Interview: Julie Benz Is Kick-Ass

Julie Benz

Julie Benz is known for the variety of roles she’s played — from the sweet and unsuspecting Rita on “Dexter” to the lesbian stripper who turns Katherine’s head on “Desperate Housewives” to a tough and determined mayor in the near-future apocalyptic city-state of “Defiance.” But this weekend on Lifetime Television, Julie plays a tough New York City detective who will stop at nothing to save her daughter in the original movie “Taken: The Search for Sophie Parker” (premieres Saturday, Sept. 21 and re-airs throughout the weekend; check your local listings).

I spoke with Julie recently, and she was excited to tell me about this new sort of role for her, and she also spilled a few secrets about season two of her hit Syfy drama “Defiance.”

Celebrity Extra: Tell me about your character, Stevie.

Julie Benz: Stevie is a very tough NYPD detective. She’s a widow, and she will do anything for her daughter. When Sophie gets kidnapped (in Russia) and is sold into sex slavery, Stevie jumps into action to rescue her. Stevie’s husband was also a cop and had died in the line of duty. She’s put her life on hold to raise her daughter so she wouldn’t feel the absence of a parent.

CE: Aside from getting to play a kick-ass NYC cop, what else about the script and Stevie made you want to be a part of this project?

JB: There are a couple of things that I really loved about the script when I read it. One was that it was a woman in power versus a woman in peril. It really appeals to me. At this point in my career, I try to find very strong female characters to play. It’s very important to me to make a conscious decision about that.

And then obviously the subject matter is important. I don’t think you can be a woman and not be affected somehow emotionally by the idea of human sex trafficking and violence against women. And this movie deals with both of those issues. It’s just something that as a woman I’m very emotionally connected to, and felt that it was a good story to tell.

CE: It seems like it’s only been in recent years that the public has really been made aware of what a catastrophic problem human trafficking has become.

JB: The sad fact is that thousands of girls go missing every year. I’m sure hundreds of thousands of girls go missing every year. A large part of them are sold into sex slavery or either beaten or drugged or they are held captive and they can’t get away. And it goes on in the United States as well; it goes on all over the world, including our own country. I have some statistics in front of me: $23 billion is generated annually from human trafficking, with $15.5 billion made in industrialized nations, including the U.S. It’s the fastest growing crime worldwide. It’s the third largest crime worldwide behind drug trading and arms dealing.

CE: Was the filming demanding on you, whether physically or emotionally?

JB: It’s overwhelming to look at those statistics. It’s a harsh reality. Part of what I loved about playing in the film was you see Stevie’s strengths of being able to jump into action and not let anybody get in her way or slow her down. It’s kind of a fantasy of what I think we would all hope we would do if we were put in the situation. Physically, it was a lot of running around. I love that stuff though. I love action movies. I love playing very strong women. It feeds into my competitive nature and my athleticism.

CE: How were the cast and crew to work with?

JB: We had such a great group. I feel so blessed. We all became so close because we were on location in Bulgaria filming. A lot of the actors came out of England. We had so much fun filming. You have to have a certain amount of fun in between shots and a certain amount of levity to take away the darkness of the subject. We all were very supportive of each other through the whole process.

Julie Benz and her "Braid of Justice" in Defiance

CE: So how is season two of “Defiance” going so far, and what can you tell me about what to expect this coming season?

JB: It’s going really great. Season two is really intense. I can just say — the great thing about doing a science-fiction-genre show is that you have the ability to reset the world anytime you want. The great thing about what happened with “Defiance” in the finale is we basically hit the reset button, so we start season two in a whole different place. Every character is in a different place from where they were during season one. Creatively it is so much fun to play characters who can grow and change exponentially each season, and that is what you are going to see in season two of “Defiance.” It’s a much darker “Defiance” this season, especially my character.

CE: You must tell me: Will the “Braid of Justice” return in season two?

