“Sexiest Man Alive” – is that a title you would want?
On Nov. 9, Stephen Colbert announced Paul Rudd as 2021’s “Sexiest Man Alive” on “The Late Show” during a comedy sketch.
“I love that Paul Rudd won the title. Being an older guy and still loved by many really says something about him,” said senior Alyssa Ammirati.
Paul Rudd is a successful actor who has starred in many well-known films and television shows, including but not limited to, “Friends,” “Clueless,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Ant-Man.”
“I was in college when ‘Clueless’ came out, so I’ve been a fan for a long time. That movie hit me right between the eyes. Particularly his character. He’s got a really appealing quality,” said Prof. James Barnes, advisor of the Film Club.
Although this title would be an honor for some, Rudd has come out saying he is not sure how to feel and is having a hard time accepting his new award.
In an interview with People Magazine, Rudd said, “This is not false humility. There are so many people that should get this before me… Even my friends are going to give me grief about this.”
According to Insider, Rudd is aware that some people might be surprised by the choice, considering the other front runners were “Dune” star Timothee Chalamet and “Bridgerton’s” Rege-Jean Page, who are highly favored actors.
In an interview with CNN, People Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Dan Wakeford said, “The ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ concept has evolved over the years, but the selection process involves more than just identifying a celebrity with a handsome face. This year, we wanted to choose somebody who is kind, and who is good and nice.”
The “Sexiest Man Alive” concept first began in 1985, when Mel Gibson was elected. According to CNN, Wakeford starts thinking about next year’s “Sexiest Man Alive” the day after the last one.
Although this title may be concerning for some, many Sacred Heart University students understand the “cheekiness” of it.
“I think this title in certain ways can be objectifying men, but it is not done so in such a negative way like it is often done with women. I think it is done with light humor and meant to grab people’s attention,” said Ammirati.
“I think the title ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ is funny. I don’t think it should be taken seriously at all. I find a title like this to be something entertaining, not demeaning. I understand how people can get that vibe from it, but I truly think it is just something to get us all talking,” said senior Brianna Goldy.
“When I see something like this, I wonder, ‘What big movie does that actor have coming out?’ It’s usually part of some marketing campaign. In this case it looks like it’s ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife.’ I wish them luck getting people back into cinemas,” said Barnes.
Along with “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” Rudd’s newest film that premiered in theaters on Nov. 19, the actor stars alongside Will Ferrell in “The Shrink Next Door,” an Apple TV show that debuted on Nov. 12.
“I don’t think Paul Rudd winning this title will take away from his roles. If anything, it can boost future roles and get people looking into what he is doing. Paul Rudd is such a versatile actor and I think he is finally getting the recognition that he deserves,” said Ammirati.
