Steve Carell Reflects on Taylor Swift’s Generosity During Their Early Careers: ‘She Appears Exceptional’

The actor said he had a “really nice first impression” of the pop superstar

Steve Carell; Taylor Swift. PHOTO: JASON MENDEZ/GETTY; KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE

Steve Carell appears to be a Swiftie!

While appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, June 10, host Jimmy Fallon mentioned that Carell, 61, was part of the Taylor Swift fandom.

“You know I was doing some research about the things that people may not know about Steve Carell and I read somewhere that you were a Swiftie,” Fallon, 49, said. “A Taylor Swift fan.”

Following some cheers from the crowd, Carell replied, “Listen, I met — briefly — I met Taylor Swift.”

“Remember TRL, way, way back. So early on in my career and in hers too, I was obviously much older, but we were both on TRL at the same time,” the actor continued. “I met her sort of in passing and I thought, ‘Boy is she, she seems special,’ like even back then. Very sweet, very nice. Just had a really nice first impression.”

Steve Carrel on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’.ROSALIND O’CONNOR/NBC VIA GETTY

How Steve Carell Made His Former Office Costar John Krasinski Cry on the Set of IF: ‘I Wept’ (Exclusive)

Carell went on to recall that many years later after Swift, 34, became a big star, he found a video of the “Fortnight” singer playing the guitar for a patient in the hospital.

“Some kid who was recovering from something,” Carell said. “There was no big crew. It was like a really low-keyed, handheld thing that she sort of just did on the sly.”

The Office star added that he thought, “that’s so cool and not publicized. Just leading with her heart.”

“I thought, ‘Okay, I’m a fan,’ I am going to root for that person,” he said.

Fallon then pointed out how Carell was a “really nice human as well,” leading to his guest insisting that his kindness was all an act for the cameras.

“No no no. No, not Taylor Swift level,” Carell.

Taylor Swift performs on her Eras Tour in Madrid, Spain.XAVI TORRENT/TAS24/GETTY IMAGES FOR TAS RIGHTS MANAGEMENT

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“No, but you’re up there,” Fallon said before the pair fell into laughter. “I’ve seen you’re so nice, you’re one of the nicest,” the host continued.

Carell then jokingly replied, “It’s an act, come on! Hollywood stuff. It’s what gets you ahead.”

“Just wait until the cameras go off,” the comedian added.