Steve Carell recently opened up about his first meeting with Taylor Swift on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
During the episode that aired on Monday, 10th June, Carell shared the story of their initial encounter and a moment that solidified his admiration.
Reflecting on their first meeting, Carell mentioned they crossed paths during the iconic MTV show Total Request Live. “Remember TRL? How far back do you go? We were on the same team early in our careers,” Carell reminisced to Fallon.
“I remember thinking that she was special even back then,” Carell continued. “She seemed very kind and sweet. It left a great first impression.”
Though their first interaction was brief, Carell noted that it was enough for him to recognize Swift’s kindness. In the years that followed, as Swift rose to stardom, Carell kept an eye on her career.
One particular act stood out to Carell – Swift playing an acoustic song for a patient in a hospital, captured on a small, unassuming video. “She just led with her heart,” Carell praised. “I said, ‘OK, yes, I like her’.”
After Fallon praised Carell’s own kindness, the actor modestly deflected any comparisons to Swift’s level of generosity.
This isn’t the first time Carell has publicly praised Swift. In a 2013 interview with ABC News, he humorously sang along to Swift’s “Shake It Off” and declared his love for her music, saying, “Taylor Swift’s music is amazing. She’s amazing.”