This page is likely to always be a work in progress (meaning, yes -- there will be annoying broken links & no pictures sometimes. Sorry.) I will be occasionally adding, revising, and updating. The purpose is to throw in my two cents' worth about who or what I think is lovely in this world, along with lists of "things" about me and my interests. Not terribly intellectual, but fun (at least for me!). Some of the pictures take a while to download, but at least you have plenty to read while you're waiting. As always, email me if you have any thoughts, castigations, opinions, or comments: ascarborough@netscape.net

I have always had a fascination with celebrities -- as does most everyone. Certainly, the physical presence of my faves is often what drew me in, but when they reflected intellect, wit, or something other than simple star quality -- I really sat up & took notice. I'll admit, however -- some of the folks I have listed below are simple eye candy. I've elaborated on each choice a little to possibly introduce you to or further your knowledge of their work.
A lot of these artists are cross-overs, meaning they've been in TV, film and/or music, so I've been able to cheat a little on my categories. I've delineated between "beautiful" and "sexy" because I think they are two very different things -- although one can certainly be both. A number of my picks have made several lists. How do your faves size up?

SEXY

1. George Clooney -- Okay, I don't have to convince people very much on this one. Almost everyone I know thinks George is cool, even if they don't find him incredibly sexy. I have enjoyed his post-ER film work quite a bit, and of course, I can't resist the character of Doug Ross (especially after he hung up his rakish ways and became besotted with Hathaway). The thing about George is that he gets better looking with age. I imagine his charm and star quality will allow him to play the romantic lead well into his 60s. I'm sure I'll be drooling for him even then. Best bets: Reruns of ER, especially the episodes "Fathers and Sons" (season 4), and "The Storm" (parts I & II -- 5th season), and eps. of Sisters which feature George; films Out of Sight, Three Kings, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Ocean's Eleven and From Dusk Till Dawn (not a great movie, but there's just something about the way that tattoo snakes up his neck -- and oohh -- the way he holds his gun...).

2. William Shatner -- We're not talking about the T.J. Hooker era, here. We are talking about 1st season, masculine, tight-pants-wearing Captain Kirk. His sexiness is easy, I admit, but I guess he's about the only ultra-male around I find irresistible. It's just the way he takes command, I guess. Oh, to have been one of those lucky alien girls...sigh. Shatner definitely wins top spot for best tush in TV history. Yikes! You could bounce a quarter off that thing! Best bets: Star Trek: The Original Series episodes "Where No Man Has Gone Before," "Arena," "The Return of the Archons," "The Devil in the Dark," "Tomorrow is Yesterday" and "The City on the Edge of Forever" (1st season); "Amok Time," "Mirror, Mirror," "The Trouble with Tribbles," "Patterns of Force" (2nd); "The Enterprise Incident," "The Cloud Minders" (3rd). Bravo Profiles: William Shatner, films Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, ST IV: The Voyage Home, ST VI: The Undiscovered Country, ST: Generations, Free Enterprise (also not a great movie, but Shatner's self-parody is lots of fun). Check out my recent comments on meeting Captain Kirk!

3. David Duchovny -- David's sexiness lies in his quick wit and obvious intellect. We all know the story of his academic beginnings, and I believe it paid off in the way he approached the character of Mulder. I'm absolutely delighted he chose to come back for the closure of The X-Files, despite how much he's bitched about it the last couple of years (and, to be fair, some of the complaints were valid). It just hasn't been/wouldn't be the same without Mulder. I wanted to hate Tea Leoni for the longest time, but now I just consider her a lucky, lucky woman. While his film work hasn't taken off like I'm sure he has hoped, I'll keep holding on for that breakout role. Until then, there's always reruns of X. Best bets: early X-Files, especially "Deep Throat" (1st season), "Little Green Men," "Colony"/"End Game" and "Humbug" (2nd); "War of the Copraphages" (3rd), "The Field Where I Died" "Paper Hearts" and "Small Potatoes" (4th). Later season eps. -- "Mind's Eye," "Folie a Deux" (5th season), "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas, "Arcadia" and "Monday" (6th), "Sein und Zeit"/"Closure," "Hollywood A.D." (written and directed by David), "Je Souhaite" (7th), "Vienen," "Essence"/"Existence" (8th), "The Truth" (9th); films The Rapture, Kalifornia.

