Interview: Lindsey McKeon Is Feeling Supernatural

When Lindsey McKeon took on the role of Marah Lewis (No. 7) on “Guiding Light” back in 2001, she impressed daytime viewers and Emmy voters so much that she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy after having been in the role for a mere two months. Since then, she’s impressed fans of “Drop Dead Diva,” “Supernatural,” “One Tree Hill,” “90210” and many more with her featured and guest-starring roles. As she makes her mark on feature films (her latest short film, “Delicious Ambiguity,” is making the rounds on the film-festival circuit), the gorgeous and talented 32-year-old took the time to talk with me about her past on “GL,” her present co-starring as Tessa on “Supernatural”  — Tessa returns tonight, May 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the CW — and her plans for the future.

Celebrity Extra: Tell me about how you got your start. Had you always known you wanted to be an actress?

Lindsey McKeon: No, I didn’t always know, but there were definitely signs when I was young. In fact, in old home videos you can see me putting on a little bit of a show. It was always sort of in me. I like to explore; I like to play; I like to be different characters. But I didn’t really start exploring that until junior high. I was on the phone too much, and my mom wanted to give me a more exciting extracurricular activity. I went to an acting class, and it was the most freedom and fun I’d ever experienced in my life. For me, it was a relief. I always say that acting saved my life. I had a very difficult time in junior high and high school, so this gave me a way to find myself, experience myself and explore that without being so frigging uncomfortable.

CE: You certainly impressed the folks over at “Guiding Light,” being nominated for a Daytime Emmy for playing Marah Lewis.

LM: That nomination was so unexpected, because I was there literally a couple of months before that happened. It was so surprising, so exciting. Being at the awards ceremony was nerve-wracking. I had butterflies in my stomach the whole time. It was like: hope they call me. I hope they don’t call me. I hope they call me. I hope they don’t call me.”

But what could be better for a 19-year-old than to live in New York City? It’s such a tough city that it took me pretty much a year to adapt to it and not call my mom crying. But once I did adapt, I was really living it up, and to be able to work constantly, consistently, having new friends and living in the city was an amazing experience.

I remember being on “GL” — probably my first year there — working with a dialogue coach and learning 20 pages of dialogue a night, every day of the week. My mind would reject the dialogue after a while and would tell me: “No. No more. I’m shutting down. And we won’t learn anything else.” That’s a terrifying feeling for an actor. I spoke with some of the others on the show, and they said: “Don’t worry. This happens to everyone. You sort of lose your mind in the beginning, and then you come back and adapt to it.” And you do get used to it.

CE: Next up for you is your return to “Supernatural” as Tessa the Reaper. Are you excited to be working with them again?

LM: I am very excited. I love Vancouver. I love the show. The boys (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) are great. I’m very happy to go up there again, and this is one of my favorite characters to play.

Lindsey (left) with Jensen Ackles

CE: You recently guest-starred on Lifetime’s cult hit “Drop Dead Diva.” What was that experience like?

LM: That was a really great experience, and a really crazy experience. The cast and crew were phenomenal — amazing people to work with, very sweet and easygoing. They made me feel so comfortable. In the middle of shooting our episode, we had to deal with a weeklong, vicious ice storm in Atlanta. But it was a wonderful experience. (“General Hospital” alum) Rick Springfield is in it. And the lead singer from Rascal Flatts is in it. It’s a super-fun, famous-people episode.



CE: Tell me about “Delicious Ambiguity.”

LM: There are so many great actors in it, Arielle Kebbel (of “Vampire Diaries” and “90210”), Lucas Neff from “Raising Hope,” Lamorne Morris from “New Girl,” and lots of others. Two of my best girlfriends are in this. It was so cool to film — we just got our friends together one weekend and shot this super-fun short film. And now all of a sudden it’s in festivals and it’s doing really well. I play Ellie, the hot girl who loves fitness and loves men. She doesn’t really care what she says. She’s a very strong woman, and at times, other girls attack her for it. It’s fun, it’s comedic, but at the same time it’s very intense. It’s about uncomfortable relationships and all the different turns relationships can take.

CE: While relationships can be scary, I’m thinking your new film, “Indigenous,” is even scarier. Tell me about that.

LM: I am terrified of horror movies, and I rarely watch them because I will start seeing monsters in the shadows. It’s totally fine with me to be in the film, but to actually watch it is scary. When I screened this film, I jumped and screamed a few times. Then I started laughing because everybody around me was laughing at me.

We shot it in Panama for about five weeks, mostly in the middle of the jungle. There were these crazy trees with spikes that we would often run into. We had to have the medics pull the spikes out of our arms and our legs. It was intense. There were monkeys, spiders — all types of jungle creatures. My boyfriend in the film, played by Zach Soetenga, is super interested in finding the chupacabra (a legendary “animal” that has been hunted by cryptozoologists, and those interested in this folkloric deadly creature, since the first sightings in the mid-90s in Central and South America), and finding out whether it’s real and investigating it. Most of us don’t believe it. My character thinks it’s a bad idea to go into the jungle to search for it, but all of my friends are like, “Let’s do it. How bad could it be?” And the rest happens from there. How bad could it be, right? Famous last words.

CE: Why do they always do that?

LM: Right? They’re like, “I hear something. Let’s go investigate.”

