Chicago, IL – Fans of actor Jeremy Allen White, star of the hit series The Bear and Shameless, gathered in Humboldt Park on Saturday for a quirky event: the Jeremy Allen White Lookalike Contest. The competition drew more than 50 participants, all vying for the title of the best doppelgänger of the Chicago-based star.
A Chicago Celebration
The event was a playful nod to White’s portrayal of Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in The Bear, a show set in Chicago that highlights the city’s iconic restaurant culture. The gathering was steeped in local pride, with attendees dressed in Carmy’s signature white t-shirt and apron, while some added details like fake tattoos and props mimicking the show’s kitchen aesthetic.
The Winner: A Glenview Therapist
Ultimately, Ben Shabad, a 37-year-old therapist from Glenview, took home the top prize. Judges and attendees alike marveled at his uncanny resemblance to the Emmy-winning actor. Shabad’s reward? A fittingly quirky package of $50 and a pack of Marlboro Reds, a nod to White’s character’s on-screen smoking habit.
“I’ve been told I look like Jeremy for years, but this is the first time I’ve really leaned into it,” Shabad said with a laugh.
White’s Connection to Chicago
Jeremy Allen White’s connection to Chicago runs deep. Having starred in Shameless as Lip Gallagher and later in The Bear, White has become synonymous with the city’s gritty yet vibrant culture. Many participants expressed their admiration for White’s authentic portrayal of working-class Chicagoans.
“This isn’t just about who looks like him,” said one attendee. “It’s about celebrating the stories he’s told about our city.”
A Fun, Local Phenomenon
The lookalike contest, packed with fans and curious onlookers, brought a lighthearted energy to the park. Organizers hinted at making it an annual event, further cementing White’s legacy as a Chicago icon.
As for Shabad, he’s embracing his newfound title as Jeremy Allen White’s double: “If Jeremy ever needs a stunt double, he knows where to find me!”