Terms of Endearment

John Goodman’s upcoming series about a gay man in the Midwest may make it (“Just Trying to Find His Footing,” by William Keck, Oct. 29). But he should take a tip from the star of the over-the-top successful “Will & Grace.” Sex must be the core of his character’s existence, and he must never, ever be allowed to have it.

KURT SIPOLSKI

Palm Desert

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The term “living legend” has been utilized for years to describe an individual of rare achievement or notorious celebrity--or preferably, both. Now, however, anyone who has simply hung around long enough is touted as a “legend.” It is an ongoing trend in entertainment reportage that diminishes the power of the word and must surely embarrass the often unworthy recipients of the title.

A recent case in point was found in William Keck’s profile of John Goodman. In introducing comments from Goodman’s co-star, Joely Fisher, Keck described her as “the daughter of Hollywood legends Connie Stevens and Eddie Fisher.” Granted, Eddie Fisher, primarily by virtue of his notorious marital history, might be considered legendary. However, under no circumstances, could Stevens be called a legend. A talented performer, a charming woman, a durable star: Yes, Connie Stevens is all of those things, but a legend she is not.

Ironically, three days after Keck’s piece, Stephanie Simon’s front-page obituary of Steve Allen--a television legend of the highest order--characterized him as a “veteran entertainer.”

CHRISTOPHER NICKENS

Los Angeles