Interview: Catherine Bell Is Making Magic

After finishing up seven seasons of one of Lifetime Television’s highest rated, most critically acclaimed nighttime dramas, “Army Wives,” Catherine Bell isn’t resting on her laurels. She’s back in the salt mines, reprising her role of Cassie Nightingale in the sixth installment of the Hallmark Channel’s “The Good Witch” series. In “The Good Witch’s Destiny,” which premieres Saturday, Oct. 26, at 9/8c, Cassie just wants to celebrate her upcoming birthday with family and friends, but a curse involving the Grey Lady (one of Cassie’s ancestors) threatens to ruin the day — and possibly more. I spoke with Catherine recently about the movie, and she gave me all the witchy scoop.

Celebrity Extra: When you first were approached to do the “The Good Witch” series, what was your initial reaction, and what tilted the scales in favor of taking the role?

Catherine Bell: It’s funny — I have been playing characters who are really different from “The Good Witch.” And when I saw the script, I thought, “Well, this character is more like me than any other character I’ve ever played.” So, that was appealing. And I thought it was funny that I was just offered the role; I didn’t have to audition for it, but I’d never played a role like it. Orly Adelson, one of the producers, had heard from a casting director that my personality is actually like this character. I thought it was sort of a risk to take. I mean, I’ve played kind of the tough girl on “J.A.G.” and an army wife, and so this is very different, but I love it.

CE: You say that you are a lot like Cassie; what are some similarities between you two, and what do you like about her?

CB: She’s just got a great sense of humor and a great enthusiasm, and just enjoys people and makes people happy. Those are all things I can certainly relate to. I find people interesting, and try to find the best in them or bring out the best.

CE: Cassie is very likable and seems like a really fun character to play.

CB: She’s very whimsical. Very rarely does anything get her down. Maybe for a moment, but then she finds a way to turn it around. She has such a great, positive spirit. That inspires me in real life to have fun. It’s like, OK, I’m feeling a little down. Maybe I could be a little bit more like Cassie. It’s a really fun role to step into. Every time I come back (to shoot another installment in the series), I put on the clothes and the dark nail polish, and I step right back into Cassie, and start making or turning anything into something good or fun.



CE: What I like about the series is that while each movie is a continuation of the previous movie, the individual movies also stand on their own, so anyone can enjoy them. Can you tell me about this latest offering, “The Good Witch’s Destiny”?

CB: Cassie’s birthday is coming up, and she wants all of her family and friends to get together, but some problems are brewing. Gwen, the grandfather’s wife, her son comes into town, and he’s trouble. There’s someone that is always trouble in this movie, you know, and he’s kind of creating some problems for them. Then Cassie’s stepdaughter, Lori, finds out about the Grey Lady. She’s a woman who looks a lot like Cassie — she’s actually one of her ancestors who brought her to this small town. She lived a hundred years ago, and she died in a mysterious way. There are all these parallels in her life and in my character’s life, and all of these weird things are happening that are kind of lining up a little too much like the Grey Lady.

And like you said, each movie kind of stands alone. So, in this one there’s a problem that’s brewing that might ruin her birthday celebration, and she’s got to figure out a way to bring everyone together. She’s got to make some magic happen.

(L to R) Hannah Endicott-Douglas, Matthew Knight, Catherine Bell,
Chris Potter, Peter MacNeill, Libby Lennie

CE: What message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from watching this movie?

CB: Entertainment can either be shocking, or it can make you think, or it can sort of make you question your purpose in life, or it can just either make you laugh or cry. This is one that makes you feel good. It makes you feel good about people and about family and relationships and life. That should be the purpose for me doing these, and for people watching — I hope that’s what they get out of them.

CE: It must make you feel good to be the purveyor of this feel-good karma!

CB: It’s crazy — of all the things I’ve done, I would say that I get equal, if not more, recognition for this role. If I’m at an airport or out somewhere, someone will walk up and say, “Oh my God, it’s a good witch!” I was on “Army Wives” and “J.A.G.” for a long time, so I find that really sweet and really endearing when I get some Cassie love. People love this show, and that makes me feel good. I don’t think there are a lot of shows on television you can watch that aren’t shocking, that aren’t dark or horrible, that you can watch with your kids, that they can get some sort of lesson out of it or have a good time. Me being a mom, that is important to me as well.

CE: You’re in Canada now filming the seventh “Good Witch” movie, correct?

CB: I am. I was in Toronto for the weekend, and I’m driving back to Hamilton, which is where we film. I’m back on set tomorrow for the last four days of shooting.

CE: Have you filmed the whole series up there in Hamilton?

CB: Yes, we’ve done all of them up here in this area just outside Toronto called Hamilton. There’s a cute little town called Dundas. It’s like a 100-year-old little town that has a cute main street where the shops are. Cassie’s original house was like a Victorian kind of haunted house that we found up here. We’ve been here with almost all the same crew — a lot of the same people, the same cast. The kids are the same, the grandparents and my hubby (played by Chris Potter) are all the same people. It’s a really great group. It actually feels like family. I’m back with the family and here we are doing another one. It’s fun. I really enjoy it.

CE: Does that mean you’d be on board for even more “Good Witch” movies if Hallmark comes a-callin’?

CB: I’m sure I would. They seem to just keep going, don’t they? And they’re always fun. I really enjoy playing this part. It’s a nice refreshing change.

CE: But that’s not to say you don’t enjoy your share of daring and shocking shows as well, right?

CB: Yeah, absolutely. I’m just catching up now on season three of “Breaking Bad,” and I love those shows as well. There is a time and a place for everything, I guess. But Hallmark is just that feel-good channel. Like you watch it and you think, “Oh yeah, it’s not so bad. Life is good.” Now a lot of people tell me that this is their guilty pleasure, that they’ll just sometimes stay in bed all day on a Sunday and watch “The Good Witch” marathon. It’s kind of nice. It’s just light and it’s refreshing. So, that certainly makes me feel good.

