Hot Ones: 15 Celebrities Who Best Handled The Heat

Summary

• Hot Ones challenges celebrities to face questions and increasingly spicy hot sauces.
• Host Sean Evans is a seasoned pro, and some celebrities have notably failed to compose themselves.
• Some of guests have, however, managed to keep their cool, even ignoring the assistance of drinks.

Hot Ones has claimed many victims, including the likes of Tom Holland, Gordon Ramsay, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, but who did the best on Hot Ones is up for debate. not often discussed are the celebrity guests who handled the challenge with ease and grace. While a perfect performance is hard to get, most of these celebrities still had fewer issues than most.

Hot Ones has been going strong for years, but recently, there have been some excellent episodes. Some of the more recent episodes also featured guests who had little to no problems with the spiciness. Few can say they did not cry when doing the Hot Ones challenge, but some of these celebrities can proudly claim it — with the video evidence to back it up.

15 Coolio

The Late Rapper Doesn’t Taste The Heat

The late rapper Coolio passed away in 2022, but his appearance on Hot Ones in 2016 helped to solidify his legacy among fans. It is a very charming appearance from the legendary artist with some very humble moments from him, such as talking about his emotional reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s live performance at the Grammys, what he learned from Tupac Shakur, and his regret about feuding with Weird Al over a parody song of Coolio’s hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise.”

However, when it comes to the hot sauce, Coolio was less humble, confidently eating each one and asking Evans when they were supposed to get hot. That confidence was largely earned as he showed little trouble in going through each of the wings while spouting off anecdotes about his long career. That confidence did lead him astray with the Last Dab as he put a wild amount of sauce on the wing and was clearly taken aback by the heat, but it was an amazing showing up until that point.

14 Michael Cera

The Superbad Actor Politely Accepts The Challenge

Michael Cera’s soft-spoken demeanor could have cracked under the heat of the Hot Ones challenge, but he managed to keep composed throughout the entire run of sauces. Cera rose to fame starring in awkward teen roles such as George Michael in Arrested Development and Evan in Superbad. His off-screen persona is not a far cry from those roles as Cera is a down-to-earth, calm individual who showcases as much even in this stressful environment.

Cera looks to be enjoying each wing, complimenting the flavors and becoming something of a connoisseur by the end of the challenge. There is a sense that Cera is almost being too polite to complain about the heat. However, his friendly and easygoing persona is not to take away from the fact that he continues on with little to no issue as if this is a typical interview.

13 Dax Shepard

The Comedic Actor Goes For Seconds

Dax Shepard is another actor known for his easygoing and laidback persona, which largely stayed intact throughout his Hot Ones experience. Unlike some celebrities who have entered the challenge with the confidence that they would sail through without issue, Shepard acknowledged his expectation that the heat would be a lot to handle, and this attitude might have helped him to do so well with the challenge.

At one point, Shepard pointed out the conflict of being happy that he was doing well while also wanting to put on an entertaining performance for the audience. However, he maintained his cool demeanor right until the end, which is where he was most impressive. In what Evans called a Hot Ones first at the time, Shepard requested a second helping of the Last Dab and lathered on the hot sauce. He admitted to being overwhelmed but was still able to answer a series of math questions afterward.

12 Zoë Kravitz

The Multi-Talented Artist Doesn’t Need A Drink

Zoë Kravitz often plays cool and collected characters in her movies and shows, such as Selina Kyle in The Batman and Robyn in High Fidelity. As it turns out, Kravitz is a lot like that in real life, with her easygoing style never wavering in the face of the hot sauce. While she begins by admitting that she likes a lot of spicy food, it is still surprising how well she handled the extreme heat in this situation.

Kravitz even outperforms Evans with the host feeling the heat before she does. Kravitz admits that she is expecting things to go downhill once they get to the hotter wings, but she always manages to keep her composure. While the infamous sauce “Da Bomb” does have a slight effect on her, Kravtiz points out that by the time they get to the Last Dab, she hadn’t even had a drink of water.

11 CL

The South Korean Rapper Composed Herself Under Pressure

CL, the South Korean rapper and former leader of the globally renowned girl group 2NE1, showcased her resilience and charm on the spicy wing challenge show. Her episode was a fascinating display of cultural crossover, where K-pop met one of the most universally challenging eating experiences.

Despite encountering the notorious heat levels that have overwhelmed many celebrities, CL’s composure under pressure was notable. Tears might have welled up in her eyes — a natural response to the capsaicin barrage — yet her demeanor remained unflustered.

Unlike Jon Bernthal, known for his roles in hard-hitting action films and series, who visibly struggled with the spice, or celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, whose expertise in the culinary world didn’t seem to prepare him for the heat, CL managed to keep her cool. This isn’t to say the experience was easy for her — she did consume a notable amount of milk.

