It is no secret that Hollywood affects millions of lives throughout the world. Actors and actresses transcend into mentors and role models for those who watch them as they grace our silver screens. From action figures to alluring romanticists, people are enthralled by their performances and talents. Fans may elect to follow these individuals, some even modeling their lives to parallel the life path of the performers. The reality is that not all of Hollywood fits the persona of a “positive role model,” with many falling short of the mark. Let’s take a moment to take a quick peek at a few examples of Hollywood failings.
I can personally recall many details about the first evening that Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired. I was home, sick with the flu and lying in front of a glowing fireplace when SNL made its debut. I found much humor in the show, and my viewing continued for a matter of years. Sadly, due to the producer turning the show into his own political platform, millions of viewers and I have discontinued our patronage. SNL has lost its appeal as comedic entertainment to me, resulting in very few personal viewings over the last 15 years. And this past weekend (2-25-23) was yet another reason why I discontinued my patronage; a disappointing host Woody Harrelson was.
As an educator and student of America’s drug addiction epidemic, I managed to suffer through the opening dissertation given by actor Woody Harrelson. I sat, watching and listening as Woody conveyed his overkill message regarding his personal use and love of marijuana. I expected more humor about the many life experiences he could have eluded to but instead, Woody’s love of marijuana prevailed. And his proclamation about the daily use of cannabis was obvious because of his lackluster performance. Woody was unable to stay focused, losing track of his topic on many occasions, along with displaying other signs that can be associated with being under the influence.
It was also bad timing for Woody’s dialog. Just a few weeks prior, America was mourning the loss of one of Hollywood’s own, Lisa Marie Pressley. It was highly publicized that Ms. Pressley had been suffering from drug addiction problems for years, including episodes just days prior to her passing. While watching exerts from the Golden Globes awards, Ms. Pressley was displaying obvious signs of intoxication during her interview and only a few days later, she was dead. Preceding Lisa Marie in death were her father, Elvis Pressley, and her prior husband, Michael Jackson; both men died from abuse of prescription medications. The list of Hollywood overdoses and drug abuse is lengthy, casting a dark shadow over their qualifications to be anyone’s role model. What they have become is a model of dangerous habits to avoid.
Is Hollywood all bad – No. We have some actors that are awesome individuals; Gary Sinise and Keanu Reeves are role models and societal givers, along with others. But what Woody Harrelson presented last Saturday night was deplorable, especially with news headliners during that week, such as record-setting drug overdoses and the fentanyl crisis in America.
Bad timing, Saturday Night Live, and Woody Harrelson; America deserves better role models!
Agreed and well said!