Character

Hollywood Darling (celebrity political appointee)

networked media‑savvy media-savvy optics-driven glamorous optics‑driven politically targeted

An archetypal celebrity figure recruited into political staffing who appears in The West Wing S01E09 'The Short List'; functions rhetorically as a media‑savvy, optics‑driven appointment interacting with named staffers.

2 appearances

Entertainment‑to‑Political Influence / Public Relations

Also known as: Hollywood darlings, Hollywood darling

Hollywood Darling …'s Journey

A timeline through the narrative

2 moments

S1E9 · The Short List

Broadcast Bombshell: From Messaging to Damage Control

Objectified—presented as emblematic of style over substance, used to undercut credibility.

Referenced collectively as 'Hollywood darlings' by Lillienfield to imply that media‑friendly hires have replaced substantive public servants; the figure is a rhetorical device rather than an on‑screen actor.

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S4E21 · Life on Mars

Soccer Moms and the Ethics of an Attack Ad

Referenced with mild sarcasm — not present but rhetorically blamed for policy choices.

Invoked by Will as part of the antagonistic coalition ('President and a bunch of Hollywood types') — functions as a rhetorical antagonist representing elites out of touch with family concerns.

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