Lindsay Lohan’s Triumphant Return to Hollywood: Jonathan Bennett Predicts She’ll “Shine Like a Diamond”

The entertainment world is buzzing with excitement as beloved actress Lindsay Lohan prepares for her highly anticipated return to the silver screen. News broke on May 24th that Lohan, known for her iconic roles in films like Mean Girls and The Parent Trap, has landed a starring role in an upcoming Netflix Christmas romantic-comedy, slated for release in 2022. This announcement marks a significant moment for fans and industry insiders alike, signaling a new chapter in Lohan’s illustrious career.

Among those cheering loudest for Lohan’s comeback is her former Mean Girls co-star, Jonathan Bennett. Bennett, who played Lohan’s on-screen love interest Aaron Samuels in the 2004 cult classic, has remained a close friend over the years. Upon hearing the news, he wasted no time in reaching out to offer his heartfelt congratulations, embodying the enduring camaraderie that often forms on movie sets.

Speaking exclusively with HollywoodLife, the 39-year-old actor shared details of his sweet message to Lohan. “I just DM’d her on Instagram,” Bennett revealed, adding that his message conveyed immense pride and support. He made these comments while promoting his groundbreaking partnership with Kay Jewelers, an initiative that has seen him co-create the first same-sex engagement/wedding ring, inspired by the beautiful piece his fiancé, Jaymes Vaughan, designed for their own upcoming nuptials.

The direct message Bennett sent to his former co-star was short, sweet, and filled with genuine affection: “Congrats, I can’t wait, you’re gonna shine like a diamond baby.” This heartfelt prediction speaks volumes about Bennett’s faith in Lohan’s talent and her ability to captivate audiences once again. It suggests that he believes she possesses an inherent star quality that, when given the right platform, will undoubtedly sparkle brighter than ever before.

Lohan was quick to respond to Bennett’s encouraging words, demonstrating the warmth and respect that defines their friendship. “She said, ‘Thanks, love,'” Jonathan shared, highlighting the easygoing and appreciative nature of their exchanges. This interaction underscores a bond that has transcended the pressures and changes within Hollywood, a testament to the genuine connection forged during their time on the set of one of the most quotable teen comedies of all time.

The Enduring Friendship: From “Mean Girls” to Major Comebacks

Lindsay and Jonathan’s friendship has remained steadfast since they first shared the screen in Mean Girls. Their on-screen chemistry as Cady Heron and Aaron Samuels was a highlight of the film, and it appears their off-screen rapport is just as strong. For fans who grew up watching their characters navigate the complex social hierarchy of high school, this enduring connection is a delightful piece of Hollywood lore. The film itself has become a cultural touchstone, continually finding new audiences and cementing its place as a quintessential teen movie. The nostalgia associated with Mean Girls, and by extension its stars, adds an extra layer of anticipation to Lohan’s return.

Indeed, their bond runs deep, extending beyond casual DMs. As HollywoodLife previously reported, Jonathan and Jaymes have openly expressed their desire to have Lindsay—and her mom, Dina Lohan—attend their destination wedding in 2022. This invitation is a clear indicator of the close ties they share, portraying a friendship that has matured and strengthened over nearly two decades. It paints a picture of mutual support and shared life events, far removed from the fleeting nature of many industry relationships.

Lindsay Lohan’s Netflix Rom-Com: A New Era

Lindsay Lohan’s choice to return to acting with a Netflix rom-com is a strategic and promising move. Netflix has become a powerhouse for original content, offering a vast global platform and an environment conducive to creative resurgence for many actors. The romantic-comedy genre, in particular, often provides a perfect vehicle for stars to reconnect with audiences through charming, relatable, and feel-good narratives. For Lohan, whose early career was defined by her effervescent presence in similar roles, this genre feels like a natural and welcome homecoming.

Her hiatus from acting allowed her to explore other ventures and live a life away from the intense glare of the Hollywood spotlight. Now, with a refreshed perspective, her return is met with considerable excitement. Fans have long yearned for her distinctive charm and comedic timing, and a Christmas rom-com promises to deliver just that. The anticipation around her performance is palpable, with many hoping this marks the beginning of a sustained and successful new phase in her acting journey.

Jonathan Bennett and Jaymes Vaughan: Making History with Love and Inclusivity

While celebrating Lindsay’s comeback, Jonathan Bennett has also been busy making history himself alongside his fiancé, Jaymes Vaughan. The couple, who got engaged in November 2020, has become a prominent voice and visible face for the LGBTQ+ community, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity.

