NEW YORK, USA — Hundreds of Timothée Chalamet fans packed Washington Square Park on Sunday, October 25, 2024, for a lookalike contest dedicated to the Wonka and Dune actor.
But the event took an unexpected turn when Chalamet himself appeared, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Organised by YouTuber Anthony Po, the contest promised $50 for the best lookalike, but the stakes skyrocketed as fans caught sight of the actor in person.
I was behind the Timothee Chalamet lookalike competition. Thanks my #1 fan (timothee) for showing up. pic.twitter.com/ZfYkOBuTNB
— Anthony Po (@anthpo) October 27, 2024
Dressed incognito in a baseball cap and mask, Chalamet slipped through the crowd before revealing himself to two surprised contestants.
“It was surreal. One second, I was just posing with a few lookalikes, and the next, I turned and there he was — the real Timothée!” said Reed Putman, a participant who had traveled from upstate New York to attend.
Chalamet’s brief appearance, which was captured by dozens of fans and promptly shared on social media, left Washington Square Park buzzing as he made a quick exit to avoid the escalating crowd.
The turnout far exceeded expectations, with hundreds more than anticipated filling the park.
The NYPD soon arrived to disperse the crowds, eventually issuing a fine to the organisers for holding an “unscheduled demonstration.”
Some fans and a contestant were briefly detained by officers, but police confirmed they were released with a summons.
“We responded to an unscheduled demonstration at Washington Square Park,” the NYPD told news outlets.
“Some individuals were taken into custody and released shortly after.”
A Contest Celebrating Chalamet’s Unique Style
The contest, promoted online by Po, quickly attracted a massive following, with thousands of RSVPs.
Chalamet lookalikes traveled from across the city and beyond, showing off their best “Timothée” impressions, with outfits inspired by his various roles — from his sleek look in the Chanel perfume campaign to his eccentric Willy Wonka style.
Contestants like Putman, who wore a leather jacket and boots to match Chalamet’s look, shared the thrill of experiencing a touch of celebrity.
“People were coming up, taking photos, treating me like I was him. It was fun but also overwhelming,” he said, recalling the intense stares and endless snapshots.
Another contestant and eventual winner, 21-year-old Miles Mitchell from Staten Island, took home the prize for best lookalike by leaning into the Willy Wonka persona, complete with a candy-filled briefcase that he tossed to the crowd.
The winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike competition is a 21 year old college student from Staten Island who says he is going to spend his 50 dollar prize on candy pic.twitter.com/o9waKaafz2
— Ej Dickson (@ejdickson) October 27, 2024
Chalamet’s Growing Fame and a Moment of Reflection on Celebrity Culture
The actor’s surprise appearance underscored the fervour of his fanbase, whose passion often mirrors that of Hollywood icons of decades past.
As Reed Putman, who took part in the event, noted, “It’s fun to be ‘Timothée’ for an afternoon, but it’s a relief to go back to normal.”
Putman’s experience highlighted the double-edged sword of fame as he reflected on the joy and pressures of spending a few hours in the spotlight.
Chalamet’s pop-up at the event comes as he promotes his latest role in the biopic A Complete Unknown, where he portrays legendary musician Bob Dylan.
The film, set in the 1960s, captures Dylan’s rise in the music world and is scheduled for a December release in the U.S.
With this memorable appearance, Chalamet left fans with a lasting impression — one that may resonate as much as his on-screen performances.
The NYPD’s involvement capped off the night, a reminder of the power of celebrity to draw crowds and create chaotic moments.
For a brief moment in Washington Square Park, fans got a taste of the extraordinary — and perhaps an insight into the thrilling, if overwhelming, nature of fame itself.
