A Look Back: Favorites Of Favorites: Mario Cantone

September 21, 2009

I am thrilled the next ‘favorite’ to take part in ‘Favorites of Favorites’ is actor and comedian Mario Cantone.

Why He is A favorite:
I am a tough nut to crack when it comes to comedy. Very few comedians get me beyond a chuckle or smirk. Mario Cantone however is someone who can consistently bring me to fits of hysterical laughter. Truly in this world we live in, is there anything sexier than that!

Although I like David Letterman, I still scratch my head at anyone who would want to snooze there way through Leno each night. Maybe Leno is good at bedtime, for some I guess he is the perfect transition from being awake to being unconscious. If I were a network programmer though, I would get Mario on the air for a late night talk show Wednesday through Friday stat.

A Bit About Mario:
Mario Cantone was born and raised in Massachusetts. After graduating from Emerson College, Mario set out for New York to enter the world of show business. Cantone’s first professional role was a 5 year stint as host of a New York based Children’s show called ‘Steampipe Alley’ which he worked on from 1988 to 1993. I have heard Cantone talk many times on talk shows about his feelings towards children, (all of which I agree with), and find it ironic his first job was in a children’s programming.

Below: Mario starting out in 'Steampipe Alley'.


After ‘Steampipe’ Cantone made the guest appearance rounds appearing on shows like ‘ER’ and ‘NYPD Blue’ as well as some small parts in movies. It was during this time though that Mario focused on the stage. Cantone made his Broadway debut in 1995 in the Tony Award winning ‘Love! Valour! Compassion!’ Roles in ‘The Tempest’, ‘The Violet Hour’ and many other productions both on and off Broadway. In 2004 Cantone took on the role of Samuel in Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Assassins’.

Below: Mario and the cast of 'Assassins'.


While appearing on Broadway, Cantone continued to work in television and it was during this time he took on the role that opened him to his biggest audience, that of Anthony in ‘Sex and the City’. In 2002, Cantone’s career really took off with his critically acclaimed ‘An Evening with Mario Cantone’ on HBO. It is funny, 2002 is the year I was first introduced to Cantone when I saw him on one of his frequent appearance on ‘Pyramid’. ‘An Evening with Mario Cantone’ was followed up by more stage shows including the highly successful ‘Laugh Whore’ in 2005 which was recorded for Showtime.



These day’s Cantone is in high demand. Between stage, movies, tv appearance and his talk show appearances, Cantone has a huge following. Because Cantone is also an actor, his talk show appearances are always memorable as he can work in ‘the moment’ creating memorable appearances whenever he is a guest. ‘The View’ certainly see’s this, as Cantone is a frequent guest. (Although I would say Cantone should be a regular once a week fill in for Walter’s instead of just pulled in from time to time).

Below: Mario and the cast of 'Sex In The City'.


Not sure if you can put a label Cantone’s brand of comedy. Certainly he talks about his life, his experiences. Certainly he makes fun of celebrities, not to mention his hilarious impersonations. I find unlike some other comedians, that even when making fun of them, Cantone is also honoring many of his subjects. I don’t get the feeling he would put the time and energy into someone he did not have some respect for.

I love Mario Cantone. I love that I know when Cantone is on a show, or is making an appearance I am not only going to be entertained, but I am going to laugh and laugh hard. For that I give my deepest thanks to Mario!

NAME: MARIO CANTONE

Occupation: Actor, Comedian
Recently Seen in: 'Killer Hair', 'Men In Tree's'.
Soon to Be Seen in: 'Sex And The City 2'(currently filming) and 'Dirty Movie'.
On Stage Next: Carolines on Broadway for the NY Comedy Festival Nov. 5-8
Official Site: Mario Cantone Official Site



1.Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?

Mario Cantone: NY Times.com



2. Favorite Meal?

Mario Cantone: Chef's tasting menu at Per Se


3. Favorite TV Show?

Mario Cantone: South Park


4. Favorite TV show guilty pleasure?

Mario Cantone: American Idol



Above: Cracking them up on 'The View'.
Below: Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Whoopi Goldberg and Mario last summer at Broadway's 'Xanadu'. (During Whoopi's time in the show).




5. First celebrity Crush?

Mario Cantone: David Cassidy.( I'm so old.)



6. Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?

Mario Cantone: Meryl Streep

Below: Mario with 'Sex and the City' co-star Kristin Davis.


7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?

Mario Cantone: Bake



8. Favorite Part of your job?

Mario Cantone: The actual performance

Below: Mario with some of Broadways biggest and brightest!


9. Favorite Project you have been a part of?

Mario Cantone: My one man Broadway show and Showtime special "Laugh Whore"



10. Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):

Mario Cantone: Abs

Below: Mario during his time on 'Men In Tree's'.