(L to R) Wendy Davis, Brooke Shields, Elle McLemore, Torrey DeVitto, ALyssa Diaz, Ashanti, Kelli Williams and Catherine Bell

CE: What else do you have in the pipeline?

CB: I’m looking at new options. “Army Wives” just finished up after seven seasons. We’re all done. I wish I would have known we weren’t coming back (for an eighth season), because I’m sure our writers would have wrapped up the show a little more definitively. We had some great story lines that were left hanging.

So, as soon as I get back from Canada, I’ve got meetings. I’m looking at new shows and new possibilities, which is kind of exciting. We’ll see which way the future goes, but I’m excited. I’m looking forward to something new and totally different.

CE: Lifetime is planning a two-hour retrospective “Army Wives” special with cast members, which is scheduled to air early next year. Do you know how you’ll be involved with that, or is it too early yet to know?

CB: I’m actually not sure. None of that has been worked out. I don’t know exactly what Lifetime has in mind or what’s happening there or how much of that I’ll be a part. It would be nice.

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Q and A: Week of March 25

Henry Cavill as Superman

Q: I heard they are making yet another “Superman.” Is that true, and if so, who will be playing the Man of Steel? — Percy T., via e-mail

A: Funny you should mention “Man of Steel,” as that is the name of the first movie in the new “Superman” reboot. Our new Kryptonite-averse superhero will be played by the very good-looking — and very talented — Henry Cavill, who is perhaps best known to audiences as Charles Brandon in “The Tudors.”

This version of the popular tale also stars Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Clark Kent’s parents (Jonathan and Martha Kent), Michael Shannon as General Zod and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White. While there is no mention of Lex Luthor in the flick, rumors have been running rampant for almost a year now that Bradley Cooper will make a cameo as Superman’s arch-nemesis, as far as the movies go. We’ll know for sure come June 14, when “Man of Steel” makes its world premiere, promising to be one of summer’s biggest blockbusters.

Q: Can you give me any “Anchorman 2” scoops? I figure they are filming the movie now, because of pictures I’ve seen of Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd with horrible ’70s-style mustaches. — Jenni W., Madison, Wisc.

A: Yes, chalk up that unappealing facial hair to their roles of Ron Burgundy and Brian Fontana, respectively, in “Anchorman: The Legend Continues.” The latest news to come from the set is that Harrison Ford (!) is set to play a legendary newsman opposite Will’s Ron Burgundy, in the mold of staid and serious Tom Brokaw.

Kim Delaney

Q: What happened to Kim Delaney on “Army Wives”? Why was she killed off at the beginning of this season? — PWF in Texas

A: Official word is that it was a mutual decision between the actress and the show for Claudia Joy’s time with her fellow wives to end. Ever since the extended version of season six, there had been rumblings that Kim was getting a bit antsy to leave and pursue other projects. Series star Catherine Bell tells the press that Kim is missed on the set, but “things happen and things change. It’s just part of our industry.” And I, for one, think Catherine is perfectly capable of carrying the show to continued success. Of course, time — and ratings — will tell.

Q: Will “Dog the Bounty Hunter” ever return to A and E? — Tamara L., via e-mail

A: Dog will be returning to TV, however, CMT is the bounty hunter’s new home, where he’ll star in “Dog and Beth: On the Hunt.” The new series — which premieres Sunday, April 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT — features Dog and Beth, joined by their son Leland, as they step outside their headquarters in Hawaii to unite with bail bondsmen from around the country to hunt down some of America’s most dangerous criminals.

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Celeb Q and A: Week of Feb. 11

Q: I am so excited that “Dallas” is back on TNT for its second season. I am, however, sad about Larry Hagman’s death; watching his last episodes of “Dallas” are bittersweet, to say the least. How is the cast holding up? — Mary Anne M., via e-mail

A: I spoke with series veteran Linda Gray recently, and while she is, of course, in mourning for her best friend, she shared some fond memories she had with Larry.

“From day one, it was magic to work with him, and it never stopped being magic,” Gray said. “He was a joy to watch, and looking into those baby-blue eyes and go, ‘You little rat, what are you doing now?’

“When Larry and I worked together, it was really like a ping-pong game. It wasn’t a tennis game; it was faster, like ping-pong. It was like, ‘I’m going to throw you something, and I don’t know what you are going to do, but you’re going to give it back to me, and it’s going to be fast and it’s going to be intense, but I’m going to hit it right back to you, so be careful.’

“It was just extraordinary to work with him. And he was a great, generous actor. I remember in 1978, I was coming at him (in a scene between Sue Ellen and J.R.) and just yelling at him or something, and he gently took my shoulders and moved me; I didn’t realize it, but I had gotten out of my light. Now another actor would have thought, ‘Let her bury herself. She’ll be in the dark; I’ll be in the light. Perfect.’ But he wasn’t like that. He was gentle like that. He was gentle with me. It was absolutely an unspoken chemistry that happens so rarely in life, and I was blessed.”

Q: When will “Army Wives” be back? — Bea W., Fort Worth, Texas

A: It’s almost time! The seventh season of Lifetime’s hit drama will return with 13 all-new episodes, beginning Sunday, March 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This season brings new challenges, including a heartfelt and final goodbye to one of the wives in what is being billed as “one of the series’ most dramatic and pivotal moments.”

Q: I need my Don Draper fix! When will “Mad Men” return? — Diana W. in Tennessee

A: AMC has confirmed that the sixth season of “Mad Men” will premiere April 7 with a two-hour episode, which has been written by series creator Matthew Weiner. Series stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, John Slattery and Christina Hendricks are all set to return.

Q: Is “Grimm” returning to TV? Most of the other shows have returned from winter hiatus, but “Grimm” has not. I hope it did not get canceled. — Don R., via e-mail

A: Never fear, Don. “Grimm” is just taking a slightly longer break, and will return with all-new episodes on Friday, March 8.

