This is just a reminder that for all of People Magazine’s questionable, publicist-influenced “Sexiest Men” choices (see: Adam Levine, Justin Theroux, Justin Timberlake) there are men on the list who truly deserve the title. People posted this video of Walking Dead hottie Norman Reedus, 44, posing with his adorable black cat. I love to see hot men and their pets, so this is a real treat for me.
Norman looked very bemused while introducing his video and trying to explain his feelings about being named one of the sexiest. Then he told a nice story about how he got his cat, and how his son named her. You could tell that he adores the cat. He was so gentle with her in the video too:
On being told he’s one of the sexiest
First thing that went through my mind when being told about this people shoot was “Sexy? Man I’m not sexy. How am I gonna pull that off?” And then they told me, “You’re gonna do it with you cat,” and I thought “Good everyone will just be looking at the cat.” So, that’s sort of a bonus.On how he got his cat
My cat’s named “Eye in the Dark” and when my son was about 5 years old, he said to me “dad, I need a little black kitten…” So I called all over New York City looking for a little black kitten and I found one that was in the East Village that was found in a box in an alley and the guy goes “hey, I have all these other kittens, you don’t want this kitten,” and I go “why?” and he goes “this cat’s never going to love anyone” and I said “I’ll take it!” and now the cat’s just a big fluff love ball.On how his son named her
At that time I had all black floors and my son couldn’t see it except for its eyes. So I was like “what are you going to name it” and he goes “Eye in the Dark” and I was like “alright, cool”
This video made me love Reedus that much more. The guy is humble, he’s funny, he tells a good story, and he just seems effortlessly cool. Plus he’s a cat lover, and he has a black cat! I’ve had three black cats in my life. I’ve only had black cats and calicos and I love them so much. My heart aches a little when I see a black cat so this video is doing it for me on several levels.
Oh and if you enjoy dudes with cats, People has another video of Ian Somerhalder with his big ginger cat, I’ve put that below.
Contrast Somerhalder’s false humility in this video and how he flips his cat around randomly to how Reedus downplays everything and holds his cat so she’s comfortable. I mean I still like Somerhalder and find him incredibly attractive, it’s just clear to me that he’s full of himself. Somerhalder talks about how many pets he owns and how they help him feel relaxed without really discussing the pets themselves. It’s all about him.
photo credit: People, GQ and Terry Richardson
Yay I have a loving black kitty too. Poor girl was in the shelter for over 6 months cause nobody wants black cats. But she’s very sweet and gorgeous 🙂
I just don’t understand that, because I have always wanted a black cat, but circumstances brought me my wonderful orange tabby and grey tabby cats. They are the loves of my life. The grey kitty is 17 and going strong–you would never know she’s that old, as she’s gorgeous, agile and healthy as a horse. I won’t be getting another kitty until she passes, since she is so jealous of my attentions, but when she does, I will be getting a black cat.
GAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Yes! I was hoping you’d be here, Eve.
I needed this. Sooooooo much cuteness!
Oh My God.
I actually swooned when I opened my copy of the magazine and saw this picture. I am a girl over the age of 45, and I’m seriously thinking of cutting it out and taping it to my nightstand where I can see it every night before I sleep!!
Hehehe
I am proud owner of a black cat as well. I have two other cats as well. I love how much Norman loves his cat (and Ian just went up a few notches in my book with his cat) and to me, Norman would have been a MUCH better Sexiest Man Alive then Adam Levine. Because Norman is actually sexy.
Totally agree about him instead of that pinched face Levine.
Black cats are beautiful and majestic.
It makes me sad that they get a bad rap from some people.
Agreed completely. Growing up, I’ve always wanted a black cat, even though some people think that black cats bring bad luck. So far I’ve had 8 cats (not all at once though and half of them are stray cats and the rest are their kittens) and most of them are red bicolor. The only black cat that I have looks exactly like the famous cat, Socks.. I love them all so much but yeah, deep inside I still want a black cat so damn much!
Proud black cat owner here too!
Likewise! And Norman was so sweet with his cat, you can tell he really loves her.
Ovaries. Exploding.
LMAO!
Back off ladies! This man was made for me! He loves heavy metal and punk rock, takes photos of taxidermy and road kill and makes sculptures of horned vagina’s! In other words, a lady morticians dream! Plus he is very sweet in person and made me feel like we were the only two people on the room when I spoke to him. When he asked me for a hug I nearly melted in his arms!
I am stepping off 100%, Mort. You claimed this man many moons ago…
Mort- I love that he asked you for a hug!
Do you have a link to that sculpture, Morticians? I am curious as hell about it, but when I googled “horned vagina sculpture,” uhhhhh, let’s just say I needed some time in the corner to rock myself back to sanity.
@isa, I nearly died! I’m not a hugger, so I never would have asked for one (particularly because I don’t know him) and I’m not too keen on giving them out in general, but I jumped at the chance!