JB: (Laughs) Everyone loves that side braid. You know that I was nervous about the braid. I’ll be completely honest about the braid: The braid was inspired by Katniss of “The Hunger Games.” I’m a little lazy when it comes to wanting to be in hair and makeup. I didn’t want to have to sit in hair and makeup for long, so I thought, “If I wear my hair in a braid, then I don’t have to.” So, that’s where the braid came from. I didn’t realize it was going to be so popular. I don’t know if we’ll see the “Braid of Justice” this season. Amanda’s look has changed, as well as the world of Defiance. As we left season one, the Earth Republic was moving in. So, the world of Defiance has changed, and with that, so does the look of the show. We do see a much darker Amanda this season. She’s having a very hard time. Her ex-husband was killed during season one; she lost her job, which that is truly how she defined herself; and her sister has gone missing. She’s really in a bad place when season two opens.

CE: A lot of fans love and remember you for “turning Katherine’s head” on “Desperate Housewives.” Tell me about your time on that show.

JB: When people ask me what my favorite role has been so far, that is one of the standouts for me. I was a huge fan of “Desperate Housewives” from its inception and never thought in a million years that I would ever be a part of the mythology of the show. I was so shocked when they called and asked me if I would play Robin. I had so much fun with her. I got offered the role literally the day after the “Dexter” season four finale aired. It was a great place for me to go and kind of heal from that. Rita was the furthest thing away from Robin. I got to go into something completely opposite and work with a group of women who inspired me over the years, who I’d admired for so long, and admired their work for so long.

I geeked out on set, running up and down Wisteria Lane my first day, freaking out that I was there. I had moments where I would forget I was actually shooting, and instead I would be watching the rest of the cast, and I would forget that it was my line next. I’d be like: “Oh my goodness. I’m just sitting on my couch watching you guys on TV in my head. This is so surreal for me to be here.” It really was a very welcoming and warm place for me to go and to do something completely different from what I had been doing. I had a blast.

CE: I love to hear stories about stars “geeking out” when they meet other stars who they love and look up to.

JB: My Sunday night for years was to sit down and watch” Desperate Housewives.” I just couldn’t believe it when I was cast. The women (in the cast) and everyone (on the crew) were just so wonderful and so welcoming. It was amazing to see their work ethic and how committed they were to their work, and the tremendous amount of thought and detail that each actress put into her character. It just blew me away.

Read more

Q and A: Week of April 30

Genie Francis

Q: Genie Francis is one of my all-time favorite actresses, and I just love her in the Hallmark Channel’s “The Note” series. Will there be a third movie? — Catherine F., Harrisburg, Pa.

A: Just in time for Mother’s Day, Genie Francis and Ted McGinley are back as newlyweds Peyton MacGruder and King Danville in “Notes from the Heart Healer,” premiering Saturday, May 13 at 8/7c, on the Hallmark Channel (and reairing throughout the weekend). The couple is celebrating their first anniversary when they are surprised by an abandoned baby on their doorstep.

I spoke with Genie recently, and she was excited to explore the mothering aspect of the character, since Peyton gave up a child for adoption 20-some years earlier. “What I love most about Peyton is that she gets involved and she brings everything up as if it were a spiritual question like, ’Why did I get this baby on my doorstep?’ She wants to help prevent the mother of this abandoned baby from ending up like her. Throughout this, there’s a healing for Peyton in that she knows that she’s got in her to be a good mother.”

Check back here next week to read my entire interview with Genie.

Q: While I don’t want “Desperate Housewives” to end, I am excited to see what’s in store for the series finale. Can you give me any hints? — Tina D., via e-mail 

A: A familiar face will return to Wisteria Lane for the show’s finale on May 13 at 10 p.m. EDT on ABC. Dana Delany — who currently stars in her own hit ABC show “Body of Proof” — will reprise her role as Katherine Mayfair. The story behind her return has been kept hush-hush, so we’ll just have to wait and see what she’s up to. 