CE: Was the actual filming process for you scary? Of course you know that it’s not real, but still, you’re out in the jungle, filming at night. I’d be scared.

LM: The first time we (as actors) saw the chupacabra (while filming), it was the middle of the night, and it was almost pitch-black. Prior to this, we hadn’t met the actor who plays the chupacabra, so we had no idea what he, as a human, looked like, and what he would look like dressed up. We had to pass him on this tiny pathway, and I swear to God, I almost peed my pants. I was so scared, I started running. I was like, “Get me away from him!”

CE: Career-wise, where would you like to see yourself in five years?

LM: Film, film, film, film, film, film. For me, that’s always been a goal, because there is something so pure, so honest, so raw about film actors, and when you’re blown up on a screen that big, there’s no room to fake it. I love the sci-fi/action/thriller-type roles. That would be my ideal, playing some type of futuristic warrior who is traveling around all of these different worlds.

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Q and A: Week of Nov. 11

Dana Davis

Q: Can you tell me if one of my favorite shows, “Franklin and Bash,’ will be back for another season? — Jamie F., via email

A: I am happy to report that TNT has renewed the hour-long courtroom comedy/drama for a fourth season. I recently spoke with series co-star Dana Davis, and she told me all about how great it is to work on the show: “It’s just too fun working with Mark-Paul (Gossaaler) and Breckin (Meyer), because they’re really, really funny. And I respect them so much. I find it amazing to work with people like Breckin, Mark-Paul and Kumail Nanjiani. They’re so much fun, and they light up a room.”

Before season four begins, Dana will be busy. She is co-starring in the Syfy pilot “High Moon.” But more important, she has a project of her own she wants the world to see. “I had this idea for a show, called “The Wish i Mayz,” that teaches kids about music, all the while, giving them amazing music to listen to. It’s about three aliens from the Star Planet who speak only in song, and that’s how they teach the kids on Earth about music. Right now, I am pitching it around town. I want to evolve children’s music, and also stimulate their brains a little bit more. I want to give them music that they can keep with them for a lifetime.”

Come back next week to read my entire interview with Dana.

Q: I am a huge “X-Files” fan, and my husband and I have been rewatching the series at home on DVD. Can you tell me if there will be another feature film? — Carissa G., Tacoma, Wash.

A: If series stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, and series creator and head writer Chris Carter have their way, there will be a third movie. All parties are interested, they told a crowd of fans at the Paley Center for the Media in New York this past October. (They were there to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the sci-fi cult hit.) According to David: “It’s really up to 20th Century Fox at this point.” Gillian added: “If it takes fan encouragement to get Fox interested in that, then I guess that’s what it would be.”

Q: I know “Drop Dead Diva” has been on the bubble for a few seasons. I have my fingers crossed that it’ll be back for at least one more. — Leila P., via email

A: Lifetime recently announced that “Diva” will indeed return for a sixth season. Look for 13 new episodes next year. (I’ll let you know when there’s a firm date.)

Q: Is it true? Have the Jonas Brothers really broken up? — Mollie H., via email

A: Sorry tweens, but the pop-music trio has decided to call it quits. According to the band’s publicist, Jesse Derris: “There is a deep rift within the band. There was a big disagreement over their music direction.”

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Q and A: Week of May 20

Readers: A few weeks back, I reported about the resurrection of Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva.” We now have a premiere date for season five: The 13-episode season premieres June 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with stars Brooke Elliott, Kate Levering, Margaret Cho, Jackson Hurst and April Bowlby returning. Former “90210” co-star Justin Deeley joins the ensemble cast, and John Ratzenberger and Jamie Ray Newman will be returning for guest appearances.

Q: First “America’s Most Wanted” was canceled, and now I hear “Cops” is following suit. Please say it ain’t so! — Jeremy S., Washington, Ohio

A: It ain’t so, Jeremy, but there has been a change of venue. “Cops,” which has been a fixture on Fox’s Saturday nights for 25 years, is moving to the Spike network. Beginning in September, the cable network aimed toward younger male TV viewers will begin airing all-new episodes of everyone’s favorite real-life cops-and-robbers show.

For those who’ve been following the story, the move isn’t a surprise, as Fox ordered fewer episodes this season, and often took to pre-empting the show in favor of a sporting event. This move should be good for “Cops,” since it’s right up Spike’s alley and would most likely be given precedence over other types of programming.

Q: I liked the series “Haven.” Do you know if it’s coming back? — David V., via e-mail

A: The Syfy series based on the Stephen King novella will return for a 13-episode fourth season, which should begin airing late summer or early fall.

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Q and A: Week of April 1

Q: A while back you mentioned that Tyler Perry had a new movie coming out, but I’ve seen neither hide nor hair of it. Is it still being released? — Sherri W., via e-mail

A: May 10 is the day that “Peeples” will see the light of day. The movie stars Craig Robinson (“The Office”), Kerry Washington (“Scandal”) and Kali Hawk (“Bridesmaids” and “New Girl”) among many others in this large ensemble cast.

I spoke with Kali about the movie, and she told me a bit about it: “It’s about a family, and our last name is Peeples. It’s kind of like ’Meet the Parents.’ Kerry Washington, who plays my sister, is dating Craig Robinson, and she brings him home to meet the family. Our family is very uppity, very wealthy and very strict. We have our certain way of doing things, with our dad at the helm — played by David Alan Grier — who rules with an iron fist.

