Eminem fans shocked after realising who Stan actor actually is

Home> Entertainment> Music

Eminem fans shocked after realising who Stan actor actually is

Devon Sawa portrayed the rapper's no. 1 fan back in the 2000 music video

This week marked the long-awaited release of Eminem's brand new documentary Stans - and surprising fans, 'Stan' himself made an appearance at the feature-length film's official premiere.

We are, of course, talking about Devon Sawa.

Back in 2000, the Canadian star famously played the rapper's unhinged, die-hard fan 'Stan' in the music video for his titular track, 'Stan'.

For anyone in need of a reminder, the single tells the tale of Stanley 'Stan' Mitchell, a father-to-be who writes Eminem ceaseless letters, professing to be his no. 1 fan.

Throughout the video, Sawa, now 45, copies all of the rapper's iconic tendencies - wearing white vests, baggy blue jeans and dying his hair ice blonde.

In lyrics performed by the musician (real name Marshall Mathers III), the character becomes increasingly agitated by Eminem's lack of replies, with the third verse taking on the guide of a voice recording, hearing 'Stan' threaten to drive his pregnant girlfriend off a bridge before doing so.

Devon Sawa played Stan in the music video (Aftermath Entertainment)
Devon Sawa played Stan in the music video (Aftermath Entertainment)

The final verse of the song hears Eminem as himself responding to Stan's letters, urging him not to overthink the meaning behind his lyrics, so as not to turn out like a man he'd witnessed on the news, who'd just driven his pregnant partner off a bridge.

I know, pretty clever stuff.

Anyway, not only did Sawa's music video character see the phrase 'stan' added to the dictionary to describe someone excessively enthusiastic and devoted to a certain person/thing, but it solidified his status as an actor.

Taking to Instagram this week, the father-of-two shared a photo of his own son posing beside the 52-year-old rapper for his documentary's new premiere, captioned: "25 years ago I worked with one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Sawa shared a photo of his own son with the rapper this week (Instagram/@d.sawa)
Sawa shared a photo of his own son with the rapper this week (Instagram/@d.sawa)

"Today he met my son. What a ride."

After the sweet snap was shared to Reddit, fans of both Eminem and his unnerving track began realising where they'd seen Sawa before.

"I had the biggest crush on him as Casper the ghost as a child. Adult Devon," one wrote.

Another added: "Shut up! I didnt know that was him? My millenial mind is blown!"

"Yesss I thirsted after him in Casper," a third added. "And I will thirst after him now because he still looks yummyy."

The actor played the human version of the friendly ghost in Casper (Universal Pictures)
The actor played the human version of the friendly ghost in Casper (Universal Pictures)

And yes, it's true. In 1995, Sawa received wide recognition for playing the titular role as the human boy version in Casper - a part that was also voiced by Malachai Pearson.

Some fans, meanwhile, recognised the actor from another, slightly gorier project.

"Final destination, dont know why i never connected the two!" another wrote on the discussion forum.

A fifth wanted to double check: "Isn’t this the guy from final destination 1?"

The actor also played the lead in the first Final Destination film (New Line Pictures)
The actor also played the lead in the first Final Destination film (New Line Pictures)

And again, yes, he is. Sawa played the lead role of Alex Browning in the 2000 hit, where he starred alongside the likes of Ali Larter and Seann William Scott.

The more you know, eh?

Featured Image Credit: Aftermath Entertainment

Topics: Eminem, News, Celebrity, US News