James Marsden Says This Oscar Winner Helped Get Him Cast in 'Hairspray' - Watch!

James Marsden is sharing a big secret!

The 46-year-old actor made a virtual appearance on Ellen, set to air on Thursday (May 28), to promote the new season of his hit Netflix show Dead to Me.

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During his appearance, James revealed that a random run-in with Julia Roberts helped get him cast in the 2007 movie Hairspray.

James shared that before he was cast as Corny Collins, he was at a restaurant on an interview with director Adam Shankman when Julia came up to him and randomly started singing his praises.

“I had a tap on my shoulder and it was Julia Roberts just standing there and she said, ‘Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I just wanted to tell you you’re in my favorite movie, The Notebook, and I loved what you do in the film and congratulations on it, bye nice to meet you,’” James shared. “And Adam Shankman turns to me and says, ‘if you didn’t have the role already, I think that just kind of sealed it.’”

Watch more from James‘ interview in the clip!