Q: My husband heard that Ryan O’Neal has cancer. Is that true? — Hannah F., via e-mail 

A: Ryan, 70, recently announced that he is battling Stage 2 prostate cancer, and that he’s expected to make a full recovery. While he was “shocked and stunned” by the news, he is hopeful about his prognosis. 

Marisol Nichols

Q: I can’t get enough “GCB,” and I especially love Heather Cruz. What can you tell me about the actress who plays her? — Deena A., Norfolk, Va. 

A: Marisol Nichols plays feisty and independent real-estate agent Heather Cruz. Marisol told me recently why she loves her character so much: “I could understand what she had to do to survive in this community, and I felt like she was the most grounded out of everybody. She worked her butt off to get to where she is: She didn’t inherit a business; she wasn’t born into money; she didn’t marry into it. She had to make it on her own, and that I can completely relate to. I’ve been working odd jobs since I was 12. I think I forged my ID when I was a kid so that I could work at 14. I wanted to work; I didn’t want to have to ask people for money.”

If you want to read my entire interview with Marisol — where we discuss "GCB," high school mean girls, and hardworking Heather Cruz — click here.

Read more

Q and A: Week of April 23

Wladimir Klitschko

Q: My friends and I watched the Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight-title bout against Jean-Marc Mormeck at our local bar, and were happy to see Wladimir retain his heavyweight title. One of my friends mentioned he heard that Wladimir intends to start up an acting career when he’s done with boxing. Is that true? — John R., Indianapolis

A: While it is true that the handsome Ukrainian has dipped his foot in the Hollywood pool a bit — the documentary “Klitschko,” which centers on his and his older brother Vitali’s rise in the boxing world, has been making quite an impression on festival-goers since premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival last year — Wladimir is keeping his eye firmly on his boxing career.


I spoke with him recently about the acting rumors, and he told me: “While I am asked often about being in movies — usually it’s a Russian mob character — it’s always the same thing. I did play myself in ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ and I did two German comedies. But right now I’m playing the role called the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and it takes all of my time. I really like to play it, and I have to stay focused. So there’s no nonsense with any wannabe Hollywood stuff. If I lose my focus, then I’m going to lose the titles, and I don’t want to do that.” 

You can watch Wladimir defend his title July 7 against Tony Thompson, and read my entire engaging interview with the charming heavyweight right here later this week.

Q: I am so excited to see “The Avengers,” starring all of my favorite comic-book heroes, especially Captain America. Because of “The Avengers,” does that mean there won’t be a “Captain America: The First Avenger” sequel for a while? — Fred D., via e-mail

A: Walt Disney Studios recently announced that Chris Evans will once again suit up in red, white and blue to save the world from the bad guys. You can expect the sequel to last summer’s blockbuster hit to arrive in theaters on April 4, 2014. While it’s still too early to camp out for tickets, at least there’s a release date in sight.

Q: I’m really sad about this being the final season of “Desperate Housewives.” How are the ladies of Wisteria Lane taking it? — Nina R., via e-mail

A: If one of Marcia Cross’ latest tweets is any indication, they are as sad as you are. Marcia recently lamented via Twitter: “How do you handle goodbyes? Me, not so well ... already feel so sad and vulnerable ... [I] will miss my ‘Desperate Housewives’ family terribly.”

Readers: Here’s an update on release dates of various HBO projects that have been mentioned in past columns. First, season five “True Blood” premieres on June 10 at 9 p.m. with 12 all-new episodes. Also, “Newsroom” — the Aaron Sorkin drama starring Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer and Sam Waterson — premieres its 10-episode first season on June 24 at 10 p.m.

Read more

Interview: Beau Mirchoff Is Feeling Awkward.

