Go Grease Lightning…
In 2013 NBC took a big risk announcing they were going to
mount a live TV production of the classic “Sound of Music” starring Carrie
Underwood. The critics weren’t the most receptive but the ratings proved
otherwise with a staggering 30+ million tuning in. After a producing two more
TV musical hits it didn’t take long for other networks to jump on the bandwagon.
FOX joined the fun by producing a live musical version of the classic “Grease.”
Critics were impressed with the A-list cast, impressive camera work, and
innovative staging but I was impressed with something else. We all remember and
know that famous scene where Olivia Newton John steps out and says “Tell me
about it…stud.”, to then toss her
cigarette on the ground. Well in this version it was non-existent. Shout out to
the halls of Rydell High for being tobacco-free!
And the award goes
to…
Moving along, the past few months have been filled with
glitz, glam, and gowns! You know what that means?! We’ve successfully wrapped
up yet another Hollywood awards season! But as you can expect as celebrities
gather together do their tobacco products. One repeat offender? Mr. Leonardo
DiCaprio who set the Twitterverse ablaze when he was caught on camera vaping at
the Screen Actor Guild Awards. Of course e-cig companies took it as an
unofficial endorsement while Twitter users took it as a chance to troll one of
the biggest names in Hollywood. One of my favorites was Twitter user
@QuinnKeaney who said, “I
hope to one day have the kind of relationship with my boyfriend that Leonardo
DiCaprio has with his vape pen.”
Speaking of award shows
and vaping…
Leonardo
might have swept every major award this award season but the real winner of the
year? The Academy itself for taking a major stand against electronic cigarettes
in more ways than one. After the press had a field day with Leo vaping at the
SAG awards the Academy quickly took action making it known that the Dolby
Theatre (where the Oscars are held) has a very serious no smoking or vaping
policy and there would be absolutely no exceptions. Those that were determined
to get their nicotine fix would be ushered outside to a smoking area adjacent
to the theater. Drum roll please! The award for most progressive award show in
tobacco prevention goes to…. The Oscars!
Joseph O'Hern is the QuitDoc Foundation Community Health Advocate in Columbia County, Florida
