University of Wyoming students wore pink to welcome actor and comedian Daniel Franzese, who plays Damian in the 2004 film “Mean Girls.”
On April 19, 2024, Franzese visited the Wyoming Union for an event hosted by 7220 Entertainment. At the event, students were able to watch the original “Mean Girls” movie and listen to commentary and insights from Franzese.
“I didn’t even realize he was doing the commentary, so when he was talking, I was like, ‘Oh! Okay!’” Shayley Nordyke, who “doesn’t even go here” said.
Students watching “Mean Girls” at the event with Daniel Franzese, who plays “Damian” in the movie.
(William Galloway Photo)
This event comes exactly 20 years after the original red carpet premiere of the movie in 2004.
After the movie, Franzese led a Q&A where he answered questions about his role as an LGBTQ actor, his favorite parts of the movie and whether or not a burger is a sandwich.
“My advice for all LGBTQ people, no matter where you are, is just to be an example of love. I don’t really think that anyone can say anything about you if you’re walking on this earth as an example of love,” he said in response to a student question about advice for LGBTQ students in Wyoming. “If someone’s got some shitty stuff to say about you, just be like ‘nice shoes.’”
“The best comeback is to come back with love.”
-Daniel Franzese
Franzese also mentioned that Wyoming is one of four states he had never been to, along with Montana, Alaska and Hawaii.
“This was a bucket list destination for me,” he said. “I think that it’s so pretty here, and so are the Cowboys.”
Daniel Franzese met with each attendee after the movie.
(William Galloway Photo)
To conclude the event, he took selfies with attendees and offered to stay as long as it took to see everyone.
“You put this art out into the universe, you put this art out, you put this art out. And you wonder how people react,” Franzese said. “So to literally walk in here and [see] you dressed like me? And to have you guys ask me these kinds of questions and wearing pink and everything else like that? It feeds my soul in a way that you wouldn’t even understand.”