Their engagement was a romantic affair. Jaymes, 37, proposed to his longtime love with a song he had personally written for the occasion—a deeply personal and touching gesture. He also designed a unique engagement ring, in collaboration with Kay Jewelers, adding another layer of personal significance to the proposal.

Their activism and visibility extend to significant media representation. Jonathan and Jaymes recently made headlines as the first gay couple to grace the cover of The Knot magazine. This milestone is not just a personal achievement but a powerful symbol of progress and acceptance within mainstream media, demonstrating that love, in all its forms, is celebrated and recognized.

“Our Ring by Jaymes + Jonathan”: A Symbol of Inclusive Love

Building on their personal journey, the couple has once again partnered with Kay Jewelers to create a groundbreaking ring for the wider LGBTQ+ community. This stunning design, aptly named “Our Ring by Jaymes + Jonathan,” represents a significant step forward in retail inclusivity. It will be released in limited supply on Kay.com in early June, making history as a major retailer features a same-sex specific ring for the first time.

Jonathan expressed his immense pride and excitement about this initiative. “A major retailer is going to have a same sex ring, it’s history making and we are really excited and proud to be working with Kay,” he enthused. This collaboration goes beyond commerce; it’s about validating and celebrating LGBTQ+ relationships on a grand scale, offering a tangible symbol of love that resonates with a community that has often been overlooked by mainstream jewelry brands.

Jaymes, who envisioned the ring’s design from concept to completion, shared his satisfaction with the final product. “It’s super clean, super classic, it’s exactly what I envisioned in my head, to a T and I’m so excited to see more couples using it to express their love,” he stated. The design philosophy behind “Our Ring” focuses on timeless elegance and versatility, ensuring it appeals to a broad range of tastes while carrying a profound message of acceptance and modern tradition. It offers a fresh perspective on engagement and wedding jewelry, acknowledging and celebrating diverse expressions of love.

When Jaymes first publicly announced his proposal to Jonathan, he shared his vision on Instagram, stating: “Our Rings. I felt like we had a really unique opportunity to make our own tradition.” This sentiment encapsulates the ethos behind “Our Ring by Jaymes + Jonathan”—it’s about forging new paths, creating new traditions, and celebrating love authentically without being bound by conventional norms. He specifically reached out to @KayJewelers, recognizing their support for the LGBTQ+ community, with the aim of creating something inspiring for all LGBTQ+ couples.

OUTbound Travel: Creating Safe and Celebrated Experiences

Beyond their personal milestones and retail collaborations, Jonathan and Jaymes are also dedicated entrepreneurs. As HollywoodLife previously reported, the busy couple runs their own LGBTQ+ travel company, OUTbound Travel. This venture is more than just a business; it’s a mission to provide safe, inclusive, and celebratory travel experiences for the LGBTQ+ community.

Jaymes elaborated on the company’s unique offerings: “It’s all about going to bucket list destinations like the Greek Isles, like the Mekong River, the Adriatic Sea. We charter these ships, where it’s all LGBTQ+ people completely on the ship. You are safe the entire time, and you’re also celebrated the entire time you’re on board.” This focus on safety and celebration addresses a crucial need within the LGBTQ+ travel sector, ensuring that guests can relax, be themselves, and enjoy their vacations without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Jonathan humorously added to Jaymes’s description, emphasizing the vibrant atmosphere of their cruises: “Not to say we are the best, but have you ever been to a pride event? Imagine that at sea.” This analogy perfectly captures the spirit of OUTbound Travel—a floating celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and community, bringing together like-minded individuals for unforgettable journeys. The company actively creates spaces where LGBTQ+ travelers can experience the world freely and joyfully, transforming travel into an act of empowerment and communal celebration.

The endeavors of Jonathan Bennett and Jaymes Vaughan, from their historic ring design to their inclusive travel company, highlight their commitment to fostering a more accepting and equitable world. As Lindsay Lohan steps back into the spotlight, her former co-star and his fiancé continue to pave the way for greater representation and understanding, creating a positive ripple effect throughout entertainment and beyond. “Our Ring by Jaymes + Jonathan” will be available exclusively on Kay.com in early June, offering a tangible symbol of this powerful message of love and inclusivity.