Jake Johnson, best known for his performances in hits like *New Girl* and *Minx*, recently shared a rather humorous anecdote about a challenging experience he faced while attempting to earn a living as a street performer in New York City. Appearing on the July 15 episode of *Late Night with Seth Meyers*, the actor recounted his brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint as a busker, revealing both the absurdity and the lessons learnt from that day.
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In recounting his story, Johnson, 48, explained that the motivation behind his busking attempt stemmed from recent graduation and a need for some extra cash. “I thought, ‘Why am I not using my talents?’” he said, recalling the moment he decided to take to the subway as a source of income. To add an unusual twist to his routine, he donned a “sad old man clown” mask, a quirky item his sister had gifted him from the Czech Republic.
During his conversation with Meyers, Johnson reflected on the less-than-conventional approach he took to busking, stating, “I’m not a musician; I didn’t have an act, obviously, but I had the mask.” Armed with just the mask and an umbrella, he ventured to the west side of 42nd Street, confident that the busy subway platform would be an ideal spot to showcase his unique brand of mime performance.
The actor vividly described stepping onto the platform only to be met with confusion and alarm from passersby. “Right as I put the mask on, two older women passed by, and one exclaimed, ‘What the hell are you doing with that mask?’” he recalled. Despite intentions to entertain, Johnson quickly realised that his initial tactics were unsettling rather than amusing. The more he attempted to interact with the commuters through mime, the more irritated the onlookers appeared to grow.
As Johnson encountered disbelief and annoyance from the crowd, it became apparent that the streets of New York were not quite ready for his particular style of street entertainment. “At that point, I thought, ‘Let’s abort the mission,’” he recounted, waving goodbye to onlookers and retreating from the scene.
His ordeal did not conclude there, however. Johnson noted that one of the women from the group pursued him all the way to the train, demanding explanations as he tried to remove the mask and escape the awkward situation. “I finally got on the train, took off the mask, and said, ‘It’s off!’” he recalled, underscoring the absurdity of the entire event. In the end, his busking venture yielded a grand total of nothing, as he came away with zero dollars.
Despite this comical setback, Johnson’s career would eventually flourish in the entertainment industry. Following his failed bid as a street performer, he found his footing in a series of films, including *Paper Heart*, *Get Him to the Greek*, and *No Strings Attached*. However, it was his role as Nick Miller in the beloved sitcom *New Girl* that propelled him to widespread recognition. The show, which ran from 2011 to 2018, has maintained a dedicated following, making it a staple for binge-watchers around the world.
Reflecting on the show’s enduring popularity, fellow cast member Max Greenfield remarked, “It’s the perfect binge show,” highlighting the accessibility of classic series in the streaming age. The show’s continued relevance among new audiences illustrates how older sitcoms can still capture the hearts of viewers.
In recent years, Johnson has engaged in diverse projects, including the series *Minx* and lending his voice to Peter B. Parker in the *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* animated films. His talents as a versatile performer have allowed him to transition smoothly from comedic roles to more dramatic performances.
Most recently, Johnson stars in the upcoming movie *The Dink*, set to premiere on Apple TV on July 24. In this film, he plays a former tennis professional who turns to the growing sport of pickleball following an injury. Co-starring alongside talents like Mary Steenburgen, Ben Stiller, and Ed Harris, Johnson continues to push the boundaries of his craft while reflecting on his entertaining journey from disastrous busking to starring on screens big and small.
Though his foray into street performance was far from a success, it is clear that Johnson’s unique approach to his career has resonated with audiences, leaving a lasting impression long after his brief encounter on the subway.