Hollywood's Failed 'Himbos'

by Anna Klassen

The Daily Beast

"Himbo," according to Dictionary.com, is a slang word, usually derogatory, that refers to an attractive but empty-headed man -- a male "bimbo." While we aren't making any claims about these actors' intelligence, they certainly had some empty-headed roles in box-office hits before disappearing into the Hollywood abyss. From dreamy-eyed Josh Hartnett to abs of steel Superman Brandon Routh, a look at once-budding action stars now seen mostly in discount DVD bins and on cable TV.

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Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch, alas, is on the verge of himbodom. Coming off a stellar run as hunky football player Tim Riggins on NBC’s "Friday Night Lights", his potential star power seemed almost unlimited. But his first big play at Hollywood leading man material, after a supporting "X-Men" role, struck out hard. Kitsch played the buff, tanned, loin-cloth-sporting lead in the Disney sci-fi adventure flick "John Carter," all elements that should have cemented his leading man status. But the movie tanked, losing Disney almost $200 million. Kitsch’s second strike, the big budget board game-turned-action flick "Battleship," costarring Liam Neeson and pop star Rihanna, also flopped. With big-name stars, extensive CGI, ships blowing up, and Brooklyn Decker’s bosom, "Battleship" should have had all the ingredients for Hollywood summer success, but it hit a low $25.5 million domestic bow. We’re hoping "Savages," the drug-dealer flick Kitsch has cued up for this summer, doesn’t seal his place on our list.