Dive into a truly unforgettable movie set story as Rider Strong recalls the hilarious moment when a “giant vat” of meticulously crafted fake vomit for his 1998 film ‘My Giant’ was almost mistaken for a catered meal by a hundred hungry background actors, prompting a frantic intervention from the production crew.
The world of classic film production is often filled with fascinating, sometimes bizarre, behind-the-scenes stories. Few are as comically unappetizing as the one recently shared by Rider Strong, best known for his role as Shawn Hunter in the beloved series ‘Boy Meets World’. During an episode of his rewatch podcast, ‘Pod Meets World’, Strong recounted a truly memorable mishap from the set of his 1998 film ‘My Giant’, where a massive quantity of fake vomit was nearly mistaken for lunch by a throng of background actors.
The incident, which occurred while filming in Prague, highlights the often-surreal nature of movie-making. Strong was discussing the worst meals he’d ever encountered on set with his ‘Pod Meets World’ co-hosts, Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle, when he brought up the now-infamous “vomit vat” from ‘My Giant’. The film itself, a comedy-drama, starred Billy Crystal and was notably inspired by Crystal’s real-life friendship with the legendary professional wrestler André the Giant.
The Unforgettable Scene and Its “Gourmet” Prop
In ‘My Giant’, Rider Strong played a character who was subjected to being puked on by the titular giant, portrayed by Romanian basketball player Gheorghe Mureșan. To achieve a realistic effect for this “classic kid actor scene where it’s just ‘cover the kid in stuff,’” as Strong described it, the production team created an enormous vat of prop vomit. This concoction was carefully prepared using a mixture of potatoes, carrots, and food dye to ensure believability on screen. The sheer volume of the fake vomit meant it was a prominent fixture on set, awaiting its moment in front of the cameras.
Almost Lunch: A Close Call for 100 Extras
The story takes a genuinely hilarious turn when Strong revealed the astonishing near-miss. “So they had this giant vat sitting on the set, and the extras, there were about, like, 100 extras that day, thought it was lunch,” he explained on the podcast. The background actors, apparently oblivious to the true nature of the vat’s contents, began approaching it with bowls and spoons, ready to serve themselves a meal. Co-host Will Friedle jokingly called it “catered vomit” while Danielle Fishel added, “That’s production vomit.”
Fortunately, the production team intervened just in time. “They had to stop them from eating,” Strong confirmed, mimicking the frantic warnings: “‘No. No. No. No.'” This anecdote provides a rare glimpse into the unexpected moments that can occur during film production, especially when props are designed to look convincingly real. The full story was originally reported by People, sharing the comedic horror with fans.
‘My Giant’ and Strong’s Enduring Legacy
While the vomit incident is certainly a standout, ‘My Giant’ itself holds a unique place in 1990s cinema. The film’s premise, revolving around a talent agent (Billy Crystal) who discovers a giant man (Gheorghe Mureșan) and attempts to make him a star, resonated with audiences for its heartwarming exploration of friendship and acceptance. Details on the film’s cast and plot can be found on authoritative film databases like IMDb.
Strong’s current venture, ‘Pod Meets World’, continues to engage fans by revisiting his most iconic work, ‘Boy Meets World’, and offering a platform for these kinds of candid, behind-the-scenes recollections. The podcast frequently features guest stars and serves as a nostalgic trip for longtime viewers.
The enduring popularity of the ‘Boy Meets World’ cast was also recently highlighted when Danielle Fishel performed an emotional tribute to William Daniels (Mr. Feeny) on ‘Dancing with the Stars’. These moments underscore the strong bond between the cast members and their continued connection with their dedicated fanbase.
The Appeal of Behind-the-Scenes Stories
This “catered vomit” incident is more than just a funny anecdote; it’s a testament to the meticulous, sometimes over-the-top, efforts that go into creating movie magic. For classic film enthusiasts, these behind-the-scenes stories offer a richer understanding of the films they love, revealing the human element, the ingenuity, and often the sheer chaos that occurs off-camera. It’s these kinds of revelations that continue to fascinate and entertain, proving that sometimes, the real drama (or comedy) happens when the cameras aren’t strictly rolling on the main action.
