- Paul Mescal has been in contact with a very familiar face – that happens to look just like his own
- The Gladiator II actor video called the winner of his lookalike competition
- Mescal also met his ‘biggest fan’ this week – and lost a game to her about his own life
He’s one of the world’s best known faces, thanks to his recent leading role in Gladiator II. But Paul Mescal isn’t the only handsome Irish man out there – which he found out, after coming face to face with his lookalike.
The actor, 28, made an appearance on Radio 2 Breakfast Show alongside his co-stars Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen.
But Mescal was caught off-guard when a video call was set up between him, and the winner of the recent doppelganger competition in his name.
Winning a cash prize of 20 euros, Jack Wall O’Reilly took the top spot in the contest, which took place in Dublin earlier this month.
When placed on the call with Wall O’Reilly, Mescal exclaimed, “This is bananas!
“I actually saw the photo [of you at the competition]. I didn’t know it was happening until it was over and I think you captured the spirit of me very well.”
Referring to his much-documented love of tiny shorts, Mescal added, “You wore the short shorts. It was a fully committed look.”
Excited to be speaking to his hero, Wall O’Reilly replied, “Thank you very much. I presumed you were at home with your family getting some rest after the long press tour” – to which Mescal branded him “so nice and thoughtful”.
Washington weighs in
Washington was then quick to notice the similarity in their side profiles, claiming that Mescal and Wall O’Reilly were “like twins”.
It turns out that Wall O’Reilly is also keen to dip his toe into performance, though more behind thse scenes – as he revealed he recently graduated with a Masters in Screenwriting
He told Mescal, “I am a huge fan, massive respect for everyone there. Obviously Paul, Aftersun is one of my favorite films.
“He is a great inspiration for young creative people in Ireland and all around the world and I hope someday through the appropriate channels when I have got an idea I am passionate and is developed enough that maybe I might get to bring it to you.”
Perhaps Mescal could put in a good word for Wall O’Reilly, as his flattery seemed to work wonders.
“Oh Jack, you are an absolute gentleman. So, so sweet,” the Normal People actor replied.
‘I lost to a better Paul’
The interaction wasn’t the only time Mescal has come face to face – or, should we say, head to head – with a fan this week.
The star was challenged to a ‘Who Knows Paul Best?’ competition this week, and answered basic biographical questions about his own life – but his opponent was Larissa, who runs the Instagram fan account @paulmescalpics.
Despite getting off to a good start, Mescal ultimately lost the game – telling his biggest fan that he “lost to a better Paul.”