Beau Mirchoff/Ron Tom/ABC

Many fans will remember Beau Mirchoff from his year-long stint on “Desperate Housewives” during the 2009-10 season, where he played Drea de Matteo’s son, Danny. Nowadays, he plays a character who gets himself into cringe-worthy situations, and while they are not quite the life-or-death situations his character on “Housewives” got into, to many teens, it might seem so. Beau plays Matty on the new MTV teen comedy series “Awkward.” If you remember your teen years like I remember mine, then you know everything is a big deal in high school. Beau takes me through these awkward times and spills the beans about this new project, which airs on MTV Tuesday nights at 11/10c.

Celebrity Extra: As someone in my 30s, I wasn’t expecting to like “Awkward” as much as I do, but I have to tell you, I absolutely love it! It’s smart, funny, well written and well acted.

Beau Mirchoff: I think so too. I think there are diverse characters and that people of all ages can relate to the situation and to the characters. It’s a show about teenagers, but I think there is a little bit of everything for everyone. My mom is in her 50s, and I guarantee you this will be her new favorite show. I’m glad to be on something that people are really talking about.

CE: Tell me about your character, Matty, and the things about him that appealed to you as an actor.

BM: The characteristics that appeal to me are he’s lovable and he’s loving. Matty’s thing is, he wants to be perfect; he wants his family to be perfect, and he doesn’t want anything to look negatively on his family. He constantly wants to be liked and to please people. And does he do that in the wrong way sometimes? Yes, of course. I think most teenagers don’t have a clue how to handle most situations. They might think they do, but they don’t.



CE: While this is told from a girl’s point of view, the writers do a great job of showing how being a teen, whether girl or boy, is just plain difficult.

BM: I think they are often very similar, emotionally. Guys put on the façade that everything is cool, but deep down I think they have some of the similar problems with image, popularity and fitting in — finding a girl and being loved and all those types of problems.

CE: This seems like it would be a fun set to work on.

BM: It was awesome; it was fun; it was happy! Everyone was great and supportive. We always would run lines and talk about our scenes and our characters, trying to find new things in scenes that we hadn’t found before. We’d come up with new, creative ideas and run them by Lauren (Iungerich, executive producer/creator/writer). Every once in a while, I’d come up with a really good idea and it would work. Life on the set was creative and fun.

CE: Another fun and creative set you worked on was with the folks at “Desperate Housewives.” What was that experience like?

BM: Educational. I learned so much from all the people on that set with all those actors and actresses. They are pros and they know what they’re doing. I was very grateful to get that job. Not just for the recognition and whatnot, but to grow as an actor. You can only learn so much in acting class, but when you’re on set, it’s a whole different thing. I learned a lot from Jeffrey Nordling, who played my father, and Drea de Matteo, who was my mother. A majority of my scenes were with them. You learn a lot from just watching them work, and you see how they do it. That was what was most beneficial from that.

CE: I am a big “Sopranos” fan, and was so happy to see Drea on the show. How cool was it that she played your mom?

BM: Yeah, I had a big crush on Drea. I hope it didn’t read on camera. That would have been creepy, since she was my mom, but it probably came out. It’s inevitable. She’s quite attractive and so great at what she does.

Read more

Q and A: Week of Aug. 22

Max Irons

Q: Last night I rented ‘Red Riding Hood’ and noticed one of the stars is Max Irons. Any relation to Jeremy Irons? — Hillary G., via e-mail

A: Max Irons, 25, is the son of Academy Award-winning English actor Jeremy Irons. Next up, Max is set to star as the title character in the feature film ‘Vivaldi,’ along with Alfred Molina, Elle Fanning and Tom Wilkinson. It is due for release in 2013.

Q: I have been hearing rumors that ‘Desperate Housewives’ has been canceled. Is that true? I hope not, as it’s my favorite show! — Emmy R., via e-mail

A: ‘Desperate Housewives’ has not been canceled; however, creator Marc Cherry recently announced that this upcoming eighth season will be the show’s last. While the news was bittersweet for everyone involved, cast and crew agree that the time has come to wrap things up on Wisteria Lane. Marc teased at ABC’s Television Critics Association party last month that this final season will return to the basics and revisit the mystery that launched the show: Mary Alice’s death. Teri Hatcher and company will return on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m. EDT.

