Paul Skenes flashes personality in incredible Halloween costume with Livvy Dunne

Pittsburgh Pirates ace and National League Cy Young frontrunner Paul Skenes took a rare break from his ultra-serious image on Friday, when he and girlfriend Livvy Dunne perfectly executed a humorous couples costume on Halloween.

Skenes dressing as Borat – with Dunne as Pamela Anderson, the object of Borat's infatuation in the 2006 film – is one of those rare moments where the Pirates’ normally stoic ace let fans see a playful, self-aware side of his personality.

The costumes – and the commitment to the bit – deserve a high five.

Paul Skenes' Halloween couples costume with Livvy Dunne gives Pirates fans a rare glimpse of personality

Skenes has built his reputation on being all business – regimented routines, intense focus and a no-nonsense demeanor that mirrors his presence on the mound. He rarely shows the public anything beyond that controlled, professional exterior.

By dressing up as Borat – a character defined by absurd humor, outrageous confidence and social satire – Skenes leaned into comedy, rather than competition. It’s a lighthearted reminder that behind the 100 mph fastball and military-like discipline, there’s a 23-year-old with a sense of humor and pop culture awareness.

Choosing Borat is no random gag, either. The character’s over-the-top machismo and thick accent are intentionally ridiculous, and Skenes embracing that is a subtle wink at his own image as the stoic, intimidating “alpha” presence.

It’s self-deprecating in a clever way, showing that Skenes is in on the joke, poking fun at the idea of being seen as larger-than-life or robotic. That kind of playfulness resonates with fans who rarely see a star athlete willing to poke fun at himself.

This kind of levity matters for a player like Skenes, whose dominance can sometimes make him seem superhuman. Fans and teammates seeing him relax, laugh, and embrace something silly humanizes him. By showing humor to balance his intensity, Skenes becomes more relatable and magnetic.

Skenes dressing as Borat is more than just a Halloween gag – it’s a fun little window into his personality. For once, the Pirates’ ace didn’t just dominate the conversation for his fastball or ERA; he did it for showing he’s got a goofy, creative side, too. It’s a reminder that even baseball’s most stoic stars can lean into the absurd now and then. Very nice!