Actors Amanda Seyfried and Michael B. Jordan delighted fans by recreating their first onscreen kiss from over 20 years ago during a recent red carpet appearance. The two stars, who first acted together on the soap opera All My Children, shared a heartfelt moment at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Saturday.
As Jordan participated in an interview with USA Today, Seyfried caught his attention by playfully making kissing noises in his direction. When he noticed her, he turned to kiss her on the cheek and embraced her warmly. Their affectionate reunion showcased their enduring friendship, with Jordan exclaiming, “I love this girl!” in front of the gathered reporters.
Reflecting on their earlier collaboration, Seyfried recently revealed in an interview with W Magazine that Jordan was her first onscreen kiss. Their characters, Joni and Reggie, were young love interests on All My Children, where Seyfried starred from 2002 to 2003, while Jordan joined the cast in 2003 after gaining recognition from his role in The Wire. Jordan portrayed Reggie until 2006.
“We were so young,” Seyfried recalled. “I think he was 15, and I was 16 or 17. Michael was always really good. 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.”
Legacy of Their Roles
The reunion also shed light on the history of their characters. Jordan’s role as Reggie was initially played by the late Chadwick Boseman, who left after just one week due to concerns over racial stereotypes associated with the character. In a 2019 interview, Boseman reflected on his decision, stating, “When I got it, I was like, ‘This is not part of my manifesto. This is not part of what I want to do.’”
Jordan echoed these sentiments in a 2015 interview with GQ, expressing discomfort with the stereotypical portrayal of Reggie. He remarked, “No dad, no mom, a f—ing stereotypical black role in a soap opera. And I saw the stereotype, so moving forward I was like, ‘Nah, those are the roles I don’t want to play.’”
Boseman’s insistence on voicing his concerns about the character seemed to influence the direction taken in later portrayals. Jordan acknowledged that he was able to navigate the role differently thanks to Boseman’s groundwork. “I was younger than Chad, and I was coming into All My Children fresh off The Wire — wide open, still learning,” he said.
Current Projects and Awards
Both actors are currently recognized as contenders for various awards this season. Seyfried has garnered attention for her role in The Testament of Ann Lee, while Jordan showcases his versatility with dual roles in Sinners. Their careers continue to evolve, demonstrating their dedication to their craft and their ability to address complex themes within their work.
As they celebrate their shared history and reflect on their growth, Seyfried and Jordan remain influential figures in the entertainment industry. Their reunion not only rekindles memories of their early days but also highlights the significance of their contributions to contemporary cinema.
