Career Limiting Moves

So which is the most reviled supporting actor/actress of a hit TV show in recent years? Is it Elisha Cuthbert as studly Jack Bauer’s whiny, inane, self-absorbed, insufferable daughter, Kim, in 24? Or is it Robert Iler as studly Tony Soprano’s whiny, inane, self-absorbed, insufferable son, A.J., on The Sopranos?

Seriously, the viewing public actively (and intensely) dislikes these two characters, and by transference, the actors themselves. How could this happen to them? They are, or in Cuthbert’s case, integral characters – family members for cripes sakes – to the main lead/title character.

Fortunately for Cuthbert, she’s a hot blonde is a babe and started to play to her strengths – T&A – in movies like the Girl Next Door. She should be able escape the Kim reputation and rebound to a solid career.

Like Tony Soprano, I’m a little more worried about Iler. He’s already slight of build and weaseley looking, and the wisps of pube hairs on his chin don’t help the situation. He’s going to have to be very careful in the selection of his roles and projects in the next couple of years. Otherwise, he could be forever typecast, all at the tender age of 22. Maybe he gets lucky on Sunday, and Chase gives him a good death scene and we can all cheer and bury AJ for good.

Whaddya gonna do?