The Tragedy of Television

"The TV business is uglier than most things. It is normally perceived as some kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs, for no good reason." -Hunter S. Thompson

Some pilots just don't get picked up. Others do, then are cancelled immediately or shortly after airing. Its the sick sad world of network television. And this process has many casualties. One that I've noted as of late is a beautiful and talented actress named Chyler Leigh. I think poor Chyler has just had a string of good and yet bad luck in recent years. At only 22, she's already been a part of NINE Television series...crazy. Unfortunately, looking at her IMDB resume is like a graveyard of failed TV shows. Don't let that affect your opinion of her though. I assure you, she is extremely talented and her series failures cannot be attributed to anything she herself has done. She has that unique ability to be very pretty and yet still hold onto a sweetness and sincere quality that you really push for and believe in. Its likely because of this quality that she is so frequently cast, and I'm also convinced that this quality will eventually allow her to succeed. Don't give up Chyler! Its always a pleasant surprise when I see your face on screen. I loved Reunion when no one else did. I'm pulling for you!!

This clip makes me sad because I really did like this show a lot:

"My Girl"--All Grown Up

You guys probably remember the cute little girl who made us cry over a mood ring and Macaulay Culkin in the early 90's movie My Girl. That girl was a young actress by the name of Anna Chlumsky, and she's back. According to IMDB she took several years to be a kid, go to school, graduate college, and have a fledgling career as a food critic in Manhattan. But once you're bit by the acting bug, its hard to leave it forever. She's done some theatre and shorts in recent years, and now it seems she back full force as an actress. Anyone who watches NBC's "30 Rock" (best new sitcom of the year, btw--its absolutely hilarious) got the first glimpse of her as "the other liz" in the most recent episode "The Fighting Irish" (she's the girl Liz fires b/c she's dating "flower guy"). She still has the adorable sweetness that broke our hearts, but she's definitely grown into something more. I think she could have what it takes to really hold her own in the TV comedy world. Interestingly enough, The CW has announced that its picking up the pilot "8 Days a Week," a workplace comedy centered around the lives of assistants to high-powered executives, starring little miss Anna Chlumsky (best name ever). I haven't had the opportunity to read the script, but I'm definitely interested in seeing how this show plays out. Welcome Back, Anna!

Next Generation Ingenues

I've had the pleasure of meeting a handful of extremely talented young actresses who have yet to find their niche in this industry. I'm sure that they will find that perfect part that will sky-rocket them to stardom because they definitely have what it takes. If you get a chance, check these girls out!



Brittney Wilson
Based out of Canada, this girl has some serious acting chops despite being only 15 years old! She's done a slew of tv movies and voice-overs over the years.






Daniella Monet
Sometimes described as a young Marisa Tomei, this beauty can instantly light up any room or the screen itself with her positive energy and spunky personality.




Erin Cahill
This former power ranger is as sweet as can be and talented to boot. She's recently switched from tv to the feature world so I would expect her career to start heating up pretty soon.





Annie Campbell
This girl can act. She was a standout guest-star on Grey's Anatomy this season, which is only the most recent of a string of similar roles. I know its only a matter of time before she ascends the acting ladder.



Danielle and Kay Panabaker
Both young and extremely talented, these sisters are always a positive addition to any project. Moreover, they are extremely grounded and, together or separate, they are just genuinely fun to watch.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho...A Starlet's Life for Me

YoHo=Young Hollywood
Man oh man, do so many young talented actresses go by the wayside before they even reach their 18th birthday. No need to name names, you know the anti-panty, rehab-friendly, foodless crowd. This is my plea to those true talents...Hyde is not your friend. Be smart, stay strong, and no one will ever have to wonder "whatever happened to..."

These are my current faves:

Hayden Panettiere--she's been around for awhile. You probably knew her before, but thanks to the fab show HEROES, you can't miss this captivating young ingenue. She's my #1 because, after all, you save the cheerleader, you save the world.

Photo Date: 15 January 2007
Photo Credit: Steve Granitz
(Copyright ©WireImage.com)

Miley Cyrus--you might not know who this girl is, but I assure you, she's HUGE on the tween set. Barely 14, she's already a singing and acting sensation via Disney Channel. Expect big things from this girl--she's got a really spunky personality and as Billy Ray Cyrus's daughter, she's got superstar in her blood.

Photo Date: 2 December 2006
Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur
(Copyright ©WireImage.com)

AnnaSophia Robb--I don't know too much about this girl and I've never met her, but still there is something about her. At only 13, she's already SO FREAKING CUTE. She was one of the few redeeming qualities of the Willy Wonka remake. Call it a hunch, but I think I'm gonna have to pay attention to this one.

Photo Date: 10 July 2005
Photo Credit: Steve Granitz
(Copyright ©WireImage.com)

Selena Gomez--This Texas native hasn't even popped onto the radar yet. But make no mistake, rumor is she's landed herself not one but THREE disney channel pilots and is a sure star. I personally can't wait to see what she's got in store. Disney has proven itself to be quite the catalyst for young stardom in recent years (think Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan...) and its for that reason that I'm keeping an eye out for this chica.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Edwards