Q: While I like all these new reality-competition shows, I need to know when my favorite one, “Dancing With the Stars,” will return, and who will be the stars this season. – Gina R., via e-mail
A: “Dancing With the Stars” returns for its 12th season on Monday, March 21, at 8 p.m. ET. Eleven celebrities have been tapped to compete this season: Kirstie Alley, “Psycho” Mike Catherwood, Chris Jericho, Chelsea Kane, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ralph Macchio, Petra Nemcova, Romeo, Hines Ward, Kendra Wilkinson and Wendy Williams.
Q: My family loves “The Waltons.” It’s such a wonderful family show; they just don’t make them like this anymore. What is Richard Thomas (John-Boy) doing now, and does he ever see his old cast members anymore? — Patricia C., Altoona, Pa.
A: I spoke with Richard recently to talk about his latest movie, “Time After Time” for the Hallmark Channel (check your local listings for info), and he told me he does keep in touch with his fellow Waltons.
“Mary Elizabeth McDonough was just here a few weeks ago, and we had dinner. Michael Learned and I are very close friends. We all keep tabs on each other. I saw Kami (Cotler) not long ago. We don’t all see each other all the time, but there is a great deal of genuine fondness and familial feeling. We love each other a lot.”
He is counting on his “Waltons” fans embracing “Time After Time.” As he tells me, the movie is right up their alley. “This (movie appeals to) a segment of the old ‘Walton’ audience. I consider it a nice family movie and something that the family can enjoy together.”
Q: My husband told me that a crewmember from “Deadliest Catch” died. Is that true? If so, who was it? — Francine R., Rochester, N.Y.
A: Justin Tennison (some sources say he was 33, some 34), deckhand for the “Time Bandit” crab fishing boat, died in his sleep in late February. An autopsy is scheduled, and as of this writing, no cause of death has been announced. Beer, hard liquor and a small amount of marijuana were found in the Alaska hotel room where his body was found. Justin will appear posthumously in the seventh season of “Deadliest Catch,” whose premiere date has yet to be announced by Discovery Channel.
Q: I loved the movie “The Hangover.” I’ve heard rumors that there is going to be a sequel. Is there? — Dave F., via e-mail
A: Get ready for a roadtrip with the guys. “The Hangover: Part II” hits theaters May 26 (Memorial Day weekend), and the boys are headed to Thailand for Stu’s (Ed Helms) wedding. All the guys are back for the sequel (Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha and Ken Jeong), with a cameo by Liam Neeson.
