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Washed-Up Stars' Savior: Social Media

From Justine Bateman to Sally Jessy Raphael, a 2nd chance

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2012 11:30 AM CST

(Newser) Chris Brown and Rihanna aren't the only ones finding fame/infamy on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and the lot. Plenty of last generation's stars are making waves there, too, reports the New York Times, which runs down a few recent success stories:

  • Though Sally Jessy Rafael only claims 5,000 Twitter followers, they're getting a "sassy and sardonic" ride, reports the Times, which describes her as "enjoying a modest comeback." Sample: "At the AMAs last nite, Justin Bieber thanked his haters. I'd like to say, you're welcome, Justin. You're welcome."
  • Justine Bateman (Mallory from Family Ties) claims 88,000 Twitter followers and two Tumblrs—one of which charts her experience as a 46-year-old UCLA freshman.

  • Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster) is in a whole other league with 1.5 million Twitter followers. The Times reports that she managed to use that notoriety to snag a gig as a Today show contributor.
  • Over the past two years, George Takei has garnered 3.7 million followers on his Twitter and Facebook pages, and his Tumblr posts generate upward of 600 comments each. "The easy accessibility to enormous firepower is ridiculous," said Takei.

Actor George Takei poses on the press line at the Universal Media Studios Emmy Party at the LG House  in Malibu, Calif. on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007.
Actor George Takei poses on the press line at the Universal Media Studios Emmy Party at the LG House in Malibu, Calif. on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
In this publicity image released by The Wendy Williams Show, former talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael, left, talks with Wendy Williams.
In this publicity image released by The Wendy Williams Show, former talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael, left, talks with Wendy Williams.   (AP Photo/The Wendy Williams Show, Alex Oliveira)
Justine Bateman arrives at the 2011 TV Land Awards on Sunday, April 10, 2011, in New York.
Justine Bateman arrives at the 2011 TV Land Awards on Sunday, April 10, 2011, in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 15 comments
Chatsworth
Dec 28, 2012 4:01 PM CST
I dunno, Justine Bateman still looks good and she's going back to college, Kudos to her! Lieutenant Sulu rules!
Nxxxx
Dec 28, 2012 2:45 PM CST
The article doesn't use 'washed up', outside of a quote. 
thenet95
Dec 28, 2012 11:04 AM CST
It's interesting how they were popular and when they can't get to fine tv or movie roles how will they get a job? What will there resume show acting exp only. Social media or social network is to different thing. Even this story wrong saying social media. Real life they just don't know the internet or difference between the two social network or social media. I also laugh at people thinking they know all about it.
 

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