The music video for Talking Heads' "Wild Wild Life" features parodies of several prominent celebrities and iconic characters, primarily performed by band member Jerry Harrison. While the band Talking Heads themselves are central to the video, which won "Best Group Video" at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, the video notably includes representations of famous personalities.
Parodied Celebrities and Characters
The video incorporates additional content beyond what was seen in the film True Stories, and it's within this added material that Jerry Harrison performs his parodies. The celebrities and characters parodied include:
| Celebrity/Character Parodied | Portrayed By | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Billy Idol | Jerry Harrison | Parody of the iconic rock star. |
| Kid Creole | Jerry Harrison | Parody of the flamboyant bandleader. |
| Ralph Macchio's character in The Karate Kid | Jerry Harrison | A humorous take on the beloved martial arts character, Daniel LaRusso. |
| Prince | Jerry Harrison | Parodying the legendary musician's distinctive style. |
These parodies add a playful and satirical layer to the music video, showcasing the band's wit and creativity.
The Band Members of Talking Heads
Beyond the celebrity parodies, the video prominently features the members of Talking Heads themselves:
- David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar)
- Tina Weymouth (bass, vocals)
- Chris Frantz (drums, vocals)
- Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar, vocals) - notable for his various parodies.
The presence of the entire group performing contributes to the video's recognition as "Best Group Video," making the band members key figures in the visual narrative.
