With all the Cosby stuff happening, I was thinking about which, if any, celebs I look up to, or think of as a role model, where I would be really disappointed if they were found to have a serious character defect.
Right now I would say Kerry Washington is someone who I think is a great role model for young people. I like that she is politically active and speaks on it, I like that she is so thoughtful, and humble, and funny, and intelligent in interviews. There is something very old soul about her.
Emma Watson is young, but her interviews are also full of a kind of grace that I find refreshing in Hollywood.
David Conrad for sure. He's not very famous but he's super smart and from my experience is a great guy. I would be absolutely crushed to find out bad stuff about him.
This is going to sound crazy but I love Dolly Parton. And I don't mean as an artist. I'm not a fan of her work, except for maybe Steel Magnolias. I just respect what I know about her as a person.
Oh and Amy Ray and Emily Sailers. Again, not big celebrities, but I love their politics and how they have maintained their career. Not only do love their music but I really respect them and how they've used their gifts to shed light on political issues.
If Tom Hanks turns out to be a perv or breaks up with Rita Wilson, I don't know what I will do. I'm pretty sure they are the only celebrity types that I feel that way about.
He is more than a "celeb" but I admire Bruce Springsteen a great deal, not only for his talent and work ethic but how he has handled his celebrity and used it for good.
Oh yeah. And Stephen Colbert. It wouldn't be the heartbreak/questioning life and everything I believe like Tom Hanks but it would definitely make me sad.
Part of the reason I love Tom Hiddleston is because he seems to grateful for and to his fans.
I think a huge part of his and Cumby's appeal is their refreshing approach to celebrity. They enjoy their work and they play the part they need to in promoting those works. And it doesn't seem fake or a sell, kwim? They genuinely seem to appreciate that they can do what they love and it comes through.
As for looking up to celebrities, I don't think I do per se but I have a ton of admiration for Angelina Jolie. She pretty much lived the life she wanted to when she was young, maybe made some crazy decisions but once she decided to bring children into her life, she settled down into that life and she uses the platform and her finances to give her time and attention to causes that need it. I'm not sure why I don't extend that same admiration to Brad Pitt though. I don't hate him or anything. I guess I feel like Angie brought him to common sense, not that he came there on his own.
I have some admiration for Matt Damon too. Marrying someone that most people wouldn't expect, who already had a child, etc but he's also one who has used his fame and finances for a cause and hasn't been obnoxious about it either. He really tied that down when he did the ice bucket challenge with toilet water. I was all, okay, he's totally committed. I'm down with that.
I admire and I'm very grateful for Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves. I don't know where my students would be without their generosity. Their foundation has saved many lives.
I've never heard of their foundation, so I just looked it up. That's really wonderful!
Post by sparrowsong on Nov 22, 2014 12:53:06 GMT -5
Kate Winslet - for her refusal to accept Hollywood demands on weight and body image
Bob Barker - for his life long work for animal welfare
Leonardo DiCaprio - for his serious commitment to environmental issues
I know there are more. Might come back and add to this as I think of them. Basically I admire any celebrity who keeps their head on straight, isn't a jerk, and uses their money and fame to influence the world and make it better, rather pissing the money away as just another greedy consumer and then whoring themselves out on reality shows etc to keep their coffers full.
Post by mominatrix on Nov 22, 2014 15:57:06 GMT -5
I'm loving Patrick Stewart more every day:
Cumberbatch and Hiddleston, too. There's something about the Brits, where fame doesn't... I don't know... pollute them like it does "stars" from this country. Like, if an American did Sherlock and hit it big, he'd be off doing movies like Star Trek and The Hobbit and wouldn't even think of returning to the TV show. These guys, they do the big movies, then they do West End theater and BBC productions, and I think it keeps them more grounded.
Post by lizlemon19 on Nov 22, 2014 16:13:38 GMT -5
Tina Fey , I would say I identify with. Resse Witherspoon (ok she had some drunken behavior but gets a pass).
I love love Shemar Moore and would be upset if he was a dick IRL.
For actual role models, I would say Maya Angelou and Rachel Lloyd. If I found out bad stuff I would be devastated and in denial. For Rachel Lloyd, it would be if she were a fraud/made up her trafficking stories or was embezzling or something.