Wed, 22 Dec 2004

I don't get David Hasselhoff; I really don't. The guy can act, at least in situations that allow for multiple retakes. And he can sing, I suppose, at least in the sense of being able to carry a tune. But what explains his success, such as it is, as both an actor and singer? A friend sent me a tape of his lead performance in Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway. And having seen Robert Cuccioli, I was impressed with how barely adequate Mr. Hasselhoff was. Closeups were a mistake, as they revealed his inability to show whatever emotion would have been appropriate for the moment. And yet here he is, providing entertainment to the masses, even if only in the most ironic sense.

I note, by the way, that Amazon has no listing for this album. In fact, most of the albums they do have are imports. Which, in this season of hope and cheer, gives me a warm feeling about my fellow Americans. At least in this, we would appear to have better taste than our European friends.

Update 12/25: Whatever one may think of Mr. Hasselhoff's gifts as an entertainer, how can we deny his role as a force for good? As the BBC reveals in this article, Mr. Hasselhoff is distressed not to be acknowledged for his role in the destruction of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. Guess his voice is a lot more powerful than it sounds. (With apologies to Mark Twain.)