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Interview: Kellie Martin Explores New Territory

Kellie Martin as Capt. Nicole Galassin
(Photo courtesy Lifetime Television/
Army Wives)

Hot on the heels of the news that Lifetime Television has renewed the groundbreaking series “Army Wives” for a seventh season, I spoke with series co-star Kellie Martin, who played a pivotal and game-changing role this season. Kellie plays Capt. Nicole Galassin, and although we last saw Capt. Galassin flying to Afghanistan and hitting some bad turbulence, I wouldn’t count her out just yet. And neither would Kellie.

Celebrity Extra: Your role on “Army Wives” is definitely one your fans haven’t seen you play yet. How did the whole thing come about?

Kellie Martin: A friend of mine, a writer friend from “ER,” called me up and said: “Would you be open to playing a lesbian military intelligence officer? We’re going to explore the world after Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” And I thought: “Yeah! That sounds really interesting.” I have never played anyone in the military; I’ve never played a lesbian. That’s rare for me to say, since I’ve been doing this 30 years — I’ve played everything. But that is something I’ve never played.

I didn’t know that it was going to be as much of a story line as it turned out to be. I did eight episodes. I really feel like they hit the highlights of this woman’s life and how fast this couple’s world changed after the repeal. The way all of a sudden they were able to have more friends, they got married, they got a baby — it really hit all the high points.

CE: You sound like you really enjoyed playing this character.

KM: Oh yes, I was honored to play this woman. I thought she was so brave and so smart, yet in her personal life, she had to hide. It was really fun to play someone who comes out. And then to have Patti LuPone play my mom again was awesome. That’s the third time Patti’s played my mom on television. And it was just an honor.

I have so many people who tweet at me or who just come up to me and say, “You don’t know how this story line has changed my life.” Or, “This is me. This is exactly me. And I’ve been in the closet for years, and I’m in the Navy.” It’s nice to make people feel like they are not alone in this often-challenging world. I feel like Capt. Galassin is the girl next door. Everybody knows someone like her. I’m just very proud of “Army Wives” and Lifetime for following through with the story line like they did.

CE: Like with “ER,” you came onto an established show with established actors in place; did it make you a little nervous? How is the “Army Wives” cast to work with?

KM: It’s funny, because they’re both pretty big ensembles. I found on “ER” and on “Army Wives,” if you weren’t a part of someone else’s story line, you never saw them. The cast was very welcoming, and I was super nervous the first day. I had a ton of things to say. I had to put that uniform on for the first time, and I just fell into the character the second I put it on. So, that was a really big help to me. But the cast is lovely. I had a really, really good time. It wasn’t easy for me to be away on location so much. I was flying way more than I care to mention, because I don’t like to fly, but it was a really good experience.

CE: Do you think Nicole will be back for the seventh season?

KM: I don’t know if Nicole’s back. She was on a plane to Afghanistan at the end of the season, and there was a lot of turbulence …

CE: Yes, but turbulence can go away, and planes can go back the other way, too …

KM: Absolutely! I had a great time, and I never, ever know where my career’s going to head, so it’s always interesting for me to see what happens.

Kellie as Jordan
(Photo: Copyright 2011 Crown Media Holdings, Inc./
Photographer: Alexx Henry)

CE: You are in the new Hallmark Channel original movie called “I Married Who?” playing an uptight real estate agent, Jordan Grady, who goes to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party and wakes up after a night of celebrating to find she’s married to movie star Matt Swift (played by Ethan Erickson). Let’s just say that romantic comedy ensues. (“I Married Who?” premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 9/8c.) You’ve done quite a few movies for the Hallmark Channel; what keeps you coming back?

KM: I’ve been working with them since 2003 or 2004, and I’ve really just gotten to love the people over there. I knew the CEO when he wasn’t the CEO, and all the publicity people who’ve been there since I started working with them. It’s really the people who keep me coming back. They just are very good to me, and they let me have a bit of input into the work we do, which I really appreciate.

I really have liked doing romantic comedies — the past two movies that I’ve done for them have been really fun, upbeat and, best of all, I don’t have to cry. I love that, because I’ve spent so much time doing drama that this is a really nice way to lighten things up for me.

CE: What was it about this particular movie, especially the character of Jordan, that caught your attention?

KM: I love the arc she goes through. Jordan starts out as a very tightly wound real estate agent about to get married to a very tightly wound attorney. She has to face who she really is beyond being type A and totally under control. She unravels a bit, and it was really fun to play a character who was unraveling.

CE: How are you and Jordan alike?

KM: Well, unlike Jordan I like to drink. Jordan doesn’t drink. I’m Irish, and I do enjoy a good drink. I did marry an attorney, but unlike Peter (in the movie), my husband is a recovering attorney. Eight months after our daughter was born, he said: “You know what? I don’t think I want to do this anymore. I don’t really like this.” I do like to be in control. I like to know what’s going on. I like routines, especially having a child. I love the ritual, routine nature of a day, because my daughter has a very strict schedule. We have a very rigid schedule, and that’s very much like Jordan.

CE: You had great chemistry with your co-stars, but I especially loved your scenes with Adrienne Frantz. Her character is hilarious, and she did such a great job!

KM: Can you tell we had fun? She’s so much fun.

L to R: Daphnee Duplaix, Adrienne Frantz and Kellie Martin (Photo: Copyright 2011 Crown Media
Holdings, Inc./Photographer: Alexx Henry)

CE: How did you get through takes without laughing through them?

KM: I frequently didn’t. There’s one scene I could see how they had to cut around our giggling. When we’re eating pizza, and Adrianne and I are hysterically laughing, and they had to find the little moments where we weren’t laughing because we were total goofballs. But it’s so nice to work with someone like her because she is a pro. She’s so much a pro that she can let loose, and you can allow for those little surprises to happen. It’s just lovely to be in a scene with someone who’s so good at what they do that we know we are going to say our lines and hit our marks, but we’re going to have fun and allow surprises to happen. And that’s what we did. I would love to do a series with that girl. We would have so much fun.

