2012 is officially here, but as we look back at 2011 in entertainment, one thing really stands out…gingers ruled!!! Yes, 2011 was the year of the ginger. In music, television and film there were fiery red-heads at every turn, stealing our hearts. Without further ado, here are the top 10 gingers that ruled entertainment in 2011:
10. Jany Levy: Bringing cool back to the suburbs in “Suburgatory”
When ABC announced “Suburgatory” for its fall line-up, I admit I was underwhelmed. A single dad forces his teen to move from the city to the suburbs? Big whoop. But thanks to Jane Levy’s snarky wit as Tessa, “Suburgatory” has been a great addition to ABC’s comedy Wednesdays. A full season of the show was shortly ordered after its September debut. In 2011, Levy also had regular appearances on a cable series: “Shameless.” This rising star broke out in 2011 and I expect her career will only continue to grow.
9. Alex Trimble: Showing “Something Good Can Work”
Some might say their success is the luck of the Irish, but Irish band Two Door Cinema Club is making it through hard work. Fronted by ginger Alex Trimble, this band has been hard at work trying to make it in the states. Their catchy album Tourist History came out in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2011 that America began to realize just how great these pop rock gems were. In 2011, TDCC found several of their songs on American radio, in TV shows and on plenty of iPods. The boys were also busy touring and were invited to major festival events such as Coachella and Lollapalooza. In 2011, they’ll work on putting out their follow-up album.
8. Connie Britton: Even ‘death’ can’t damper her spirit
Connie Britton’s red locks keep the 44-year-old actress looking as young. In 2011, Connie Britton wrapped production on “Friday Night Lights,” but the talented actress quickly found her home on the new FX series “American Horror Story.” Despite some ups and downs with the writing and the plot, Britton was one of the main reasons to tune in each week. Her brain eating scene was one of the most talked about moments of the fall line-up. Though the show will have a new cast next season, we look forward to seeing what new projects Britton finds in 2012.
7. Mystique: Learning to embrace her true color, while kicking-ass
In “X-Men: First Class,” shapeshifter mutant Mystique spends half the movie blonde and trying to fit in with the humans. But the X-men stories are all about equality and acceptance of who you are. So when Mystique embraces her blue bod and red hair, that’s when she really begins to kick ass. This reboot of the franchise was not only a great movie, but a great reimagining of the Mystique character.
6. Maurice from “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”: Proving creatures with brains come in all shapes & sizes
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” featured some spectacular characters that really tugged out our heartstrings. There was none we loved more than Maurice: The Orangutan. Maurice’s friendship with Caesar is instrumental to the storyline. He also shows the audience that even without the boost of drugs, he’s a pretty smart guy. Maurice’s name is in homage to actor Maurice Evans, who played the orangutan Dr. Zaius in the vintage films.
5. Amy Pond: “Well it’s complicated a long time ago tomorrow”
Poor Amelia Pond. She’s had a tough and very complicated life and yet has the most spectacular attitude through it all. Then the arrival of the Doctor in her youth only made things even more complicated with the added timey wimey stuff. Though she wouldn’t have it any other way. In 2011, this companion of the Doctor confronted some of the most terrible foes (The Silence, Hitler). She was also kidnapped in one of the most unusual kidnappings to date — completely unaware that she was kidnapped, unaware that she was pregnant and unaware of where she was. Fortunately, the Doctor and Mr. Pond were able track her down (of course, they had to kill her sweet, intelligent duplicate first) and save her. Then Amy had her child abducted from her in a similar manner and within seconds was introduced to that same child as a grownup. It’s quite a lot for one person to take in, but again Amy has the most spectacular attitude. She’s also one of the Doctor’s boldest companions to date and has even been able to teach the old timelord a thing or two about life and family. Plus, she’s awesome by default because she has Rory, the Last Centurion.
4. Tintin: Taking moviegoers on a comical adventure
Herge’s beloved comic story about the androgynous adventurer Tintin found its way to the big screen this year. The inquisitive ginger found himself swept away on a search for treasure with a drunken sailor. It was a fun adventure tale with some beautiful animation. The story was tight — and how could it not be with Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, Steven Moffat and other entertainments greats working on it? It also had one action sequence sure to make Indiana Jones envious. Tintin makes for a smart, inquisitive role model and we’re hoping to see more of his adventures on the big screen.
3. Emma Stone: Showing that change begins with a whisper
I really want to hate Emma because I’m jealous that she is dating my future husband Andrew Garfield. But then I remember reality…I never stood a chance with Garfield and try as I might to hate her, Emma is smart, funny and I have yet to hate a film that’s she’s been in (fingers crossed that this continues to be true with the Spider-man reboot). In 2011, Emma continued to have a great year. She starred in the Oscar-worthy “The Help,” which also featured fellow gingers Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain. “The Help” was a bit more serious than Emma’s other works, but we still were glad that she gave us two comedies this year: “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “Friends with Benefits.” Emma’s a natural blonde, and 2012 will return her to that color, but for now, we’ve enjoyed her run as a redhead.
2. Florence Welsh of Florence + The Machine: Getting hit by happiness
It seems like you couldn’t turn a corner without hearing a song by Florence and the Machine. The beautiful songstress and her band hypnotized audiences with a flawless performance on SNL. Then their new album Ceremonials was released to critical and commercial success. This woman has a voice that an angel would be jealous of and if you missed one of her many live performances in 2011, make sure you don’t miss out in 2012.
1. The Weasleys: A whole family of awesome
We couldn’t choose just one member from this whole family of gingers. To put it simply, all of the Weasleys rule. Bill helped our trio of heroes find a temporary home on the run. Ginny finally took some action. The twins made us laugh…and cry. Ron will always be our king. Plus, he finally got to snog Hermione in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2. And the Weasley parents showed us why we should always respect our elders. Case in point: “Not my daughter, you Bitch!” Oh, Molly. We really realized just how much we loved thee. Yes, the Weasley clan really ruled in spectacular fashion in 2011, but it was with great sadness that we also had to say goodbye to this family as their chapter in film history officially came to a close. In fifty years, we’ll still be watching the Weasley family kicking ass and our families will ask, “After all this time?” The answer will, of course, be “Always.”
Did we leave off your favorite ginger? Share your favorite redheads in the comments!