10 Elijah Wood

His Quip About Mount Doom Wasn’t Lost On Fans

Elijah Wood’s foray into the fiery challenge of Hot Ones was a delightful surprise, showcasing the actor’s resilience and humor under the heat. Known for his role as Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Wood brought a sense of adventure and camaraderie to the table that was reminiscent of his journey through Middle-earth.

His ability to crack jokes in the face of the escalating spice levels not only kept the atmosphere light but also demonstrated his quick wit and charm. His quip about the sauces tasting like the lava of Mount Doom was a brilliant nod to his iconic role.

Wood’s performance was emblematic of his career: consistently excellent yet somehow underappreciated in the broader spectrum. Just as Frodo undertook the arduous journey to Mount Doom, Wood tackled each wing with a mix of determination and levity. Tears may have formed from the relentless heat, a natural bodily response, but they did little to dampen his spirit. His humor, a tool as effective as any Elven sword, cut through the challenge, making the experience enjoyable for both him and the viewers.

9 Jeremy Renner

Renner Brought The Same Measured Approach As He Does To His Roles

Jeremy Renner’s performance on Hot Ones was a testament to the cool, collected demeanor he’s known for in his action-packed movie roles. The actor, celebrated for his portrayals of hardened, resilient characters in blockbuster hits, like Hawkeye in the MCU and Alex Cross in The Bourne Legacy, brought the same level of intensity and composure to the spice-infused interview table.

Renner’s near-flawless navigation through the gauntlet of fiery wings was punctuated by moments that mirrored the grit and determination characteristic of his on-screen characters.

Notably, Renner’s approach to the challenge was pragmatic and measured. While the heat was undeniable, his reactions were minimal, showcasing a Stoic endurance that aligns with the heroic figures he embodies in films. The moment he reached for water to quench the escalating fire was not a sign of defeat but a strategic pause, a calculated decision to continue the battle against the capsaicin-laden adversaries laid out before him. Renner not only accepted the challenge of the Last Dab but escalated it by applying an excessive amount of sauce to his wing.

8 Neil deGrasse Tyson

Tyson Dropped Some Iconic One-Liners Without Being Effected

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s encounter with the Hot Ones challenge was as enlightening as it was entertaining, showcasing his remarkable ability to blend intellect with humor. His bold proclamation, “I took two bites b****,” became an iconic highlight. Despite occasional coughs indicating the wings’ potency, Tyson’s intellectual acumen remained unscathed.

He navigated complex scientific discussions with ease, his enthusiasm for knowledge undimmed by the escalating heat. This ability to engage in deep, scientific discourse, regardless of the physical challenge, underscored his unique presence on the show, making his episode a standout for its blend of education and entertainment.

Tyson’s performance on
Hot Ones
could be seen as a metaphor for his approach to science: facing challenges head-on with curiosity and resilience.

Tyson’s performance on Hot Ones could be seen as a metaphor for his approach to science: facing challenges head-on with curiosity and resilience. While others might lose focus amidst the challenge, Tyson thrived, suggesting that the intensity of the experience only sharpened his faculties. His episode wasn’t just about surviving the heat; it was a celebration of science, showcasing how the quest for knowledge can transcend any obstacle, including the fieriest of wings.

7 Paul Rudd

The Actor Tackled The Challenge With Ease & Humor

This was arguably one of the greatest ever Hot Ones episodes. The episode even sparked a popular meme, but what most do not talk about is how well Paul Rudd handled the heat. Despite the escalating heat, Rudd managed the spicy onslaught with minimal breaks, demonstrating his legendary status extends beyond his acting skills.

His ability to maintain focus and humor underscored his knack for creating memorable moments, even in the most scorching of circumstances. This episode stands out not just for its entertainment value but for highlighting Rudd’s admirable resilience and charisma.

When Tom Holland appeared, he stated it was his favorite episode of Hot Ones. Rudd was already a legendary actor, but his Hot Ones appearance showed a different side to him – proving that he can handle a challenge. Rudd, known for his versatile acting and ageless charm, revealed another dimension of his talent through this challenge, illustrating his capability to tackle and triumph over intense situations with ease and humor. This performance also solidified his status as a relatable and down-to-earth individual, as he seemingly became great friends with Sean over the course of the episode.

6 Coach Brad Underwood

His Stoic Endurances Demonstrated His Resilience

This was a special episode of Hot Ones, particularly for the host Sean Evans as he went back to his alma mater, the University of Illinois, to interview the lead men’s basketball coach. However, what followed was the coach completely dominating the hot wings with only a few tears. The coach went through the interview with no problems, including no laps around the set. His Stoic endurance through the interview not only demonstrated his resilience but also captivated the show’s fans.

Fans praised Underwood for his performance when taking on the wings as he handled the Last Dab with grace.

Coach Underwood handled himself so well that he caught the eyes of fans of the show too. Fans praised Underwood for his performance when taking on the wings as he handled the Last Dab with grace. It’s hard for guests to top the likes of Charlize Theron, but Underwood comes close. His approach to the spicy ordeal places him among the memorable guests of the show, showcasing a different kind of celebrity prowess grounded in sportsmanship and perseverance.

