What looking like Timothée Chalamet taught me about fame | CNN

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We hit the road at 2 a.m., and after missing a flight and spending seven hours driving from upstate New York, I finally arrived in the city. My girlfriend was by my side; she's one of the select few — along with my parents and a small group of friends — who knew what I had planned. Fortunately, I didn’t have to work at the fishing store this weekend, where I sell bait and tackle and refuel boats. I’m really thankful for that because I’m not sure how I would have explained everything to my boss.

How can I request time off to participate in a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest?

A few weeks ago, I came across a flyer for a competition online and thought it might be entertaining. My girlfriend, who is a big fan of Chalamet, was thrilled about the idea. So, I signed up to compete and sent in a selfie to the organizers — that was all it took to enter — mostly for fun. I was uncertain if the event in Manhattan was actually happening. However, as it became clear that it was real, I decided to buy a plane ticket. It was relatively inexpensive, with travel and a couple of nights' accommodation totaling around $400. After all, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I wasn’t anxious at all. In fact, I was really excited. For some time now, I've been considering relocating to New York City—ideally after I complete my studies in graphics and multimedia marketing at SUNY Canton. This seemed like a perfect chance to explore that idea. I’m eager to dive into something creative, whether it’s designing clothes, filming videos, or modeling. I figured this event would be a great way to meet new people and make connections, which is how many people land jobs, right?

The comparisons to Chalamet started earlier this year when I let my dark, curly hair grow out. People have made jokes in the comments on my Instagram posts, saying they could see me in "Dune 2." I’ve noticed people giving me second glances while I’m out and about, and a coworker even refers to me as Willy Wonka.

My friends often joke about how similar we are. But the strangest thing happened last winter when I visited Toronto with my girlfriend over the holidays. While we were at a mall, we stumbled upon a "Wonka" pop-up event filled with oversized posters and a gigantic pink "chocolate" tree, just like the one featured in the movie.

I had only been standing there for a short while when a staff member from the pop-up approached me excitedly. He said, “I’ve seen so many people come through here, and you’re the only one who reminds me of Timothée! You should sign next to his name!” while pointing to Chalamet’s autograph on one of the posters. I instantly felt out of place. “I can’t sign that,” I replied. Looking a bit let down, he urged me to take a picture in the photo area. Before I could refuse, he and his teammates quickly brought over a Wonka-style coat and took a photo with me. I still have that picture to this day.

It's amusing to realize that I felt uncomfortable taking that photo, especially considering I was heading to an event where attendees snap hundreds or even thousands of similar shots.

When I arrived at Washington Square Park in Manhattan on Sunday, a little before the contest was set to start, I noticed that there were already around 1,000 people gathered in the crowd.

For a time, all I noticed were phone screens—people capturing videos of me, snapping photos, and wanting to talk. Initially, it was a lot to handle. I felt like I was on display, like a creature in a zoo or a performer in a circus, surrounded by TV cameras and reporters. The idea of having to perform or walk in front of all those people made me anxious. I could hear cheers and boos coming from the other side of the park, although I later found out online that they were directed at other contestants. Meanwhile, I remained beneath the Washington Square Arch.

I came across some other people who looked like me, and we stayed together during all the chaos. The NYPD announced that everyone needed to leave, and at one point, an officer came over and yelled at me to exit the park. I didn’t pay him any mind and just walked away, but I noticed another participant being handcuffed and removed from the scene. (The NYPD later revealed they issued a $500 fine to the event organizers for hosting an "unauthorized costume contest," and at least one contestant was taken away in cuffs, although a police spokesperson told the Associated Press that charges are still being determined.)

When the actual Timothée Chalamet showed up unexpectedly, the atmosphere became electric. However, he vanished almost immediately, weaving through the crowd and making his way to a vehicle on the edge of the park. It seemed like he was aware that things could have gotten a bit out of hand if he lingered longer.

Earlier in the week, I chose my outfit: a gray T-shirt, a black leather jacket, ankle boots, and straight-leg jeans to create a slimmer look. I aimed to emulate Timothée Chalamet's style from the Chanel perfume ad he featured in this summer. Some other guys dressed as Willy Wonka, including the one who ended up winning. I didn’t get a clear view of him, but I believe he received the $50 prize (and a trophy) for fully embracing the role by handing out chocolates. Winning wasn't my goal, but it was nice when people later told me I should have come in first.

This will be my first and last lookalike contest. Although I enjoyed my brief moment in the spotlight (I have to say, it felt exhilarating to be “noticed”), there were some drawbacks. The constant gazes, people reaching out to grab you, and the cameras flashing in your direction were a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, once it was over, I was able to unwind and grab some tacos with my girlfriend—without any fans surrounding us, no need for disguises, and no covert photos being taken from other tables. Next week, it’ll be back to school and my job at the fishing shop as if nothing happened.

While it was certainly enjoyable to step into the shoes of Timothée Chalamet for a few hours, I genuinely appreciate being Reed Putman.

“Wonka” is distributed by Warner Bros., a company that is part of Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent organization of CNN.