THE ART OF ROMANCE

With Adam Brody, aka the Hot Rabbi, leading the pack, these actors from the year's hottest love stories could teach a master class in swoon

- LIZZIE HYMAN AND ESTHER KANG

ADAM BRODY

Nobody Wants This

It was the kiss felt round the world. Almost two decades after Adam Brody first captured hearts as Seth Cohen on The O.C., the actor, 44, and dad of two with wife Leighton Meester, is now reigning supreme as Jewish heartthrob Rabbi Noah Roklov on the Netflix series.

Did you have any idea the show would get such a frenzied response?

No, of course not. I mean, how could you? I knew that we had something that worked, but I had no idea the sort of wide swath of people that would enjoy it. So it's very gratifying and exciting.

How does it feel being known as the "Hot Rabbi"?

I mean, the short answer is good. But I'm truly not called it all that much to my face. That's mostly happening elsewhere online, so it's like it's happening to another person. But I'm not mad at it.

How much of that kiss was in the script versus improv?

I'm paraphrasing, but it said something to the effect of, "it's the greatest kiss of all time." "Put your ice cream down," "put the bag down" was in there, I think "he touches her face." I mean it's a very cinematic thing. I'm just happy that I got to be part of an apparently memorable kiss.

Has it gotten you out of any honey-do chores?

No. I can't say it's improved my status at home. But they treat me well here, so I have nothing to complain about.

Well, you've definitely raised the bar on romance.

Ah, well, everything I do, I learn from my wife.

ZAC EFRON

A Family Affair