Joanna "JoJo" Levesque, the singer-actress known for her hit "Too Little, Too Late," recently revealed a past crush on her Aquamarine costar, Jake McDorman. During a lighthearted appearance on First We Feast’s Truth or Dab: Rapid Fire, JoJo recounted spotting McDorman on the celebrity dating app Raya. While admitting he was cute, she ultimately decided not to pursue a connection, stating that the “ship had sailed.” This revelation came as JoJo answered a question about a viral meme originating from a scene in Aquamarine, where she whispers something to her costar Emma Roberts. JoJo confessed the whispered conversation likely revolved around McDorman’s attractiveness. While McDorman’s current relationship status is unconfirmed, he was previously linked to actress Lio Tipton. JoJo was engaged to actor Dexter Darden in 2021, but the relationship ended a year later.
The 2006 teen comedy Aquamarine holds a significant place in JoJo’s career, and she’s revisited the experience in various interviews and her 2024 memoir, Over the Influence. In the film, JoJo and Roberts portray best friends who help a mermaid, played by Sara Paxton, find true love with a lifeguard, played by McDorman. JoJo’s memoir delves into the complexities of her experience filming Aquamarine, including feelings of jealousy towards Roberts, stemming from Roberts’ Hollywood lineage and perceived effortless navigation of the industry. JoJo questioned how different her life might have been with similar advantages, even mentioning Roberts’ seemingly faster metabolism. Despite these past insecurities, JoJo emphasizes that she and Roberts have since forged a friendship, bonding over shared life experiences.
Beyond the on-set dynamics, JoJo also reflected on the impact of Aquamarine on her own body image during her appearance on The Viall Files podcast. She recalled feeling self-conscious about her appearance compared to her costars, identifying as the "tomboy" and feeling heavier than the other girls. This experience highlighted the pressures young women face to conform to certain body ideals, a pressure JoJo acknowledges she was not immune to. She pointed out how young girls often compare themselves to others, a behavior she recognized in herself during filming.
Despite the mixed emotions associated with the film, JoJo ultimately expresses fondness for Aquamarine. She acknowledges the movie’s enduring popularity, particularly among women of her generation and their daughters, describing it as a "cult classic." She appreciates the film’s continued relevance and the opportunity it provides for mothers to share a piece of their younger selves with their children. This intergenerational appeal speaks to the film’s lasting impact and its ability to resonate with audiences even years later.
JoJo’s reflections on Aquamarine offer a candid glimpse into the complexities of navigating adolescence in the public eye. Her experiences highlight the pressures to conform to beauty standards, the challenges of working alongside other young actors, and the lasting impact of early career projects. While acknowledging the insecurities and challenges she faced, JoJo also celebrates the film’s enduring popularity and its positive reception by audiences. This balanced perspective reveals a mature reflection on a formative period in her life.
The story of JoJo and Aquamarine goes beyond a simple recounting of a teen movie experience. It touches upon broader themes of self-discovery, body image, and the complexities of female friendships. JoJo’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities, both past and present, contributes to a larger conversation about the pressures faced by young women in the entertainment industry and beyond. Her reflections serve as a reminder that even seemingly glamorous careers can be accompanied by insecurities and challenges, and that finding peace with one’s past experiences is a continuous journey.
