The other day I mentioned to my husband that I hardly know any of the celebrities mentioned on entertainment shows or written about in the entertainment section of the newspaper. “I wonder if that is part of the official rite of passage for the Social Security set,” I said.
He laughed and said he noticed the same thing. “I read the celebrity birthday announcements,” he continued. “And I only recognize the names of people over 60.”
I thought about sending a cartoon caption to “Plugger” — the cartoon that is most recognized by “You know you’re a Plugger if….” Sort of an old folks version of Jeff Foxworthy’s “You know you’re a Redneck if….”
Then I decided I would just use the topic for a blog post. Come up with some really funny lines about being old and wow everyone with my wit. But before I could do it, Steve Blow, a columnist for the Dallas Morning News, beat me to it. I’ve been a faithful reader of his columns for years – even the ten years I lived in Nebraska – and he has done some good ones. But this was one of his best. Maybe because the subject resonated so strongly with me. Or maybe because he’s a damn fine writer. Or maybe both.
Regardless, you might want to Click over and read his column in which he asks, “How are they celebrities if I haven’t heard of them?” It is well worth the read.
Oh thank God, I thought I was the only one having a “Rumpelstiltskin” moment. Sort of like I went to sleep and someone replaced everyone in Hollywood with someone I don’t know, haven’t heard of and could care less to see in a movie. It’s really sad when all the leading men you considered sexy are dead, and to lust after their successors would be akin to pedophilia. I have underwear older than some of them.
I’m the same way, but then I’m not much of a movie-goer. I find a great many of these new bright celebrities look eerily like the same person. I can never keep any of them straight, but then I don’t put much effort into doing so.
Elspeth
Well, I so agree with you on this. The only ones I seem to know are the celebrities who are dying off. A time or two I’m come across a blogger who will ask, who would play the protagonist in your book? I draw a blank. Uhhhhhh.
Helen
Straight From Hel
This weekend, our 30-something son was visiting and he was pointing out actors in a movie we were watching — all young performers — and asking who they are. I cracked up. 🙂
I think the celebrities he mentioned are of the Rula Lenska mold. They’re only famous for being somewhat famous.
What? You don’t know Rula Lenska?
Joe O’Connell
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author of EVACUATION PLAN
Winner of the North Texas Book Award
Finalist for the Violet Crown Book Award
joeoconnell.com