4. Patrick McGoohan -- My recognizing McGoohan's charm stems wholly from my love of the 1960s series The Prisoner. I have seen his work in other venues, and while I enjoyed it, the suave, almost James Bond-like sexiness he exudes is most purely displayed as No. 6 (although he's No. 4 here!). Like Shatner, he's one of those "male males" I rarely find alluring, but wow does it work for me in this case. Best bets: the entire Prisoner series (but my personal fave episodes are "The Arrival," "Free For All," "Dance of the Dead," "Many Happy Returns" (gotta love McGoohan in the cable knit sweater, all wet and determined), "Once Upon a Time" and "Fallout"; David Cronenberg's Scanners. He plays Mel Gibson's arch enemy in Braveheart, but I've yet to see the film -- I've got to get on that.

5. Christopher Meloni -- Well, my interest in Italian-American men has certainly been bumped up a notch! I noticed Meloni some time ago, when my ex-husband was a watcher of HBO's OZ. I can't say I was a huge fan of the show, but Meloni's striking uh, physical presence didn't get past me (fans of the show will know what I'm talking about...). After becoming a watcher af Law and Order: SVU, I noticed his work as Stabler was quite good, too. Meloni has a kick-ass website that he often posts to -- answering insipid fan questions with a sarcastic wit that consistently makes me laugh out loud. And I'll forgive his frequent spelling errors, because he has such arresting (no pun intended) eyes. I gotta get HBO next season! Best bets: Law and Order: SVU; episodes of OZ which feature CM's ass -- which is quite a few, my friends.

Sexiest Female Actors in TV History
1. Gillian Anderson -- Gillian is an unlikely beauty. She isn't typical Hollywood fare, and that is what makes her so enchanting. She looks at once strong and vulnerable; seemingly delicate, but hiding great intensity underneath. That, to me, is incredibly sexy. Her personal growth (which she is very candid about) has really shown in her face, which has taken on a new maturity in the last few years (especially the last two seasons of The X-Files. Her turn as Lily Bart in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth proved that her range extends far beyond that of Dana Scully. I am anxious to see her directorial film debut -- an adaptation of the novel Speed of Light. Given her earlier writing/directing effort on X-Files, it promises to be a thing of beauty. Best bets: X-Files episodes "Beyond the Sea" (1st season), "One Breath" and "Humbug" (2nd), "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose," "Revelations," "War of the Coprophages" and "Wetwired" (3rd), "Never Again" and "Memento Mori" (4th), "Patient X/The Red and the Black" and "All Souls" (5th), "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" and "Arcadia" (6th), "En Ami," "all things" (Gillian's writing/directing debut) and "Hollywood A.D." (7th), "Roadrunners," "Per Manum," "Essence/Existence" (8th), "William" and "The Truth" (9th); films Playing By Heart and The House of Mirth.

2. Nichelle Nichols -- So she's not the best actor in the world. She helped ferry in the concept of an independent, sexy, black female to popular culture, and I'll say that's a pretty important feat. We were due a wake-up call back in the 60s -- that African-American women were just as beautiful and capable as any Doris Day, Diana Rigg, or Julie Newmar. I'm glad Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. convinced her to stay around for the run of the show, despite how small her contributions may have been. Best bets: "The Conscience of the King" -- 2nd season (awful episode, but Uhura sings for the first time!), "The Trouble with Tribbles" (2nd), "Plato's Stepchildren" (also terrible, but Kirk & Uhura share TV's first interracial kiss -- it's pretty chaste, folks!) 3rd.

3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus -- Part Jewish-American princess, part Lucille Ball -- Julia is one of my comedy icons. She adds an amazing physicality to her work, and has some of the best comedy timing I've ever seen. Even when Elaine was dressed kind of dowdy she still looked pretty sexy to me (and fortunately, they did start giving her nicer clothes and better hair in the later seasons of Seinfeld). Her solo show lasted about two minutes, but as usual, she was great in it. Best bets: Of course, there are the legendary episodes of Seinfeld such as "The Contest" (4th season), "The Soup Nazi"(7th) and "The Bizarro Jerry" (8th), but for great Elaine moments, I suggest "The Busboy" (2nd), "The Suicide" (3rd), "The Old Man" (4th), "The Stall" (5th), "The Little Kicks" and "The Pothole" (8th), "The Slicer," "The Strike" and "The Frogger" (9th).

4. Mariska Hargitay -- Hargitay first came to my attention in 1997, when she co-starred opposite Anthony Edwards in ER, as Mark Green's co-dependent, highly emotional girlfriend-of-the-moment. That character is in stark contrast to her portrayal of tough Olivia Benson, on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. I don't know much about her personally, but her range as an actor is what impresses me. Did you know she's Jayne Mansfield's daughter? I just can't wait to see Benson and Stabler finally get it on. Oh yeah -- if you would like to see her in the buff, check out the May 2002 issue of Allure magazine (Christina Aguilera's on the cover). Yow! Best bets: reruns of ER which feature her as Cynthia Hooper (eps. 10/2/97-3/5/98, 4th season), her brief appearance as Nic Cage's "other" hooker in Leaving Las Vegas, and of course L&O: SVU.

