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Seems like there’s a new fad in Hollywood – doing a TV show. Many big names are transitioning to the small screen for weekly series: there’s Glenn Close in Damages, Alec Baldwin on 30 Rock, Christian Slater is doing My Own Worst Enemy now, Dennis Hopper is in Starz’s first series Crash, and before him there was Geena Davis in Commander in Chief and The Geena Davis Show.
We all know when something becomes hip in Hollywood everyone jumps on the bandwagon. I thought I would be a little proactive and give a shout out to a few movie stars (and I will be using that term liberally) that I think would fit well on my boob tube.
- Sigourney Weaver: Is there anyone out there who doesn’t think Sigourney Weaver is totally awesome? She’s definitely versatile and could work on just about any type of show. We’ve seen her kick alien butt in the Alien series, and do comedy in movies like Working Girl and Galaxy Quest. She’s been fairly quiet lately, doing smaller films and smaller parts, but I would love to see more of her. Come on down to the little screen, Sigourney! Win an Emmy or two.
- Sharon Stone: Remember when Sharon Stone had a career? Me neither! She has always seemed slightly crazy, which I think could work in her favor. See, for Ms. Stone I’m picturing a reality show. Can you imagine all the crazy that cameras would capture if they followed Sharon around 24/7. Seriously, no one should be lobbying for this more than Paula Abdul. A Sharon Stone show might knock her down to second on the “biggest train wreck” list.
- Richard Gere: What happened to this guy? He used to be captain of the romantic comedy and now… well, I don’t think I can name two movies he’s done since Pretty Woman (and he has one in theaters now… did you even know that?). Is he too busy hanging out with the Dalai Lama (who I just learned has his own totally awesome website. WTF?) to work? Sadly Rich is getting a little long in the tooth; I’m not sure he could pull down the romantic lead in a drama, I’m thinking maybe the lead in a crappy sitcom; seems his speed.
- Samuel L. Jackson: I would be stoked to see Mr. Cool himself on my TV every week. This dude’s worked with Quentin Tarantino, got to be a superhero in The Incredibles, and was such a big Star Wars fan he forced himself into the new movies. I think he might be my hero. I’m thinking Samuel L. would fit in perfectly kicking some ass on an action show for HBO (because really, if he’s not swearing, I don’t want to watch).
- Christopher Guest: He’s been making some of the funniest movies around the past few years (Waiting For Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, etc) and I would love him to bring that comedy to the TV. While he’s at it, he should bring his Activia-regulated wife, Jamie Lee Curtis, and a bunch of his usual crew (Fred Willard, Catherine O’Hara and Parker Posey for sure) with him!
What do you guys think? Anyone you think is ready for the move to TV? Sound off below.
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Clacked by Bob Degon
on Oct 03, 2008 @ 08:44 EST5EDT
Degan, while I agree with you on some of your choices (Christoper Guest, Samuel L. Jackson, Sigourney Weaver), I have to take issue of your recommendation for Richard Gere.
First a caveat: I haven’t seen The Hoax yet. That being said, Richard Gere and comedy just don’t appear to go together.
I could see Sharon Stone in a reality show. Think Anna Nicole Smith.
There was an article in Vanity Fair last month that was actually positive regarding television. In the past, that would have been unseemly for the mag, but now they have taken the position that movies (even indie flicks) take themselves so seriously they are dying out and that television is the new medium to watch. It was a pretty good article (with a few exception points, of course).
I think it can work pretty well – Sally Field has been doing fine, Alec Baldwin is a natural. I guess it all depends upon where they are in their lives. If travel is a priority, they might want to stay in movies. If a steady paycheck and family life is up their alley, TV is a great choice, and the recent offerings have been kicking the ass out of movies…so it’s a win/win.