“It’s not really clear if Craig’s character can ever fit in with the Peeples family. But he definitely gets an A-plus for effort throughout the film. He shows us a few things about ourselves that we needed to take a look at. That’s where a lot of the comedy comes in: Whenever you try to pinpoint people with a little bit of truth, if they’re not prepared for it, look out.”

As it gets closer to May 10, be on the lookout for my full interview with Kali right here at celebrityextraonline.com.

Q: I heard that one of my favorite TV shows, “Veronica Mars,” is coming back to television. Is that true? — Elaine Y., Mobile, Ala.

A: “Veronica Mars” has indeed been resurrected, but as a feature film. In an unprecedented Kickstarter campaign (kickstarter.com is a fundraising website where you can set up a “cause” for which you need money, and people can donate to help you raise the funds), “Veronica Mars” creator Rob Thomas raised the $2 million needed for the film in approximately 11 hours! Because of the loyalty and passion of fans of the show, Kristen Bell and company will return to the big screen, as Veronica comes back to town for her 10-year high-school reunion.

Q: When will “Awkward” be back on MTV? — Janie G., via e-mail

A: Both of the previous seasons of the hit MTV teen comedy began in summer, but because of season three’s extended season, Jenna, Matty, Jake, Tamara and the rest of the crew will return a little earlier this year. “Awkward” premieres Tuesday, April 16, at 10 p.m. ET/PT with two back-to-back new episodes.

READERS: In concert with the recent trend of uncanceling previously canceled television shows, Lifetime has decided to renew “Drop Dead Diva” for a fifth season after all. The show’s producers had to do some “creative financing” with the network to make this next season happen, but creator Josh Berman insists viewers will not be cheated on content, story or characters because of this.

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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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Q and A: Week of Oct. 24

Q: Who was the actor who played the younger Riggins brother on “Friday Night Lights”? What is he doing now? — Sherry R., via e-mail

A: Taylor Kitsch played Tim Riggins, the troubled, womanizing former fullback/running back of the Dillon Panthers who turned himself in to police for running a chop shop with his brother, Billy. Since “FNL” ended, Taylor, 30, has been super busy. He stars in a handful of movies coming out soon and/or in production, including playing the title character in “John Carter”; Alex Hopper in “Battleship,” a feature-film adaption of the popular kids’ board game; and “Savages,” a crime drama directed by Oliver Stone.

Q: I was really getting into “The Playboy Club” when it was suddenly dropped from the TV schedule. Is it on hiatus, or has it been canceled? — George F., Harrisburg, Pa.

A: It would seem that NBC’s much-ballyhooed crime drama couldn’t hold an audience’s attention as well as the Playboy Bunnies themselves could back in the time this show was set (1961). On Oct. 3, NBC aired the third and final episode of “The Playboy Club” (with two episodes going unaired), making it the first casualty of the fall 2011 TV season. Series creator Chad Hodge and Playboy Enterprises CCO Hugh Hefner are hoping to sell the series to Bravo, where it will air all five episodes and hopefully be called upon to make more.

If you’re keeping score, NBC’s “Free Agents,” starring Hank Azaria, was canceled soon after “Playboy.” As of Oct. 14, ABC's “Charlie’s Angels” has been canceled, along with the CW's "H8R."

Q: Can you tell me if two of my favorite comedies, IFC’s “Portlandia” and “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret” with be back for new seasons? Please say yes! — Jennifer G., via e-mail

A: Yes, both show will be back for their respective second season on IFC this January. Regarding “Portlandia,” stars Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein and Jonathan Krisel will be back, along with a slew of new characters and notable guest stars. And “Todd Margaret” will feature the return of David Cross, Will Arnett (who will be pulling double-duty, since his NBC show “Up All Night” has been picked up for a full season), Sharon Horgan and Blake Harrison, with Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) making a guest-starring appearance.

Q: “Drop Dead Diva” just finished up the season, and the ending gives the impression that it’s over. Will it be returning? — Joan D., via e-mail

A: Don’t you worry. Nancy Dubuc, president and general manager of Lifetime Networks, announced recently that “DDD” would be back for a 13-episode fourth season in summer 2012, stating: “‘Drop Dead Diva’ is a signature series for Lifetime that continues to resonate with audiences with its heart and humor. We are thrilled to bring it back for another season.”

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Q and A: Week of May 23

Joseph Lyle Taylor

Q: I was so happy to hear that FX’s “Justified” has been renewed for a third season; however, I was sad to see Joseph Lyle Taylor’s character, Doyle, get killed in the second-season finale. Now that his run on “Justified” is over, where can I catch this talented actor next? — Fanny R., Tulsa, Okla.

A: Joseph’s next role is that of Martin Chisholm in the feature film “Seven Days in Utopia,” which also stars Melissa Leo, Robert Duvall and Lucas Black. Joseph told me a bit about the film: “It’s really a heartfelt movie about this kid, played by Lucas Black, finding himself. I play his father. It’s such a pretty script.


“My character rides his son hard to do his best in golf and makes him practice and this and that. He ends up giving him some bad advice, and his son ends up not winning the tournament, takes off and that is where he meets Robert Duvall (who plays Johnny Crawford) out in Utopia. He learns some life lessons out there, and he comes back and tries to make amends with his father. It’s really touching.” (Check back later this week to read our full interview.)

