Miles Mitchell, the internet’s crowned “Temu-thée Chalamet,” found himself on the periphery of his doppelganger’s highly anticipated Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosting gig. While a promotional video for the show featured a cadre of Chalamet lookalikes mimicking the actor’s iconic roles, Mitchell was conspicuously absent. This absence, however, wasn’t a snub, but a matter of unfortunate timing. Mitchell, who had won a viral Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest the previous year, was in Europe when SNL producers reached out, making his participation in the promo shoot logistically impossible. Despite the missed opportunity, Mitchell’s determination to witness his “twin’s” SNL debut remained unwavering.
With the help of his brother, a seasoned SNL audience member, Mitchell secured a standby ticket and a seat for the live show. He watched with a mixture of awe and amusement as Chalamet, pulling double duty as host and musical guest, navigated the evening’s comedic landscape. The opening monologue, punctuated by self-deprecating jokes about Chalamet’s Oscar drought, drew laughter from the audience, including Mitchell. Among the various skits, the coffee shop sketch stood out as Mitchell’s favorite, evoking genuine laughter and a sense of appreciation for the show’s comedic writing. He particularly enjoyed the revisiting of a recurring joke, though he noted the absence of Staten Island native Pete Davidson.
Beyond the comedic performances, Mitchell was particularly captivated by Chalamet’s musical interlude, where the actor donned the leopard-skin pillbox hat reminiscent of his portrayal of Bob Dylan. Witnessing this live performance struck Mitchell as a unique and fortunate experience, given Chalamet’s primary identity as an actor rather than a musician. It felt, to him, like a glimpse into a behind-the-scenes moment, typically reserved for film sets and studio recordings. The experience solidified the surreal nature of his connection to the renowned actor.
Although Mitchell and Chalamet have crossed paths twice before, once at an early screening of “A Complete Unknown” and again at the Golden Globes, a reunion following the SNL show remained elusive. Mitchell acknowledged the hectic nature of SNL productions and the limited accessibility to the actors, harboring no expectations of a post-show encounter. However, given their prior meetings and the distinct resemblance, he playfully entertained the possibility of Chalamet recognizing him in the audience and acknowledging his presence with a casual greeting.
Mitchell’s journey from a contest winner to an internet sensation has been a whirlwind. The viral attention surrounding his resemblance to Chalamet has opened unexpected doors, propelling him into the realm of content creation and brand collaborations. He has starred in a commercial for Impossible Foods, secured a sponsorship with Shake Shack, and even graced the red carpet at the Golden Globes. These experiences represent a stark contrast to his pre-contest life, transforming what began as a lighthearted online competition into a platform for unique opportunities.
Looking ahead, Mitchell aims to further capitalize on the momentum generated by his lookalike status. He envisions participating in high-profile events like the Oscars and New York Fashion Week, driven by a desire to embrace the “dad lore” aspect of his unusual journey. Walking a runway, even without aspirations of a modeling career, holds a certain allure for him, adding another layer to the surreal narrative that has unfolded since the contest. It’s a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding path he’s embarked upon, a path paved by a simple, playful decision to enter a lookalike contest. From a “meme” to a burgeoning career in the public eye, Mitchell’s story highlights the unexpected power of internet virality and the transformative potential of embracing the absurd. His experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to the most exciting destinations.
