The "Lucy Theory"
Slate writer Dana Stevens wonders why Heather Graham can't do better (despite her upcoming show). It may have something to do with television's proclivity to repeat hits instead of diversifying their programming.
I think it's a tad deeper than that.
Let's forget for a minute that everytime we get a "Friends" or "Seinfeld" we also get numerous copycats. Or that shows like "My Wife and Kids" and "Freaks and Geeks" are overlooked until syndication.
I can some up Heather's problem in two words: Cameron Diaz.
Check out Stevens' description of Graham:
Couldn't Diaz also fit that bill as well? Or Charlize Theron, even?
I call it the "Lucy Theory." Named after the famous Lucille Ball. You see, famous redheads are rare in Hollywood. Aside from her great comedic ability, Lucy's locks made her a standout.
Now, name three current redhead actresses in Hollywood. Or just three period.
For me, only Molly Ringwald and Julia Roberts come to mind. And I believe Roberts' arrival on the big screen all but spelled ringlet position as "Redhead to cast."
What does this have to do with Graham? This: there's just too many actresses out there who look like her, those actresses have proven their worth, and Graham hasn't done anything yet to separate herself from the crowd.
Honestly, Mena Suvari could have done this new show in Graham's place and no one would notice a thing.
I think it's a tad deeper than that.
Let's forget for a minute that everytime we get a "Friends" or "Seinfeld" we also get numerous copycats. Or that shows like "My Wife and Kids" and "Freaks and Geeks" are overlooked until syndication.
I can some up Heather's problem in two words: Cameron Diaz.
Check out Stevens' description of Graham:
"Not even the Hollywood logic that casts Winona Ryder as the "plain" sister in Little Women can ignore the fact that Graham is a stone fox, angel-faced and impossibly pneumatic."
Couldn't Diaz also fit that bill as well? Or Charlize Theron, even?
I call it the "Lucy Theory." Named after the famous Lucille Ball. You see, famous redheads are rare in Hollywood. Aside from her great comedic ability, Lucy's locks made her a standout.
Now, name three current redhead actresses in Hollywood. Or just three period.
For me, only Molly Ringwald and Julia Roberts come to mind. And I believe Roberts' arrival on the big screen all but spelled ringlet position as "Redhead to cast."
What does this have to do with Graham? This: there's just too many actresses out there who look like her, those actresses have proven their worth, and Graham hasn't done anything yet to separate herself from the crowd.
Honestly, Mena Suvari could have done this new show in Graham's place and no one would notice a thing.
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