The Dead to Me star remembered meeting with Hairspray director Adam Shankman and producers, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, at a New York restaurant to talk about him potentially playing Corny Collins in the film.
"In the middle of the interview —it was an interview because I was trying to get the job — I had a tap on my shoulder and it was Julia Roberts."
"She said, ‘I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I just wanted to tell you that you're in my favorite movie, The Notebook. I love what you do in the film, and congratulations on it. Nice to meet you.'"
Well, that compliment couldn't have come at a better time because it ended up solidifying the director's decision to give him the role.
"Then Adam Shankman turns to me and he goes, ‘If you didn't have the job already, I think that sort of seals it.'"
"So I have Julia Roberts to thank for that. She was the one who cemented me getting cast in that role."
You know what they say: It takes a village! To watch more of James on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, check out the full clip below.
