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What not-so-traditionally handsome performer has overcome his or her
looks to become a charming leading man or woman? —Debra Thorton
You mean like Fred Astaire? Humphrey Bogart? Bette Davis? Katharine Hepburn? Dustin Hoffman? Cher before she was vacuum-sealed for eternal
freshness? I love everything about this question except the word overcome, which suggests that deviation from a culturally popular notion
of physical beauty is a liability rather than a strength. Trends change
in preferred boob and eyebrow shape, and even notions of ideal manliness
and femininity are mutable, but charisma is, as La Streisand knows,
forevvah. (One day, Lord willing, the fad of preternaturally plump duck
lips will pass.) Anyhow, to my eye, nontraditional looks only enhance
the allure of a leading man or woman. And for Exhibits A and B among
current stars, I propose Adrien Brody and Renée Zellweger.
(Got a movie-related question for Lisa or Owen? Post it here.)
