Category Archives: Dazzler of the Day

At this point, there is a stark difference between Democrats and Republicans. If you watched any of the 14 times that Kevin McCarthy lost his vote for House Speaker, you saw that difference. Throughout it all, one party stood above the Republican clown-show circus, and one person led them in absolute unity and certainty: Hakeem Jeffries. If he is the future of the Democratic Party, we are in good hands. He easily earns this Dazzler of the Day, not least because I love a man who knows his way around alliteration. Check out his plans here and let’s work to make this country better than what the Republican House leadership have in the works. 

Do not be fooled by a penchant for a pastel palette, Ziwe is a force not to be fucked with. Excelling at forcing the uncomfortable conversation, her variety series on Showtime features some of the best celebrity interviews happening right now. As described here, the show is, “A no-holds-barred mix of musical numbers, interviews, guest stars and sketches that challenge America’s discomfort with race, politics & other cultural issues.” It’s the reckoning we’ve needed for way too long. She earns her first Dazzler of the Day for her wonderfully wily way of getting substance and hilarity from her guests. 

Grammy-award winning musical artist Bad Bunny earns his first Dazzler of the Day crowning, as I admire anyone with such an uncanny sense of fashion, one which extends to his carefully manicured fingernails, which can often be found painted and polished in all sorts of fine designs. This past year, he may best be known in these parts for boldly and brilliantly kissing a male band member in an awards show performance, but he was also named top touring artist for 2022 by Billboard, so it’s all working. That sort of confidence in one’s own self and sexuality is ever-dazzling. 

Billy Baldwin was one of those 90’s hunks who formed my early understanding and appreciation of handsomeness and beauty, and who grew to impress with his consistent talent and refusal to be defined or limited by his good looks. Instead, he made quirky turns in theater and indie films like ‘Three of Hearts’. Today I’m most impressed by his voice for truth and justice on what remains of the Twitter site, fighting off the horrid MAGA siege with wit and aplomb. For that alone he earns this Dazzler of the Day. 

PS – Shout-out to his beautiful wife who sang one of the more influential songs of my youth. 

One of the most hilarious comedy specials I’ve seen in a while, ‘The Intruder’ introduces Atsuko Okatsuka to a whole new audience, including myself, so I’m very glad I caught it. Okatsuka will also be on tour next year, with shows scheduled through spring of 2023, so check out her website for shows that might be near you, and act accordingly. This marks her first Dazzler of the Day crowning. 

When an actor finds himself inhabiting a shell of handsome and hard-won fitness-honed beauty, they are sometimes saddled with the image of not having any other talent. It’s not a very fair conundrum, and it’s always gratifying to see some pretty face defy that and consistently deliver wildly-varied and complex performances, stocking their career with indelible moments on-screen. Such is the case with Milo Ventimiglia, who offers an impressive list of roles that seem as disparate from one another as they are distinctly crafted and brought to life with chameleonic grace. Milo earns his first Dazzler of the Day here (after several runs as Hunk of the Day when we used to have that feature) and this gratuitous butt post because if you’ve got it, you should flaunt it. 

At the time of this writing, I have no idea what might become of Jennifer Coolidge’s character on ‘The White Lotus‘ but I do know that her whimsical, irritating, and impossible-to-ignore performance for the past two seasons has been one of the highlights on any television show. It is just another feather in her cap of impressive performances, which run the gamut from hilarious to heartbreaking. I’m thinking of her work in ‘Best in Show’, ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Promising Young Woman‘, as well as her recent turn on ‘The White Lotus’. She seems to finally be getting her just due, with celebratory awards coming at last from a lifetime of indelible work. This is her first Dazzler of the Day, also overdue, so let’s rectify that immediately. 

Fresh off his fabulous Christmas special ‘Have You Heard of Christmas?’, Matt Rogers joins fellow ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast partner Bowen Yang in the pantheon of those who have been named Dazzler of the Day. His new special is a refreshing tonic for those of us already bored by the usual holiday trappings, putting forth his unique brand of artistry (and a killer wardrobe). Matt’s comical prowess cannot completely hide his vocal talent, and when working in tandem those two strengths become a powerhouse of hilarity and musical wonder – the very stuff Christmas dreams are made of. Check it out streaming on Showtime now. 

Anchoring this season’s tres-gay water-cooler show ‘The White Lotus‘, Aubrey Plaza earns her first Dazzler of the Day crowning for her portrayal of one of the more likable protagonists on this Sicily-backed romp. Her trademark dead-pan delivery works wonders for her character, while her off-screen antics (she’s known for pranking co-stars) make her a true trickster. We love tricksters in these parts – the people who bump against customary social mores, the ones who push the boundaries of what is acceptable, forcing us to question why and how. (Also, check out the sneak-cheek-peak of a possible upcoming Dazzler…) 

Easily the best thing about the latest ‘Scream’ installment (which was pretty damn good, so that’s saying a lot) Jasmin Savoy Brown earns her first Dazzler of the Day crowning, thanks to the courageous way she’s taking Hollywood by storm. Along with ‘Scream’, she’s appeared in ‘Sound of Silence’ and several television series, such as ‘The Leftovers’, ‘For the People’, and ‘Yellowjackets’. Keep your eyes on her magnetic presence for more majesty to come.