Leeza Gibbons

Q: I was so happy to read in your column that Leeza Gibbons would be returning to daily syndicated television in ‘America Now.’ What made her decide to return to the daily grind? — Rita E., Omaha, Neb.

A: Leeza, 54, has never been one to rest on her laurels. In fact, she prides herself on remaining busy, be it with her PBS weekly show ‘My Generation,’ her work with the Home Shopping Network and Guthy-Renker on her Sheer Cover beauty-product empire, or her tireless work as an advocate for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Regarding her signing on with ‘America Now,’ which premieres Monday, Sept. 12 (check your local listings for time), Leeza told me: ‘I’m so excited, because this is a real change of pace for me going back to daily television. I’m crazy about Bill Rancic (her co-host), and we’re very excited about working together on this.

“I’ve already hit the ground running and started looking at some segments that I want to make my own, including interviewing leaders and newsmakers and celebrities about success and living without limits. There’s also consumer news, lifestyle and fitness, and things for children — we’re going to tackle all of it."

Check back later this week for my entire interview with Leeza where we talk about her new show, her recent marriage, her Sheer Cover line, and Leeza's Place, her nonprofit organization for caregivers of people with memory disorders.

Q: With all the talk of Amy Winehouse’s recent death, the death of football great Bubba Smith was overlooked. Can you give me any information on him? – Harold T. in Florida

A: Charles Aaron ‘Bubba’ Smith passed away on Aug. 3 of apparent natural causes (as of this writing, the final coroner’s report had not been released). The former defensive end for the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers — who some consider even more famous for his work as Moses Hightower in the ‘Police Academy’ films — was 66 at the time of his passing.

Read more

Interview: Nicollette Sheridan's Honeymoon

You can’t mention Nicollette Sheridan without thinking of her most recent alter ego, Edie Britt of “Desperate Housewives.” However, when you watch Nicollette in her new Hallmark Channel movie, “Honeymoon for One” — which premieres Saturday, Aug. 13 at 9/8c — Edie will be the furthest thing from your mind. In “Honeymoon,” Nicollette plays Eve Parker, a woman scorned who decides to travel to Ireland on what would have been her honeymoon. Along the way, she discovers love in the form of the breathtaking countryside, a sweet preteen named Kathleen, and a handsome (and irksome) outdoorsman named Sean.

Celebrity Extra: What brought you to the Hallmark Channel, and to this movie in particular, “Honeymoon for One”?

Nicollette Sheridan: First of all, I really liked the character and I liked the movie. Hallmark is making beautiful movies that everyone can watch. And at times, they are dealing with slightly edgy material, so Hallmark has come a long way. And I do love that their movies are something the whole family can watch.

CE: Tell me about your character, Eve.

NS: Eve is hiding from herself and her intimate relationship by immersing herself in her work. I think a lot of people are guilty of that, and when something traumatic happens, she is forced to look at her life and make huge changes. And as we know, your career doesn’t wrap itself around you at night, and keep you safe and sound. Being present and being aware, and having a life filled with love, friendship and trust does. When you reach outside yourself and you do for others, it enriches many more lives, including your own. And that’s what I really liked about her journey.



CE: What were some of the aspects of her character that you could relate to or that you were really proud of?

NS: Well, she’s a very kind person, and she means well. Then again, she really needs to pull her head out of the sand and see what’s going on around her. And she’s a strong character. I like that she’s not a victim. It’s very difficult to go through a relationship breakup. Especially when somebody cheats on you, and though these things are very painful in her life, the outcome is a much better path.

CE: It’s very exciting and brave of her to go off on her own to a foreign country to clear her head and decide what she wants to do with her life.

NS: And it’s very out of character for her to do something like that, but her friends urge her to go. When she does, it’s very awkward at first, but she transcends all of that.

CE: What was Greg Wise, who played Sean, like to work with?

