Celebrity lookalike contests are taking over the internet. But they aren't new
The Rise of Celebrity Lookalike Contests #
In a time marked by global tensions and economic uncertainties, the popularity of celebrity lookalike contests has surged. It all started with a gathering in Washington Square Park where crowds watched participants vie for the title of Timothée Chalamet’s double. The excitement resulted in some arrests, a fine, and even an appearance by Chalamet himself. “It was insane,” one contestant remarked about the fervor surrounding the event.
Soon, similar competitions unfolded across continents. In Ireland, men sporting mullets compared their appearances, hoping to be recognized as Paul Mescal’s doppelgänger. Meanwhile, in Soho Square, young men dressed in attire mimicking Harry Styles aimed for the title of his best lookalike. This trend reached San Francisco and New York with searches for lookalikes of Dev Patel and Zayn Malik, respectively.
Chicago recently hosted an event for Jeremy Allen White lookalikes, replete with theme-appropriate props like cigarettes and fake tattoos. Oakland, California, witnessed a contest celebrating Zendaya, making her potentially the first female celebrity with such an event, while Austin, Texas, held one for actor Glen Powell.
Lookalike contests aren’t a modern invention. Charlie Chaplin once participated in a competition of his own likeness, securing the third position at a Hollywood event. Dolly Parton also entered a similar contest in Santa Monica but did not win. The 1930s saw Shirley Temple lookalike events, with massive participation. Key West, Florida, continues to host an annual Ernest Hemingway lookalike contest.
British cultural observers speculate that today’s resurgence of these contests resonates with the belief that identity is flexible. “What they are looking at is a transition in process,” some say. This notion underscores a belief in the adaptability and changeable nature of human identity.
Some believe that beyond entertainment, these contests foster community and connections among strangers bound by a shared love for a celebrity. Others argue humans are naturally drawn to symmetry, akin to how certain plants and insects use mimicry for survival.
For some, resembling a notable figure can transform into a lucrative career. A David Beckham lookalike has sustained his livelihood by capitalizing on this resemblance for two decades, even collaborating with Beckham himself on various projects.
Ultimately, engaging in lookalike contests could be akin to participating in a whimsical exercise. “Treat it like fancy dress,” advises one who knows the industry well. For those seeking to capitalize on their uncanny resemblance, opportunity awaits. “Contact me, because I can turn your looks into money.”