@mai, I do not but he has a book of photography called “the sun’s coming up like a big bald head,” and it’s full of some pretty awesomely obscure stuff.
Mort, I’ll leave him to you, as long as I can still oggle the shit out of him. I was in looove when I saw Boondock Saints, but no claiming happened. And since you’ve physically met, I totally respect that claim of yours!
So go and like kidnap him. And maybe send me the occasional photo of him holding a pet, or a baby, and I’ll be happy.
Yup, they’re popping over here too.
I was gonna say the same lol. I already loved him but knowing he’s a cat person just takes it over the edge!
@erinn, it’s a deal 😉 I’ll send Sean Patrick Flannery your way as a thank you!
LOVE THIS MAN. I have been rather angry the last two weeks on The Walking Dead that we have not seen Daryl.
Awesome cat. Awesome name.
I am so sick of Guvnor-centric episodes. I wanna see Daryl’s reaction to what Rick did!
I agree. I NEED DARYL.
I love cats, I love Norman Reedus, I love The Walking Dead … I love everything about this post.
OK, Ian is a little “All about me”, but his ‘Moke’ dude is a big fat spoiled Tom Cat. I get the sense that Ian and Moke play a LOT, even though kitteh is a bit pissed here with his tail a swishin’. I’d say Moke hold his own with his SEVEN other dog brothers.
On the other hand, Eye in the Dark is a more reserved shy cat personality, and Norman is very protective of his little ‘princess’? Eye, perhaps, is an only furchild.
Two different cats, two different energies.
Ooh that’s a good point about the different cat personalities, that didn’t occur to me thanks!
I am really no fan of Somerhalder at all, but I have to defend him on the cat handling (not on the false humility, because that is awful acting right there). Mokie seems to be absolutely relaxed through all the position changing and very curious. His tail is swishing a little, but his eyes are relaxed and his pupils remain small. Not at all scared, quite a chill dude and seems to have some fun with the posing.
Very good point, Sloane!
I think cats take on the behaviors of their owners, to an extent. All of my parents cats are temperamental like my mom and overweight like my dad! I think Somerholders cat is a diva like him and Norman’s cat is sweet and sensitive like him.
“my parents cats are temperamental like my mom and overweight like my dad”
LMAO!!!! I totally agree with this-for instance, my kitteh is very mellow and snacks a lot. Clearly she takes after her pot-smoking mom 😉
double post oops!
@kitten, haha! That’s great! My cat is super sweet and affectionate like my husband. I give him all the credit for making her a great cuddler!
I can’t watch the video but reading the description I thought of my two cats.
I have Toby el Tigre that doesn’t like to be messed with unless it’s on his own terms. I couldn’t imagine trying to hold him for an interview. I woke up this morning to him sleeping on my pregnant belly and as soon as he realized he ran away.
Then there’s Twiggy who lives to be held and pet and puts up with the kids crap.
Cats are so funny.
@isa, my cat pixie (after the band the pixies) lays on my belly and purrs and the baby kicks her. Her kicks are more powerful now, so the cat gets freaked out and runs!
Completely agree. My cats are cuddly love bugs like me.
I just realized Toby does take after me. I only want affection on my own terms. My husband gripes about it.
That’s so sweet Mort! This is the first time my cat has gotten near my belly in a while.
Cat lovers are legends
The story on how he got the cat and his son coming up with the name is so adorable.
The Humane Society I volunteer at has a room just full of black cats because no one wants them 🙁 It’s quite sad. I “fostered” one hard luck case from an animal hoard and she’s never left with her gimpy foot, feline leukemia, missing tail, and fear of loud noises.
Ohhh… I wish I could adopt one of them 🙁
My roommate is a ginger, and I love him to death, but I find black cats adorable. Unfortunately I live in a tiny Manhattan apt, and my work not only keeps me at the office 12 hours a day, but I also travel from time to time. So those alone have prevented me from adopting more cats.
Anyway, men with cats are sexy! :):):)
Lenje- actually a kitten would be fine under your circumstances, the older cat would raise it for you and would enjoy having another furface around. They would keep each other company while you’re not around. Really not much space is needed if you provide enough ways for them to climb- cats live vertically. I have very little horizontal space for humans but have a cat tree that leads to a long top shelf and space above the pantry, also desk/table/top of filing cabinet/printer space etc. so the cats see the place as much bigger than I do. Box tops from cases of paper make excellent portable cat perches, easily removed when you need access and containing any hairball upchucking and kitty hair. Even litter boxes can be stacked if you get or make a two-level support with enough space for access. For instance, a box shape would work.
