Page 1 of Off Script
Ben Sutton Named This Year's Sexiest Person
Hollywood heartthrob Ben Sutton was crowned this year’s Sexiest Person of the Year in the October issue ofPersonality Magazine.
When asked about his reaction to learning that he'd won the coveted title, the 30-year-old actor joked, “To be honest, it was a complete surprise. I asked the magazine representative if they had the right guy. They promised they did, but I'm still not convinced that I deserve of the honor."
But based on reactions to the announcement, Sutton is the only one unsure. Social media commentary following the announcement has been decidedly positive, from fans and friends alike. Sutton'sCaptain Commanderco-star Thad Lewis tweeted: "If I had to lose to anyone, I'm glad it was Ben. He's a good dude."
Sutton, best known for his big screen roles inSuspicionand the upcoming superhero action filmCaptain Commander, got his acting start on the small screen. The Texas native broke into show business as a teenager with a role on the acclaimed television show,Friday Night Gridiron. In the twelve years since moving to Hollywood,Sutton has acted in several other television shows and feature films, includingKiss Me Goodbye, The Family Kitchen, Eye of the Beholder,andAugustine.His latest film,Captain Commanderopens worldwide this December.
Notoriously private, we asked the humble and handsome movie star about his love life. Ben reports that he is currently single, but on the lookout for love. “For the last decade, my personal life has taken a backseat to my career, but I’m open to starting a relationship with the right person. I just haven’t found her yet.”
Sutton succeeds last year’s Sexiest Person of the Year winner singer/songwriter Henry Perini.
1
Carlisle
Nine minutes.
Five minutes.
Shuffling papers around, I feign productivity while watching the clock like a hawk, antsy for my workday to end and my weekend to officially begin.
Two minutes.
As the hands on the clock count down closer and closer to quitting time, the fine hairs on the back of my neck raise in silent warning. I can feel Mr. King's presence lurking somewhere nearby. With a deep breath, I steel myself for another run in with my boss and hurriedly shut down my computer.
Popping in my earbuds, I connect them to my phone and press the volume button up as far as it will go so that I can't be able to hear Mr. King calling my name. I’ll gladly risk insubordination and hearing damage to avoid another uncomfortable conversation with him. Especially on a Friday afternoon when I'm minutes away from freedom. Crossing my fingers, I stride from my cubicle out to the winding hallways of the old office building.
Perhaps if I keep my head down and move quickly, I’ll get lucky and avoid running into Mr. King.
But when have I gotten lucky?
Certainly not anytime lately, and I don’t get lucky this afternoon either.
Given his size, Mr. King moves toward me with surprising speed, and he manages to corral me in a corner. Like a choreographed dance that we’ve routinely practiced over the past five months, he steps forward, and I step back. But then I hit the wall behind me.
Just as tall as he is wide, Mr. King towers over me. He's left mere inches of space between us, and when he reaches out to stroke my cheek, I tuck my chin so that his hand lands harmlessly on the side of my head. Still uncomfortable and most definitely awkward, but less so than if he'd caressed my face.
"Do you have a date this weekend, Carlisle?" When I shake my head, Mr. King looks pleased.
Retreating a step, his eyes rove lazily over the length of my body.
Sadly, this type of interaction is nothing new. As the lone young female in the small company, I put up with a lot of unwanted attention from my boss. Within weeks of starting work, I learned the hard way to avoid being in a room alone with Mr. King. In addition to making inappropriate comments, he’s prone to getting a little handsy if unchaperoned. Unfortunately, since he's the owner of the business, my avenues of recourse are quite limited.
As is my bank account. Quite limited, that is. For now, all I can do is suck it up until I land another job.
“Don’t go too crazy this weekend, Carlisle.”
“Wouldn't dream of it, Mr. King. Tell Mrs. King hello for me.”
One good tactic for rebuffing his advances is to remind him that he has a wife. I’ve never met the poor woman but given the number of times I bring her up in a week, you’d think we were besties.
"Remember to keep your work phone on you. I might call if I need something."
One of my job responsibilities includes being on call every weekday, and occasionally, Mr. King likes to call me. He claims it's to confirm that I'm keeping up with my essential job duties, but I fear there's more behind his motivations than that.
He retreats another step, creating an opening for escape and I take advantage of it.
