Who's Hot, Who's Not, And Who's It In 2000

It's the end of the line for '99 and it's time to call the game. Instead of tackling this momentous task all by my lonesome, I collaborated with my industry savvy brother Scott of Minneapolis, MN.

Although a number of celebs came to mind, here's who we think earned the spots this year. Some of our choices may surprise you, others were too obvious to ignore.

Who's Hot

1. Ricky Martin His hips alone caused an international earthquake. From his show-topping Grammy gig to his mega-hit singles, this Latin singing sensation was our pick for the hottest number in '99.

2. Matt Damon This Oscar-winning actor-writer ("Good Will Hunting") keeps amazing us. "Dogma," with his best bud Ben Affleck, was a stunner and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" rocked box offices this week.

3. The South Park Boys Foul-mouthed and hilariously irreverent, who would have thought a cartoon could be this caustic? "South Park's Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" was a bon-a-fide smash.

4. Regis Philbin Steve and Scott, are you sure?! Is that your final answer? You bet! Philbin's "Who Wants To Be Millionaire" show boosted ABC to a ratings sweep the network hasn't seen in years. Plus, he has to deal with Kathie Lee every day.

5. Jennifer Lopez Full of wonderful curves, this actress threw us a big one when she hit the music charts with gusto, immediately breaking into Billboard's top ten and adding a feminine splash to the Latin wave.

6. Sean Hayes "Just Jack" to us. This NBC "Will & Grace" star has stolen the show and America's heart. After his Golden Globe nomination this year, we're sure there's an Emmy nod coming up soon. Also, look for him to take over the big screen next!

7. Rene Russo She's over 40 and the sexiest thing to hit the screen this year (Denise Richards: eat you're heart out). Russo's steamy "Thomas Crown Affair" was (gulp) a spiritual experience.

   

8. Susan Lucci At last! Lucci got the last laugh when she won a Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Erica Kane of "All My Children." Well deserved, if nothing else than for being a good sport. Now, she's taking on the Great White Way in the Broadway production of "Annie Get Your Gun."

9. Taye Diggs He was the reason Stella got her groove back, and this year, he had not one, but three big movies ("The House on Haunted Hill," "The Wood," and "The Best Man"). Some say he's the next Denzel . . . but we think he's doing to just fine as himself.

10. The Boy Bands You know who we mean: 98 Degrees, N'Sync, and the Backstreet Boys have mugged their way into the hearts of millions of screaming teenage girls. They've proven that hormones and harmony go hand in hand.

    Who's Not

    No, we don't hate these people. We just need a breather from them for a while. They, like Celine or platform shoes, can come back after a couple of years.

    1. Robin Williams No more icky sticky movies, please Robin. We're just tired of the same old schtick. What happened to your massive talent? Williams' movies are giving us cavities. "Bicentennial Man" had more sap than Yosemite National Forest. Thank goodness he says he's returning to stand up comedy -- may the hecklers take heed.

    2. Dr. Laura She's getting on our nerves with her constant hard-line preaching. She needs to trade in her battle-ax for a soothing bath and an aromatherapy candle. But which candle? "Serenity?" "Peace?" No, let's opt for "Silence." Unfortunately, Dr. Laura might just be revving up as her national radio show hits the syndicated television circut soon.

       

    3. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee Maybe if we're really quiet, they'll turn off the video cameras and go away.

    4. The Cast Of "Veronica's Closet" Two words: Not funny.

    5. Monica Lewinsky Monica, honey, no one cares anymore. And the handbags? We don't think so.

    6. Dennis Rodman His piercings alone make us squirm. Dennis, you've had more than your 15 minutes of fame -- now hit the showers.

    7. Ted Danson Does anyone even know when "Becker" airs?

    8. TV Angel Shows See Robin Williams.

       

    9. Jesse Ventura He was novel, now he's just an embarrassing paperback.

    10. Y2k Forecasters Oh, just shut up and hide in your survivalist shelters already.

        Who's Heating Up

        1. Philip Seymour Hoffman We're impressed. He was phenom in "Happiness," but then came "Flawless" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Oh, did we mention his Golden Globe nomination for "Magnolia?"

        2. Lucy Liu Oh, that "Ally McBeal" kiss! This actress is sprouting more than wings next year as the newest "Charlie's Angel."

           

        3. Jude Law This Brit's star turn came in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," but he's hit box office gold starring opposite Matt Damon in "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Oh, speaking of gold, he also got a Golden Globe nod this year.

        4. Audra McDonald At a mere 27, McDonald's already racked up a whopping three Tony Awards for Broadway show-stoppers ("Carousel," "Master Class," and "Ragtime,"). Now, this multi-talented actress is poised to take Hollywood by storm.

        5. Hilary Swank After "Buffy" and "Karate Kid," Swank has made her star not only turn, but whirl, in the art film "Boys Don't Cry." If this stellar performance doesn't garner Swank an Oscar nomination, we don't know what could.

        6. Billy Campbell "Once and Again," Campbell proves that he's more than a pretty face. His hit show just may make him a household name. Finally.

        7. Catherine Keener She sizzled in "Being John Malkovich." Earning a Golden Globe nomination for her role, she's on a roll of a different sort -- fame.

           

        8. Reno Wilson From "Cosby" kid to "Hoop Life," co-star, Wilson is making a full court press to stardom. We're keeping an eye on this young actor.

        9. Renoly Santiago He wore a dress and carried a gun in "Con Air," played a tough kid opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in "Dangerous Minds," and mouthed off to Sly Stallone in "Daylight." Is he ready to play the lead? We think so.

        10. Terrell Carter He's hot. Carter, 20-something, has already written songs for Tevin Campbell and Quincy Jones among others. Now this singer songwriter is going to cut his own album. There's just one problem: Carter is such a sure bet, that three major record labels are battling to sign him. If we could all have such problems.

            Happy New Year, everyone. Here's hoping 2000 shines bright for you.

            Just Teasing

            • Oscar-worthy Bruce Vilanch and "Hollywood Squares"
            • Get in shape with "Babylon 5's" Tracy Scoggins
            • Past On The Set columns

            Note: "On The Set" appears every week in our Entertainment section. Have a question about your favorite celebrity? Let Steven know.

            Copyright 2001 by IBS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.