Q: I saw Nancy McKeon a while back on Disney Channel’s “Sonny With a Chance” playing Demi Lovato’s mom, and I wondered what else she has been doing lately. — Sally T., via e-mailA: Nancy currently co-stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie “Love Begins,” which airs Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Nancy plays Millie, a local restaurant owner and the heart and soul of the town of Anderson’s Corner. Nancy told me a main reason she took the role: her daughters.
“There are projects I’ve done that are just too grown-up for them to see. This was a chance for them to make fun of me in funny costumes and funny shoes and funny hair. They had a great time. Plus, I love the stories Hallmark tells, and this group of people were pretty terrific to work with.”
Q: I love classic Westerns, especially “The Rifleman.” Can you tell me if series stars Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford are still living, and if so, what they are doing? — Rhonda H., Bountiful, Utah
A: Chuck Connors passed away in 1992 at the age of 71 of pneumonia stemming from lung cancer. His 40-year career spanned sports (basketball and baseball), film and TV; however, he was best known as Lucas McCain of “The Rifleman.” Johnny Crawford, 65, slowly stepped away from acting and headed toward music. He leads the Johnny Crawford Orchestra. See what he’s been up to, and if he’s coming to your area, at crawfordmusic.com.
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| (photo credit Geno Nicholas) |
A: “90210″ returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, Sept. 13. I spoke with Michael Steger, who plays Navid Shirazi, and he gave me the scoop (but not enough to get him in trouble).
“Navid’s going to be working with Dixon, but Dixon’s no longer working FOR Navid. Max and Naomi and the whole pregnancy bomb at the finale, they address that in the first episode. Also, Navid’s family flies to Switzerland to be with his father, but his sister doesn’t get on the plane. Navid does see Adrianna again, and it’s a very awkward situation, but they do talk in the first two episodes. Also, we’re doing a lot more location stuff. I’m excited because there’s a lot more action going on.”
Q: As a history buff, I was excited to read in your column that the History Channel is making a miniseries about the Hatfields and McCoys, starring Kevin Costner as Anse Hatfield. Who will play Randall McCoy? — Darnell R., via e-mail
A: I, too, am eager for this miniseries, which is slated to air next year. I’m happy to report that Bill Paxton — of “Big Love,” “Apollo 13″ and “Twister” fame — is set to play Randall McCoy, the famed arch nemesis of “Devil” Anse Hatfield.
