stated her mates inspired her to decorate up after listening to in regards to the contest on-line. She plans to make use of her new apron for a Halloween competitors subsequent yr, she stated.
“The Bear is certainly my favourite present,” she stated. “I simply suppose he’s so scorching.”
“There’s been so many miserable issues occurring recently. It’s good levity, enjoyable,” she added. “It simply goes to point out how a lot folks love Chicago.”
rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
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