Maybe it speaks to a preoccupation with Walter Conkrite, too many cameras and bright lights, or 15-minutes-of-Andy Warhol-look-at-me, look-at-me heaven, but rightly or wrongly, people sometimes look to entertainers and TV personalities for cues on everyday living. The meaty fanbase of The Late Show host David Letterman offers little exception to this rule.
During the intro for Letterman’s April 1st program, his late night talk show’s announcer proclaimed, “And now…wheat and gluten-free…David Letterman.”
The buzz around the blogosphere has largely coalesced around the fact that Letterman’s announcer made similar proclamations in the past and so viewers should take the announcement with a salty grain of tentative truth.
It remains unclear whether or not David Letterman maintains a gluten-free lifestyle. Still, the beautiful damage remains done. Celiac blogger Suzanne Mangini asks in her April 3rd, Is Letterman gluten-free? entry, “So, is Letterman gluten-free? Even if it was a joke, it was still a mention of GF and that’s always a good thing in my book!”
I think Mangini might be on to something here.
Letterman, like most celebs, even those with the smallest followings, can tip the least known concepts.
Perhaps he can pump interest into gluten-free living with this announcement the same way Oprah Winfrey renews excitement in reading with her book club selections. (Sorry Frey “but he lied, he lied” bashers, but even in light of the controversy, A Million Little Pieces still retains its awesomeness.)
Perhaps any publicity works better than no attention at all. Gluten-free diets yield so many health benefits, even for non-celiacs.
Whether or not Letterman lives gluten-free then becomes immaterial. He, in all his superstar wonderment, has helped spread the word.
Entries (RSS)
April 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I am commenting on Letterman’s “Gluten Free” lifestyle. I agree taht any mention of GF is GREAT for awareness purposes. I can’t even believe that so many people have never heard of Gluten Intolerance before. People are shocked when I cannot eat certain foods at a function because I am Gluten Intolerant. On the other hand, I have met 3 new people within the last 3 months who are Gluten Intolerant too. It seems to be becoming more widespread, I hope not!
Whenever I hear of a new diet in a magazine an ezine, or on a radio show, I always comment and ask about a Gluten Free diet. They are usually stumped and always have to have Gluten Intolerance explained to them! Then I throw in the fact that I am an Insulin Dependent Diabetic as well. Then they are truly mystified! Sometimes it’s almost fun!!!
April 16th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
When I hear David Letterman talk about his son I sometimes speculate that he sounds like he might be on the autistic spectrum. This is merely my own awareness, having a son on the spectrum of similar age. So, maybe they are trying the diet for him and David is doing it too. Anything that brings it to more people’s attention helps my family find gluten free foods more easily. Gluten intolerance testing for everyone!
April 16th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I always try to find excuses not to go to my friends houses for diner. I would say, I am busy but I will join them after diner for a cup of tea. I am on alkaline diet also gluten intolerant…My friends seem not to understand . They would think of me as an ” overly picky and complicated” with food…I rather go to restaurants because I could request anything I want. And again I would deprive myself from a lot. I decided to eat more often at home. My comment is : When and where is it going to be easy to just go to any grocery store and get that simple gluten free bread like years ago our grand mothers made for us…and please don’t ask me to make my own bread, pasta, pastries etc. With my great thanks to Mike Adam ***YAZMIN***
April 18th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
This site is so great! I love it!!!! Nice work, very clear and attractive, plus a lot of information. I love it!
April 19th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Wow- I had no idea! The more gluten free exposure, the better!
Karen
http://glutenfreefoodreveiws.com