Sexiest Male Actors/Film
1. George Clooney -- Ahh, back to Clooney. He's just so unabashedly male, isn't he? I believe I hear a collective sigh from women everywhere!

2. Johnny Depp -- There's just something about big brown eyes that floor me, and Depp's got those in spades. I've had a crush on him since the days of 21 Jump Street, and I'll watch him in anything, no matter how bad it is (can anyone say The Astronaut's Wife?). I have always appreciated his seemingly uncompromising approach to his art -- he often takes roles in smaller pictures, because (I think) he would rather work on something interesting to him rather than seek out box office success (and yes, he's had some of that, too). He's equal parts pretty and dangerous, and that's what keeps us girls (and boys) waiting breathlessly for his next project. Best bets: Edward Scissorhands, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Ed Wood, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Sleepy Hollow (I wasn't a big fan of the film, although I typically love Tim Burton. Johnny's work makes it worthwhile, however); Blow, Chocolat and From Hell.

3. Ewan McGregor -- Ewan is my most recent celebrity obsession/lust object. He has a combination of very natural confidence, talent, sexiness and humor -- that's so appealing to me. A truly gifted actor, his choice of roles seems both wise and fearless. His performance of Obi-Wan is one of the few things that breathes life into the overblown Star Wars franchise. And what mischievous eyes! I haven't had this much fun watching an actor's work in years. Best bets: Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, The Pillow Book (Ewan's uh, light saber gets a workout in this one...), A Life Less Ordinary (not a great work, but his is fun...), ER episode "The Long Way Around" (3rd season), Velvet Goldmine (his Iggy Pop impression is fabulous -- and it's a beautiful movie anyway -- see it!), Eye of the Beholder, Moulin Rouge, Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones.

4. Vince Vaughn -- Vince Vaughn is a tall, tall man. And sexy. I know, cause I met him. And you didn't. Ha Ha! Eat your heart out, suckers. He's fun to watch on-screen. I might even have to break down and view the remake of Psycho, just for him. Best bets: Swingers, The Locusts, his 1998 appearance on Saturday Night Live, Clay Pigeons (Oh man, killer cowboys never looked so good...), The Cell.

5. Willem Dafoe -- Here's the thing. Dafoe is really not an attractive man. But there's something about him; something alluring and catlike -- something overtly sexual that just makes him so riveting to watch. His acting is fabulous too -- I can't think of any other actor I would have rather seen portray Christ. Best bets: The Last Temptation of Christ, Wild at Heart, Light Sleeper, Body of Evidence (yes, yes -- I know it is an awful movie -- but those sex scenes with Madonna are awesome!), The English Patient, American Psycho, Affliction, Shadow of the Vampire (movie's okay, Willem's work is great).

Sexiest Female Actors/Film
1. Angelina Jolie -- Yes, yes -- we all know about the tattoos, the crazy sex life with former husband Billy Bob, and her habit of being verrry candid in interviews. But that's part of what makes her so sexy. She doesn't appear to care what people think of her, and she makes her own choices. But you know what? She's also a pretty good actress. Her exotic look is a result of her mother's Native American heritage combined with her Dad's (Jon Voight) WASP-y blood. She might look a little scary in the mornings, but on camera, her distinct features really work. Best bets: Gia, Playing By Heart, Girl, Interrupted.

2. Patricia Arquette -- Arquette often gets cast in the sexpot roles because she's stacked. And she plays the sexpot well. I do enjoy her work, even though her style is hard to pin down. There is a subtlety and smokiness to it that eclipses the obvious va-va-voom of many of her characters. And I like her teeth crooked. They give her character. Best bets: True Romance, Ed Wood, Lost Highway (an obvious favorite of mine, but her dual work as Renee/Alice is very creepy/sexy), Goodbye Lover, Stigmata, Bringing Out the Dead.

3. Jennifer Lopez -- I really didn't want to like Jennifer Lopez. She just never seemed very interesting to me. However, after seeing her work in Soderbergh's Out of Sight, followed by Stone's U-Turn, I had to admit there was something there. Obvious sexiness, yes -- but *gasp* talent? Evidently. So I'll own up to admitting she's pretty hot. When she makes another film I'm interested in seeing, I'll make up my mind as to whether she's a fine actress. Best bets: Out of Sight (if only every movie couple could have as much chemistry as she and Clooney...), U-Turn and The Cell (not a very good movie substantively, but it's beautiful to look at, the costuming is wonderful, and Vincent D'Onofrio rocks).