5 Charlize Theron

Theron’s Grace Paralleled The Strength Of The Characters She Plays

Charlize Theron has become an iconic action star with films like Atomic Blonde and The Old Guard, but she aced her toughest challenge yet — the Hot Ones challenge. Remarkably, the escalating spice levels barely elicited a response from Theron, suggesting that the challenge was but a minor hurdle for the seasoned actress. Without taking any breaks, shedding tears, or showing signs of discomfort, she faced each wing with a grace that paralleled the strength of her on-screen characters.

Moreover, Theron’s ability to maintain her composure and wit, even making the crew erupt in laughter amidst the challenge, highlighted a different aspect of her talent. Few guests can claim to have kept their cool, both physically and emotionally, while engaging in banter that lightens the mood of the entire set, especially when faced with the intense heat of the wings. Theron’s episode on Hot Ones not only showcased her physical resilience but also her charismatic personality, making her stand out even more in the show’s history.

4 Elizabeth Olsen

Olsen Faced No Issues Despite Calling Da Bomb “Offensive”

Elizabeth Olsen’s appearance on Hot Ones was a refreshing blend of chill vibes and wholesomeness, standing out as a testament to how the show has become a staple in the celebrity interview circuit. Her calm demeanor and genuine personality shone brightly throughout the episode, providing a delightful contrast to the fiery challenge at hand.

Notably, her reaction to the infamous Da Bomb sauce, humorously deeming it “offensive,” added a memorable moment that encapsulated her ability to maintain composure and charm even in the face of daunting heat.

The episode was more than just a spicy challenge; it was a conduit for authentic interactions, allowing viewers to glean insights not just into Olsen’s character but also into host Sean Evans. The dynamic between Olsen and Evans was particularly engaging, with Olsen’s serene presence even calmer than Evans’s. This inversion of the usual Hot Ones narrative, where the guest typically shows more discomfort than the host, underscored Olsen’s remarkable ease under pressure.

3 Padma Lakshmi

She Navigated The Da Bomb Effortlessly

Padma Lakshmi’s foray into the Hot Ones challenge was a masterclass in grace and resilience, aptly captured by the episode’s title, “Padma Lakshmi Gracefully Destroys Spicy Wings.” Her exceptional performance left viewers in awe, particularly with how effortlessly she navigated the notorious Da Bomb sauce, known for bringing even the most seasoned spice veterans to their knees.

Lakshmi’s ability to maintain her composure and trademark smile throughout the escalating heat levels was a remarkable feat, reinforcing her culinary prowess and adding an impressive chapter to her public persona.

Throughout the episode, Lakshmi exhibited a level of spice tolerance that went beyond mere endurance, turning the challenge into an almost casual affair. While she did indulge in some milk, it appeared more as a complement to the experience rather than a necessary relief from the heat. Her ability to stay cool without resorting to physical exertions like taking laps around the set underscored a confidence and ease that set her apart from other participants.

2 Lorde

The Singer Still Gave Articulate Responses After Each Wing

Lorde’s appearance on Hot Ones was nothing short of remarkable, as she breezed through the spicy wing challenge with such ease that she joked about being boring. Her laughter in the face of the challenge’s fieriest wings highlighted her exceptional tolerance and composed demeanor, setting her apart as arguably the most unflappable guest the show has seen.

Throughout the interview, Lorde’s graceful handling of each increasingly spicy wing, paired with her articulate responses, underscored her unique poise and resilience, making her episode a standout in the show’s history.

The New Zealand singer-songwriter’s performance left host Sean Evans searching for any sign of discomfort, a testament to her extraordinary ability to withstand the heat without faltering. Lorde’s unshaken composure throughout the challenge solidified her status as a Hot Ones legend, effortlessly earning her a prestigious spot in the show’s hall of fame. Her remarkable showing not only entertained but also showcased her strength of character, leaving an indelible mark on the series and its audience.

1 Jenna Ortega

Ortega Double-Dipped The Last Dab

Jenna Ortega’s stint on Hot Ones immediately set a new bar for what can only be described as an effortlessly cool performance under fire. In a turn of events that saw host Sean Evans grappling more visibly with the heat, Ortega sailed through the spicy wings challenge with an almost unnerving composure. Her audacity to double-dip in the Last Dab sauce — a move seldom dared by even the bravest of guests — without batting an eyelid, left an indelible mark of her boldness and spice tolerance on the show.

Ortega’s refusal to reach for water or milk throughout the ordeal wasn’t just impressive; it was a testament to her resilience and perhaps a subtle nod to her on-screen persona, often characterized by a stoic and strong-willed nature. This episode didn’t just showcase her ability to handle physical heat but also painted a picture of her as a figure of respect and admiration. By maintaining her poise and engaging in the interview without the typical recourse to palate soothers, Ortega set herself apart as one of the most memorable and formidable guests in Hot Ones history.