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Every week, msnbc.com entertainment producers Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, Denise Hazlick, Paige Newman, Kurt Schlosser and Anna Chan weigh in on topics ranging from TV commercials to movie hype to the latest celebrity blunder. We're not ashamed to admit our love for bad TV or reveal what's on our iPods, and invite you to join the conversation via your comments.



Brightest stars outshine their own talent

Posted: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 6:00 AM by Kurt Schlosser
Filed Under: ,

The death of Paul Newman this past weekend was a big blow to the world of actors who can both act and carry off being a hot-shot celebrity. In Hollywood these days, they don't make 'em like they used to.

It seems way too many movie stars today are known as much or more for what they do off the silver screen as for what they do on it. And to me, the ability to suspend my disbelief in the theater is muddled by my inability to get some actor or actress' tabloid exploits out of my head.

The stars themselves are not entirely to blame. Newman certainly didn't come of age as a movie star in today's media culture. But think about Daniel Day Lewis or Ed Norton or Viggo Mortensen or Laura Linney or Cate Blanchett or a host of others. When you see these stars in a movie you buy into the role they are playing because you haven't spent the past six months reading about how many kids they've birthed in France or whose couch they're jumping up and down on.


AP file
Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke." Nobody can eat 50 eggs ... and no one should be on 50 magazine covers a year.
I find it hard to watch Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and so on in a movie these days without being able to erase their tabloid persona. Could you imagine watching Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke" and think to yourself, "Gosh, he's really a great actor, but I wish he hadn't dumped J.Lo and bad-mouthed Brooke Shields like that."

For many people, the philanthropic work that Newman did through his line of food products made him a star really worth celebrating. But there are many stars who do great charity work for a number of causes. Jolie and Pitt are probably first among them when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is and shedding light on the underprivileged. Yet somehow it just doesn't measure up for a public that can't stomach the millions they're paid for pictures of their latest babies.

The sad thing is that Jolie, Pitt, Cruise and others have all proven that they're not big stars for no reason -- they can act. But it's being lost in the glare of the spotlight they live in. In a recent episode of the HBO show "Entourage," Ari the agent tells his young client Vincent Chase that he's not worried about whether Vince can act, he just wants him to be a movie star. It was a classic piece of dialogue that, to me, exposes what really matters in Hollywood.

But, hey, maybe I'm way off base and moviegoers actually like to think they know the stars on screen. Does the endless stuff you read about some celebrities nowadays taint their ability to make you believe in a character they're playing? Do you miss the days of less-is-more when it comes to your favorite stars' lives?

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Paul Newman had what a lot of present day celebrities don't and that is class. He and his wife were married fifty years and it was truly sad when the trash mags all put articles of him looking sick and exposing his illness. They did the same thing to Michael Landon and it is disgusting that at the final moments of life the trash media have no qualms in splashing pictures of them for all to see. The illness alone is hard enough on someone without their relatives being exposed to pictures and horrible articles.
Yeah, Paul Newman had class. I just can't figure out who are more ignorant the celebrities or the media.

Barb H. Danville, Pa. (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 9:39 AM)

I would suggest to the author of this article that he relate this to his bosses at MSNBC. Isn't this part of "the media" he's talking about? He says the public can't stomach the millions paid for pix of celebrities's offstage and their kids. But often I see this stuff right here. Here's a thought; maybe if you guys stop hounding celebrities when they're on their offtime, we wouldn't have to be inundated with photos and videos of their antics. Stars in the "Golden Era of Hollywood" were doing a lot of crap too -- the public just didn't get wind of a lot of it. Hell, who knew Rock Hudson was gay until he fell ill with AIDS?  

BEN (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:02 AM)

It is so much harder to suspend my disbelief when watching larger stars onscreen than the others who are (blessedly) less often pursued by paparazzi. For that reason, I've been devoting my movie-watching time lately to films starring lesser publicized but equally talented actors like Michael Pitt, Lukas Haas, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Duval, and Jonathon Trent. You'll rarely (if ever) see any of those people splashed across the cover of OK or featured on PerezHilton.com... but that's part of their appeal. I don't care who they're sleeping with, how many illegitimate children they have, how many cars they've sideswiped while driving drunk, or who they're feuding with. I care about the roles they've chosen and the art with which they play those roles. Isn't the point of watching a movie to take yourself out of the real world for a couple of hours? How can you do that when you're constantly barraged with the sordid details of the actors' real lives? Give me lesser known actors in independent movies any day.

Venus Doom, NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:05 AM)

When watching a movie I try to ignore the tabloid stuff, but it certainly is easier when the actor or actress I'm watching stays out of the news and tabloids. I do think it's harder now for a lot of stars to avoid paparazzi and live quiet lives than it was 50 years ago, so those who are getting media attention just for being seen outside their home or for dating someone are pretty sympathetic to me.

