Q and A: Week of Aug. 12

Godfrey Gao, photo courtesy Jet Star Entertainment

Q: I’ve read all of “The Mortal Instruments” books by Cassandra Clare, and I can’t wait to see “City of Bones” when it opens Aug. 21. I’m intrigued by Godfrey Gao, who plays my favorite character in the series, Magnus Bane. Can you tell me a little about him? — Gina W., San Francisco

A: Godfrey Gao, who was born in Taiwan and grew up in Vancouver, Canada, is excited to be a part of this movie, although when he was cast, he didn’t know just how big the book series is. When we spoke recently, he told me: “At first I didn’t know what the movie was about, only they were looking for an Asian character. So, I picked up the books myself, and I started reading them. I started reading about my character and it was really, really interesting, and it kept me on my toes the whole time reading it. And now, obviously, I’m a big fan as well. This is my first English feature.”

Preparing for the role of Magnus — the cross-dressing, 800-year-old powerful warlock — was no easy task, as Godfrey revealed: “Preparing for Magnus was pretty stressful for me, because this character is really mysterious. This is definitely an out-of-the-ordinary character for me, where I get to put makeup on, and glitter and nail polish, and wear crazy outfits. When I first got the makeup on, I was just like, ’Man, what have I gotten myself into?’ But at the end of the whole transformation, I felt like I had powers.”

Stop by later this week to read my entire interview with Godfrey, where he tells me more about "City of Bones," working with the cast, and his enlightening experience at this summer's Comic-Con.

Q: I’ve recently started watching the Glenn Close series “Damages,” and I was wondering where I could go to catch up on previous seasons that I missed. — Priscilla J., via e-mail

A: Crackle, the relatively new entertainment network, has added the critically acclaimed legal thriller to its lineup. Through 2014, you can watch the first four seasons at crackle.com/c/damages. Crackle offers hundreds of full-length, unedited, on-demand movies and TV series, and is completely free across multiple platforms and services.

Q: Whatever happened to plans to make a “Beverly Hills Cop” TV series? — Doug F. in Virginia

A: CBS passed on the “Beverly Hills Cop” pilot; however, the interest surrounding the pilot has made Paramount consider a fourth “BHC” movie. According to “Deadline,” Eddie Murphy already is attached to reprise the role of detective Axel Foley, and Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec are writing the script.

Q: Is it true that Johnny Depp is going to retire soon from making movies? What a loss that would be! — Bea W., via e-mail

A: In an interview with the BBC, Johnny told reporter Susanna Reid: “I wouldn’t say I am dropping out any second, but I would say it’s probably not too far away.” In June, he told “Rolling Stone” magazine: “I can’t say that I’d want to be doing this for another 10 years.” Let’s hope he changes his mind as the time gets closer.

Read more

Q and A: Week of March 7

Q: I would like to know what my all-time favorite actress, the beautiful Jane Seymour, is doing nowadays. — Leann R., via e-mail

A: If you are in the New York area, you can see the beautiful Brit in the flesh on March 26. She will have a booth at Artexpo New York, where she’ll be presenting her “Waves” theme. I spoke with Jane about her artwork, and she is always excited to share her love of art with her fans, especially her new theme, “Waves.”


“Life is kind of like a wave,” Seymour said. “You are on this body of water: You are moving forward, you go to school, you study, and you become the kind of person that you are going to be, and then at some point, this body of water has this moment of crescendo. The wave crashes. There are highs and lows in life, a lot like the wave. When it reaches a high, it continues to move. Like in life, moments don’t stay. They’re just part of a big cycle.”


Ms. Seymour also can be seen on the big screen in “Love, Wedding, Marriage” with James Brolin, Mandy Moore and Kellan Lutz, as well as on the small screen in “Castle” (at the end of March). Regarding her “Castle” episode, Jane said: “It was really fun to do. It was just a couple of scenes but really fun — it’s a fun little character.”

Q: I absolutely loved Jeremy Irons’ guest-starring appearance on “Law and Order: SVU.” Any chance he’ll return? — Kylie F., Baton Rouge, La.



A: Your wish (and mine) has been granted. Jeremy has been tapped to return to “SVU” as Dr. Cap Jackson, where he’ll help Benson and Stabler with a case. In this case, a piano teacher (played against type by “V”‘s Elizabeth Mitchell) is suspected of sexually assaulting and murdering one of her students. The episode is scheduled to air March 30.

Q: When is “Damages” coming back, and on what station? — C.H., via e-mail

A: “Damages,” which originated on FX, has been picked up for two more seasons by DirecTV to air on the 101 Network (like the beloved “Friday Night Lights”). The legal drama starring Glenn Close, Ted Danson and Rose Byrne is set to return for season four in July 2011.

Q: “Fame” is one of my favorite shows. Are there any plans for it to be shown again on any of the many networks that now exist? — Jerry D., Ocean City, Md.

A: You’re in luck! Starting March 21, Ovation television (check your local cable/satellite provider for channel number) will be airing a “Fame”-athon, featuring 48 episodes of the landmark dance and music drama. Viewers also can win some cool prizes for watching. Register at www.ovationtv.com/Fame.” Then watch every night for two secret clues from each episode, and enter them on the website. The sweepstakes runs from March 21 to April 1.

Read more