11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?

Mario Cantone: Rag and Bone jeans


12. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star.

Mario Cantone: Chaka Khan

Below: Mario, Barrett Foa and a dancer from 2005's 'Broadway Bares'.


Thanks again Mario Cantone!

Favorites Of Favorites: Scott Herman

Scott Herman first came to my attention with his appearance on The Real World: Brooklyn. Many would be actors and models have come and gone on The Real World but there was something about Scott that had him stand out. Yes, Scott is hot, but it was his personality and winning smile that made him impossible not to love. After The Real World Scott returned to modeling and acting and became a regular on many sites and blogs.

Below: Scott 'Cosmo' appearance.


Why Scott is a Favorite:

First let me say that I post a lot of great looking guys on FH. So many in fact that looks are not what grabs my attention. I have said before that the Internet is full of sites that simply post beautiful pictures. In order to get my attention you need more. Scott most certainly has more.

Below: Scott in his late teens, already practicing his fitness beliefs.



That smile I already mentioned is just the beginning of why Scott Herman is a favorite. After my first post on Scott last year, he took the time to send me a thank you. A few actors and models have written to say thank you, but there was something about Scott's note that stood out. First he followed up the note with several more. He let me know what he was up to, and thanked me for posting. Scott, more than any other model or actor I have seen wisely knew the power of the Internet and how it, unlike tv and print, can create an interactive environment with fans. Many celebrities now use facebook and twitter to interact with their fans, but Scott does not just interact. Scott forms relationships. In doing so, Scott has gained a huge following not just of fans, but of loyal supporters who not only enjoy his work but respect it. They not only follow his projects, Scott has them apart of them. If you dare post rude remarks about Scott on the net, be sure there are going to be hundreds of supporters on your back.



I love Scott Herman because he is adorable, he is kind and he is giving. Most of all however I admire Scott Herman for what he has accomplished. Raised with his brother in Massachusetts by his supportive mother, Scott was thought by some as week. Scott Herman chose to handle this by working hard, overcoming obstacles and went on to be the first in the family to graduate in college. I love Scott because as I have said before, Scott not only embraces all his fans, (men, women, old, young, gay, straight), he understands their power and loyalty.



It was over a year ago that I first remember Scott talking about Scott Herman fitness. Now, Scott's fitness community has grown with over 3.3 million video views and over 21,000 subscribers. Scott's goal is not a small one, he wants to teach fitness to the world. Certainly not a goal for someone weak. This is the goal of someone not only strong, but smart, committed and passionate.

"I will never stop doing what I am doing. One man can make a difference, and I am happy to do the work!"
Scott Herman



NAME: SCOTT HERMAN:
Occupation: Getting the world fit!
Best Known For: Real World Brooklyn, Scott Herman Fitness
Can Be Seen Next: In LA this weekend for the GLAAD awards. His season of Real World is nominate.
Official Sites: Scott Herman Fitness
Scott Herman Fitness on Youtube
Scott Herman Fitness on Facebook



1. Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?

Scott Herman:
I enjoy checking Facebook. I love connecting with people and hearing from old friends. Also, I work on the computer a lot so it’s a nice break to connect with people when I am buried in cyberspace.


2. Favorite Meal?

Scott Herman:
My Mom’s Chicken Cutlets… I can eat them forever.


3. Favorite TV Show?

Scott Herman:
Dragon Ball Z…. you know you love it too.



4. Favorite guilty pleasure food?

Scott Herman:
Doritos and Mountain Dew!


5. First celebrity Crush?

Scott Herman:
Sandra Bullock… when I first saw her in Speed.. I was in love.


6. Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?

Scott Herman:
Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls.. and if I could go on a date with another celebrity of my choosing it would be Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls… call me ;)



7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?

Scott Herman:
I like to wrestle with my dogs Bello and Tyson. The Maltese is small… but he is fierce!


8. Favorite Part of your job?

Scott Herman:
I get to help new people every day realize their full potential.


9. Favorite Project you have been a part of?

Scott Herman:
When we built the first Answer is Fitness in North Attleboro I was there from start to finish. Now I see people there every day reaching their goals



10. Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):

Scott Herman:
I am a stomach and boob guy for sure and a sucker for caramel colored skin. Hurry up and find me.. I’m hungry, hope you can cook! ;)




11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?

Scott Herman:
My 80’s style workout tank tops. You know.. the ones with the really thin shoulder straps.. They let you know who the boss is in the gym for sure.


