News Alert: Hollywood Men Get Mensch Makeovers!
Yes, I was shocked when Star reporters uncovered the latest news about Britney Spears' crazy house. Her double-locked "fantasy room," and obsession with wearing Cinderella costumes to entertain her gentlemen callers, were jaw-dropping revelations indeed.
But I have to say that even more mind-blowing in a way is another celebrity phenomenon that suddenly has become apparent, and this one actually spells good news for ladies across the land. After all, celebrities are not only role models, they are also on the cusp of every new trend. And the fabulous phenomenon that I'm seeing is the birth of the modern Hollywood "mensch." Who said that the era of the Hollywood gentleman ended with the passing of Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart? There is evidence that menschdom is alive and well from London to La-La Land.
Exhibit #1 is Paul McCartney, the most eligible bachelor on earth. The billionaire Beatle made the biggest mistake of his life when he married thirtyish Heather Mills. His daughter Stella was right on when she flipped her lid. After all, Paul was practically 60.
However, he appears to actually have learned from this disaster decision. I am happy to know that the hotties that Paul is currently dating, New York exec Nancy Shevell and Hollywood actress Rosanna Arquette, are both 48 year-old career women. The hugging and lip-locking are so cute, you want to be 48, too!
Then there's exhibit #2: Hollywood's Top Hunk of all, Brad Pitt. A lot has been said and written about Brad, but has it ever been stated for a fact--the guy has become the epitome of the modern mensch. I mean come on, he could have dumped Jen for any or many a gorgeous bimbette. But no, he ditched her for a gorgeous brain and a whole lot of baby bottles. And almost three years and four kids later, he's still standing by his Angelina. So while there have reportedly been many Brangelina fights, there hasn't been a whisper about Brad and any other woman. No, he's too busy in his spare time these days, building houses for Katrina victims or raising money for the people of Darfur.
Need more convincing? Exhibit #3: This week's Star reports that certifiable hunk Jake Gyllenhaal may have joined the Mile High Club. I know that's probably an everyday occurrence for Hollywooders except that you wouldn't figure that Miss Type A herself, Reese Witherspoon, would have been the one in the bathroom with him. Yes, Jake, 26, is hot and heavy with older, mom-of-two Reese, 31. He could be out partying with any beautiful young Hollywood babe, but no...he and Reese have been sighted drinking coffee and reading the New York Times together. He apparently even cooks for her kids.
It all just goes to glaringly point out the difference between what's been going on with the Big Name Hollywood men and women today. Paris — Jailed! Nicole Richie — DUI before her comeback pregnancy! Lindsay Lohan — rehabbed three times! Britney — rehabbed and labeled a habitual drug user!
On the other hand, even male convicted DUI-er Kiefer Sutherland is displaying menschley behaviour--he negotiated to serve his jail time when his show, 24, would be on hiatus, so he wouldn't hold up filming.
If I haven't convinced you already of this tidal wave, then here's my final exhibit. Two years ago, K-Fed was an out-of-work hip hop wannabee. Today he's been named "Good Father" of the year by Details magazine, and if it wasn't for him hauling Brit into court, little Sean Preston and Jayden James would still be strapped in their car seats while their mom was running red lights.
Hooray for the Hollywood mensch! Let's hope this trend trickles down fast!
Follow Bonnie Fuller on Twitter: www.twitter.com/bonniefuller
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OK - Not that I mind men actually doing their due diligence and behaving like partners in relationships, but there is something missing in this blog that simply must be discussed. What 31 year old woman could possibly still enjoy "doing the naughty" in an airplane lavatory?!?! Sow your wild oats all you want, but tell me exactly how that can be comfortable and remotely sanitary?!?!? I think this goes into Barefoot Brittany territory. Ick ick Ick
Justin Timberlake is SORELY ABSENT from this list.
oops! i thought bonnie was being ironic.
Sorry but you don't get my vote. A man doing his duties as husband/partner and/or parent does not a mensch make. It's time we stopped puffing up men for just doing the bare minimum to participate in life.
Raising kids and dating responsibly are not medal worthy behaviors. Women have been doing all of that plus supporting the household, volunteering in the community, and going to school simultaneously for years.
There are some irresponsible women in Hollywood, to be sure. But the "standard" they set is NOT the standard for the rest of us, including men.
I'm having trouble believing that this stuff actually qualifies as news. Hollywood royalty has not changed much in 50 years. only the names have been changed. It is nice to have a diversion from the candidates scripted answers to the same questions asked by different people every day. but, in real life Brittany would fit right in everyone has a role playing fantasy. So? in twenty years who's going to remember? Royalty in our country only appears in two places Washington,DC and Hollywood and its a tossup as to who acts better at times.
I would love to be a Mensch in Hollywood..
so I could hang out with Bonnie Fuller..
Great Breakfast readig to start the day..
Seems a shame that "normal" and the right thing to do have become distant and unattainable goals in the Hollywood pantheon of personalities. I had also noticed the trend and glad to see someone pointed it out and affirmed it for the rest of us.
I think this may have always been around, a few good men in the sea of philandering. For instance, Mick Jagger took care of John Philips' kids and notified rehab when John hit his last bottom. Todd Rundgren basically raised Liv Tyler while Steve Tyler struggled with his addiction. This was not front page material or content at the time.
This is why we love Bonnie. A dose of positivity goes a long way. We should carry a little "mensch" with us every day.
It seems sad to me that the bar for gentlemanly behavior is set so low.
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