Michael Looks at Celebrity Insurance

I'm sure you've heard the stories about the likes of Tina Turner having her legs insured for millions. In fact the other day I saw the story of a professional coffee taster that had his tongue insured for $14 million.
Of course many times those policies are taken out as publicity ploys by companies or the stars themselves.

Here's some of the latest ones I found to be interesting:

Gene Simmons' tongue -- Gene Simmons, the bassist for the iconic late-'70s band Kiss, added his own signature move -- sticking out his extra-long tongue -- to the band's widely recognizable stage presence of black-and-white face paint and distinctive jumpsuits. His tongue, which is rumored to have been surgically enhanced, was reportedly insured for $1 million when Kiss was at its peak.

Dolly Parton's bust -- Country music legend Dolly Parton, who is almost as well known for her curvy figure as for her singing and acting, has insured her 42-inch bust for $600,000, reports ABC News. That's $300,000 per breast.

Tom Jones' chest hair -- Pop singer Tom Jones must think a little fuzz is critical to his status as a sex symbol. In 2008, the New York Daily News and several other media outlets reported that Jones had his chest hair insured for $7 million. Other sources, however, have alleged that this information is false. He did just let his hair go totally gray.

Coverage without the cost -- It's not always the celebrity who foots the bill. Instead, the insurance policy is often covered by an entertainment company or endorser. For example, Proctor & Gamble has an insurance policy on the long, wavy tresses of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu because the NFL great is the face of the company's Head & Shoulders shampoo. Likewise, Aquafresh toothpaste has insured the teeth of "Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera for $10 million, making her a poster child for the pearly white smile.

Then there this one. Truly bizarre. According to Parade Magazine:

Shirley MacLaine vs. the aliens -- OK, so it's not a body part, but it's too wacky not to mention. Storied actress Shirley MacLaine is the owner of one of the most bizarre insurance policies in Hollywood. According to that publication, MacLaine, who has been outspoken about believing in reincarnation and extraterrestrial life, owns a $25 million policy protecting her acting fortune against an alien abduction.