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Ah, the heart of every healthy relationship: Honesty, respect, and sex with celebrities.–Ross
Remember that episode of Friends where they were talking about their “freebie lists”? You know, the five celebrities you can sleep with, and your significant other can’t get mad about it? A couple of years ago, I made a startling discovery about my top five list: it’s usually not the actor I’m attracted to, rather a character he plays.
I really got to thinking about the subject the other day when Angela James asked on Twitter, “Why is Viggo Mortenson so hot in Lord of the Rings?” *raises hand emphatically in the style of Hermione* Because Aragorn is hot. Who doesn’t love a wandering mortal king in love with an immortal elf who finally steps up to the plate, kicks some major ass, and gets the girl and kingdom after all? Viggo almost made my list based on those movies.
Need a better example? David Boreanz had been on the list for quite some time. Then I did the unfortunate act of googling him to see what he had beenup to and those activities included cheating on his Playmate wife. I put my Angel ornament on the tree so that it faced the corner. He needed to think about what he’d been doing. That said, the character he played, Angel, is the poster child for a tall, dark, and handsome brooding loner in search of redemption.And let’s not forget he was more than a little dangerous what with true happiness bringing out his inner demon quite literally. Angel stays on the list; David has to go.
But what better way to illustrate my point than to admit—please don’t cart me off to the nut house—that a completely fictional character stole my heart? Yep. I have a thing for Flynn Ryder. Yes, he is an animated character, and, no, I am not alone. (You know who you are!) I probably couldn’t pick Zachary Levi out of a line up, but I love Flynn Ryder. He’s handsome with a sense of humor, a vulnerable side, and a frying pan. And that ultimate sacrifice he makes? That’s what makes the ladies swoon.
Finally, in the area of characters who have charmed me, I adore adventurer Rick O’Connell from The Mummy movies. Just ask my husband. He never wants to watch The Mummy again because I have watched it so many times. Brendan Fraser has had a pretty comfy spot on the list thanks to him. As long as I never watch Monkeybone, I think he’ll be safe.
And how do you know someone on the list is truly a keeper? When you still like him even though he’s played characters you can’t stand. Johnny Depp played Ed Wood and Sweeney Todd, among MANY other weirdos. No problem. Harry Connick, Jr played a serial killer in Copycat. Fine by me. (She says nonchalantly even though she was so traumatized by the movie that she couldn’t listen to his music for at least three months and still gets nervous in bathrooms with black and white tile) I’m the only person in America who doesn’t have the hots for Coach Taylor, but Kyle Chandler has been on the list since he played Jeff on Homefront. The Rock (The Great One, The People’s Champ) played the Tooth Fairy and disappointed me by being a baddie in Get Smart. And Nathan Fillion? He can play whoever he wants, although I confess I’m rather partial to Captain Tightpants and one Rick Castle.
The best part of this is that my husband has nothing to fear, even if I did happen upon one of the men from my “freebie five list” in a coffee shop. I only like them for the people they tend to play. I love him for exactly who he is. What about you, folks? Who’s on your “Freebie 5”?
by Sally Kilpatrick
28 comments
Viggo was very hot are Aragorn. My freebie list would include George Clooney, Leo DiCaprio, Eric Bana, Ryan Reynolds and Brad Pitt.
I’ll have Zachary Levi thank you – I do know what he looks like. Viggo makes my list too.
Wow, well, I don’t know about five…but I liked Matthew Scott…until I read about his real life…
I like Ryan Reynolds. He was cute in The Proposal, but he held his own in an action movie (Safe House) and took a step up on my list of favorites.
I also like John Cena. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/ I’m not a wrestling fan, but I liked him in The Marine.
But like you, Sally, hubby is perfectly safe from my straying. After decades together, I know when I have a great thing.
Sally, you had me at Friends. *giggle* Love, love, loved the post. Love that your husband is your hunky star. As for my top 5: I’ll keep is secret in case they appear in Atlanta. I am single after all.
Of the stars you mentioned, I’ll take Kyle Chandler (although I didn’t know that was his name, I just loved the part he played in Homefront.) And Harry Connick, Jr. Love him. I like the guy who plays Castle (didn’t know his name either). I like Viggo Mortenson but Daniel Craig is more my style.
Cool post, Sally. We just finished watching the second season of Downton Abbey on PBS last night, so my pick would be Dan Stevens who plays Matthew Crawley. What a great finale! http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/season2_characters_matthew.html
Jane, you are the yin to my yang. Never have understood the Brad Pitt. The closest he came was Legends of the Fall. : )
Sally,
What a great post! And I liked your picks, well, the ones I recognized.
Me? I’ve always told dh the only man I would “consider” is Tom Selleck (getting giggly here.) Now he is a man’s man and very definitely a lady’s man, and the older he gets, the better he looks.
By the way, dh says he’s okay with that after all, he would have to consider Dolly if she came on to him. Well, he can dream too, can’t he?
