THE HUNK SHORTAGE
To Fill New Dramas, TV Casting Directors
Tussle Over Hot Guys Who Can Act;
Taking the Search to Edmonton
(The Wall Street Journal, Feb. 17, 2006)
(Link to story on wsj.com)by SAM SCHECHNER
HIS NAME is one of the hottest in network television this spring. He is being pursued by some of the most influential casting directors in Hollywood. And you've probably never heard of him.
Over the past few weeks, Michael Vartan, the cute love interest from the movie "Monster-in-Law" and the heartthrob on TV's "Alias," has found himself on a short list of actors who are parrying multiple offers to star in new TV pilots. Why? He represents a commodity for which demand has grown to outpace supply over the last few years: sexy, rugged-looking guys who can act.