Jessica Chastain vs. Bryce Dallas Howard: The Real Difference Is Their Shoe Size

Natural redheads represent only about 2% of the global population, making the striking resemblance between Jessica Chastain and Bryce Dallas Howard a statistical anomaly that has fueled a decade of Hollywood “twin” rumors.

Despite having no biological relation, their shared copper locks and similar features have famously baffled fans and even family members. One of the most enduring stories of their “mirror image” likeness occurred when director Ron Howard famously mistook Chastain for his own daughter, Bryce.

Despite frequent comparisons, Jessica Chastain and Bryce Dallas Howard are not related—though their striking resemblance has fueled years of Hollywood confusion (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

This case of mistaken identity has become a lighthearted staple of pop-culture history, but for fashion enthusiasts, the two actresses are just as recognizable for their distinct red-carpet style strategies. Jessica Chastain, who stands at 5 feet 3¾ inches (161.9 cm) and wears a US size 7.5, often relies on carefully chosen heels to enhance her petite frame—though even a seasoned red-carpet pro isn’t immune to the occasional high-fashion footwear misstep.

By contrast, Bryce Dallas Howard, taller at 5 feet 6½ inches (168.9 cm) with a US size 10, approaches footwear with very different proportions in mind, making their shoe choices a far clearer point of distinction than their famously similar face.

Jessica Chastain said that she was at an Apple Store when the director passed by. “I was, like, walking by, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s Ron Howard,’” Chastain said in an interview with the Associated Press. “And then my friend was with me (and) said he turned to someone, he goes, ‘I think I just saw Bryce.’ We look so much alike.”

As unbelievable as it sounds, Ron Howard really did confuse Chastain for his daughter. Bryce Dallas Howard confirmed the event to Entertainment Tonight, and that it was, honestly, rather hilarious. “Legit,” she confirmed, “And he was, like, shook. He really was.”

“At first he was like, ‘You really look so much alike,’” Howard said. Luckily, the actress isn’t offended by being mistaken for Chastain.

“And I mean, obviously, I’m incredibly flattered, so it’s great. Although something is wrong when people stop mistaking me for her. I’ll be like, ‘Gotta get it together.’”

Bryce Dallas Howard poses with her father, director Ron Howard, at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party—years after he famously mistook Jessica Chastain for his daughter due to their resemblance (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

Chastain and Howard first met after being cast together in the film The Help. Much like everyone else, they couldn’t help but notice the similarities between themselves.

“The first time we met, we went to the table and looked at each other, because we both get it all the time, and we grabbed each other’s hands and said, ‘Let’s go to the mirror,’” Chastain said. “And we went to the mirror and looked at our faces and went, ‘Yeah, we look exactly alike.’”

The similarities between Chastain and Howard have been the subject of plenty of jokes. In fact, the YouTube channel Legolambs released a humorous, musical-type song and video entitled “I AM NOT JESSICA CHASTAIN (Bryce Dallas Howard)”.

Side-by-side portraits of Bryce Dallas Howard (left) and Jessica Chastain (right), whose striking resemblance has fueled years of Hollywood look-alike comparisons (Credit: Lia Toby/WENN)

The song, performed by Stephanie Koenig, has caught the actresses’ attention, as Howard posted a DubSmash video of her singing along, mouthing, “It’s time to put an end to the confusion, I am not Jessica Chastain!”

Both actresses have taken part in the light-hearted jokes themselves. Chastain posted a TikTok video singing along to the popular sound “Sick of It”.

In the video, Chastain writes, “When you spend 20 years building a career, and they still think you work at Jurassic Park”: a playful reference to Howard’s role in the Jurassic World films.

Jessica Chastain makes a grand entrance in a black Christian Dior Fall 2019 Haute Couture dress at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, as well as the premiere of Annette, on July 6, 2021, in Cannes, France (Credit: Mega / WENN)

The comparisons and jokes about Chastain and Howard’s similarities will likely not cease anytime soon, but thankfully, the actresses aren’t offended by it.

Frankly, it would be an honor if anyone told you that you look like either of them!

While the playful confusion between these two redheaded stars is a testament to their striking features, there is one area where the distinction becomes very clear: their personal style. Even for a fashion-forward star like Chastain, the pressure of the red carpet can sometimes lead to a rare wardrobe malfunction that every shoe lover can learn from.

Red Carpet Style Lessons: Jessica Chastain’s 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards Look

Jessica Chastain wears her red hair down as she walks the blue carpet at the 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards held on February 27, 2016, in Santa Monica (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

In February 2016, Jessica Chastain looked gorgeous while walking the blue carpet at the 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica. She was one of the presenters at the annual event, which honors the best in indie film.

Jessica Chastain wears a vibrant blue Elie Saab dress at the 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards

The petite American actress donned a vibrant blue Elie Saab dress and accessorized with a stunning Piaget necklace. Her look was unfortunately ruined by her Roger Vivier open-toe heels that seemed at least one size too small.

Jessica Chastain coordinated her cobalt Elie Saab dress with the blue carpet, finishing the look with metallic ankle-strap heels that added contrast and height without overpowering the gown

While wearing the right size is important, there are many other ways to prevent toe overhang.

Toe overhang is clearly visible as Jessica Chastain’s feet spill over the front of her metallic Roger Vivier sandals, suggesting the heels appear at least one size too small

How could she not have noticed that her toes were literally touching the blue carpet? It is, however, not the worst toe overhang we’ve ever seen.

The minimalist, open-toe design of the metallic Roger Vivier sandals puts the pedicure fully on display, while the narrow front strap leaves little room for the toes to sit comfortably

Same Look, Different Shoes: Where Their Style Stories Continue

While Jessica Chastain and Bryce Dallas Howard may continue to spark look-alike debates, their fashion and footwear choices tell two very different stories.

From Chastain’s sculptural red-carpet heels to Howard’s confident, proportion-forward shoe selections, each actress has built a distinct style identity—one step at a time. Explore more of their standout shoe moments and red-carpet looks below.