CE: What do you hope viewers take away from the movie after watching it?

KM: I really think it’s good to shake up your life every once in a while. I’m not saying to marry someone who’s not your fiance, but I think it’s good to step back every once in a while and get perspective on your life. Maybe step back and say: “You know what? Let’s do something crazy. Let’s go to Paris next summer,” or “Let’s take off school today and go to the park.

Just shake up your life every once in a while and realize you only live once.

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Q and A: Week of Oct. 8

Q: I am so happy to hear that “Army Wives” has been renewed for another season. Will all the stars be back for the new season? — Fiona W., via e-mail

A: Lifetime has indeed ordered 13 more episodes of the hit military drama for a 2013 seventh season. However, not all the details of who will be returning have been worked out. Catherine Bell appears to be a yes, while Kim Delany is most likely a no. Kelli Wilson, who plays Jackie Clark, seems a likely candidate to slip into a more prominent role. And don’t count out newcomer Kellie Martin, who plays Capt. Nicole Galassini. She told me recently that she’d be up for another tour of duty with “Wives.”

“I was honored to play this woman,” Kellie said. “I thought she was so brave and so smart, yet in her personal life she had to hide, and it was really fun to play someone who comes out. I feel like Capt. Galassin is the girl next door. Everybody knows someone like her. I’m just very proud of “Army Wives” and Lifetime for following through with the storyline that they did.

“Last we saw Nicole, she was on a plane to Afghanistan at the season end, and there was a lot of turbulence … but I had a great time and I never ever know where my career’s going to head, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

In the meantime, you can catch Kellie in the Hallmark Channel original movie “I Married Who?” airing Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9/8c. Check back here for my full interview with Kellie next week.

Q: What has happened to “CSI: Miami”? Has it been canceled? — Bill V., via e-mail

A: CBS opted back in May not to renew the David Caruso-starring crime drama after 10 seasons and 232 episodes. However, you can still whet your “CSI” appetite with the original “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” on Wednesday nights with Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue, and “CSI: NY” with Gary Sinise and Sela Ward on Friday nights.

Q: Will “Finding Bigfoot” be back? It’s one of my favorite shows. — Eddie S. in Oregon

A: As one of Animal Planet’s top-performing series ever, you can bet your sweet bippy that it’ll be back for a third season. Prepare yourself for 20 informative and somewhat-scary episodes beginning Sunday, Nov. 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. This season the team of investigators will travel worldwide in search of the ever-elusive sasquatch, heading to Australia to investigate the phenomenon known as “yowies” and to Indonesia to scout out the “orang-pendek” creature.

Q: I was wondering if two of my favorite reality shows will be back: “L.A. Ink” and “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.” — N.P. in Kentucky

A: I hate to have to deliver this double-whammy of bad news for you, but neither “L.A. Ink” nor “Family Jewels” has been renewed for a new season, and therefore won’t be returning to TLC and A and E, respectively.

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Q and A: Week of June 18

Q: I watched the most wonderful documentary on PBS the other night on the life of Johnny Carson. He is and always will be the best late-night talk show host, and I was very interested to learn about this usually private man. Will it air again soon? If not, can I buy it on DVD? — Paul F., Altoona, Pa.

A: I know the documentary you are talking about, because I watched it too and absolutely loved it. In the late ’80s and early ’90s — when I was finally allowed to stay up late — I watched “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” religiously, so I was thrilled to sneak a peek into this talented man’s life. You can stream “American Masters Johnny Carson: King of Late Night” on your computer at pbs.org/americanmasters. However, if you can wait until July 17, you can purchase the DVD (or Blu-ray) of the film, which will include outtakes and bonus material, through PBS Distribution.

Q: I can’t find new episodes of “Army Wives” on the TV schedule. Is it done for the season? — Genie D., via e-mail

A: Don’t worry — there will be 10 new episodes of Lifetime’s “Army Wives” starting Sunday, June 24, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Note the new time slot, as “Wives” will now follow “Drop Dead Diva.” Upon the show’s return, Susan Lucci will be back in her guest-starring role.

Q: My wife and I loved the show “Cold Case,” and still watch the reruns. We wonder whatever happened to Kathryn Morris, who played Det. Lilly Rush. We have seen all the other lead characters on other shows, but not her. — Ron C., Roanoke, Va.

A: The gorgeous 43-year-old just finished the short film “Sunday’s Mother,” and most recently co-starred with Denise Richards and Jim Belushi in the direct-to-DVD movie “Cougars, Inc.” She also played a small role in last year’s Oscar-nominated film “Moneyball”; however, her part ended up on the cutting-room floor. I haven’t seen the DVD extras yet, but hopefully we can watch her there. I think your wife and you will agree that we need to see Kathryn in a leading role on another hit series stat!

Q: My two favorite new shows of this past season were both on Fox: “Touch” and “Alcatraz.” Will they be back for another season? — Sienna F., via e-mail

A: I’ve got good news and bad news. Want the bad news first? Fox has opted not to pick up “Alcatraz” for a second season. While it debuted pretty strong in the ratings, each week saw a steady decline in viewers, and it lost more than half its initial viewers by season’s end. “Touch,” however will be back for a second season. And, in case you were wondering, “American Dad,” “Bones,” “The Cleveland Show,” “Fringe,” “Glee,” “Kitchen Nightmares,” “New Girl,” “Raising Hope” and “The Simpsons” will all be back for new seasons come fall.

