Five True Hollywood Role Models

Scandals. Sex tapes. Divorce. Adultery. Alchoholism. Drug abuse. Racial slurs. Hard to fathom that there might actually be some decent role models still coming out of Hollywood. Well, there are. This list is, by no means, all-inclusive, but it is a fair representative sampling of the few role models Hollywood still has to offer America.

5. Kirk Douglas

While the legendary Hollywood actor hasn't lived a perfect life (no one on this list has) and though many of his social and political views may be objectionable to my conservative readers, Kirk Douglas belongs on this list of Hollywood role models for two compelling reasons. 

First, he's veteran. In a town where many did their best to avoid military service, Douglas interrupted his rising stage career to join the Navy and participate in World War II. He returned to acting only after completing his service to his country in its time of need. Patriotism and a willingness to serve is indeed a role model trait.

Second and most significantly for today, Kirk Douglas has one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood. While that, in and of itself, doesn't say much, Douglas has been married to the same woman (Anne Buydens) for 52 years. He is bettered in that record only by Charlton Heston (62 years), who doesn't make this list only because he has completely retired from Hollywood. (Heston is in the final stages of Alzheimer's). Douglas, though he's all but retired, has still appeared in a couple pictures over the last several years. 

Long-lasting Hollywood marriages are a thing of the past. In fact, long-lasting marriages in general are becoming a thing of the past, with marriage itself declining in popularity. Unfortunately, today's celebrity-consuming public is more likely to follow the example of Britney Spears than Kirk Douglas. This is sad, because when it comes to marriage and relationships, Britney Spears is no role model. Kirk Douglas is.

4. Patricia Heaton