It’s On!!! Timothée Chalamet vs. Opera & Ballet
Timothee Chalamet poses on the red carpet during the Actor Awards, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Blake
The Celebrity Beat…
Timothée Chalamet grew up in an artistic home. His mother and sister have both studied ballet, so you’d think he would have an appreciation for the artform. Well, not so much.
In an interview with Matthew McConaughey, Timothée said, “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore.'”
He immediately added, “All respect to the ballet and opera people out there” …but then took another shot saying, “I just lost 14 cents in viewership.” It’s at the 50:00-mark, here.
It’s unclear how his family thinks about that.. but the ballet and opera communities are calling him out.
The Metropolitan Opera in NYC shared a video showing hardworking crew members inside the opera house, and said, “All respect to the opera (and ballet) people out there. This one’s for you, Timothée Chalamet.”
London‘s Royal Ballet and Opera said, “Ballet and opera have never existed in isolation… they have continually informed, inspired, and elevated other art forms. Their influence can be felt across theater, film, contemporary music, fashion, and beyond.”
And Megan Fairchild, a New York City Ballet Principal, shared this on social media: “Timmy, I didn’t realize you were a world class dancer or opera singer who simply chose not to pursue it because acting is more popular! Ballet and opera aren’t niche hobbies people opt out-of for fame. They’re disciplines you can only enter if you have the rare ability for them in the first place.”
To be fair, Timothée was trying to make a point about “serious” movies and blockbusters… and how some people believe that movies need to be fast-paced and thrilling to keep movie theaters from dying out.
The shot at the performing arts did seem unnecessary… but it’s hard to argue that opera and ballet HAVE fallen out of the mainstream to some degree.
SOURCES: Deadline / Consequence / New York Times