Q: When will one of my favorite shows, “Drop Dead Diva,” be back for its next season? — Gennifer T., via email



A: Well, you don’t have long to wait! “Drop Dead Diva” returns to Lifetime Television for its third season on Sunday, June 19. For those who haven’t seen the show, “Diva” is a one-hour comedic drama that tells the story of a shallow wannabe model who dies in a sudden accident, only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane. This season’s guest stars include Paula Abdul, Kathy Griffin, Wanda Sykes, Clay Aiken, Lance Bass, Amanda Bearse, Tony Goldwyn, Howard Hesseman, Sharon Lawrence, Jennifer Tilly, Quinton Aaron and more.

Q: I was watching a new sitcom on ABC called “Happy Endings,” and the actor who plays Dave looks very familiar. What else might I have seen him in? — Jerry G., via email

A: Well, I remember Zachary Knighton best as Bryce from the shouldn’t-have-been-canceled show “FlashForward.” I also rewatched “The Prince and Me” recently, and realized that he plays one of Julia Stiles’ brothers in that movie. He’s also had guest roles on “House, M.D.” and “Bones,” as well as “Law and Order” and “Law and Order: SVU.” Stop me when something sounds familiar ….

Q: What has my favorite actress, Meryl Streep, been up to lately? — David R. in Alabama

A: Meryl is busy filming “The Iron Lady,” where she plays the U.K.’s first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. Word from the set is that her portrayal is astonishing, and her transformation is absolutely stunning. Look for “The Iron Lady” in late 2011, just in time to be considered for the Oscars.

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Q and A: Week of Oct. 18

Q: I love Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva.” Has it been renewed for another season? — Kelli J., St. Louis

A: I’m happy to report that the unique comedy/drama starring the delightfully talented Brooke Elliott (pictured left) has been renewed for its third season, which is set to premiere its 13 new episodes in 2011.

Q: I really got sucked into “The Gates” this summer, and I was wondering if it will be back for a second season. With all the shows these days that have vampires and werewolves and the like, this one is truly unique, exciting and suspenseful. — Theodore F., via e-mail

A: I have to agree with you — I absolutely love “The Gates.” An ABC representative told me that there is no official word yet as to the show’s fate (as of this writing). I’m hoping it doesn’t go the way of “FlashForward,” another excellent ABC series that was canceled back in May. I just hate to get interested and invested in a series, only to have the rug pulled out from under me when it gets canceled because the network didn’t give it enough of a chance. This need for immediate ratings results really doesn’t do anything to help nourish and grow a new series.




Q: One show I am delighted to watch again is “Lou Grant,” a spin-off from the old “Mary Tyler Moore Show.” I am enjoying it again but wondered about the actors and what became of them. I know Ed Asner is still active and that Nancy Marchand passed away a few years ago. But what about some of the others? –Dorothy P., via e-mail

A: Linda Kelsey has guest-starred in many TV shows and movies, including “Day by Day,” “Matlock,” “ER” and “Touched By An Angel.” Most recently she co-starred in “Into Temptation” with Jeremy Sisto, Kristin Chenowith and Brian Baumgartner. Robert Walden has been steadily working since “Lou Grant,” starring in “Brothers” and guest-starring on “Melrose Place,” “Judging Amy,” “The West Wing” and “Law and Order: SVU,” among others. Daryl Anderson has done a myriad of different projects, from soaps (”Days of Our Lives” and “The Young and The Restless”) to TV series (”Flipper” and “The A-Team”) to movies (”The Kid” with Bruce Willis and “Human Nature” with Tim Robbins).

Q: The other day when I was listening to the radio, and old favorite song of mine, “If You Leave” by OMD, came on the radio. It made me wonder what the band was doing now and if they’ll be putting out any new material. — Michael D., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, or OMD, just released “History of Modern,” its first album of new material in 14 years. I’ve heard a few tracks from the album, and I have to say that it is excellent. The 14-track CD is available in stores and online at omd.com.

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Q and A: Week of August 23

Q: I finally rented “The Cove” and was disgusted and heartbroken to witness the slaughter of those beautiful dolphins. Since the movie came out, have things gotten better over there in Japan? — Julia S., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: I spoke with Ric O’Barry, longtime dolphin activist and subject of the award-winning documentary “The Cove.” He is sad to report that the slaughter and capture of wild dolphins still occurs, albeit on a “lesser” scale.


“The dolphin slaughter begins Sept. 1 and goes through March,” he said. “During that period last year in that the town of Taiji, the mayor and the city council implemented a no-kill policy. They were bringing dolphins in and capturing them for the dolphin swim program — the dolphin-captivity industry. But they let about 300 of them go. They still kill pilot whales, but they stopped killing bottle-nosed dolphins, probably thinking, ‘That will appease them.’ But we don’t know what’s going to happen come this Sept. 1.”

You can track Ric and his son, Lincoln’s, progress on this hot-button issue on Animal Planet’s “Blood Dolphins.” The premiere episode airs Aug. 27 (with an encore Sept. 3), and parts two and three air Sept. 10 and 17, respectively.

