83‑Year‑Old Extra in Taylor Swift Video Had No Idea Who She Was

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

In an unexpected twist to the media frenzy surrounding Taylor Swift’s latest music video, one of the featured extras has admitted he had no prior knowledge of the pop star’s identity despite appearing alongside her and other celebrities.

The man, 83‑year‑old Barrie Reynolds from Kent, appeared briefly in the official video for Swift’s single Opalite as one of the judges in a dance‑off scene. Reynolds, a performer with the local St Nicholas Players and a participant through his acting and modelling agency, told BBC Radio Kent that he only found out who Swift was after being cast and filming his part. “I’m afraid I have no idea who she was,” he said, surprising many given Swift’s global fame and frequent coverage in entertainment media.

Reynolds said his granddaughters were particularly excited by his cameo and initially baffled by his unfamiliarity with Swift, whose music and tours regularly dominate international charts. He only became aware of her in advance of the shoot after reading about her tour in a newspaper. Despite the lack of prior familiarity, he described Swift as “very kind and very compassionate” during the set, noting her engagement with everyone involved despite tight security.

The surreal video for Opalite blends 1980s‑inspired visuals with an off‑beat narrative about a whimsical dance contest. It also features appearances by British singer Lewis Capaldi, Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson and a cameo voiceover from Irish actor Cillian Murphy, among others. Despite the star‑studded lineup, Reynolds made clear that he did not connect the dots between his co‑stars and one of the world’s most streamed artists until after his participation in the shoot.

Reynolds said he enjoyed the song despite giving the performers a “zero” score as part of the judging gag. He also had the chance to take a photograph with Swift after filming wrapped and jokingly coined her “Niftie Swiftie” in reference to her swift dance moves. His candid admission underlines how even those who end up in high‑profile pop culture projects can sometimes be far removed from mainstream celebrity awareness — a contrast to the widespread global attention Swift commands.

Read More At>>