NS: Greg is a fantastic actor, and he’s very playful. We had a lot of fun shooting this film.

CE: And the location was just gorgeous! Where did you film, and what was the actual filming like?

NS: It was just stunning. We were in the most beautiful places. And I’d never been to Ireland, and coming from England myself, you have that expansive countryside, but it’s a much wilder feel in Ireland. I loved it over there. And of course I’ve been riding since I was a tiny little thing, and so for me to be out there and belting across the countryside on that white horse was heaven for me. It was just breathtaking over there. People are so nice and warm and friendly, and I’m looking forward to going back when I don’t have to work so I can really explore the country.

CE: A movie of yours that I absolutely loved you in was “Noises Off!” Do you hope to do some slapstick comedy like that again? Everyone in that movie was absolutely brilliant and I know you’re good at comedy. You’re good at the romance and the drama, but I just loved you in the slapstick, physical comedy.

NS: Thank you. That was a very special movie. It had an incredible cast, and we would all convene at a roundtable in the morning, and everybody would tell stories and just share in a way that I’d never experienced on a set before. Basically we rehearsed it as a play. And then when we were ready to start shooting, we would shoot eight pages at a time, all in one shot. It was pretty demanding, physically, because as you remember, we were up and down the stairs and all the backstage business. The outtakes from that film were hilarious. I do love physical comedy as well as drama, so hopefully there will be a bit of everything to come.

CE: What are your thoughts on all these remakes that seem to be happening? I know TNT is doing a remake of “Dallas.”

NS: I know! I just saw an ad for it. It looked exciting. There was a nostalgia that came with seeing the ad for the show, and I think the music and those faces that are so familiar to so many people … I think there is something comforting about it. And it looks exciting! You’ve got all those colorful characters, and I’m sure they are all going to do an incredible job with it.

Larry Hagman looked great and Patrick Duffy, and I noticed that Brenda Strong, who was Mary Alice on “Housewives,” is in it. I’m thrilled for her, because she’s a beautiful actress and one of the loveliest human beings that I know.

CE: If they decided to do a “Knots Landing” remake, would you be on board, or would you say, “Good luck, but my time on ‘Knots Landing’ has passed”?

NS: I haven’t heard about anyone speaking of doing that. I think that “Dallas” was a lot flashier than “Knots Landing.” “Knots Landing” was really the down-home, simpler, more-pained version. Just very real people going through real situations, but I haven’t heard if they are interested in remaking that.

CE: I know you’re involved with a lot of charities, especially animal charities. Can you tell me a bit about them?

NS: It’s always wonderful to place animals in homes, because there are so many unwanted furry friends that need a beautiful family to go to. So, that’s something that I like to help with. Also, I got involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind. It is such a wonderful gift to be able to pair up somebody in need with a set of eyes and a companion. That was a very fulfilling thing to be a part of.

Recently, there is this charity called Ride On that is with horses. It’s for the disabled — both physically and mentally, adults and children — and just through the love that you get through working with and riding horses. It’s an incredibly healing experience and gives them a sense of accomplishment to be able to ride and to be able to bond in that fashion. I’m going to have a little bit more free time coming up, so I’m actually going to get to be more hands-on with the people and the horses. Animals are such a gift.

Read more

Interview: Joshua Moore on Growing Up With Desperate Housewives

Joshua Moore (pictured, left; photo credit: Nathaniel Taylor) has played Parker Scavo on “Desperate Housewives” since 2008, portraying one of Felicity Huffman and Doug Savant’s children in their ever-expanding brood. While he is thrilled to be working with the high caliber of stars to come and go on Wisteria Lane, Joshua’s first major role in Hollywood had him working with the legendary Clint Eastwood when he was cast as an abducted child in 2008’s “Changeling.”

Celebrity Extra: One of your first roles was in “Changeling.” What was it like to be directed by Clint Eastwood?