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Interview (Army Wives): Brigid Brannagh: "I'm a Little Geeky"

From left: Wendy Davis, Brigid Brannagh, Kim Delaney, Sally Pressman, Catherine Bell

Lifetime Television’s record-breaking drama “Army Wives,” will be back March 4th (in a two-hour event) for its sixth (and some speculate, final) season. The years have brought the wives joy and sorrow, happiness and pain, and millions of viewers have been along for the ride. I spoke with series star Brigid Brannagh, who plays Pamela Moran, about her tenure on the show, and about special moments and lifelong friends.

Celebrity Extra: I can’t believe it’s almost time for the sixth season of “Army Wives” to premiere. I can remember the day I received the press screener for pilot, and I knew right away that you had something special there.

Brigid Brannagh: I know, it’s crazy to me. Time flies! It feels like yesterday to me, and it also feels like a million years ago.

CE: Last season was especially heart wrenching, with Frank and Denise losing their son Jeremy. The scenes dealing with that — especially the funeral — must have been torture to film.

BB: Oh my God, we were all like, “Make this episode stop.” It was bad. I’ve been to enough funerals where “Taps” was played and the song is, just hearing it, it just evokes so many things. It’s impossible not to feel completely consumed with melancholy when “Taps” comes on, let alone that it’s playing over and over [for filming the scenes]. We’ve been surrounded by this world, by this military army life, for all of these years that you just think about a soldier that you love being gone, and you know he’s done his best for his country, and he’s gone, and he’s just a boy. It tore all of us up. Watching Terry Serpico (who plays Frank) walk in and trying not to cry.

It was so exhausting that I didn’t watch that episode for a few weeks, because I didn’t feel like crying again. I was like, “Enough.” And we certainly didn’t go light on it. It was kind of relentless to shoot it, but we all really appreciated what it was. It was just a long day of shooting.

CE: Tell me about working with Jeremy Davidson, who plays your husband, Chase.

BB: We work really hard on trying to get things right, working with the writers and trying to really dig into some of the things that have gone on for Pamela and Chase, and the arc of what our characters have done. We’re very much alike; we’re both a little geeky. Everybody has a different way of rehearsing. Some people think that if they work on something too much it takes away spontaneity. I disagree. For me, I think if you work on something so much, it becomes second nature. So, he and I do that together. There are so many things in our story lines that I’m proud of. Right now I’m just thinking of the divorce, which also killed me. That was heart wrenching. But when you’re working with somebody who you work well with, it’s like a dance. It just flies and it’s amazing.

CE: What’s it like on the “Army Wives” set?

BB: Everybody’s a decent person — there’s no drama about trailers or anything like that. Nobody cares about that sort of stuff, which is nice, because I hear horror stories about other shows. Everybody’s a decent person. Just starting with that is a pretty big deal. I spend a lot of time with Sally Pressman (Roxy) on screen, and she and I have a really easy working relationship. And I always feel humor working with Sally. Everything she does has a wink in it. And then Kim (Delaney, who plays Claudia) is really an emoter. Like when you’re doing an emotional scene and you’re watching Kim do her thing first, you’ll start crying just because she’s so good. She just always has that emotion right there at the ready.

Catherine (Bell, who plays Denise), we’re always cracking up, because Catherine has her phone in one hand and a sandwich in the other, and is totally doing her job. It’s very funny. I’m like, “Are you doing a love scene and you’ve got a turkey sandwich in your right hand?” It’s hilarious. And then Sterling (Brown, who plays Roland) is just standing back, kind of looking at everything. He’s such a good and decent person — although he likes to cause a little trouble. We have a good time.

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Q and A: Week of Dec. 19

Q: I really miss seeing Donald Faison on “Scrubs.” Can you tell me what I can see him in now? — Jeanette F., via e-mail

A: You can see Donald, along with Wayne Knight (“Seinfeld”), Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) and David Alan Basche (“The Starter Wife”) on TV Land’s latest original comedy, “The Exes.” The show, which airs Wednesday nights, is a comedy about three divorced men (Donald, Wayne and David) sharing an apartment across the hall from their female divorce attorney (Kristen), who also is their landlord. Donald plays charming ladies’ man Phil Chase, and the first season of the show is scheduled to air 10 original episodes. The show airs directly after the TV Land hit “Hot in Cleveland.”

Q: It seems like forever since there’s been a new “Army Wives.” When will the show be returning? — Justine D. in Wyoming

A: While there has not been an exact date announced as of this writing, season six of “Army Wives” will return this spring with a 23-episode season. The show was scheduled for 13 episodes, but then Lifetime Television upped its order for the record-breaking drama. Because of the 10 additional episodes, season six most likely will be broken up into two parts, like many of cable’s original dramas have done in the past.


Word has it that season six will probably (not definitely) be the show’s final season, so it is the general consensus that the higher-ups wanted to get the most out of this season — and their contractually obligated actors — that they could. This move is kind of crappy for the actors, however, because instead of the production of the season ending in February — leaving them open to audition for the fall 2012 pilot season — it looks like they won’t be available for casting calls for new shows.

Q: Is my mind playing tricks on me, or did I see an ad that “Fear Factor” is back on NBC? — Mike R., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: You are of sound mind, Mike. “Fear Factor” has returned to NBC (shows began airing Dec. 12) on Monday nights. Original host, comedian Joe Rogan, also has returned, as have the strenuous — and gross — stunts. Back in July, Joe Rogan told “TV Guide Magazine”: “It seems like some sort of bizarro dream world, but I’m looking forward to it. The idea of sitting at home and watching someone else host it would have driven me crazy.”

Q: I really enjoyed the last “Super Bowl Halftime Show” performance by the Black-Eyed Peas. Any word on who is performing this time? — Denise M. via e-mail

A: Pop diva Madonna has been tapped to lend her superstar status to Super Bowl XLVI, which will air on Sunday, Feb. 5, on NBC. No word yet on what surprises she has in store, but I am counting her show to be a doozy!