12. Favorite Holiday

Scott Herman:
Valentine’s Day. I enjoy doing nice things for someone I care about. But last Valentine’s Day was the best for sure. Bought the EX a dog.. and now he is mine. J




13. Favorite movie you saw as a child.

Scott Herman:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1, 2, and 3!!!


14. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star.

Scott Herman:
KORN!!! Limp Bizkit!!! Nirvana!! Metallica!! All the good stuff!

Favorites Of Favorites: Jason Dottley

I have been wanting to include actor and singer Jason Dottley in 'Favorites of Favorite' for awhile now. No better time than now with the DVD release of 'Sordid Lives' the complete series last week. Although it is currently only in stores in Canada, you can find out below how to get your copy.

Why Jason is a Favorite:

I loved 'Sordid Lives' the movie. The 2001 flick was written and directed by Jason's husband, the talented Del Shores. I tuned in initially because I love to check out anything Delta Burke is in. I was drawn into the story, especially the character of Ty (played in the movie by Kirk Geiger) and his journey of self acceptance.

Below: Jason and Del Shores.


I was thrilled when I heard 'Sordid Lives' was going to be series. The series, and the movie boast such an amazing cast and it was great to see so many were joining the tv version. I especially love the talented actress Beth Grant who manages to shine no matter what role she is playing.

My initial disappointment at losing Kirk Geiger was short lived as Jason Dottley's Ty, again became the character I most loved to watch. The transition was seamless and Jason's talent and charisma had me won over in episode one. Shores sets the series before the movie, depicting events leading up to Ty's grandmothers death. Like the movie, Ty is on a journey of self discovery and acceptance. Along the way he finds a boyfriend (the delicious Ted Detwiler), a series of therapists more in need of therapy than Ty, and a role in a stage production of 'Naked Boys Singing'.

Below: Jason with Ted Detwiler.


Besides 'Sordid Lives' I also love Jason's energy. No matter what he is doing Jason puts his heart and soul into it. Whether it be promoting his show, interacting with fans and traveling the country with his stage show, Jason is there. He is also a hell of a great guy. When I put Jason as my favorite birthday boy on his birthday, he took the time to shoot me a thank you. Add to that Jason is hot as hell with one of the best grins in the business and you can see why he is certainly a favorite!




Jason is currently putting his energy into his music. He spent much of the summer traveling around the US with his stage show. Jason grabbed a lot of attention and even some protests. His stage production of his dance hit, Hit Play (Take Me Away)had to be edited down in one State. Jason just got finished a tour of London where his song 'Party Round The World' with dance diva Debby Holiday is burning up the charts.



NAME: JASON DOTTLEY
Occupation: Actor, Singer, Performer
Best Known For: Playing Ty on Sordid Lives The Series
Can be Seen Next: At The Party Round The World CD Release Party on December 10th
Offical Site: The Official Jason Dottley Fan Site



1. Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?

Jason Dottley: MADONNALICIOUS.COM

2. Favorite Meal?

Jason Dottley: Anything at a great restaurant with friends and wine.



3. Favorite TV Show?

Jason Dottley: American Idol


4.Favorite TV show guilty pleasure?

Jason Dottley: Gossip Girl





5.First celebrity Crush?

Jason Dottley: GEORGE MICHAEL


6.Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?

Jason Dottley: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE



7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?

Jason Dottley: Nothing!



8. Favorite Part of your job?

Jason Dottley: Performing For A Live Crowd.




9. Favorite Project you have been a part of?

Jason Dottley: Sordid Lives: The Series



10. Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):

Jason Dottley: Feet

11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?

Jason Dottley: These amazing stitches jeans that I got from Java Jean Bar in Anaheim Hills. They are the most amazing jeans in the world!

12. Favorite Holiday?

Jason Dottley: Christmas




13. Favorite movie you saw as a child?

Jason Dottley: Grease


14. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star?

Jason Dottley: Anything and Everything Madonna. Now I sing along to my own music in the mirror-like my new single 'Party Round The World' with Debby Holiday.

THANKS SO MUCH JASON!!!



A NOTE ABOUT SORDID LIVES THE SERIES DVD:

I strongly encourage you all to check out Sordid Lives: The Series on DVD. Though only available in stores in Canada you can buy from Amazon.ca. (DVD's in Canada are exactly the same in as in the US). The DVD includes uncensored scenes, bloopers and unaired scenes and is a great buy! Jason tells me there are some Sordid Lives movies on the way so make sure your caught up! I have capped a few scenes below. Be sure to check out episode 10 in which Jason gives us quite a surprise.

Order Sordid Lives The Series and find out more about Jason at:

Amazon.ca found HERE:
Jason's official site HERE:
Jason's facebook fan page HERE:
Jason's Youtube Channel HERE:

Sordid Lives The Series:

Favorites of Favorites: Reichen Lehmkuhl

I am thrilled that up next up on 'Favorites of Favorites' is Reichen Lehmkuhl.