Joshua Moore: It really was an amazing experience, because it was one of the first big film projects that I had a role in. And working with Clint Eastwood was just amazing, because he’s so laid back. He just runs the set and knows exactly how to get people to do what he wants. He’s an amazing director -- one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with. And at the same time, you’re just in awe of him because it’s Clint Eastwood!

CE: Speaking of being in awe, there have been some huge, high-profile guest stars on “Desperate Housewives.” Has there ever been a time when you’ve been nervous to work with someone?

JM: I’m never usually nervous working with somebody, but my mom -- it’s really funny, but John Schneider just came on the show, and my mom used to watch “Dukes of Hazzard” religiously, so she freaked when he came on set. And when I heard Vanessa Williams was coming on the show, I was really excited, because I’m always impressed by her work.



CE: How is she to work with?

JM: She’s just great to work with. She’s one of the coolest people on set. 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.

CE: Of course things are never quiet on “Desperate Housewives.” What have been some of the crazier experiences for your character?

JM: Well, one of the crazier things that happened was when we were all on the street for the Christmas community street meeting, and they wrecked the plane through the street. That was probably one of the largest-scale crazy things that my character was involved in. What they actually did was they attached the plane to a rope, and they just pulled it through really fast. It was really cool to get to see them demolish the set like that.

CE: You work very closely with Felicity Huffman — she must be a wealth of information for you regarding acting and technique and such.

JM: You can learn a lot just by watching, but do I ask for help from her. She’s one of the most helpful people I’ve ever worked with, just in terms of giving advice or just helping you along to where you need to be with the scene. She’s amazing to work with.

CE: What are some of your favorite moments on the set, whether acting-wise or personal?

JM: Aside from the plane crash, I would say when we have a church scene. Whenever anybody gets married and everybody has to go down to that church, the whole cast goes. It’s always cool, because everybody is just hanging out and having fun.

CE: Do you have any hopes for the direction Parker will take? Do you have an ideal story line?

JM: I don’t have an ideal story line. Any story line is good as long as you’re a main part of the story line. That’s all that really matters, no matter what the content is. I’m just hoping that he gets some more forefront, focus parts where he’s a big part of the situation.

CE: I think in a couple of years he should start dating Susan (played by Teri Hatcher) to shake things up a bit.

JM: That’s not even that farfetched for “Desperate Housewives,” I’m sure.

Read more

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.’”

Read more

Interview: Helena Mattsson Takes Hollywood by Storm

Dubbed "The Swedish Bombshell," Helena Mattsson surely is making her mark in Hollywood. With a part in prime time's hottest show, as well as 2010's biggest summer blockbuster (so far!), Helena is no longer flying under the radar. I caught up with her recently to talk about Iron Man 2, working with Robert Downey Jr., and playing a gold-digging manipulator on Desperate Housewives.

Celebrity Extra: Iron Man 2 debuted at No. 1 its opening weekend and still dominates the box office. It's well on its way to becoming Summer 2010 biggest blockbuster. This all must be very exciting.

Helena Mattsson: Very exciting. It’s just a really fun movie that I am so glad I got to be involved in. I saw the first movie and I really liked it. I was really excited to be part of this one. I have a really small role, but that doesn’t matter because it’s an appealing thing.

CE: Tell me about your character, Rebecca.

HM: I can’t say too much (to not give anything away for those who haven't seen the movie yet), but I’m playing Rebecca, and I have this one big party scene where I sort of challenge Iron Man with his weapons, and there’s a lot of crazy stuff going on. I throw stuff up in the air. It’s a really big, crazy party scene.

CE: Was yours a physical role?

HM: Not so much. I get to run around quite a bit. I ended up taking my shoes off when we were shooting because I was running around. It was pretty exhausting. I wish I had more of the action stuff to do, that would have been fun.

CE: Is this the biggest project you’ve worked on so far? And what was the vibe on the set?