Mary, Zachary is all yours. I hear wonderful things about him on Chuck, but I just never got into that show for some reason.
Sally, I don’t really have a freebie 5, but if I did, Christopher Reeve as Superman would be at the top of it.
You make an interesting distinction between actors and characters, and I think it’s more the character for me, too. Aragorn is hot. Mortenson’s character in Eastern Promises is just scary.
Sandy,
I’m not sure I’m familiar with Matthew Scott, but I think I’ll pass based on what you’re saying.
I am acquainted with John Cena and have actually watched the Marine. I loved the feud he and the Rock got into a while back.
Lindy, so happy to make you giggle. Just make sure you don’t laminate your list like Ross did. I wouldn’t want one of your “international” hunks to drop by and feel slighted.
Marilyn, I LOVED Jeff on Homefront. That character is *the* reason Kyle Chandler made the list. I liked him well enough in Early Edition, too, but I absolutely fell in love with Homefront, particularly the Jeff and Ginger storyline.
Linsey, I keep hearing about Downton Abbey, and I just noticed it’s now streaming on Netflix. I’m just hoping I don’t have to watch it with subtitles like I did Gosford Park. Apparently, my true English-speaking skills are rather limited.
Maxine, my mom has a serious crush on Tom Selleck, and I didn’t understand until I was older and he was on Friends. Then I thought, got it. I also really, really liked his character in The Shadow Riders, a film based on a Louis Lamour book. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it–it has Sam Elliot, too, and I just like to listen to him.
Nancy, ooh good choice. Glad you see what I’m saying about the role that characters play–I’m supposed to be all twitterpated over Michael Fassbender, but I could never have the hots for Magneto so that’s another example.
In previous relationships we allowed each other one freebie, but it is almost impossible to choose just *ONE*, so I love the idea of “freebie five.” I’m thinking Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr., Bruce Willis, Hugh Grant and Jeff Bridges. And that’s just the actors. I could come up with a list of musicians, too!
Sally,
Never heard of Freebie Five. My top one was Colin Firth as Darcy. Runners up are the general on Army Wives (just love a man in uniform) and Rick Castle with his incredible charm.
You certainly got my mind running in a different direction this morning.
Hehe…I had a post about this a couple months ago, after reading an article about gender differences and online searches. Women tended to search for the characters, while men searched for actor/actress’ names.
As to the list: Gerard is first (and one of the keepers, no matter whom he plays), and Flynn is DEFINITELY in the top five. My kids never get told no if they want to watch Tangled. You forgot that he sings, too.
Love his voice, and yes, that character made me look at Zachary Levi in a whole new light. Another one that wouldn’t have normally featured is the guy from the Office (which I didn’t watch, but that’s where everyone knows him), who played the best guy friend in ‘Something Borrowed’. I loved that character/guy. How many is that? Oh, last two: Hugh Jackman (I’m thinking he’s the real reason I adore the X-Men franchise…those arms! Sigh) and Ryan Reynolds, from way back in the Van Wilder days. Both keepers.
Great post! And now I’m inspired.
Pam, one? Just one? Now that’s crazy talk. You like the charmers, don’t you?
Sia, you need to see that episode of Friends. The gang talks Ross out of including Isabella Rossilini on his list because she’s “international” then she shows up in the coffee shop. He, being Ross, has laminated the list WITHOUT her name on it. Her response is classic.
Noelle, so happy to have inspired you. And happy that I’m not alone in my crush on Flynn Rider! I’ve seen Ryan Reynolds many a time today, but I keep thinking of him as a party to the Green Lantern debacle. May have to check out some of his other work….
Okay, now I have to add Tom Selleck to my list. I loved him on Magnum PI and now he’s on this show called Blue Bloods on Friday night and he’s great in that. I also love Downton Abbey. I taped last night’s finale so don’t tell me what happens. I can’t understand why Homefront didn’t continue. That was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen on TV.
BTW, we just took the family to see Journey 2 the Mysterious Island or somesuch–truly a crappy title. Bonus? The peck pops of love…
OMG, Sally, I really DO like the charmers, don’t I? And therein lies my downfall…
This was a great blog post. Very entertaining. I’m right there with you with Flynn Ryder as well! That has definitely become my favorite Disney Movie.
I don’t have a very long list. The top of which is David Tennant who played the 10th Doctor in “Doctor Who” as well as Barty Crouch Jr. in “Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire”.
I do have to say though, Ian Somerholder (plays Damon Salvator in “Vampire Diaries”) is definitely on there as well.
Honestly, I’ve come to learn that I love geeks and bad boys, how weird is that?
Interesting topic. I’ve never really thought too much about having freebies, but if I did, the list would include Tom Selleck, Sam Elliot and Nathan Fillion. I may have to contemplate this further.
Oh man! Most of mine have been mentioned above. I honestly haven’t put a lot of thought into this. I think I need to take a moment here.
Tami