There’s something about certain male actors over the age of 40 (but have yet to hit the 50 mark) that makes ladies and men of all ages goo-goo-gaa-gaa for them.
You know who these men are. They are the actors that straight men will shamelessly admit that even they would fantasize about these stars.
These men are charming, attractive and, most importantly, talented.
So whether you are fifteen years their junior or ten years their senior, here are five (although there are many more) contemporary actors who still capture our hearts and make us blush like little schoolgirls.
5) Brad Pitt:
As you may know, I am not Pitt’s biggest fan when it comes to his personal life. But I will admire the man for his movies. From his diverse on-screen characters such as the irresistible Tristan in ‘Legends of the Fall’ to the gluttonous Rusty in the Ocean’s movie franchise, Pitt is more than just a pretty face.
But while many consider Pitt as overrated in the looks department, the same cannot be said about his acting chops. As you may have noticed, Pitt is given the same amount of appreciation for his performances in films as negative credit for his part in the entire Aniston-Jolie “feud.”
In other words, in either position, his role is underrated.
4) Patrick Dempsey:
Also known as McDreamy—a name that pretty much summarizes this actor. From his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to his performance as the sweetheart/good-guy in both ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Enchanted,’ this 43-year-old actor appears to resemble his wholesome figure in real life. Even though Dempsey is married (for almost ten years) with three children, he makes single women wish he unattached and married women wish he was their husband.
While it’s likely that Dempsey is not as sweet in real life as he seems on-screen, the fact that the actor was not afraid to reveal his Dyslexia a few years ago makes him more alluring. Or perhaps Dempsey just played smart and knew he would win over more women for his brutal openness.
Heck, either way, I love him more for his honesty.
3) George Clooney:
It would be impossible to write this blog without mentioning Clooney. While his more recent roles are somewhat imitations of one another (quirky, oddball yet charming), he’s still too irresistible to avoid.
When he isn’t nominated or winning an award for movies like ‘Syriana’, ‘Good Night and Good Luck’ and ‘Michael Clayton,’ he’s involved in charity—most notably trying to help the people of Darfur. He’s an artist and a philanthropist.
Just perfect.
2) Johnny Depp:
Known for his choice of roles that border eccentric and downright freaky (Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd), Depp surely knows how to capture movie audiences and critics. Even with poor movie choices like ‘Secret Window,’ Depp still managed to receive praise for his role. He’s captivating and mysterious—the atypical Hollywood actor. It’s easy to admit that, without Depp, the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie saga would neither be as successful or as entertaining.
1) Robert Downey Jr.:
After battling a lengthy addiction to drugs, some might say that it’s amazing that Robert Downey Jr. is as successful as he is today.
Even when he was critically acclaimed for his roles in ‘Less Than Zero’ and ‘Chaplin’ (in which he received an Academy Award nom for his performance) Downey Jr. still never starred in any true “Blockbuster hit”—until 2008. Both ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Tropic Thunder’ put Downey Jr. back on the acting radar.
While his peers admire him and critics rave about him, fans adore Downey Jr. for his rawness and vulnerability. Even as a brilliant actor, back in the day, he was damaged due to his drug use (a quality that now somehow makes celebrities even more famous. Kate Moss anyone?).
In the past couple of years, those who refused to hire Downey Jr. due to his troubled past (which included arrests and rehab stints) are now likely kicking themselves where the sun don’t shine.
Kick away my friends.
In his most recent role in the film ‘The Soloist,’ Downey Jr. shows why he’s here to stay. Undoubtedly, Downey Jr. is the movie’s heart and soul—proving that, damaged or not, he still has what it takes to shine.