HM: It was just such a big set with so many people involved. They build all of these beautiful setups for the scenes and they had a lot of extras — just such a big production. It was really, really exciting to step into that and be part of it, and also to get to work with Robert Downey Jr. was really a dream come true. He is such an amazing actor and I admire him so much. I was a little nervous, but it was so exciting to get to work with him and everybody else on set.

CE: Is Robert a lot like his Tony Stark character?

HM: Yeah, I think he brings a lot of himself to his character. He is a character — very much a character himself. He’s a really, really nice guy and a lot of fun.

CE: It must have just been a very surreal experience, to be a fan of the first Iron Man and of the actors in it, and then you get to be in the sequel.

HM: Definitely. It was very surreal just to be a part of something you’ve seen. You’ve seen the first movie and it was such a big hit. Like I said, even though I have a small role in it, it was really, really exciting anyway just to be part of a project,

CE: It would seem to me that there are no small roles in a movie of this caliber!

HM: Definitely. I also definitely realized going to the premiere that this movie was very anticipated. People really loved the first movie and this one is going to be really big too. There were so many people at the premiere. It is definitely the biggest project that I’ve been a part of, which was really exciting. I wish I had a bigger role in it. Shooting was so much fun. I just wanted the shoot to go on. It was that much fun.

CE: Last fall, you also were in another action/sci-fi movie, Surrogates, with Bruce Willis, which is now on DVD. What was that movie like to work on?

HM: That was another really huge set with so many people. We shot in Boston and I was there for a few weeks. It was a great, great experience. That one was about robots, surrogate robots. It was really cool to be a part of an action film like that. It’s sort of a dream come true as well.

CE: You also have a role on Desperate Housewives as Irina, who happens to be Russian. You do a really good Russian accent. Did you work with a professional coach on that?

HM: My accent was really heavy when I first came here. I had a heavy Swedish accent. Although it’s not quite the same as the Russian. I have some Russian friends, and I really wanted the part so I made sure to really look to my Russian friends, and I really started to get the accent down. For some reason, it came easy to me. It’s really fun to do an accent like that because it brings a lot to the character.

CE: I think you are doing a great job with it, because it sounds very authentic.

HM: I was really nervous about that at times because they gave us the lines and the scripts and everything so last minute each time. At one point they gave me a long speech in Russian, and I had like no time to prepare. By the time I got it down completely, they changed it again. So I was really stressed out about that. Just to speak the language properly, you don’t think about that when you watch it. Sometimes there’s no time to prepare.

CE: I love the tug-of-war relationship Irina has with Lynette. It is fun to watch. Is it fun to play those scenes?

HM: Oh my God, it is so much fun to be the villain and to be manipulative. There are so many off-tones and so many layers that only the women understand among themselves. You can always read between the lines. It was a lot of fun. It is also a lot of fun to play a character that’s really far from yourself and really have fun with that and be the villain. So, I’m very excited about that.

CE: What do you like, if anything, about Irina, and how do you relate to her?

HM: Every time you play a character you have to justify everything that they do. As Irena, I had to justify what I was doing and everything, and sometimes that’s tricky to justify some of the things she does, but I made it work for myself. I justified my actions to myself. Purely for the fun too.

Read more

Nicollette Sheridan Sues Marc Cherry for Assault

Nicollette Sheridan (pictured, second from left) has filed a suit against her former employer, Marc Cherry, claiming he physically abused her on the set of the hit TV show.

In the lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Sheridan, 46, alleges assault and battery, gender violence and wrongful termination. She is asking for $20 million in damages.

Sheridan claims that during a dispute over the script on September 24, 2008, Cherry, "took her aside and forcefully hit her with his hand across her face and head."

The suit also contends that when Cherry discovered Teri Hatcher had complained to ABC about him as well, he said, “I hope Teri Hatcher gets hit by a car and dies.”

ABC has responded: “While we have yet to see the actual complaint, we investigated similar claims made by Ms. Sheridan last year and found them to be without merit.”

(See the entire story here.)

Read more