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Q and A: Week of June 20

Q: I love “Army Wives.” This past season was especially phenomenal. I can’t believe Frank and Denise lost their son, Jeremy. It really broke my heart. How did the cast handle shooting those scenes? — Sally D., Columbus, Ohio

A: You can bet those scenes were absolute torture to film. I spoke with Brigid Brannagh, who plays Pamela on the hit series, and she gave me the scoop: “We were all like, ‘Make this episode stop.’ It was so upsetting. And I’ve been to enough funerals where ‘Taps’ was played, and just hearing that song evokes so many things. It’s impossible not to feel completely consumed with melancholy when ‘Taps’ comes on.


We’ve met all these soldiers, heard stories and met people who have lost soldiers,” she said. “We’ve been so surrounded by this world, by this military Army life for all of these years, that you just think about a soldier that you love gone, and he’s just a boy. It tore all of us up. Watching Terry Serpico (who plays Jeremy’s father) walk in and trying not to cry — oh my God, it was terrible. It was just heart wrenching all the time. But we all really appreciated what it was. It was just a long day shoot.”



Q: My sister and I want to know what happened to our favorite show, “Bleep My Dad Says.” Will it be back, and if so, when? — Linda P., via e-mail


Q: What happened to “Human Target”? It just disappeared from TV. — Carol S., via e-mail


Q: Is it true that “Brothers and Sisters” and “Off the Map” are both being canceled next season? I hope not, as I am a big fan of both of them. — Sharon M. in California


Q: Have you heard if another network has picked up “Detroit 1-8-7″ or “Body of Proof”? They both were both fabulous. — Lee K., via e-mail

A: To answer all of your questions in one fell swoop, ABC has renewed the Dana Delany medical drama “Body of Proof.” However, the other shows mentioned weren’t so lucky and have been canceled. You can get a full rundown of which shows are returning, along with which new shows have been picked up at www.celebrityextraonline.com.

Q: What is my favorite dancer, Derek Hough, doing? Why wasn’t he on this spring’s season of “Dancing With the Stars”? — Marilyn S., via e-mail

A: Derek, 26, took a break from the hit dancing show to focus on his acting and singing career, much like sister Julianne. He guest-starred on an episode of “Better With You” and is slated to star in the movie “Cobu 3D.” He also is in a band with fellow “DWTS” dancer Mark Ballas, called the Ballas Hough Band, which released its first record in March 2009. Fun fact: He played the uncredited role, Hogwarts schoolboy, in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

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Interview: Brigid Brannagh Has A Crush on You

Brigid Brannagh took a break from being an Army wife and developed a crush on Sean Patrick Flanery in the Hallmark original movie “A Crush on You,” which premieres June 11 at 9/8c. Brigid plays Charley, an overworked single mom who soon develops a flirtatious email exchange with a “secret admirer.” This admirer (Flanery), as it turns out, meant for the email to reach Charley’s co-worker, Chloe, who herself is a slightly vacuous yet gorgeous man-eater. I spoke with Brigid recently about the experience of playing someone other than her “Army Wives” character, Pamela.

Celebrity Extra: What was it about this movie and the role of Charley that made you want to be a part of it?

Brigid Brannagh: One of the things that I really liked about it is that she’s really sort of forgotten herself; she’s in the background of her own life in a way. It actually happens to a lot of women, a lot of mothers, I should say. I also liked that there was the opportunity to kind of be really natural, messy. I think it’s one of the things I’m willing to do that a lot of people aren’t. I like playing people who are a little undone and honest. I have a harder time with people who are so together it’s impossible. In fact, I don’t even know how to play them.

CE: Charley really is the “everywoman” — in her professional life and her personal life.

BB: I really like the everywoman roles, because there are just so many roles that have nothing to do with what women really are. Most women, a big part of their lives is being a daughter, a wife, a girlfriend, a best friend and a mother, and I think that women tend to associate ourselves by the people we surround ourselves with. Our work ethic, our loyalty and all that are intertwined.

CE: What was it like to work with Sean Patrick Flanery?

BB: He is a joker, very playful. I can be kind of nerdy; I don’t want to mess up. I’ve done this for 25 years, and still, my heart will palpitate if I am not sure that I really have a handle on what I am shooting or that I might mess up. I’m so super focused, and I can get a little OCD like that. But not Sean. He’s more casual in terms of like, let’s just work a little with this line; let’s make it work. He’s joking around, and I’m like: “OK, time to go. What are you doing?”

You’d be amazed at how much people try to make me laugh and it’s not going to happen. I’m terrible. I’m never on a gag reel, because I’ll joke before and I’ll joke after. The money’s being spent. I’m one of nine Irish kids, so I have that work ethic. I’m not wasting a dime.

CE: You also got to work with Michael Clarke Duncan …

BB: Oh, he was a lovely man. What a delightful human being. Literally, he is. He is a very grateful, sweet, bright human being.

CE: What message do you hope viewers take away after watching this movie?

BB: I hope that people realize that yeah, I count too. I can have things; I can have joy, and I can remember that I’m special. I hope it just kind of nudges people a little bit, especially women, to realize that there’s a lot more there. And it’s literally right there in front of you.

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Q and A: Week of Dec. 27

Q: When will “Southland” be back? I was so happy when TNT picked it up from NBC, and have been eagerly awaiting its return. — George F., via e-mail

A: The cutting-edge drama will be back on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 10 p.m. on TNT. Series star Benjamin McKenzie (pictured left; photo credit: Doug Hyun) gave me the scoop: “It’s going to be the same show you’ve seen before, it’s just going to be more focused on the four principle characters left: Ben, Lydia, Sammy and John. It’s a pretty aggressive show; this season it’s really going to double-down on the aggressiveness. It’s fast, hard-hitting and uncompromising.


“With my character and John, the dynamic has changed yet again. It’s more of a peer-to-peer relationship than it has been in the past. Although Ben will still mess up and John will criticize him brutally for it, he’s got a little more freedom to do a little more of his own work. The end of the season will mark the end of his probationary period.”

