Jonathan Bennett discusses his experience hosting the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, reflecting on memorable moments like Liza Minnelli's birthday celebration. He also talks about his career, the iconic 'Mean Girls' film, and the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood.
Jonathan Bennett attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. Jonathan Bennett , forever etched in our minds as Aaron Samuels from the iconic 2004 film “ Mean Girls ,” 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. Host Jonathan Bennett speaks onstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. “There's so many memorable moments,” Bennett said. “Getting 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.” As host, Bennett leaned into being “campy” and over-the-top theatrics, teasing the show as, “Everything’s going to be over the top, it’s going to be the most and it’s going to be the campiest thing you’ve ever seen. But that’s what the queer community loves.” Actor Jonathan Bennett attends a private screening of "Mean Girls" on April 23, 2004 at Loews Lincoln Square Theater, in New York City. Reflecting on his own journey, Bennett opened up about being a closeted gay man during his “Mean Girls” era as shows like "Heated Rivarly" and "Stranger Things" take center stage for LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 05: Host Jonathan Bennett speaks onstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. The movie "Mean Girls", directed by Mark Waters. Seen here, Jonathan Bennett as Aaron Samuels. Initial theatrical release April 30, 2004. Screen capture. Paramount Pictures. “I wasn’t allowed to be out when I was Aaron Samuels. It was a different time, and it wasn’t a possibility or reality that I ever thought would happen,” he said. “Now, seeing young actors and athletes live openly, it’s inspiring. There’s a story there about someone who couldn’t be their authentic self back then, and now they can.” Actress Tina Fey poses with fellow cast members Jonathan Bennett and Lindsay Lohan at the after-party for Paramount's "Mean Girls" at the Cinerama Dome Theater on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. Of course, no conversation with Bennett would be complete without talking about who “could sit with him” at North Shore High. “Alan Cumming any time of the day. He’s my idol. I love that man so much. Monet ? 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,” Bennett declared. “And any of the people from ‘Traitors' there’s a little similarity to the lunchroom at North Shore High. They’d be good.” Jonathan Bennett attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. Bennett also shared his excitement for future projects, including his pitch to join "The Traitors” reality competition and his Hallmark milestones for Outstanding Reality Competition for "Finding Mr. Christmas" and Best Film for "A Keller Christmas Vacation." "Getting nominated for ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ 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’s a big deal.” Siblings Dylan, Cal, and Emory are at a crossroads in their lives and have drifted apart. To help, their parents plan a family Christmas river cruise visiting Germany and Austria. Photo: Jonathan Bennett Credit: ©2025 Hallmark Media/Photographer:{ }Adriana Yankulova On the topic of his iconic role, Bennett joked about reimagining “Mean Girls” with an all-guy cast leading the film. “Isn’t ‘Mean Girls,’ kind of gay 'Mean Girls?'?” he said with a laugh. “Two of the actors in that movie are gay, so it's like, Rajiv , Danny , me, there like two straights, and then the rest of us. But we'll do it all.” Host Jonathan Bennett and Symone speak onstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. Bennett’s 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.Pennsylvania lawmakers have tried to eliminate property taxes in the past and the new push to eliminate them has begun, with a new bill proposing a tax increaseA Dover man at the helm of a $3 million bank fraud scheme in central Pennsylvania learned his fate this week.A man listed as 'most wanted' for eight warrants out of Perry, York, and Adams counties was arrested in Hanover on March 12, police confirmed.Deputies with the"To all of you who have been faithful and regular supporters of the festival over these many years, we say THANK YOU," the festival wrote.
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