### Chicago Crowns Winner of Jeremy Allen White Lookalike Contest

A unique lookalike contest in Chicago honored the city's beloved "The Bear" star, Jeremy Allen White, by drawing in a throng of dedicated fans and participants. The event, held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Humboldt Park, saw an impressive turnout, with sixty contestants and over a thousand enthusiastic spectators.

The contest aimed to find the best doppelganger for Jeremy Allen White, famed for his role as Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a Chicago chef in the popular FX on Hulu series. Ben Shabad, a 37-year-old therapist from suburban Glenview, emerged victorious, earning the coveted "Num. 1 J.A.W." ribbon, $50 in cash, and a pack of Marlboro cigarettes. Shabad's outfit, a white T-shirt and apron, was inspired by Carmy's character and sourced from Chicago's Honey Butter Fried Chicken.

Contestants delivered their best Jeremy Allen White impressions, with audience applause determining the winner. Highlights included a toddler dubbed "baby Jeremy" and a drag king's portrayal of White. Among the competitors was Michael Dudka, a former fine dining chef and long-time fan of White since his performance in "Shameless." Dudka's father, who learned about the contest from a radio announcement, encouraged his son to join the fun.

Adding to the diverse mix of participants was Kevin Notter, who drove three hours from the Quad Cities to compete. The event was the brainchild of roommates Kelsey Cassaro and Taylor Vaske, who were inspired by the success of similar lookalike contests in other cities. They were surprised and thrilled by the massive turnout, which far exceeded their expectations.

The Jeremy Allen White lookalike contest demonstrated the city's affection for the actor and showcased the vibrant community spirit in Chicago. The event may pave the way for similar future gatherings, uniting fans and celebrating local and national celebrities alike.