Q: I love the Syfy show “Merlin.” I haven’t seen new episodes on the schedule for a while, and I’m afraid it has been canceled. Please tell me it hasn’t! — Mark T. in Vermont



A: Don’t worry, Mark. The magical Syfy series will indeed be back for a third season beginning Friday, Jan. 7, at 10 p.m. Season three finds the young Merlin (played by Colin Morgan) in increasingly more dangerous and dark battles in his secret quest to protect Prince Arthur (Bradley James) in the fabled kingdom of Camelot, where magic is forbidden by King Uther (Anthony Head). They rejoin Morgana (Katie McGrath) — who has a dark destiny of her own — with Angel Coulby as her loyal maid Gwen, and Richard Wilson as wise court physician Gaius. John Hurt returns as the voice of the Great Dragon.

Q: Is Jillian Michaels really leaving “The Biggest Loser”? I can’t imagine the show without her! — Tawny D., via e-mail

A: Well, start imagining it, because Jillian is outta there. After this season, which begins Jan. 4, her contract is up, and she is leaving the show. Jillian explained her decision: “I want to take a year off TV and focus on becoming a mommy and doing more charity work. Shooting ‘Losing It’ also had a big impact on me. Living with kids, I saw firsthand what I was missing.”

Q: How is Vanessa Williams fitting in as the newest cast member of “Desperate Housewives”? — Sandi S., Lousiville, Ky.

A: Vanessa is doing great, at least according to co-star Joshua Moore, who plays Parker Scavo. When we spoke about the show’s return from winter break on Jan. 2, he told me: “She’s just great to work with. I think she’s a really good actress and she’s great in her role. She’s just a very cool person to talk to and hang out with. She definitely has to flip that switch on to be mean (like her character, Renee).”

Q: I was so happy when I heard that Nancy O’Dell would be replacing Mary Hart as co-anchor on “Entertainment Tonight” when Mary retires in 2011. It will be nice to see Nancy’s lovely face on TV again! What is she up to in the meantime? — Jillian F., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Nancy is thrilled by her latest career move. She told me: “It is such an honor (to be chosen to replace Mary Hart). Mary is such a TV icon. I remember watching it when it first debuted and thinking, ‘Oh my God, that would be such a cool show to work for.’ And here I am, working for it! It is very exciting.”


Nancy also has teamed up with Florida Orange Juice on a promotion to help make mornings special for families. She explained: “It’s so difficult for people to make their mornings meaningful with their families, as they are being pulled in so many directions. But all you need is 15 minutes, whether it’s over a glass of orange juice or over breakfast, to just sit down and talk with your family.” So Nancy is helping launch the Florida Orange Juice Morning Squeeze contest, with the grand prize being a family trip to Florida. To enter, go to www.FloridaJuice.com/Morning_Squeeze.php.

Q: Will “Army Wives” be back anytime soon for a new season? — William S., via e-mail

A: Rest assured, Lifetime Television’s perennial hit drama “Army Wives” will be back for a fifth season with 13 all-new episodes. “Army Wives” is Lifetime’s most successful series in the 26-year-history of the network, so I’d say the show has quite a bit of life left in it. It will be back in 2011, however the exact date has not been announced. If previous seasons are any indication, it should be back by late spring to early summer.

Q: I caught the tail end of what looked like a really good documentary on Animal Planet about men diving with Nile crocodiles. Can you tell me what it was called and when/if I can see it again? — Sam M., via e-mail

A: The show is called “Into the Dragon’s Lair,” which documents wildlife photographer Roger Horrocks and world-renowned underwater cameraman Didier Noiret as they travel to Botswana’s Okavango Delta to capture never-before-seen behaviors to help broaden the world’s scientific understanding of these fearsome creatures. It is definitely a don’t-miss show, and you can see it again Thursday night, Jan. 20.

Q: How much do reality-television stars, people like Kim Kardashian, make? — Frankie F., Washington, D.C.

A: It depends on the star’s popularity, as well as extracurricular activities, like perfume and clothing lines, books, etc. Kim, for instance, is the highest-paid reality star, raking in $6 million in 2010. Lauren Conrad is close behind, banking $5 million in 2010.

Q: I was so sad to hear that one of my favorite comedic actors, Leslie Nielsen, had passed away recently. Did he film anything before he died, to be released posthumously? — Jeff D., via e-mail

A: The great Leslie Nielsen, 84, who began his acting career back in 1950, passed away in November after a short battle with pneumonia. For his final movie, he voiced a character in the animated comedy “The Waterman Movie,” which is scheduled for release some time next year.

Q: What has happened to Rich Fields, the announcer for “The Price Is Right”? They keep having “guest” announcers. Will he return sometime soon? — Donna C. in New York

A: Rich Fields, 50, who came aboard “The Price Is Right” after the death of longtime announcer Rod Roddy in 2004, is no longer the announcer of the perennial game show. Before the start of the 2010 season, Rich was informed that the producers wanted to go a different way with the show, which included a new announcer with improvisation-comedy background. For now, the show is employing a series of guest announcers, but hopefully the producers will settle on one announcer soon, instead of continuing this game of announcer musical chairs. Currently, Rich is a part-time meteorologist in Los Angeles.

Q: Watching older movies with George Clooney, and comparing how he looked then with now, it looks like he has had a little tightening done to his face? Has he? To me, he seems like the last person on Earth who would undergo plastic surgery. — Hannah F., via e-mail

A: Actually, the 49-year-old star confessed to Oprah Winfrey back in 2007 that he had had some excess skin under his eyes removed. As he said: “It’s important to look awake.” If you check out some before and after pictures online, you can see that the result is subtle and natural-looking, unlike some other pulled-tight celebs who shall remain nameless.

