Most of us grow up hoping that, one day, we'll be famous for something. Inventing a flying bicycle. Curing the common cold. Or, best of all, being a fabulously gorgeous actor or rock star. Unfortunately, the closest most of us ever get to being famous is having our profiles featured on an internet dating site like Datepad. That wild dream of fame and fortune has long faded.
And that may be a good thing. Because while the idea of being a beloved celebrity may appeal to most of us, the truth is that there are just as many reviled stars as there are beloved ones. Want to make yourself feel a bit better about your "average Joe" status? Check out our list of the 10 stars you just love to hate.
10. Jennifer Aniston
Back in the 90's, Jennifer Aniston was the charming Rachel on "Friends," and America loved her. Now, she's that too-tan anorexic woman who won't shut up about her relationships. After having just come across an interview in which she talks about how "uncool" Angelina Jolie was to have stolen Brad Pitt away, I was more than eager to include her on this list. Stop talking about your love life, Jen! Oh, and eat a cheeseburger while you're at it.
9. Tara Reid
Long, long ago, this disaster of a celebrity used to be paid to, well, act. Go figure. But after gaining an incredible reputation for drinking, drugs, and general craziness, she began to earn her living from parties instead. Add to that a botched boob job that made more papers than it rightfully should have and Tara's wide-eyed claims that she's actually very deep and misunderstood, and you have a truly obnoxious celebrity.
8. Lindsay Lohan
Remember the Lindsay Lohan of movies like Disney's Parent Trap? She was cute and redheaded and sassy... but innocent. Not anymore. Today's Lindsay Lohan is more famous for her stints in rehab and her unreliable behavior on set than she is for her acting. Now selling millions of tabloids describing her "is she a lesbian or is she not?" relationship with another girl, it doesn't look like she's too eager to be taken seriously.
7. Tom Cruise
Ah, didn't we all love Tom Cruise at one time? Men thought he was tough and cool and wanted to be him. And women thought he was sexy and intense and oh-so desirable. Not anymore. This once-desirable movie superstar is now more famous for his relationships --specifically the one with Dawson Creek's Joey, Katie Holmes--, his religion, and his "sofa jumping" than his acting. While a funny cameo in the movie Tropic Thunder has improved his image a bit, his spot on this list is still well-deserved.
6. Britney Spears
It's obvious that this list isn't only of stars that I personally revile, because if it were Britney Spears wouldn't be on it. For some unfathomable reason, I've got a soft spot in my heart for Britney. But with her greasy ex-husband (who also deserves a spot on this list, but there wasn't room), her insane antics, and her past inability to wear panties, she belongs on this list just as surely as everyone else. After her shaved-head episode, where else could she go? Fortunately, with a new CD just out, it looks like Britney may be back on track. Maybe those of us who --for some weird reason-- still love her will be able to admit to it freely once again. Only time will tell.
5. Victoria Beckham
Is it her constant presence in the tabloids? Or is it the constant sour puss she wears on her pinched face? Either way, this snotty star hasn't done much to earn her fame in the last 10 years or so... but she's done plenty to earn our dislike.
4. Jessica Simpson
Blonde, beautiful, but misunderstood. This is how Jessica Simpson would like us to see her. But with her oh-so-dramatic romances, constant photo-ops, and vapid interviews, it seems impossible to see her as anything but starved for attention. I'm still not sure if what I feel for her is pity or annoyance (or a combination of both) but she still belongs on this list.
3. Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
Before I began researching the stars that most people hate for this article, I didn't even know who these two people were. But a video or two at YouTube was enough to tell me why this useless couple is so hated. Talk about vapid. With a painful reality TV show, rumors of illicit sex tapes, and a better relationship with the tabloids than with each other, just hearing about this couple inspires a little shiver of revulsion. Their 15 minutes should have been long over by now.
2. Michael Jackson
If you have to keep your kids away from him, he probably isn't a celebrity you feel much love for. In a lot of ways, I feel sorry for Michael Jackson. But no matter what his mental problems might be (and it's clear they are extensive), Michael Jackson has become a reviled figure in our time. He's still got talent, for sure, but he no longer has the face (or any face at all!) or the reputation to go with it.
1. Paris Hilton
Who else did you expect? She can't act, sing, or speak coherently. She doesn't see the value of wearing underwear. And her self-importance is so obvious as to be painful. The queen of being famous for being famous, Paris Hilton may very well be the most reviled celebrity of all time. It's a spot in which she seems to thrive. 'Nuff said.