Julie, Nashville, TN (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:21 AM)

People have always been obsessed and fascinated witht he lives and exploits of stars. Remember the many marriages of Elizabeth Taylor, the affairs of Marilyn Monroe, and of course the fake marriage of Rock Husdon?  This fueled the public's interest in Hollywood because of the sordid tales behind the scenes on the big screen. It still sells and help make the stars more interesting to the average uninteresting public.

Julie C. , San Jacinto, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:22 AM)

The Newmans were separated for a while, maybe even divorced and then remarried.  I remember watching a movie about race cars and racing that they reunited in and starred together.  All the time, I was thinking how it was so nice they had gotten together again.  The news about their separation or divorce and then their remarriage would have been all over the internet and magazines if it had been today.  It's just a different time!  Communication is much more quick and efficient nowadays.

Renee, Miami, FL (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:23 AM)

Paul Newman was better looking at 83 than many of the so-called "hot" stars of today.  He had class, he was married for 50 years! He gave ALL the money from his Newman's Own brand to charity.  Please do not compare him to Brangelina who are doing a photo-op only and are so philanthropic they spend $800,000 a month on a villa in France and spend $300,000 for one end table to furnish a temporary rented home.
Why are some stars not pursued?  Because, they simply do not do anything to make the news--they know how to behave themselves!  Most "stars" today are merely celebrities-some of the names you continually see in the news have not actually made one decent movie.

Ilah, Rhinelander, WI (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:24 AM)

Get off Brad and Angelina's case.  They do put their money where their mouth is, and I have yet to see any "posed" pics of any of them, outside of red carpet events and mutually agreed upon feature articles in magazines.  (Where all proceeds went to charity).  Living with the constant paparrazi, the worry about your children being exposed to their (the paps) crass and vulgar ways, the fear of them breaking onto your property, knowing that a telephoto lense could be pointed at you or your children every waking moment of your life, that is their reality.  I truly pity them and know that they have these remarkable lives, but that there is a price.  

Scout Albion, NE (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:31 AM)

I absolutely agree with your article. We as the consumers go to movies or watch tv programs to escape from the daily barrage of things going on around our world. We put ourselves in the actors' playing that particular role. It's hard to stay focused on the characters when we know their personal strifes. We as consumers can also stop feeding into the media by purchasing the same magazines where celebrities are shown in less than a good light. I can only speak for myself when I say that I am guilty as well of pulling up the internet and reading about 'crazy cruise',brangelina and heather locklear. Paul Newman you, will be missed for your acting as well as your extremely big charitable contributions.

Arike (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:32 AM)

Ilah, how much did Paul Newman spend on race cars?  Does that make him less worthy of adoration, because he chose to live lavishly, as well as being philanthropic?  

Scout Albion, NE (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:04 AM)

"Does the endless stuff you read about some celebrities nowadays taint their ability to make you believe in a character they're playing?"

Oh, you'd better believe it!  Just this morning before work I saw a promo for "Mr & Mrs Smith".  I turned to my better half and asked her, "Are you getting as sick of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt as I am?"

She said, "Oh yeah! They need to go away for a while."

Wotan (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:08 AM)

You can't hold the media totally responsible for the rampant cult of celebrity. If there is a market, someone will provide the product. It's up to the buying public to erase that market by voting with their dollars and their feet. Stop buying magazines and watching tv shows and clicking online for stories about Paris and Tom and all the others and the market will dry up. In short: Stop paying attention to all this stuff and it WILL go away.

Clem, Berwick, PA (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:12 AM)

Scout Albion: "I truly pity them and know that they have these remarkable lives, but that there is a price."

Are you KIDDING? No one, and I mean no one, becomes a movie star by accident. They have to WANT it, and want it badly.

If they don't like being hounded by paparazzi, they should have chosen a different line of work.

Marcus (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:14 AM)

to Renee - the Newmans were never divorced from each other and it's wrong of you to post that as if it is fact. Unfortunately, in this internet age, anyone can post anything they want on the internet, whether it's true or not. I have been a fan of Paul Newman's for 40 years and he and Joanne were often the subject of articles in fan magazines of the day such as Photoplay. The "news" (i.e. gossip) might not have reached the public instantly, but they still got it.

Linda, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:28 AM)

Marcus, wanting to be an actor (and they are both good actors) and wanting to be stalked 24/7 are two different beasts.  I know in the early stages of an actors career they court the press, while trying to make a name for themselves, while trying to prove their salt as an actor.  Once that is established they no longer "need" the publicity to get them noticed, because they are being recognized for their skill.  Brad and Angelina do not need the press at this point, obviously.  You can't tell me that they want people trespassing on their property and lurking around their children.  That shouldn't be the punishment for being in "their line of work".  