Q: Why did the ABC/Disney-produced “Legend of the Seeker” get canceled? There is a worldwide fan campaign (saveourseeker.com) that is working hard to get this beloved, high-fantasy show back for a third season. Have you heard anything about the show coming back? — Shirley T., Derby, Conn.

A: The Internet is exploding with campaigns to save the show, as well as some well-placed rumors that the show might not be finished. Back in October, “Seeker” stars Craig Parker and Bruce Spence hinted at the fan gathering RingCon 2010 that the show might not be over, yet. Bruce stated, “I know that a lot of people think it’s dead, but it’s not.”


While he might just be employing positive thinking, rumor has it that many alternative stations have been approached about picking up the show for its third season, including SyFy and BBC (both of which reportedly passed). For some fan-made videos, as well as other links to help save the show, check out craighorner.com (a fansite for the “Seeker” star).

Q: I really miss “Parks and Recreation” — it is by far my favorite comedy on TV, along with “The Office.” When will it return? I can’t take much more of “Outsourced.” — Samuel F., via e-mail

A: You will be happy to hear, as I was, that “Parks and Rec” (as many of us lovingly refer to it) will be back on NBC on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 9:30/8:30c after “The Office,” where it belongs. I also was getting a little nervous that the mediocre comedy, “Outsourced,” was going to usurp Leslie Knope and company from their rightful spot on must-see Thursday night TV. I am not sure what this means for “Outsourced,” but I don’t really care. It is difficult for me to get behind a show that makes light of a real problem in America nowadays: high unemployment and jobs being shipped overseas. Aside from that, it just ain’t funny!

Q: Last I heard, “V” was coming back to ABC in November, but November came and went, and no “V.” Please don’t tell me that it has been canceled. After the cancelation of “FlashForward” and “The Gates,” I don’t think I can take another early cancelation! — Theresa R., Baltimore

A: Don’t you worry, Theresa. “V” will make its highly anticipated season premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 9/8c. Season two will feature more character and lizard revelations, more details about the V’s mythology, as well as even more action and more plot twists. As my favorite new show of the 2009 season, I can’t wait to see what develops.

Q: I loved Laura Prepon on “October Road,” and was sad when it went off the air. Can you tell me what else I can see her in? — Danni J. in Georgia

A: Laura, 30, has been busy since “October Road” was canceled in 2008. She guest-starred on “In Plain Sight,” “Medium,” “House M.D.” and “How I Met Your Mother.” In January, Laura plays Natalie Gray, the actress who portrays Nicki Heat in the movie adaptation of Richard Castle’s best-selling mystery book “Nicki Heat” on ABC’s “Castle.”

Q: I have loved all of the “Glee” cameos as of late, especially Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow. Now I hear that Anne Hathaway might be on the show? Is that true? — Denny T., via e-mail

A: While there are no immediate plans for Anne Hathaway to guest-star on the popular Fox musical/comedy, if Anne gets her way, you just might see her walking down the halls of McKinley High. She recently revealed: “In my head, I’ve cast myself, and I know what song I’m going to sing! I would want to play Kurt’s long-lost aunt’s mother’s sister, who is also gay and comes back to help him deal with his sexuality, and I would sing ‘You Are Not Alone’ from Steven Sondheim’s epic show ‘Into the Woods.’”

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Catherine Bell Expecting Second Child

Army Wives actress Catherine Bell, 41, has confirmed to People.com that she is expecting her second child with husband Adam Beason.

"I'm so excited to be having a baby boy," says Bell, who has a 6-year-old daughter, Gemma. "She has been asking for a sibling for a long time. I'll be sure to remind her of that when it's time to change his diapers."

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Celebrity Q&A, Feb. 24

Q: When will my favorite show, Army Wives, be back for the new season? I’m going through some serious withdrawals here! — Cassandra F., via e-mail

A: Your wait isn’t much longer. Lifetime Television’s highest-rated series ever, Army Wives, will be back for its fourth season on Sunday, April 11, with 18 brand-new episodes. Seasons 1 to 3 are now available on DVD, so you have a month or so to catch up on anything you might have missed. (photo courtesy Lifetime Television)

Q: Last month, the advertising promos for Little People, Big World said the last show would be airing soon. I pray it means just for this season and not the FINAL show. This family has taught so many of us to be aware of little people (the way we should have been) and how many of us just did not realize how ignorant we were. My family loves the Roloff family and how honest they are about everything, and watching their children grow up is like seeing friends’ children grow up. We appreciate Matt and Amy opening up their lives, as we learn along with them and their children. — Bea K. in Canada

A: According to TLC, these were just the “last episodes” of the first half of the fifth season. Little People, Big World has gone on a winter hiatus, like many shows have been doing lately, but they will be back to finish out the season. The second half of Season 5 is scheduled to begin airing in April.

Q: I thought Ricky Gervais did a bang-up job hosting the Golden Globe Awards. Is there any chance he’ll pay a visit to The Office? — Kristin W., via e-mail

A: There is a very good chance of that happening. Ricky Gervais — who co-created the original U.K. version of the show as well as the American version with Stephen Merchant — has already made directing and writing “appearances” on the U.S. show. Ricky recently told the U.K. television show This Morning: “I quite like the idea that Michael Scott bumps into this guy [David Brent, the boss of the U.K. version of The Office] and takes him back to the office as the best bloke ever, and the office goes, 'Oh my God, there’s two of them.’ It would be devastating for the people in the office.”

Q: Back in the 1950s, there was a 15-minute sitcom called Life with Elizabeth. I remember that Betty White was the star, but I never see it mentioned when I read about her career. Was she the star, and who was the male lead? — Gerry F., Tennessee Ridge, Tenn.

A: You have quite a memory! The great Betty White did indeed play the role of Elizabeth, with Del Moore playing her husband, Alvin. Life With Elizabeth aired from 1953-55, and the DVDs can be found on amazon.com and various other online sources. You also can watch nine episodes for free at tv4u.com.

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