Who is Tina Fey?

Someone asked me this question, because he saw Tina Fey in the new American Express commercial. I explained, "She used to be the head writer of SNL (Saturday Night Live), and now she's the star of 30 Rock, which she also writes for."

I wasn't totally alarmed that he didn't know who Tina Fey was, because I know that not everyone cares for comedy television. But I came to a new realization:

I don't think I could date someone who doesn't know who Tina Fey is.

I thought about all my ex-boyfriends, and I think they would all know. In fact, I think they would be more upset than I would be, that someone didn't know who Tina Fey is. And I would venture to guess that they all harbor a crush on her.

Is that totally ridiculous and pompous of me? I mean, I think the only exception I'd make to this rule is if the guy had grown up in another country.

Her character on 30 Rock reminds me of my former life as the only girl among a crowd of wacky male characters at my old job. And I'd say that Tina Fey is one of my heroes, being an intelligent, successful woman in a male-dominated field, who manages to to be attractive in glasses and dark hair and not have to whore it up on tv. But I don't think that's why it would bother me that someone didn't know who she was.

I think awareness of Tina Fey actually points to a particular sense of humor that I enjoy, and I think that it would be sad to date someone who didn't share that with me.

There is some horrible hubbub about her show, 30 Rock, not lasting, and that would just make me sad, because it is one of the only well-written comedies left on television. (–and I'm not saying that just because I know one of the writers!) So if you haven't seen it, go watch it online now. (–Free! With fewer commercials!)

If you don't believe me, read all these A-graded reviews. But don't read too much before watching it, or it'll spoil all the great lines for ya.