Q: Christopher Walken has always been a favorite of mine, and I wonder what is coming up in his future, project-wise? — Elva P., Fort Worth, Texas

A: The versatile 67-year-old actor has many big-screen movie projects in the works, including “The Irishman,” “Life’s a Beach,” “A Girl and a Gun” and “Wild Oats,” the latter of which just started filming and is a comedy co-starring Christina Ricci, Shirley MacLaine and Bill Pullman. While Christopher is an excellent dramatic actor, I love to see him cut-up in a comedy, so “Wild Oats” is one I’m especially looking forward to.

Q: I just saw Natasha Henstridge in the TV movie you recommended, “The Devil’s Teardrop,” and I really liked it. What are some other things I can see her in? — Lindsay D., via e-mail

A: Natasha told me that, while she is mulling over different projects at the moment, the next thing you can see her in is the Aug. 29 episode of Lifetime Television’s hit “Drop Dead Diva.” As Natasha explained: “I get to stir up some trouble. I play Claire Harrison, who is the partner of the law firm with J Parker — Parker & Harrison. So J Parker and Claire Harrison have some history, and I go over there and make some trouble, both businesswise and personally.”

Q: I recently watched a movie called “The Last of the Dogmen,” starring Tom Berenger, and it got me to wondering what he’s been up to lately. — Mary W., Southbury, Conn.

A: Tom can be seen on the big screen — and in 3-D — in the summer blockbuster “Inception.” (FYI: So far, this is my favorite movie of the summer.) His movie “Sinners and Saints” also is touring the festival circuit.

Q: One of my favorite reality shows is “The Real Housewives” series on Bravo. I especially love Bethenny Frankel on the New York series, and I wondered if that show and/or Bethenny would be back? — Michele M., Bel Air, Md.

A: I spoke with Bethenny recently, and she told me she has no plans to return to the “Real Housewives.” In her words: “I very highly doubt I will go back to ‘Housewives.’ I don’t see any reason or upside for that.” Besides, Bethenny is pretty busy these days as a new mom, a newlywed and promoting her “Body by Bethenny” workout DVD.

And if you are wondering how she shed all that baby weight, it’s simple: “[The weight] came off afterward, because I wasn’t extreme about dieting nor had I binged while pregnant. Just be balanced before, during and after, and treat your diet like a bank account, and you will have no issue.”

Q: I really love the addition of Lindsay Pulsipher on “True Blood,” but this makes me doubt the potential re-emergence of “FlashForward,” since Lindsay played teenaged Charlie in one of the final scenes’ flash-forwards. Should I give up on the dream of “FlashForward” being picked up by another network? — Fred J., via e-mail

A: I am sad to report that I think yes, the dream might be over. Many fans, including myself, were drawn into the exciting series and had hoped that maybe TNT or AMC would save it from extinction. When I asked Lindsay about the possibility, she wasn’t super hopeful of a “FlashForward” resurrection.


“There hasn’t been any talk of that, that I know of, unfortunately,” Lindsay tells me. “I know a lot of people really loved that show, and I think it had amazing potential to be really great next season. Unfortunately, I have not heard anything, but you never know — if another cable network wants to pick it up, that would be amazing!”

Q: What happened to the NBC drama series “Trauma”? One week it was on, the next it was gone. Will it be back? — Judy, Waverly, Ohio

A: “Trauma,” a medical drama that centers on a group of paramedics in San Francisco, was officially canceled by the network this past May due to low ratings.

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Interview: Natasha Henstridge Will Save Us All!

It's up to Natasha Henstridge to save our country's capital — well, for a movie, anyway. Natasha stars as Special Agent Margaret Lucas, an FBI agent tasked with finding a deranged serial killer who’s left dozens dead and only a ransom note demanding $20 million or more people will die. The movie is called The Devil’s Teardrop, and it based on the book by best-selling author Jeffery Deaver (whose book The Bone Collector made it to the big screen starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie). The Devil's Teardrop airs on the Lifetime Movie Network on Sunday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

I caught up with Natasha recently to discuss the movie, as well as her upcoming appearance on Drop Dead Diva and her breakout role in 1995's Species.

Celebrity Extra: I watched the movie over the weekend, and what I liked best was that your character, Special Agent Margaret Lucas is tough, but she’s a real person underneath. She’s not a two-dimension hard-ass type character; you can really see her levels. Was that one of the things that drew you to this project and this character?

Natasha Henstridge: That was definitely one of the appealing things about playing that character. I mean, I read it and she was compassionate and human, and also strong and ballsy. I’m really glad that came across. So, was the movie okay? Was it fun to watch? Entertaining?

CE: Oh yes, it was everything. Although I thought they should have released it around Fourth of July weekend, what with all the action in the movie taking place around then.

NH: I know. Initially in the book, in Jeffery Deaver’s book it was actually New Year’s Eve. And they switched it to the Fourth of July, and I can’t quite remember why that was, but they did make that switch.

CE: Speaking of Jeffery Deaver, had you read any of his books prior to this?

NH: I’d never read any of his books to be honest with you. It’s terrible to say, but I’ve never even seen The Bone Collector. I’ve heard good things about it. And people that I mention the book to or talk to about it just really, really respond to him as a writer. And I thought, we’ll that’s a good sign. You know, people who have nothing to gain at all by saying they really liked his work were impressed with him. In fact I was working with my acting coach on it and she said, “Wait a second, I know this book! I know this story!” And it was really helpful, because she really liked the book and knew the story. He’s got a lot of fans, Jeffery Deaver. He’s definitely got a huge fan base, which is great.

