During a recent appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Michael Vartan opened up about a memorable moment from the 1999 romantic comedy “Never Been Kissed.”

Vartan, who portrayed Sam – the teacher romantically involved with Barrymore’s character, Josie Geller, shared a behind-the-scenes tidbit that took his co-stars by surprise.

In the iconic scene where Josie and Sam share a heartfelt kiss on the pitcher’s mound, Vartan confessed to being caught off guard by Barrymore’s genuine display of affection.

He admitted, “You really kissed me.

I mean, you really kissed me.

I was not ready for it in the least.”

Feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, Vartan resorted to a clever ruse to conceal his flustered state.

He pretended to injure his back, allowing himself a brief reprieve from the unexpected rush of emotions stirred by the kiss.

The chemistry between Barrymore and Vartan on-screen during that pivotal scene has since become a hallmark of romantic comedies.

Barrymore’s portrayal of Josie, a journalist delving into high school undercover, resonated with audiences, especially as her character navigated her first real romantic involvement with Sam.

Reflecting on the kiss that caught him off guard, Vartan recounted his initial shock and the internal turmoil he experienced in the moment.

As a young actor at the time, he found himself in a vulnerable position due to the unanticipated depth of feelings evoked by the kiss.

In a candid confession, Vartan shared, “I very quickly realized I was in a very bad spot because I was wearing very, very loose, sort of like slacks.”

Fearing a potential embarrassment, he took quick action, calling for a break under the guise of a sudden back injury.

The impromptu interruption, although born out of panic, allowed Vartan to collect himself and regain composure before resuming filming.

With a mix of humor and humility, he recounted his inner struggle to maintain focus amidst the unexpected surge of emotions.

Acknowledging Barrymore’s talent and commitment to the scene, Vartan commended her professionalism, noting, “But you’re a very good kisser.”

Barrymore, reciprocating the sentiment, revealed that her uninhibited approach to the scene stemmed from a sense of freedom, given Vartan’s single status at the time.

As the cast members reminisced on the cherished moment from “Never Been Kissed,” Vartan’s revelation added a new layer of depth to the beloved romantic comedy.

The palpable connection between the actors transcended the screen, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and reaffirming the enduring charm of the film.