Ross King: The Pitts? No, Brad’s a pretty classy guy, says America’s most unlikely heartthrob

They said a mask and gloves were what I needed to wear when I went to the supermarket – but they were lying.

Turns out I needed trousers, too.

Hello from LA Lockdown where life is crazier than normal, if normal is what you could call it here the rest of the time!

Earlier this week an episode of topical comedy show Saturday Night Live was the most talked-about thing on television.

It was because of Dr Anthony Fauci. He’s the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases here in the US.

The 79-year-old has been a reassuring presence on screens over here, telling people what they need to know to keep safe during regular press conferences.

He’s so respected he’s been in the role for 35 years, serving under several Presidents.

Dr Fauci, who hails from New York, has even become an unlikely sex symbol.

Last week, Dr Fauci was asked who he’d like to play him on Saturday Night Live.

There’s a tradition here on Saturday Night live of big celebs playing public figures such as the president or high-profile politicians.

Alec Baldwin has been brilliantly portraying Donald Trump for the past few years – much to the real man’s chagrin, of course.

Dr Fauci joked he’d love Brad Pitt to play him – which is funny because that would be my answer, too!

© Evan Vucci/AP/Shutterstock

I wonder what Dr Fauci thought last Saturday night as he sat in front of the telly.

Who was playing him – Brad Pitt!

And the actor was great fun, gently making fun of Dr Fauci’s status as a fellow heartthrob.

“First, I’d like to thank all the older women in America who have sent me supportive, inspiring, and sometimes graphic emails,” said Brad as Fauci.

He went on to mock President Trump… well, it is tradition after all.

Brad then removed his wig and, as himself, praised Dr Fauci and healthcare workers for their efforts.

People on social media loved Brad’s efforts.

And so did Dr Fauci!

“I think he did great. I’m a great fan of Brad Pitt, and that’s the reason why when people ask me who I would like to play me, I mention Brad Pitt,” Fauci said the next day.

“He’s one of my favourite actors. I think he did a great job.

“I think he showed that he is really a classy guy when he took off his hair and thanked me and all of the healthcare workers.

“So not only is he a really great actor, but he is actually a classy person,” he said.

Guess who’s getting an invite to the set of Brad’s next movie when this is over!

Another movie star doing their small bit during all this is Tom Hanks.

He received a letter from an Australian boy asking if Tom and his wife had recovered from their bout of corona virus last month.

The boy revealed he had been bullied – because his name is Corona.

Tom took the time to type out a letter to the boy, telling him he had a nice name.

And he signed it with: “P.S. You got a friend in ME!”

Hanks a lot, Tom!