CE: When you got this part, did you read the book the story was based on, or did you want to go into it without preconceptions?

NH: Often times I think that is a better option because you’re not necessarily, when you have the information at hand in the script you’re going to be performing, you’re sort of better off using what’s on that page as opposed to when they adapt it from a screenplay to a book. They are making changes, so if you get too attached to the book ... We could say that, or we could say it was just laziness and getting hired at the last minute as well. Whatever you want to with is fine… (laughter).

CE: How did you train for this? Did you get weapons’ training, work with real FBI agents?

NH: I’ve done stuff before so I had some concept, but those things change all the time, you know. The rules and the way to clear rooms and the way they communicate to each other. There were people there to give us advice on guns, a couple of cops nearby that we spoke to. Also, Tom Everett Scott is on a show called Southland and he plays a police officer in that, so he had some good advice to give.

CE: You all looked good holding your guns — while I was watching, I wasn’t think, “Oh, how cute – look at those actors holding guns!”

NH: That is such a nice compliment, because there were cops actually on the set that were hired to keep the location secure. And then there were some that were gun trainee’s and they said, “Gosh, you really are comfortable with a gun, and you really know what you’re doing.” So, it was really a compliment. Because often times, you’re a girl and people are looking for you to fail or not to look as natural coming from you. And I feel like it’s such a great compliment when people believe it and buy it.

CE: A really compelling aspect of this scenario is how possible this is — stuff like this could really happen!

NH: When you have a story like this it’s always gripping when there’s a time element to the story, and you’re trying to solve a case to save other people’s lives and to prevent any further attacks. So, I thought that was really gripping, but more than anything, whenever you have stories like that, what makes it most interesting is the human being behind the cop. She had an amazing story because she’s lost her son and her husband, and she put everything into her work and sort of had a one-track mind. And through the show she comes full circle back to life, to real life. 

And for Tom’s character, it was sort of the opposite. I mean, he went from being nothing but a professional and focusing entirely on his career to pulling out of the FBI altogether and focusing completely on his children. And I thought it was a neat thing to see. It’s an unusual character to be written for a male, I thought that was nice to show that other side as well. The contrast of those two characters and where they were coming from and where they were going, I thought that was really interesting.

CE: And you mentioned that just now of her husband and her son dying in the plane crash, I was heartbroken when she revealed that. What was your reaction when you read that part and had to play that scene?

NH: It’s amazing. When you read things like that, if you have any sort of feelings at all, you’re going to have a reaction and compassion. It definitely makes you feel something. And the other side of that is what you draw and what techniques you use as an actor. It can be painful to do scenes like that, which is always a challenge because it’s where you put yourself. What are you falling back on, what are you depending on? It’s sad. And to play it sad takes energy, and then you want to do justice, you don’t just want to slip over it like nothing. Because you want to do justice for anyone who’s ever been through anything remotely like that. So, it’s a lot of pressure in that way as well.

CE: And even though this is a serial killer thriller, there is also a great message of love and family. Was that an appealing aspect for you?

NH: It was. Like I said, it’s showing that human side to every situation. You’ve got this great story that you’re trying to figure out and unravel as the movie goes on. And then of course, the very human aspect of what was happening as well was appealing.

CE: How was the cast to work with, especially Tom Everett Scott?

NH: Tom was amazing. Real kidder, real lovely guy. Doesn’t’ take himself too seriously and really good at what he does. I thought he was perfectly cast to play this role, of a man who cares more about protecting his children and making sure they’re completely secure in their lives — even over his own job. And I think that’s a rare thing to find in a script for men. He was a really great choice for that. He was lovely. Lovely to work with, really sweet, really funny. Great guy!

CE: Now I know you have done a lot of work in Hollywood, but you are definitely best known to a lot of fans for your breakout role in Species. How does it feel to know you’ve created such an iconic memory for a generation of fans?

NH: It’s such a compliment. I do feel this sense that I’m disappointing people when they now meet me and it’s been 15 years and they go, “Oh, you’re that girl from Species — you don’t really look like that anymore… (laughter)” No. It’s cool. I guess, it really made an impact, because no matter where I go in the world, people remember that film. It’s amazing. It’s amazing that only through time do you realize the impact that a film had on someone. That it was this classic moment and really impacted people and such. It’s amazing that as time goes on and the more and more people you meet, that they still remember certain moments or certain scenes from a film. It’s great.

CE: Now you have an upcoming appearance on Drop Dead Diva (Aug. 29)— can you tell me about your role?

NH: Well I go in, in what seems to be “Natasha” fashion, and get to stir up some trouble over there. I play Claire Harrison, who is the partner of the law firm with J Parker. J Parker and Claire have some history, and I get to cause some trouble, both businesswise and personally.

