Anthony Mackie Jokingly Said Tyler James Williams Was A "Weird-Looking Kid," And The Internet Had A Lot To Say About It
Tyler James Williams and Anthony Mackie's Actors on Actor interview dropped, and people can't stop talking about one surprisingly hilarious moment.
Michael Tullberg / FilmMagic, Michael Loccisano / Getty Images for SXSW
Variety's Actor on Actors 20th season brought together several TV celebrities, including Tyler's Abbott Elementary costars Quinta Brunson and Jennifer Aniston and Anthony's MCU costars Robert Downey Jr. and Jodie Foster.
For this interview, Variety paired up Tyler, a former child star from the hit show Everybody Hates Chris who now portrays elementary school teacher Gregory Eddie in ABC's Abbott Elementary, with Anthony — a long-time MCU veteran as the superhero Falcon Anthony, who recently starred in the Peacock video game adaptation Twisted Metal.
It's no secret that Tyler and Anthony are two of the hottest actors in Hollywood at the moment, and their thirst for characters is completely justified.
Amy Sussman / WireImage, Michael Kovac / Variety via Getty Images
But, Anthony, who's known to be a little snarky comedian toward his castmates, made one comment about Tyler's appearance back in the day, and the internet went off.
Anthony praised Tyler for successfully transitioning from his child acting career with a certain level of "dignity." Then, Anthony made a hilarious comment when The Walking Dead actor tried to return the compliment.
"Naw, but you was a weird-looking kid, and you grew up to be, like, a good-looking dude," Anthony said jokingly.
Tyler responded, "I want to say we were all weird-looking kids. Mine was just documented. I haven't your photos."
Sharing laughter, Anthony responded, "Exactly! And you will never see it!"
Anthony Mackie to Tyler James Williams: "You was a weird-looking kid, and you grew up to be, like, a good-looking dude."Williams: "I want to say we were all weird-looking kids." #ActorsOnActors https://t.co/8eG10uxrAJ pic.twitter.com/3z8N7UGh2c
— Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2024
The two superstars were clearly poking fun at each other, but the good ol' internet got ahold of this comment; of course, people had jokes, rebuttals, and scruples about Anthony's statement.
Some people were quick to clock Anthony's statement as throwing shade toward Tyler for iconic and emotive faces as a child star.
Now Anthony…. pic.twitter.com/d8bXQ7hANd
— Skinny⭐️BUCKIIN’⭐️Legend (@SkinnyLegend21z) June 8, 2024
...He was an adorable kid. pic.twitter.com/nsXcDIbDti
— Jill STAFF ME Robi - Fangirl🐬 (@JillRobiFangirl) June 8, 2024
Man, even in real life this guy can't catch a break! Cue the music!"🎵 Everybody hates Chris...& Tyler.🎵" pic.twitter.com/3QDrsAcwqK
— ALTKeyPro Cartoon Dog Sponsor (@ALTKeyPro) June 9, 2024
This person agreed that Tyler did look weird as a kid, but that was part of his appeal.
Y'all def blowing this outta proportion cause I remember not having a crush on Tyler James .... cause he was weird looking. It ain't sound mean at all lol
— Sophieeeeeee (@theasophia_) June 8, 2024
Other folks had notes on how Tyler should've handled the comment in the interview.
Had Tyler replied with “you’re a weird looking adult,” I would be inconsolable. Mackie tried it. pic.twitter.com/pJ9o5ZeYO3
— Cozy (@Alliig8torTears) June 8, 2024
Now why didn’t Tyler say “you still weird looking” 🤣
— Sagittarius Jones (@SupaFragilistik) June 8, 2024
Some people took it upon themselves to poke fun at what they think Anthony looks like.
Anthony Mackie has a lot of nerve calling someone “weird looking” when everytime we see him he looks like he’s eating skittles and knows a secret
— demotivational speaker. 💖 (@hey_sita) June 8, 2024
Anthony Mackie looks like the Black people they draw on Family Guy https://t.co/hUaGtp3Skk
— AME Youngboy (@MelechThomas) June 8, 2024
And this person reminded everyone that it was all in good fun.
Can y’all get off Anthony Mackie? I swear to god you guys are making this way bigger than it is, he teased Tyler and Tyler teased him back. It’s jokes, calm down pic.twitter.com/qLoQw6ivLq
— Sunflower’s Cap ⍟ | 3 YEARS OF SAM!CAP (@softyellowpetal) June 8, 2024
If I must add my take, EVERYBODY TRIPPIN' because Tyler and Anthony looked good back then, they look good now, and they will look good tomorrow and fifty years from today.
Like???
Are you serious??
May the handsome Anthony and Tyler have a wonderful day!