2007-03-10 - 7:03 p.m.
Nya and I have been wondering who will complete a new trifecta of celebrity deaths. First Anna Nicole Smith died last month. Then Captain America was shot by a sniper in the comic released a few days ago. Who will be next? They have to embody American-ness and also be a bit ridiculous.
I must say that I’m a bit bemused and even disappointed by the media frenzy over Anna Nicole’s death. I mean she was a sex symbol of my youth, one I found particularly appealing (as I’ve noted, I’m a big fan of big girls). It was weird enough watching the unexpectedly compelling car-wreck of her reality show.
But this detailed dissection of her life in the news now takes it to a whole new level. I really don’t need to hear an intimately detailed life story of the untouchable goddess who used to inspire me to, well you know, do what teenage boys are wont to do. I mean, show some respect and leave well enough alone. Still. She was the first to go.
Then Captain America died. (Being taken out by a sniper seems a pretty ignominious way to go and I suspect a future resurrection, as comics can do, but he’s dead for now.) I was never very into Cap (or most of the Marvel heroes really, except the X-Men) as a kid, but he’s definitely number two.
The lead singer of the band Boston just died, but he’s not nearly famous or ridiculous enough I initially said Don McLean, kind of an American icon for the cryptic ‘American Pie’ and kind of ridiculous for making an entire career out of that one song. But Nya pointed out that his fame doesn’t begin to approach Anna Nicole’s or Cap’s.
Then I said maybe Chuck Berry. He’s certainly American as a pioneer of rock and roll. And he certainly made himself ridiculous later in life with the 1980s discovery that he was installing hidden cameras in the toilets of the women’s bathroom of his restaurant. But, unlike Anna Nicole and Cap, he hasn’t kept himself relevant for an extended time.
I still think it will be a musician of some sort. Perhaps Little Richard, Nya’s call. Quintessentially American, ridiculous by definition, and still making commercials in his 70s. If you have a different idea, I’d love to hear it. Since my guestbook is down, please email me using the link to the left. I’ll post an update with responses.
© 2007 Geoff Gladstone
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