The spotlight wasn’t made to be breezy. It’s sweaty under all that wattage and it takes some seriously thick shades to go up against the blinding light. Cheyenne Jackson recently expressed some disappointment in certain “snarky blogs” for seeming to turn on him.
Yet we live in a culture of spotlight seekers who fantasize, angle and scheme for their time underneath the rays. Cheyenne entered the spotlight by his own determination and grit, and we happen to be glad he did! But by his own admission, the only reason he was able to maintain his golden boy persona for so long was because he was “good at managing [his public image] so carefully.”
Unfortunately you can’t have your cake and eat it too. And for those who haven’t tasted the nectar of fortune, haven’t drunk from the teat of fame and haven’t relished in the sweet sunshine of public consumption (which let’s be real, is almost all of us), there is a tendency towards schadenfreude. We love a good stumble.
But I’d like to think that it isn’t all in poor taste. Cheyenne understandably enjoyed his time on the pedestal, but his public avatar didn’t tell the whole story. When a celebrity’s dirty laundry gets aired out — a revealing picture here, a public divorce there, it reminds us that they aren’t any different from you or me.
We know it must be an ego shaker to see yourself represented without the shimmering halo, but is the alternative — to maintain an unrealistically wholesome self-image for the masses — any better?
But like I said, we’re happy Cheyenne has achieved success in so many areas of his life, and bad press doesn’t make us like him any less. If anything, it makes us appreciate his triumphs even more because they’re part of a three dimensional identity.
So long story short, here are some of the reasons we continue to love Cheyenne Jackson, bad press and all.
1. He’s wonderfully talented.
I mean, let’s be real. We are lucky that he’s out there busting his ass in show biz. The guy is a triple threat. From Broadway to TV to films (Behind The Candelabra? come on…), he’s a total charmer. And with many projects in the works for release this year, we’re looking forward to seeing even more of him.
2. He’s gorgeous.
Case
in
3. He’s not just another pretty face.
Cheyenne has worked with several admirable charities including most notably his role as international ambassador for amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research). Gotta love that.
4. We need all the out representation in show biz we can get, and he does us proud.
There are still tons of performers in the closet, and the fact that Cheyenne has been so forward with his sexuality sets a great example for those questioning whether to take that leap.
5. He’s human.
Flawless isn’t the right look for anyone. Cheyenne’s struggles only make him seem stronger to us. We can’t say we won’t publish any future racy photos of him that may surface (got one? email us), but we’ll love him even more for it.
PRINCE OF SNARKNESS aka DIVKID
One tiny problem: the mystery has gone 🙁
hephaestion
I pray that Cheyenne gets a big break soon so the whole world will know who he is. Because he IS one of the most talented men on earth.
SteveDenver
Jackson wants publicity and privacy on his terms. Wouldn’t it be awesome if it could work that way? Once stuff gets out that you didn’t want to get out, live with it and move on to become about something else.
sejjo
He sure looks good in that suit. So wholesome, he might as well be a nutritious meal.
Billy Budd
I prefer Alan Cumming.
4of14
I love, Cheyenne. From he minute I heard him sing, to every good, bad or indifferent photo or word about him. You are right, he is so totally human. I wish him every success.
psa67
I’ve been a fan since I saw him in Xanadu on Broadway. Ever since then, I’ve made it a point to go and see him perform whenever I can. I’ve met him a few times (after a show, by the stage door), and I can honestly say, he is one of the nicest celebrities you could meet. He takes the time to talk to you, and will sign anything you have. It’s that kindness and appreciation he shows to his fans, that will make me a fan for life. I just hope he never becomes a Scientologist, because then, I’m out. If you happen to see this comment, Cheyenne, know that you have fans who support you, and I’m looking forward to your show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on April 26th.
stranded
It’s not about a celebrity having their cake and eating it too, it’s about showing some decency and laying off the speculations and spreading of rumors. There’s a way to comment on a celebrity’s misstep without blowing it up and causing an unnecessary storm of controversy.
ptay85
@Billy Budd: I prefer Cheyenne cumming.