Scout Albion, NE (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:36 AM)

Renee- how dare you make such a false statement about Paul and Joanne's marriage. Paul Newman was such a gifted man in his field and he kept his private life private. It can be done even today, there are many now day stars that do it! Brad's life with Jennifer was not publicized they kept it pretty prviate but with Angelia and her explosive ways poor Brad I know he regrets his choice, he has to, even if he won't say so. I hear he has said so thhough, oh well, so no I will not spend money to go see a movie either of these two make, I couldn't enjoy the get away time. Not watching them.

andi (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 12:00 PM)

Comments like these are part of the problem with this country. The obsession with sports and entertainment is to the point of being vulgar. I have read several comments stating that a movie is a way to disconnect from everything for a couple of hours. Used to be the same for me with sports. Now it is 24/7 coverage of filthy rich people who's only contribution to life is, well, nothing. Don't get me wrong, I am not slighting those that give back, Newman, Brangalina etc...but for the most part they are a bunch of rich spoiled arragant nobody's that will become a bane to society once their short careers are over.
Who is to blame for all of this, every single person that pays for tickets, souveniers, DVD's, CD's and worst of all, magazine subscriptions like People and Us. A job is created only because there is a need for a product and the paparazzi will be around as long as people aren't satisfied with their own lives and need to live vicariously through others.
Spend more time with family and friends and stop wasting so much time on things that do not effect your life. I came here and read what little was here about Newman because he is one of the greatest actors and it is the first time in a long time that there is something to read about him. Everyone else is hear because all they do in their spare time is catch up on the latest gossip about people they will never meet, never know and ultimately could care less about your existence but a lot about your wallet.
Newman started a company with the sole purpose of using that money for charitable purposes. Brad and Angelina are just giving away the money you spend on them. I'll take a meal from Paul Newman with the profits going to charity before I buy a magazine with the Pittlies on the cover showing off something I can see in any daycare.

Jim GH Ohio (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 12:45 PM)

Where are you seeing a promo for Mr. & Mrs. Smith (as it's been out for.. years now?) I'm more tired of Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, and (G-d forgive me because I love him!) Shia LeBeouf, who really have no redeeming qualities like Paul Newman or Brangelina, yet are EVERYWHERE. I don't care if you're gay, Lindsay. I don't care if you're nuts, Britney. Just do your damn jobs and live your lives. If people didn't go out searching for attention like these people do (and.. they do. anyone familiar with LA can tell you that eating lunch at the Ivy is basically like asking the paps on a date) deserves what they get, sorry. I wonder how Julia Roberts, Ed Norton, etc, avoid the paparazzi? ~it is a mystery.

Carolina, Houston (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 12:47 PM)

Don't blame Angelina Jolie for the media's obsession about her.  The woman has only been seen once since she appeared at the Cannes Film Festival in May to promote three of her movies.  She's been quietly enjoying motherhood the past few months, and yet the tabloids and media outlets like MSNBC constantly make up stories about her, Brad, and their kids.  I've only seen her out and about when she is promoting her movies and her causes.

And why do other actors manage to fly under radar?  Well look at their partner or spouse.  Do I need to say more?

Faye, San Francisco (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 2:12 PM)

How old are you people? I loved Paul Newman as an actor also, but it's a known fact that he left his first wife for Ms.Woodward after he costarred with her in a movie. They moved out of Hollywood to get a way from the tabloids. And they did a good job of it. I don't doubt he had a wonderful family life in CT. But the point is if he was a modern day actor like Clooney,Pitt and Damon he would be in the tabloids daily.  

BB, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 2:21 PM)

I'm so sorry that I offended the Brangelina fans--
I find them shallow and vapid and last I checked was entitled to my opinion.
Paul Newman could not begin to match the spending in their lifestyle.  Look at the difference, he lived well but no where near as ostentatiously as they do.  
I am sick of people putting Brangelina in the same category as true philanthropists.  
As I said before--a lot of actors do not appear in the news because they behave themselves and do not actively search for photo-ops--some do what they do for the publicity only.

Ilah, Rhinelander, WI (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 2:26 PM)

The reason we know too much about today's celebrities is because there's a market for it.  If no one paid attention or bought the magazines, it would stop.

And if there weren't so many "celebrities" (including the "famous-for-being-famous") that actually court the paparazzi (I'm referring to Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and the 2007 edition of Britney Spears), then the amount of this drivel would also decrease.

It's all supply and demand.

I'm sure I'm not alone in that, a lot of the so-called "celebrities" we see coverage on are people that I've never even heard of.  There's just too many people doing whatever they can to get any sort of publicity for whatever reason, and too many paparazzi who are just too happy to oblige.

I rarely go to a movie theater anymore - the last movie ticket I bought was for Pirates of the Caribbean.  I prefer the old movies on Turner Classic Movies - better storytelling, no in-your-face media campaigns, and actors whose personal lives have faded from the public consciousness (and yes, a lot of them did live very public lives, they just didn't have a 24/7 medium to bombard us with it).  P.S., TCM is doing their Paul Newman tribute on October 12th.

Stacey, NC (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 2:34 PM)



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