The Comeback Trail

I have a few concerns regarding the article “Fresh on the A-List,” (Calendar, July 18). First, I believe that Eddie Murphy had a string of Hollywood box-office disappointments and recently made “his comeback” in “The Nutty Professor.” Kevin Costner has yet to make his. It would seem to me that they were both given several chances to do so.

I would also like to point out that the combined total of Jeff Goldblum’s box office for the past three years could be considered slightly higher than Will Smith’s. I believe they are both excellent actors, yet am quite sure that Goldblum does not have the dubious distinction of being able to “‘compete for the hottest scripts.” I think that it is less of a race issue and more an issue of who is considered charismatic and attractive to society in a conventional sense.

I suggest that we try not to shove the issue of race into every discussion about someone who is of ethnic origin. If asked my opinion, I would say that “Will Smith is an excellent actor,” not “an excellent African American actor.”

CAREEN YAPP

Glendale