Anthony Michael Hall, known for his iconic roles in 1980s high school films, is finding himself back in a classroom setting for FOX's new celebrity game show, 'Nation's Dumbest.' The show features a diverse cast of celebrities, including actors, reality stars, and politicians, competing in various challenges and quizzes. Hall noted the full-circle nature of the experience, joking that his career seems perpetually tied to high school.
During filming, Hall experienced moments that reminded him of his teenage years, including the dynamic of being with a group of people he might not otherwise encounter. He described the experience as a lesson in staying open to new possibilities and embracing unexpected opportunities, even admitting to initially questioning his involvement due to the show's title. He found the production, co-created by FOX and BBC, to be a well-executed and enjoyable format that had found success internationally.
The show was filmed over 12 days in Toronto, with participants undergoing challenges that included trivia, brain games, word games, and elements of science and math. Hall, who admitted to having obtained a GED in 10th grade, found these academic aspects challenging but emphasized the positive experience of connecting with the other contestants, ranging from Gen Z personalities like JoJo Siwa to veteran entertainers like Ice-T and Dr. Drew.
He also addressed the perception of actors regarding intelligence, acknowledging his own academic struggles despite his early characters'