Seth Rogen's 'Death' Prank: A Humbling Experience That Every Celebrity Should Try
Seth Rogen recently recounted a truly bizarre and memorable experience: participating in Billy on the Street's infamous prank where he pretended to have died. The actor, known for his comedic roles, described the stunt as a “humbling but necessary experience,” and surprisingly, believes every celebrity should endure something similar.
The prank, orchestrated by comedian Billy Eichner, involved Rogen being wheeled through the streets of New York City in a coffin, with Eichner announcing his supposed death to unsuspecting passersby. The reactions captured were, as is typical for Eichner’s brand of comedy, raw, hilarious, and often deeply unsettling.
“It was wild,” Rogen told The Hollywood Reporter. “It was just…humbling. In a way that’s hard to explain. Just to see people’s immediate reactions to something like that... It’s a lot.” He elaborated on the unexpected emotional impact, stating, “It’s a really interesting exercise in perspective.”
The core of the prank, as Rogen pointed out, lies in observing the public's genuine response to a fabricated tragedy. It strips away the carefully constructed image of a celebrity and reveals how people truly perceive them – and how quickly they react to news, even if it's entirely false. The reactions ranged from stunned silence and awkward apologies to celebratory outbursts and, in some cases, complete indifference. This variety highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of public perception.
Rogen wasn't just a participant; he seemed to genuinely grasp the deeper meaning of the experience. “I actually think every celebrity should have to do that,” he declared. “There’s something really valuable in seeing how people react to your absence. It’s a good reality check.”
Billy on the Street pranks are notorious for pushing boundaries and eliciting uncomfortable yet fascinating responses. This particular segment, featuring Seth Rogen, undoubtedly stands out as one of the most memorable and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to Eichner’s ability to create comedy that’s both hilarious and surprisingly insightful about the nature of fame and public perception.
The experience has left a lasting impression on Rogen, prompting him to reflect on the often-fragile relationship between celebrities and the public. It’s a reminder that even the most beloved actors are ultimately subject to the whims of public opinion, and that a little dose of manufactured mortality can be a surprisingly effective tool for self-awareness.