4. Angela Bassett -- I haven't seen a lot of Bassett's work, but what I have seen is punctuated by her earthy sensuality. She has some of the most amazing arms in show business. I always thought she would be a good choice for Storm in X-Men. Halle Berry was fine, but I believe Bassett could have brought a real feminine toughness to the role. I'll have to check out What's Love Got To Do with It? soon, so I can add it to my best bets. Best bets: Boyz in the Hood, Strange Days.

5. Any ideas? I'm stuck on this one. And we're talking sexy here, not beautiful. So no on Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Catherine Zeta-Jones (who would probably be #6 on my beautiful list, but I think she's incredibly dull otherwise).

Sexy Male Musicians

David Bowie -- Icon, sexual iconoclast, thespian, musical artiste -- all this, while keeping his finger on the pulse of technology -- Bowie has set the precedent for much of pop culture. Much like Madonna, he has created and re-created himself throughout the years -- always providing his fans and critics with material to critique and consume. Unfortunately, I didn't become a rabid fan until 1995 or so, but I've always appreciated his distinct talent, whether in the realm of music or film. Best bets (music): Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Outside (The Nathan Adler Diaries: a hyper cycle), Changesbowie (good sampler CD for the newly introduced), Earthling, Heathen; (film): The Man Who Fell To Earth (the movie's worth watching, although I wouldn't describe it as successful in its endeavors. He's great, though.), The Hunger, The Last Temptation of Christ, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (his role is small, but intense).

2. Trent Reznor -- Reznor is the perfect Gen-X rock star. Angst-ridden, self-indulgent, angry, self-pitying -- yet able to see the beauty in all those emotions, too. I was introduced to him in 1992, a substantial time after the release of Pretty Hate Machine, but just as he was on the cusp of fame. The industrial stuff was right up my alley, but my love for him really blossomed when he adopted a goth element to his music and overall presentation. He's a slight guy, and not conventially handsome, but the brooding intensity (punctuated by that sexy "I'm gonna start trashing everything in sight any minute now" affectation) makes him very alluring, indeed. Recent interviews have indicated he has mellowed a bit personally; has become more introspective -- but I don't believe his music has in any way sold out. I look forward to his next work; I'm sure it will take up residence in my car stereo. Best bets: I would suggest working your way through his major releases chronologically -- Pretty Hate Machine (1989), Broken (1992), The Downward Spiral (1994) (my personal favorite -- walked me through some very dark periods back in 1995), The Fragile (1999). Other notables: Natural Born Killers soundtrack (brilliant juxtaposition of film dialogue and music. It set the precedent for future soundtracks. Skip the final track, though. It wasn't in the film, & my guess is Trent tacked it on because he was legally obligated.), Lost Highway soundtrack.

3. Dave Grohl

4. Elvis Presley

5. Sting

Sexy Female Musicians
Yep. I'm cheating seriously here. But I honestly don't find any other female in music sexier than Madonna. Most of them are knock-offs of her in some way, anyhow. Sure, J. Lo, Kylie Minogue, Britney/Christina/Jessica/insert teen hottie here all have limited appeal, but they can't ever hold up to the ever-evolving sexiness of M.

1. Madonna

2. Madonna

3. Madonna

4. Madonna

5. Madonna

Sexy "Old" Guy Celebs -- Actors/artists who have reached/are past the age of 50
1. David Bowie
2. Patrick Stewart
3. Malcolm McDowell
4. Sting
5. Christopher Walken -- Christopher Walken Live Journal
6. Lance Henriksen
7. Terence Stamp

BEAUTIFUL

Most Beautiful Male Actors in TV History
1. Johnny Depp

2. Benjamin Bratt

3. Chris Isaak

4. Richard Chamberlain

5. Tie:
Jay K. Johnson and Tom Welling

Most Beautiful Female Actors in TV History
1. Sherilyn Fenn

2. Gillian Anderson

3. Madchen Amick

4. Julianna Marguiles

5.

Most Beautiful Male Actors/Film
1. Ralph Fiennes

2. Johnny Depp

3. Benjamin Bratt

4. Brad Pitt

5. Hugh Jackman

Most Beautiful Female Actors/Film
1. Sherilyn Fenn

2. Greta Garbo

3. Ingrid Bergman

4. Kate Winslet

5. Halle Berry

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