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Jonathan Bennett, forever etched in our minds as Aaron Samuels from the iconic 2004 film \u201cMean Girls,\u201d recently chatted with PauseRewind entertainment reporter Courtney Tezeno to reflect on the film, his career, and hosting the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The awards ceremony was a “huge night” for Bennett, combining queer joy with memorable celebrity moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s so many memorable moments,\u201d Bennett said. \u201cGetting to give Liza Minnelli her 80th birthday cake on stage in my hands while we all sing Happy Birthday that is a core memory I will never forget.\u201d As host, Bennett leaned into being \u201ccampy\u201d and over-the-top theatrics, teasing the show as, \u201cEverything\u2019s going to be over the top, it\u2019s going to be the most and it\u2019s going to be the campiest thing you\u2019ve ever seen. But that\u2019s what the queer community loves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reflecting on his own journey, Bennett opened up about being a closeted gay man during his \u201cMean Girls\u201d era as shows like “Heated Rivarly” and “Stranger Things” take center stage for LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t allowed to be out when I was Aaron Samuels. It was a different time, and it wasn\u2019t a possibility or reality that I ever thought would happen,\u201d he said. \u201cNow, seeing young actors and athletes live openly, it\u2019s inspiring. There\u2019s a story there about someone who couldn\u2019t be their authentic self back then, and now they can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course, no conversation with Bennett would be complete without talking about who \u201ccould sit with him\u201d at North Shore High.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlan Cumming any time of the day. He\u2019s my idol. I love that man so much. Monet [X Change]? I love my Monet. You put any of the ‘Drag Race’ girls at North Shore High, they are going to read the Plastics to filth,\u201d Bennett declared. \u201cAnd any of the people from \u2018Traitors’ there\u2019s a little similarity to the lunchroom at North Shore High. They\u2019d be good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bennett also shared his excitement for future projects, including his pitch to join “The Traitors\u201d reality competition and his Hallmark milestones for Outstanding Reality Competition for “Finding Mr. Christmas” and Best Film for “A Keller Christmas Vacation.” <\/p>\n
“Getting nominated for \u2018Finding Mr. Christmas\u2019 that was the biggest blessing. Winning for the first gay wedding in Hallmark Channel history? I opened the door for that storyline and got recognized for it. That\u2019s a big deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the topic of his iconic role, Bennett joked about reimagining \u201cMean Girls\u201d with an all-guy cast leading the film.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsn\u2019t \u2018Mean Girls,\u2019 kind of gay ‘Mean Girls?’?\u201d he said with a laugh. \u201cTwo of the actors in that [original] movie are gay, so it’s like, Rajiv [Surendra], Danny [Franzese], me, there [were] like two straights, and then the rest of us. But we’ll do it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bennett\u2019s impact extends far beyond his high school heartthrob days. He’s currently developing a new Christmas movie and basking in his double GLAAD Award nominations. Fans can tune into Hulu this Saturday, March 21 to catch Bennett hosting the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.<\/p>\n
Follow us on Instagram @WeArePauseRewind<\/a> for all your pop culture obsessions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n