Why He is a Favorite:

Ok, yes, Reichen Lehmkuhl is without a doubt hot. More than hot really. Maybe it is his name, his chiseled face, his 5 years in the Air Force. Maybe it was because most of us were introduced to Reichen on 'The Amazing Race' where he and teammate Chip were the first gay team to win it all.


Reichen and Chip on 'The Amazing Race'


Maybe it was because for many Chip and Reichen were a breath of fresh air and seen as the perfect representatives. A lot to live up to, but Reichen certainly has. For me, Reichen, along with Will Wikle from Big Brother were two of a very small group of men I ever related to on reality tv, or tv at all for that matter. May seem like a small thing to some, but with the exception of the odd tv show like 'Will and Grace' it was reality television that opened up tv viewers to slices of life not previously shown on mainstream networks. Reality tv was bringing in huge viewership and it seemed all of a sudden that every show had a gay player. It is not fair of course that any one of them should represent an entire community, but with so few openly gay men on tv, most had to wear the label of role model whether they wanted to or not.

Below: Reichen by Kal Yee


It was interesting watching Reichen after winning 'Amazing Race'. Reichen may have not intended to be a role model, but we insisted he represent us anyway. I think Reichen did an amazing job with this. Of course there have been backlashes, but Reichen has risen above them. Reichen was now a celebrity and one with a lot on his shoulders. People now felt free to be critical of each and every move he made, whether it be his love life, his choice of roles or causes. Reichen has remained strong, continuing to make choices to support causes he believes in and taking on projects that can further his career and ensure he continues to have a voice.



It was inevitable that Reichen would enter the entertainment industry. There is just something special about him that is a perfect fit with Hollywood. Reichen quickly began getting modeling work as well as acting work on tv shows like 'Frasier' playing what else, an Impossibly Handsome Man, as well as stints on 'The Young And The Restless' and 'Days Of Our Lives'. Other roles followed, but last year Reichen began playing Trevor on 'Dante's Cove'. I was initially surprised by this choice of role and felt it more than a little risky. I think it was ultimately a great choice for both Reichen and 'Dante's Cove'. It was Reichen's joining that got me to give the show a look. I think Reichen would also be a great choice to host a reality show. I can see him hosting Survivor or Race confidently.

Reichen is one of many men in the media who helps me to be proud to be gay. Strong, confident, a winner. Although people want him to be perfect, he is human and it is this I respect. Unlike many other gay personalities, Reichen is who he is. Being gay just happens to be one of those things. This to me, this is at the heart of what many of us strive for. Richen's achieving this gives me hope.

Below: Reichen in 'Dante's Cove'


Besides his role on Dante's Cove, Reichen also spends his time modeling (providing us with stunning images on his calendars) as well as public speaking engagements, writing, and supporting many causes. Reichen also represents his own line of jewlery, 'Fly Naked' which can be found at LoveandPride.com as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and Fred Segal.


Below: Reichen by Edwin Santiago.




NAME: REICHEN LEHMKUHL
Occupation: Actor, model and activist
Known for: Winning 'The Amazing Race' season 4 with Chip Arndt
Currently Seen: As Trevor on 'Dante's Cove'
Official Site: REICHEN


1.Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: HuffingtonPost.com



2.Favorite Meal?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: Any kind of Pizza, or Sushi



Above: Reichen wearing part of the 'Fly Naked' collection.



3. Favorite TV Show?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: True Blood




4. Favorite TV show guilty pleasure?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: Dante's Cove



5.First celebrity Crush?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: George Michael







6.Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: Paul Walker



7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: Cook a bunch of food for the week and store it in the fridge (I hardly ever get to do this)



8. Favorite Part of your job?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: How diverse it is...no one day is like any other.



One of my favorite shots of Reichen


9.Favorite Project you have been a part of?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: The Drew Carey Show




10.Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):

Reichen Lehmkuhl: The Armpit

Below: Amazing shot by Paul Rusconi.




11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?

Reichen Lehmkuhl: My collection of "jammy pants" (pajama pants)

I just lovethis shot of Reichen and his cat Fritz. Such a beautiful shot!




12. Favorite Holiday

Reichen Lehmkuhl: Halloween



13. Favorite movie you saw as a child.

Reichen Lehmkuhl: On Golden Pond




14. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star.

Reichen Lehmkuhl: Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler"

Below: Reichen by Stephane Marquet and Aleksander Tomovic for FantasticMag.


You can check out Amazon for Reichen's book 'Here's What We'll Say: Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.S. Air Force'
Thanks Reichen!!!