by RD Padouk

I wouldn’t call it a fetish.  I prefer to think of it as the inevitable result of behavioral imprinting.  For in the summer of my 16th year my first noteworthy amorous adventures were with a statuesque beauty with teal eyes and hair the color of gold. An unsullied gold reminiscent of the glorious hues of the morning sun, a pure – nay - angelic color, in which is found the fullest expression of femininity.  (Of, course, there is a chance that over the years my recollections have become somewhat idealized. This would not be without precedent.)   The point is, she was a redhead.  And although the romance ended with Fall, the ardent memory endured. 

Seen from this perspective it is, I hope, understandable that in the following decade I dated a significantly greater proportion of redheads than are present in the population as a whole.   Indeed, I fully expected I would marry a redhead.  Of course, that was before I met the brunette who was to become my wife.  That’s the funny thing about meeting the right person. All those characteristics you thought were terribly important suddenly stop being so. 

Redheads have been celebrated, as well as vilified, throughout history.  They have been chastised as witches and honored as goddesses.  They have been Queens of England and Warrior Princesses.  Still, be they strawberry blonde, copper, auburn, or fiery scarlet, a primal appreciation for the redheaded phenotype remains.  And so, at the request of bc, I present my 10 favorite contemporary redheads from film and television.  These women are listed in no particular order.  For who could rank such pulchritude? They are listed as they exist in my mind -  random, ethereal, and eternally shifting.

As to whether or not these ladies are all genuine?  Well, a gentleman never inquires.

1. Alyson Hannigan: Like many redheads, Alyson has a look of innocence coupled with the suggestion of inner naughtiness.  Perhaps this is why she was so effective in “American Pie,” where her mixture of waiflike beauty and underlying intensity was put to startlingly good use.  This dichotomy is also effectively expressed in “How I Met Your Mother.”  I have been led to understand that this theme was also evident in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”  One day I shall have to see this, but I need to be in the right frame of mind. I’ve heard stories.

2. Julianne Moore: A sophisticated beauty with a timeless look of elegance.  Her screen presence reminds me of Maureen O’Hara (another notable redhead who made John Wayne get all punchy in “The Quiet Man.”)   This underlying suggestion of sophistication made her role as a subversive activist in “Children of Men” all the more believable. Further, when combined with her startling beauty, I could easily sympathize with Hugh Grant as the frustrated father-to-be in “Nine Months.” Finally, of course, Julianne’s elegance added much to her complex role as a porn star in “Boogie Nights.” I could discuss this role more, but I’m getting all woozy just thinking about it…

3. Gillian Anderson: Because redheads are uncommon, they often radiate an aura of provocative mystery.  One gets the sense that there is something delightfully exotic and unworldly about such women.  Gillian Anderson embodies this well.  Perhaps this is why I found her so effective in the “X-Files.”   That unusual things might happen around a woman with such hair surprised me not at all.  I should also stress that my admiration of Joel Achenbach is in no way based upon the fantasy that he will one day introduce me to his former dorm-mate David Duchovny who might then introduce me to his “X-files” co-star Gillian Anderson.  (Although that would be cool)

4. Schuyler Fisk: I first saw this young woman in “Orange County.”  (Her presence made me forgive the film for showing Jack Black in his underwear.)   Ms. Fisk’s glorious copper hair suggests vulnerability combined with great intelligence.  Because, as previously noted, red is an unusual hair color, it is easy to interpret redheads as outsiders. Indeed, Schuyler Fisk’s mother, famous redhead Cissy Spacek, brought this notion to ultimate fruition in the movie “Carrie.”  (Ms. Spacek would make this list except I am still scarred by that whole “pig blood” scene.) And although Ms. Fisk’s considerable beauty makes it impossible to consider her as a wallflower, her red hair does make it easy to consider her as more down-to-earth than she might otherwise seem.

5. Amy Adams: Amy is one of the hottest young stars out there. Her vivid red hair frames a face of geometric perfection. Like many redheads, she combines ethereal beauty with a suggestion of unexpected inner strength. One gets the feeling that Amy can handle herself well when challenged. Amy Adams also highlights the often underappreciated power of greenish-blue eyes contrasted with glowing red hair. These are eyes into which an unsuspecting man could become hopelessly lost.

6. Lauren Holly: Lauren is the reason I tuned in to “Picket Fences” long after it had lost its narrative focus.   To me, Lauren Holly’s red hair suggests a woman of emotional and intellectual substance. A woman whose unusual hair color has driven her to consider many other mysteries of human existence. (Such is why she could ever think the profoundly odd Jim Carrey would make good husband material.) This sense of inner depth brings much to her role on “NCIS,” where she serves as a wonderful counterweight to that eccentric Goth woman with all the tattoos.

7. Alicia Witt: I first saw Alicia on the Cybill Shepherd vehicle “Cybill.” (I suspect there were other people on this show as well, but Alicia is the one I remember.) She was also excellent in “Two Weeks Notice” with Hugh Grant. (As an aside, it should be pointed out that Hugh Grant has been associated with redheads on several occasions. Perhaps this is because his eccentric intensity requires the salient presence of a redheaded woman for balance. Or, maybe he is just one lucky Brit.) Alicia’s exquisite red hair and delicate features give her a look of fragility that makes one feel protective. Alicia Witt is also one of those redheads who gets even more beautiful as she ages.

8. Kate Winslett: One might be tempted to question the inclusion of Ms. Winslett since she appears to be an inconsistent redhead. But after watching “Titanic” for the second time, I really don’t care. Kate Winslett epitomizes the exoticism of many redheads. Her vibrant eyes, iridescent alabaster skin, and notable curves all contribute to a heightened perception of exceptional rarity. Much more than the necklace featured in “Titanic,” it is Kate Winslett who represents a treasure worth searching for.

9: Laura Prepon: The definitive no-nonsense redhead.  She combines the clean look of a natural redhead with a vague intimation of menace. As expressed through her character on “That 70s Show,” Laura suggests a woman who knows that her red hair is unusual, but isn’t in the mood to discuss it. Laura Prepon makes me pine for my high-school days in the seventies.  I knew many redheads who looked like her. Women with radiant copper hair who epitomized the optimism and endless opportunities of youth.  Women who could also turn nasty if cornered (but in a charming way). I note with some dismay that Ms. Prepon is now occasionally seen as a blonde. Why, dear Lord, why?

10. Molly Ringwald: The uber redhead. My recollections of Molly are strong because she became popular during a period of my life with great personal and professional uncertainty. But I could always count on Ms. Ringwald. This redhead tormented me in the mid 1980s. But in a good way. Molly embodies many disparate facets of the redheaded woman. She can be exotic, tough, unreachable, and vaguely vulnerable all at the same time. The ending of “Sixteen Candles” will haunt me to my grave. And the years have treated her well.

So there you have it. A list of some of the redheaded women I find so remarkable. (This is, of course, a shockingly incomplete list.)

Although I am prepared to accept that the many salient memories I have of redheads are due to nothing more than the random contingencies of life, I still believe that there is something more profound at work. The intensity and vibrancy of women with red hair is undeniable to me. I recall some with delight, some with dismay, and some with wistful nostalgia. But recall them all I do. For the one thing I have never encountered is a redheaded woman who is easy to forget.