'Stand By Me' Actor From Jersey City Tours Old Hometown, Praises 1 Store

JERSEY CITY, NJ — "If I could only have one food for the rest of my life? That's easy. Pez. Cherry-flavored Pez."

So said Vern Tessio —, a character played by Jerry O'Connell in the classic 1986 coming-of-age film "Stand By Me," directed by Rob Reiner.

But 40 (gasp) years later, an adult O'Connell had a different favorite food as he walked through his former hometown of Jersey City this past weekend — pointing out Lee Sims chocolates, a company founded in 1941.

O'Connell posted several videos on YouTube over the past weekend, showing his adventures in New Jersey's second largest city, even making reference to the Journal Square PATH Station.

"I am from Jersey City and walked through the old 'hood today!" he wrote on Sunday. "So stoked Lee Sims Chocolates (best chocolates in the world) going strong."

In a subsequent post, he listed places he and his mother used to frequent, including the historic Loew's Theater which will reopen in fall for events and shows. (See a sneak preview here.)

Commenters were pleased, especially those who spotted the actor.

"So I’m walking in the village and I see some one familiar…oh hi Jerry O’Connell Lolol you said hi Back lol," wrote one woman.

"Your mom was everyone's art teacher," wrote one man. "When she had class at the old PS #28 I used to say hi to her all the time. Welcome back home."

Veteran actor Joe Pantoliano, who splits time between Hoboken and Connecticut, tried to lure O'Connell across the border to the mile-square city.

"Hey Jerry! Wash that chocolate down Fiorie’s Mozzarella in Hoboken," urged "Joey Pants," subversively encouraging dessert before a meal.

See O'Connell's posts here.