Jack Black met unexpected praise with trademark self-deprecation and warmth after a viral clip resurfaced of actress Elle Fanning calling him the “hottest man I’ve ever seen” and memorably dubbing him “sex on legs.”
The lighthearted moment unfolded as Black sat alongside longtime collaborator and co-star Paul Rudd, listening to the clip play. As Fanning’s enthusiastic compliments echoed, Black leaned back with his eyes closed, adopting an exaggerated pose of mock embarrassment that drew laughter from those in the room. Rather than basking in the flattery, the actor and musician quickly turned the spotlight away from himself.
At one point, Black jokingly attributed his reaction to what he called “goblin dysmorphia,” a humorous phrase he used to suggest that no amount of praise could override his deeply ingrained self-image. The comment, delivered with a grin, landed as a classic Jack Black moment—equal parts absurd, self-aware, and disarming. Rudd, seated beside him, appeared amused as Black continued to play down the attention.
The viral clip of Fanning’s comments, which has circulated widely on social media, struck a chord with fans not only because of the surprising nature of the praise, but also because of Black’s response to it. Known for his comedic bravado on screen, Black has often spoken candidly about confidence, body image, and the importance of not taking oneself too seriously. His reaction this time was consistent with that persona, choosing humor over ego.
Black also took a moment to address a detail that could easily have been overlooked but resonated with viewers: Fanning’s relationship. Looking directly into the camera, he spoke to her boyfriend with playful sincerity, assuring him that there was “no beef” and no hard feelings over the attention. The reassurance, delivered with an earnest tone beneath the joke, underscored Black’s effort to keep the moment respectful as well as funny.
“There’s nothing going on here,” he seemed to imply, diffusing any potential awkwardness before it could take root. The brief aside was met with laughter and nods of approval, reinforcing the sense that Black was intent on keeping the moment light, inclusive, and good-natured.
Fans online responded positively to the exchange, praising Black for handling the viral attention with grace and humility. Many noted that his reaction—closing his eyes, cracking jokes, and redirecting the moment—only reinforced why he remains such a beloved figure in Hollywood. Others pointed out that the playful chemistry between Black and Rudd added another layer of charm to the scene.
In an industry often marked by carefully managed images and rehearsed responses, Black’s candid, humorous reaction stood out. By leaning into self-mockery and kindness rather than self-importance, he transformed a viral compliment into a reminder of why his appeal has endured for decades—less about conventional stardom, and more about authenticity, laughter, and an ability to laugh at himself.