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Q and A: Week of July 9

Q: I am so excited that Lifetime Television’s “Drop Dead Diva” is back for another season. Can you give me any teasers on what to expect? — Kimberly T., St. Louis

A: Well, first off, you can expect guest stars a-plenty: Cybill Shepherd, Natasha Henstridge, Vivica Fox, Leelee Sobieski and more. Also, “Diva” star Kate Levering (pictured, left), who plays rival lawyer Kim Kaswell, dished a little with me and let me know that Kim gets a new love interest. Kate says: “We’ll see some of the fallout with her last relationship last season with Grayson, and she’ll enter into a new relationship that creates some scandal. That storyline for me has been really cool. And there will be more interesting, quirky court cases and great dream sequences with really exciting talent.”

Q: I read somewhere that a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” is in the works. Is that true? — Daniel F., via e-mail

A: Director Sam Raimi of “Spider-Man” fame is in contention to direct the “Oz” prequel, which is called “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” As of this writing, Disney had not confirmed the news, as they are still in the negotiation stage. Robert Downey Jr. has been linked to the lead role. Sam himself is a very busy man — he has dozens of films in production, either as a writer, director and/or producer. He is producing and writing “Evil Dead IV,” producing “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” directing “No Man’s Land” and many others. 

Q: I know you’re a big fan of “Dancing With the Stars,” so I was wondering who you’d like to see compete on the show. — Renee, B., via e-mail

A: Thank you for asking! I think former 98 Degrees singer Jeff Timmons would do very well — and get a lot of the ladies’ votes! And funnyman cutie-pie David Blue of “Ugly Betty” and “Stargate Universe” fame would do very well, especially given his musical theater background.


I spoke with “DWTS” judge Carrie Ann Inaba in June (as she was helping to bring awareness to Cat Adoption Month), and she told me one of her dream guests: “I would love to see Lindsay Lohan come on our show. I think it would be a really good opportunity for her to sort of turn her life around, as she’s been going through some hard times. She is a talented young actress, and she’s a very sexy girl. I’m very curious to see that — I think she’d do very well on our show.”

Q: Since her departure from “NCIS,” I haven’t heard anything from Sasha Alexander. What’s she up to? — Art U., Johnson City, Tenn.

A: Since leaving “NCIS,” Sasha, 37, has appeared the feature films “Yes Man,” “Love Happens” and “He’s Just Not That Into You,” as well as many guest spots on various TV series. She is currently wrapping production on the film “Coming and Going,” which should be released later this year. Beginning July 12, she can be seen with Angie Harmon in the TNT original program called “Rizzoli and Isles,” which airs on Mondays at 10/9c.

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Interview: Kate Levering Shines on Drop Dead Diva

Lifetime's breakout hit Drop Dead Diva returned this past Sunday for its second season with a definitely BANG! It premiered to record ratings and has no intention of slowing down. I talked to Kate Levering (pictured left, credit Lifetime Television), who plays bitch-on-wheels lawyer Kim Kaswell, and she gave me the scoop on her character as well as what we can expect in Season 2.

Celebrity Extra: Whenever I talk to someone who plays a bitch on TV or in a movie, they almost always say it is so much fun, because they get to do and say things they normally wouldn’t. So, I am thinking it must be fun to play Kim, because she is a major meanie!

Kate Levering: So true. And that’s very funny, because I say the same thing. I say that it’s really fun to do and say things that you would normally never do in a million years.

CE: And the writers give you such wonderful things to say.

KL: Yes, the writers really have found her voice. I think that it doesn’t always happen for a group of writers to really collectively find a voice of a character. They have done a great job with Kim.

CE: When you were first auditioning or reading for this role, what about it appealed to you and made you want to get it?

KL: First of all, I worked with the producers Neil Meron and Craig Zedan in the past. That’s kind of a no-brainer. Everyone always wants to be associated with anything they’re doing. They’re award-winning producers. They have a great track record, where everything they touch kind of turns to gold. So that was a no-brainer. Drop Dead Diva is a new story that we haven’t seen on television. This is a show that is dealing with issues that haven’t been dealt with. I think that from this show we are going to see more, I think there already are, two new shows that are kind of touching on the issues that we are touching on. But I like that we were the first people to kind of put this out there.

CE: I love the concept of the show — it’s so outlandish, yet believable at the same time. Is that something that appealed to you?

KL: I think that obviously you have to be able to suspend reality. That’s with any of our favorite shows: Lost and Heroes and Twilight and Vampire Diaries. Television asks you to be able to suspend your belief in some way. So obviously it’s not completely reality-based, but the message is what’s most important. I think that’s what a viewer looks for. This is a show that is creating dialogue. It’s creating dialogue between mothers and daughters and girlfriends. It’s kind of creating this water-cooler-type dialogue with women, especially dealing with discrimination in the new way and really looking at what it means to be discriminated against as an overweight person and our society’s obsession with weight.

CE: I know you aren’t mean in real life, so how do you go about playing someone as sassy as Kim? What or who do you draw on for inspiration?

KL: I don’t think that there is anybody in particular that I draw on to play the role. I’ve played these types of roles before, which is kind of funny because they think I do a great job of playing these types of roles. I hope I’m not like any of these characters in person. People don’t say that I am unless they’re all lying to me. I think you just kind of draw from that place. I say things that I would never ever be able to say, and you just kind of have to go for it.

CE: This show is so much fun to watch, I can only assume the vibe on the set is fun too; is it?

