Actor Drew Starkey experienced an unforgettable moment while promoting his latest project on the Today show. The 32-year-old star of Apple TV’s upcoming thriller, *Lucky*, was left in disbelief when he received a surprise video message from none other than reality TV personality Pauly D, famed for his role on MTV’s *Jersey Shore*.
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Starkey appeared on the show on Thursday, July 30, where he was engaging in a discussion with co-host Craig Melvin. The conversation took an unexpected turn when Melvin revealed Starkey’s admiration for *Jersey Shore*, which originally aired from 2009 to 2012. Starkey’s face lit up as he enthusiastically expressed that DJ Pauly D would be his ideal person to spend a day with, completely unaware that Melvin had something special lined up for him.
With a hint of excitement in the air, Melvin shared that Pauly D had heard about Starkey’s fandom and had recorded a greeting for him. Initially sceptical, Starkey could hardly believe what he was hearing. Within moments, the show broadcast the surprise video message, drawing gasps and laughter from the studio audience.
In the video, Pauly D, now 46, addressed Starkey with genuine enthusiasm. “Yo, what’s up? It’s your boy DJ Pauly D and this message is for my man Drew Starkey,” he began, confirming that he too was a fan of the young actor. Their shared connection brought a sense of warmth to the moment as Pauly enthusiastically acknowledged Starkey’s work in *Outer Banks*. “I can’t wait to watch the new season,” he added, before expressing gratitude for Starkey’s support.
Starkey’s reaction was priceless—he threw his hands up in astonishment, exclaiming, “That’s crazy! That’s wild! Full circle. What a dream. You guys make dreams come true.” His genuine excitement resonated with audiences, highlighting the unexpected magic that can occur during live television.
Melvin, equally caught off guard, remarked that he had no idea about Starkey’s deep admiration for *Jersey Shore*, nor did he know that Pauly D had been keeping a close eye on Starkey’s rising career. The interaction showcased the power of fandom, bridging the gap between actors and reality television stars in a delightful way.
As *Lucky* nears its release, Starkey shared insights with PEOPLE about his character in the thriller. He portrays a man on the run, alongside celebrated actress Anya Taylor-Joy. The plot follows Taylor-Joy’s character as she navigates the aftermath of a heist that didn’t go as planned. The series, based on Marissa Stapley’s bestseller, also features a stellar cast, including Timothy Olyphant, Annette Bening, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Clifton Collins Jr.
Notably, this project marks an important step for Taylor-Joy, as it is not only her return to series television since *The Queen’s Gambit* in 2020, but also her debut as an executive producer. The excitement surrounding *Lucky* suggests that viewers will be eager for more of Starkey’s performance in the upcoming episodes, which are set to release weekly until August 19 on Apple TV.
The interaction on the Today show underscores the increasingly interconnected nature of celebrity culture, whereby actors and reality stars alike can appreciate the work of one another. For Starkey, the experience of receiving a personalised message from one of his idols was clearly a moment he will cherish, encapsulating the joy of fandom and the thrill of pursuing one’s dreams in the entertainment industry.
As the dynamic between Starkey and Pauly D illustrates, there is often more beneath the surface of celebrity personas that can lead to heartwarming exchanges such as this. Starkey, who admits to being a fan of the reality show, is now embarking on a thrilling new chapter in his own career, proving that dreams can indeed come true in the most unexpected ways.