Is there anything not to like about Kevin Federline?
Ever since jumping to the forefront of the American celebrity scene two years ago when he married pop-princess Britney Spears, “K-Fed” has been hard to miss in the world of pop culture, and the fame and fortune couldn’t have gone to a more likeable, admirable or deserving man.
He’s hard to miss in his unique garb of an oversized T-shirt and crooked baseball cap. He’s well groomed, sporting a thin mustache and a permanent five-o’clock shadow. One word comes to mind when you see him: sophistication.
“Don’t hate me ‘cuz I’m a superstar” is what he told audiences during his rap performance at the 2006 Teen Choice Awards – an ironic choice of lyrics for his premier hip-hop performance, because nobody in their right mind could ever find a legitimate reason to dislike him. Federline is a refreshing breed – the epitome of class.
And not only is he an all-around good guy, but he’s also one of the most impressively talented celebrities to come out of Hollywood in a long time. His credits range from professional dancer to hip-hop artist to, most recently, A-list actor. Yes, after enjoying a resounding success with the release of his rap album and coinciding tour, “K-Fed” made the smooth transition to acting. And he made it look easy.
Most recently he starred in a commercial for Nationwide that aired during the Super Bowl. The commercial featured him as himself, being yelled at by a fast food manager: “Federline! Fries!” K-Fed’s reaction at this point was truly compelling, as if he’s actually been in that position at some point in his life.
But Federline has also proven his acting chops are more versatile than simply playing himself. His guest spot on “CSI,” where he was punched in the stomach by a police officer, was rumored to have been worthy of an Emmy nomination. Once again, Federline gave a convincing performance of getting sucker-punched, almost as if he had real-life experiences to draw upon. Afterwards, there was talk of CSI producers making him a regular on the show, though they chose not to out of fear that he would outshine the other cast members.
And through all of this fame, he’s been able to maintain a classy demeanor rarely found in celebrities these days, even associating himself in Vince McMahon’s well-respected and tasteful WWE. Of course, Federline proved quickly that anything he becomes involved in, he excels in. Always resilient and inspirational, it’s no surprise that last month he was crowned WWE champion after pinning professional wrestler John Cena, despite having to endure such unwarranted public insults as “You’re less talented than Paris Hilton!”
You’d think such fame would have gone to K-Fed’s head at some point, but through it all he’s been able to remain grounded in reality.
“Nothing gets to him,” Federline’s now ex-wife, Britney Spears, once told Details Magazine. “And that’s why I married him, because he’s not a shallow mother-f***** Hollywood actor-guy.”
No he isn’t. In fact, we could all take a page from Kevin Federline’s book. Next time any of us are contemplating our futures or making career decisions and are maybe a little hesitant to go that extra mile to get a job, we should look to K-Fed. He’s a man who rose from nothing to become a household name, who earned his fame and fortune through sweat and hard-work, who rode on his talent and personality alone to become one of America’s most beloved – and humble – stars. In a celebrity world full of bickering, breakups, feuds and above all, egos, Federline is proof that stars can be good role models.
His song lyrics exemplify his innate modesty: “My Ferrari cost more than your lil S-class / Look man I’m in a whole ‘nother tax bracket / It don’t matter what you blow, boy you can’t match it / 40 grand I take the whole crew to Miami / Then we pop Crys’ off like they won Grammys.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if at some point in his career the talented Federline does take home a Grammy. At that time as much as now, for inspiration and leadership, we will be able to look to K-Fed.
Fountaine is a member of the class of 2008.