KL: We have the best time. I love going to work. I get off on spending obscenely long amounts of time on set. I love it so much. For some reason — and I don’t think it happens very often — but for some reason, our synergy and the way that we gelled, personalitywise, has just been incredible. We love each other. And we are dysfunctional in every way like a family. We go to dinner with each other. We spend weekends with each other. A group of us recently flew to New York for Ben Feldman’s 30th birthday party. We embrace each other: partners and spouses and children. Part of it is because we are on location in Atlanta shooting, so we are away from everything that is familiar. In a way, all we have is each other. So we were kind of forced into this. Not forced meaning it wouldn’t happen otherwise, but it helped us create a very fast bond — a very strong bond.

CE: And knowing during the first season that you were renewed for a second season, when so many new shows aren’t, that must have made it even easier for you guys to bond and relax more in your roles.

KL: I’ve never been on a cable show before. I’ve only ever been on one of the “Big 3,” as they say. That has been so nice to just have a sense that Lifetime believes in us, Sony believes in us. They are willing to let their shows build with the audience. They are not yanking you off the air after three episodes because you didn’t get 13 million viewers. And that, I think, for the actors and for the crew and everyone involved with the production is so refreshing to feel supported, like your studio and your network are behind you. They believe in the show. That’s a very different feeling. And as an actor, you never really feel like you have job security. But this is kind of the most job security I’ve ever felt, which as an actor, and I think I can speak for the other actors and say that, it’s such a wonderful feeling to feel supported by Lifetime and Sony.

CE: What can fans expect for season 2, especially from your character, and the show in general?

KL: My character, right off the bat, has a new look. We gave Kim a kind of a little makeover this season, which I think everybody is very happy with. I’m certainly very happy with it. I think the producers are very happy with it. They hope that the audience will be too. That’s been really fun. I think it’s really helped define her character. Just because I get to pop off the screen a little bit more than I did. She’s not a blend-in kind of girl. So this is really helpful in terms of character definement and refinement. And I have a new love interest. We’ll see some of the fallout with her last relationship last season with Grayson, as well as she enters into a new relationship that creates some scandal. And that’s been really fun. That storyline for me has been just really cool. There will be more interesting, quirky court cases and great dream sequences with really exciting talent. So much talent. We are really lucky with the people that come to our show. We feel so blessed.

CE: The show certainly has attracted some killer guest stars, like Rosie O’Donnell, Paula Abdul, Liza Minelli — any Season 2 guest stars you can tell me about?

KL: Of course, Rosie comes back, Paula comes back. Faith Prince, a wonderful Broadway star comes back. Sharon Lawrence comes back. On top of that we have Cybill Shepherd. We have Leelee Sobieski. We have Chad Lowe. We have Natasha Henstridge. We have Candace Cane. We also have Robin Givens and Vivica Fox. We have a chimpanzee. We have so many amazing guests, I mean every week. I’m always shocked. I go into work, and in the wardrobe department they always have headshots of who’s coming in for the next episode, and a lot of times we are so busy we don’t even really know who’s playing which role for the next episode. So sometimes I’ll go into that wardrobe room and just be blown away by who is coming in the following week for the next episode. Then I have to make a call and be like well, “Who am I working with? Which person do I get to act with?”

Don't miss Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime Television, Sunday nights at 9 ET/PT.

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Drop Dead Diva's Season 2 Begins June 6

Lifetime's original series Drop Dead Diva returns for its sophomore season on Sunday, June 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The premiere episode features guest star Paula Abdul (pictured left, with Diva star, Brooke Elliott) in a musical dance number.

In case you missed any or all of the first season, there will be an all-day marathon of the entire Season 1 on Sunday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

Praised by critics as one of 2009’s top new series, Drop Dead Diva is an one-hour, comedic drama that tells the story of a shallow wannabe model who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane.

Drop Dead Diva features breakout star Brooke Elliott, Margaret Cho, Jackson Hurst, Kate Levering, April Bowlby, Josh Stamberg and Ben Feldman.

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Breakout Hit Drop Dead Dive Returns for Season 2

The highly anticipated second season of Lifetime Television’s hit series, Drop Dead Diva, will premiere Sunday, June 6, 2010, at 9pm ET/PT. Praised by critics as one of 2009’s top new series, the one-hour, comedic drama tells the story of a shallow wannabe model who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane.

Drop Dead Diva features breakout star Brooke Elliott (Wicked, Taboo), Margaret Cho (Ghost Whisperer, Notorious C.H.O.), Jackson Hurst (The Tree of Life), Kate Levering (Cashmere Mafia), April Bowlby (Two and a Half Men), Josh Stamberg (Lie to Me) and Ben Feldman (The Perfect Man). The second season of Drop Dead Diva will feature 13 new episodes.

Drop Dead Diva’s season two opener will feature entertainer Paula Abdul (American Idol) reprising her role as “Judge Paula Abdul,” a figment of Jane’s subconscious. Devon Gummersall (My So-Called Life) and David Denman (The Office) return as guest stars this season. The premiere episode will also feature a musical dream sequence, choreographed by So You Think You Can Dance’s Keith “Tyce” Diorio.

Season one of Drop Dead Diva will be encored beginning April 11, behind original episodes of Army Wives with back-to-back episodes at 11pm ET/PT and 12am ET/PT through May 23. Additionally, on Sunday, May 30, Lifetime will air an all-day marathon of the first season of Drop Dead Diva from 10am to 11pm ET/PT.

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