I’ve actually met him and he’s genuinely a great normal humble guy. Super nice talked to me for about ten min and took a pic. After I walked away I almost fainted. But hey kept it together for the conversation 🙂
You know, at first, I didn’t like him very much because he was so greasy on WD. Then he started to grow on me. Then I started thinking “Damn, that guys is IT!”. Then I read that he has a 19 or 20 year old girlfriend (2nd one of that age) and I lost all respect for him. LOL. I can’t stand him at all now. :-/
According to google, the last three were in their twenties. The oldest of which is surrently 29. The last one was 25 when he started dating her (at the age of 44) and the new one appears to have just turned twenty (although he hasn’t officially appeared in public with her as his girlfriend). I’m a huge fan, but I don’t make it a point to pick over all the personal details of their lives. What I know is readily available in their interviews and such, and Norman’s love life isn’t highly publicized (which I respect). If it’s true that his current girlfriend is only twenty, I am just as disappointed in him as I am in Joaquin and the other men who don’t appear to be searching for their intellectual equal.
He was in a long term relationship with Helena Christensen. Talk about a couple who should have had a sex tape 🙂
Gah! I wish I had not read your post! I did not know that about him. That’s kind of a bummer.
That kitty is so sweet!!!! I love black cats!
*dies*
Ohhh Norman. I would do all the bad things….
Awww. Norman seems like an awesome guy, and I love his kitteh and the story of how he got her. I have a huge long-haired black cat named Castiel (his mother was a Maine Coon and his dad was a Persian) and he’s my furchild. Love love love him. He follows me everywhere and even tries to get in my lap when I’m taking a bath–that’s how lovable he is…It’s crazy how many people are afraid of him–even the pizza guy!! *smh*
Castiel! Are you a supernatural fan?!?
OMG! We have an orange tabby called Castiel – and yes, MorticiansDoItDeader, its because we are HUGH Supernatural fans!! 🙂 [Castiel was our “outside kitty” that we quickly trapped and kept as our furr-ever boy #5]
I always take in cats that are found by other people so I have never had the opportunity to pick out a “pretty” cat. I currently cohabit with two “cow cats” ie, black and white cats. Once looks like Mr. Furley from Three’s Company. The other is slightly plumper than average and cross-eyed. I love my girls but I also like looking at Mr. Reedus’ beautiful, black slinky cat.
I have a black cat and he is so loyal to me. I’ve had 3 other black cats in the past…all from animal shelters and all male. I love black cats!
i have two lady cats! and they have diferent personalities Sofia seems just like Moke and Miranda is more like Eye in the Dark… yes i named them Sofia and Miranda…
Lol ed sheeran is on the list of sexiest men???
Men who have cats are the best.
To the calico/Black cat combo lover above- we should start a club!! Adore both, and shelter cats are the best! Adopt a shelter cat!
Off soapbox now
I had no idea he was the same age as me! Cool! A man and his cat…sigh! I had a black cat as well and she was sweet but nervous. I couldn’t blame her since I rescued her from the streets. I’ve had all sorts of cats and I’ve volunteered for different rescue organizations. I am always pleased to meet other animal lovers! How cool is his cats name?! I love it!
Awww! I loved that you rescued her from the streets, you are awesome.
THAT’S IT!
My iPad, Ipod and Galaxy will NO longer except any other wallpaper than the pix of Norman & black kitty!
Oh, get off it and find something else to complain about. Both those cats look perfectly content. Besides, if that ginger tabby didn’t want to be draped all over Ian Somerhalder, you know it wouldn’t be there. It would have clawed his pretty blue eyes out in every attempt to get away from him, which is not exactly People Mag pay dirt. Slow news day?
Awww, that kitty has a sweet face 🙂
Daryl is my favorite on TWD and if the writers are ever stupid enough to kill him off, I won’t watch anymore. TWD subreddit over on Reddit has been calling for his death just so they can “see the fan’s reaction.” Screw that. No Daryl means no enjoyment of the show for me. Idk, I doubt AMC would ever let the writers kill him off, his character makes them too much money and they (AMC) know that they’d take a huge loss in ratings because there are many, many fans who, like me, would stop watching.
Anyways, these kitty pics are very nice and they’re not laughably cheesy like Alexander Skarsgard’s (AS’s kitty is adorable but he looked like a total dweeb).
I love him!!
I’ve had black cats my whole life. Love them.
Ian’s cat actually looks pretty comfortable with him, and if he weren’t, he’d be outta there. We had a cat years ago that liked to be carried around like that.
You know you really, really hate cats when not even Norman Reedus being all tender could make you think it’s likable.
I don’t know why, but cats have always inspired a kind of “there’s a snake in my nest” sort of instinctive hatred from me.
Awwww that’s sad! I’ve had a menagerie of animals over the years but cats seem to be my number 1 project. There was nothing snaky about my old calico who would run and hide at the slightest noise yet still insisted on being the queen of her castle. Her successor favours talking to herself as she plays and has never once scratched, even as we put drops in her eyes or flea drops on her back. I know this won’t change your mind but cats are one of those creatures that tend to be maligned because of reputation rather than experience.