Actors Amanda Seyfried and Michael B. Jordan revisited a memorable moment from their early careers by recreating their first onscreen kiss during the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Saturday. The reunion brought back fond memories of their time on the soap opera All My Children, where they played young love interests more than 20 years ago.
As Jordan was interviewed by USA Today, Seyfried playfully caught his attention by making kissing noises. Once he noticed her, he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, followed by a warm hug. The two exchanged congratulations and expressed their affection for each other, with Jordan exclaiming, “I love this girl!” This touching moment highlighted their enduring friendship and mutual respect.
In a recent interview with W Magazine, Seyfried reflected on how Jordan was her first onscreen kiss. “He was Reggie and I was Joni on All My Children,” she recalled. Seyfried starred on the show from 2002 to 2003, while Jordan joined the cast in 2003 after gaining recognition for his role in The Wire. He portrayed Reggie until 2006, creating a lasting impact on viewers.
“We were so young. I think he was 15, and I was 16 or 17,” Seyfried noted. She emphasized the significance of their early collaboration, stating, “It’s interesting to think back that long ago and to see that we’re both still as passionate as ever about what we do as actors. I like that trajectory.”
Reflecting on Past Challenges and Growth
Both actors are now prominent in the industry, with Seyfried and Jordan being recognized as awards contenders this season for their recent films. Seyfried’s performance in The Testament of Ann Lee and Jordan’s dual roles in Sinners have garnered significant attention.
Jordan’s role as Reggie was originally intended for the late Chadwick Boseman, who departed the show after one week due to concerns about the character’s portrayal. Boseman openly criticized the role for perpetuating racial stereotypes, a sentiment he expressed in a 2019 interview. “When I got it, I was like, ‘This is not part of my manifesto. This is not part of what I want to do,’” he said.
Jordan echoed Boseman’s sentiments in a 2015 interview with GQ, expressing his discomfort with the stereotypical nature of the character. “No dad, no mom, a f—ing stereotypical black role in a soap opera,” he remarked, stressing his desire to avoid such roles in the future. Both actors’ experiences underscore the importance of representation and the challenges faced by artists in their early careers.
Boseman’s proactive approach to his role had a lasting effect. He stated, “I had to voice my opinions and put my stamp on it,” which he believed helped pave the way for Jordan’s portrayal. Jordan acknowledged that he entered All My Children with a fresh perspective, unaware of the groundwork Boseman had laid for future actors in similar roles.
Their reunion at the Palm Springs International Film Festival not only celebrated their individual successes but also highlighted the evolution of their careers and the impact of their early experiences on their current work. As both actors continue to thrive in Hollywood, their past connections serve as a reminder of their shared journey and the evolution of storytelling in the entertainment industry.
