Last Update January 14, 2015
That's Hot: Entertainment Winners in '04
Love 'em or hate 'em, these guys were hot in 2004.
Her not-so "Simple Life" alternately fascinates and repulses everyone from your mom to your little niece — and, let's see, she's also got modeling contracts, a book, a tiara, her own fragrance, a hit TV show, a fun best friend, an album coming out, movie appearances, a great wardrobe, good looks and scads of money. Yes, the woman who made "that's hot" a catchphrase has been pretty hot herself this year — even if nobody really knows why.
They're being blamed by some (and thanked by many) for "killing" reality TV, and as the new No. 1 show in the nation, "Desperate Housewives" has even beaten "CSI." Whether they were dropping their towels, popping pills or getting it on with the studly teenage gardener, Americans tuned in to watch middle-aged suburbanites Marcia Cross (search), Teri Hatcher (search), Felicity Huffman (search) and Nicolette Sheridan (search) ... and sexy newcomer Eva Longoria (search).
He has a hit show, inimitable hair, a beautiful fiancée, his own slogan and all the money in the world. Indeed, the man who brought us Omarosa clearly does know a thing or two about business. Who ever thought people would want to watch a show about getting fired?
Despite the controversy surrounding it, Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," starring James Caviezel as Jesus, earned more than $370 million at the North American box office, making it the year's second-most popular movie behind "Shrek 2." "The Passion" also raked in $625 million in the worldwide collection plate.
His team didn't win the game, but despite a brouhaha over who would release the inflammatory movie, Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" won top honors at the Cannes Film Festival (search) in May and drove enough angry and curious citizens to theaters to become the first documentary to top $100 million at the domestic box office.
The top-grossing game-show winner of all time, Jennings, a mild-mannered 30-year-old software engineer from Salt Lake City, earned over $2.5 million on 75 consecutive "Jeopardy!" episodes. There's even a "Can You Beat Ken?" board game coming out.
"The O.C."
Billed as the "90210" for the next generation, "The O.C." has a lot in common with its '90s predecessor — a California backdrop, contemporary music and fashions and a gorgeous cast. But this cutting-edge show is much more than a paean to the lives of the young, rich and beautiful: The adult characters are just as dysfunctional as their trouble-loving teens.
Last but Not Least ... Jamie Foxx
People were surprised when he won critical raves for "Collateral," stealing scenes from none other than Tom Cruise, but he's a bona fide star after his dead-on performance as Ray Charles in "Ray." He also scored a record three Golden Globe nominations. Who knew this comic actor, previously best known for the movie "Booty Call," had it in him?
• Click here to read about the entertainment lows of '04