Who Deserves a Second Act in America? by Caitlin McCarthy

Thanks Caitlin for this upbeat Post; For the ‘low-down’ on JOHN MAYER & more, scroll down…And THANKS WILLIAM ZABKA for being the first FILM STAR to let us quote him (see COMMENTS)!

An award-winning screenwriter at international film festivals and labs, Caitlin McCarthy has two projects in development: “Wonder Drug” with director Tom Gilroy (“Spring Forward”); and “Resistance” with director Si Wall (“Marbella Nights”).

Who Deserves A Second Act in America? by Caitlin McCarthy

I am an English Language Arts teacher at an inner-city public high school by day, and a screenwriter by night. “The Great Gatsby” is part of my school system’s curriculum. While Fitzgerald’s writing is timeless, I believe that some of his views are outdated; for example, that there are no second acts in American lives.

The Hollywood I grew up with loves a good comeback. Just look at John Travolta. After the film PERFECT, his career cooled off. Big time. He was limited to roles in films with talking babies and pets. Then BAM! Out came PULP FICTION, and everyone in the industry was acting as if they always knew his star would shine again.

Below are several stars who have never dimmed in my eyes. C’mon, Hollywood. Hook them up with fierce projects!

** Emilio Estevez: Moved away from directing flops like MEN AT WORK and showed serious promise with BOBBY. Deserves to helm a big-budget flick that will garner awards.

** Rutger Hauer: Total hottie in BLADE RUNNER. Could be a silver fox on a TV drama like “24.”

** Aidan Quinn: Should be a MUCH bigger star than he is. I first fell in “movie love” with him as a pre-teen when I saw the movie “Reckless.” Why has Hollywood missed the boat with him? Make him the romantic lead, not the lovelorn brother a la LEGENDS OF THE FALL.

** Ione Skye: Showed so much promise in SAY ANYTHING. She’s still a knockout and a talent. Bring her back!

** Hart Bochner: Great as a baddie in BREAKING AWAY and DIE HARD (“Hans, bubby, I’m your white knight!”). He also showed his acting chops in the indie hit APARTMENT ZERO. He is mega-watt handsome and deserves to be in major films.

** Kate Jackson: Poor Sabrina. Always overshadowed by Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, Cheryl Ladd, etc. This sassy brunette needs a spotlight of her own. Put her on “Damages” next season.

** William Zabka: He’s the blond “mean teen” from KARATE KID. Has moved behind the scenes as an Oscar-nominated filmmaker (check out his short film MOST), but I miss him in front of the camera. He showed his serious side on “The Equalizer.” Can’t he be a lawyer on “The Good Wife”?

** Phoebe Cates: Guys remember her as the gal who shed her red bikini top in FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. But I remember her in GREMLINS: Sweet-faced and likable. I heard she retired from acting to raise her kids with Kevin Kline. But Phebes, please reconsider that decision. You are FAR from being 65!

Who are your picks for Comeback Stars? Share your suggestions in the Comments section. And Hollywood, I hope you’re listening. Your audience is speaking to you!

PS: Thanks Caitlin for ‘the career of William Zabka in five minutes or less’… And THANKS to WILLIAM ZABKA himself for becoming our first celebrity ‘commenter,’ graciously giving Caitlin permission to quote his words.  Watch for William Z. in an upcoming John Cusack comedy– see link below– Congrats and best wishes to William Zabka!

(photos: Top.people.com, sheknows.com, blog.tampabay.com, biography.com)