Joplin Tornado Relief eBay Charity Auction

Joplin Tornado Relief eBay Charity Auction to Benefit United Way of Southwest Missouri

With one-of-a-kind items and experiences from Coldplay, The Office, Chelsea Handler, Yoko Ono, Maroon 5, Wilco, Bon Iver, Robyn, Dave Matthews Band, Fox NFL Sunday, Friday Night Lights and more

 

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 13, 2011 – On May 22, Joplin , Missouri was hit by a tornado that would later come to be known as the deadliest in American history.  While images of the devastation are burned into our consciousness, the city has focused their energy on rebuilding their community and their lives.

Today, the public can do their part to support Joplin by visiting the Joplin Tornado Relief eBay Charity Auction at www.ebay.com/givingengine, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas .

The first round of the auction, powered by premiere auction management company Giving Engine, is currently up and will take place through Monday, June 20th. Notable items on the digital auction block include:

 

• An all-expenses-paid trip to Lollapalooza donated by Coldplay and a meet and greet with the band
• Meet and greet with Maroon 5 and four tickets to any show (except NY or LA) on their US tour
• A visit to the set of NBC’s hit show The Office
• 2 VIP tickets to the set of Fox NFL Sunday for an afternoon of football with Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, Howie Long and the gang
• Friday Night Lights package including the Dillon Panthers letter jacket worn on the show by Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford)
• 2 Tickets to the season finale taping of NBC’s The Voice
• 64GB iPad 2 with 3G personally donated by Yoko Ono with a signed postcard
• 2 VIP tickets to any taping of Chelsea Lately and two guest gift bags
• Signed limited edition Wilco poster
• 3 day pass to Dave Matthews Band Caravan in Atlantic City
• 2 tickets to any Major Lazer show in North America , meet and greet and a one-a-kind drawing of you and the Major Lazer cast of characters (in round two)
• Signed DJ Hero turntable by Eminem
• And even more one-of-a-kind items and experiences from Tim McGraw, Bon Iver, Lonely Island, MLB, the Los Angeles Lakers, OneRepublic, EA Games, the NFL, Jack Johnson, Robyn, and many many more!

 

The auction was initiated by Joplin native Tyler Childs, a Los Angeles-based music manager who hopes to celebrate the resilient spirit of his hometown and do his part to help them rebuild, despite being miles away from the devastation. Childs enlisted the help of his friends in the music and entertainment business to help him secure big ticket items for the auction.

“Like so many people, I was stunned by the footage I saw,” says Childs. “It broke my heart to see the familiar places of my childhood left in ruins, but I knew just sitting around being sad wasn’t going to help anyone. I’m incredibly thankful to have a support system in Los Angeles that can help me give back to a place that gave so much to me.  Friends and colleagues like Kevin Weaver, Caitlin Youngs, Sarah Smith and Malia Hall played a major role in helping to secure incredible experiences and items for everyone to bid on.  Without people like them, this auction would not have been possible.  Now go bid on something!”

For more information on the United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas , please visit their website at http://uwswmo.org.

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Q and A: Week of March 21

Q: I am going stir crazy waiting for the new (and final) season of “Friday Night Lights” to begin on NBC. I’ve been doing my best to avoid spoilers, since the season already finished airing on DirecTV earlier this year. — Paul G. via e-mail

A: It won’t be too much longer now, Paul. “Friday Night Lights” returns to NBC on Friday, April 15, for its fifth and final season, which consists of 13 episodes. However, if you really can’t wait to see how the series ends, the DVD of Season 5 will be released on April 5.



Q: On “CSI: NY,” what is the name of and who sings the title song at the beginning of the show? Can I get it on CD? — Madeline J., Gaines, Mich.

A: “CSI: NY” uses “Baba O’Riley” by The Who as its opening theme music. As you might already know, the original “CSI” uses The Who’s “Who Are You,” and “CSI: Miami” uses “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” again by The Who. If you are detecting a theme here, you are absolutely correct. All three songs are remixes of the original Who songs, and can be found on the official “CSI” soundtrack for each show. If you want all the theme songs, you can buy each show’s soundtrack, or you can purchase individual songs from amazon.com or iTunes.

Q: The other day, I watched Heather Locklear’s new movie on Lifetime, “He Loves Me.” While I love seeing Heather in these thriller-type movies, I miss seeing her in comedies. Any chance she’ll be doing any of those anytime soon? — Kellie M., via e-mail

A: I spoke with Heather recently and asked her just that, telling her that my favorite thing I have ever seen her on would have to be when she hosted “Saturday Night Live” back in the ’90s. She was thrilled that I singled out that performance, telling me: “‘Saturday Night Live’ was my most favorite thing I’ve done where you could see that I’m funny. I had such a good time doing it. And that ‘Melrose Place’ skit we did was so perfectly perfect. ‘I am an important advertising executive!’”


When I asked about her future comedic plans, Heather didn’t want to give too much away, responding: “I don’t know, but I do have a meeting for something soon, and it’s funny, so we’ll see!”

Q: Why is Julie Banderas no longer hosting the “Fox Report”? — Becky S., Clarksville, Tenn.

A: After returning from maternity leave, Julie was reassigned to reporter duties for the New York bureau of Fox News. The workdays are longer than when she was host for the “Fox Report,” but she gets to report on a broader range of topics, and can be seen on the news channel several times throughout the day (including doing reports for the “Fox Report” on occasion).

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Q and A: Week of Nov. 29

Q: I am glad to see Tim Meadows back on television in TBS’s “Glory Daze.” Now that Conan O’Brien, Tim’s fellow “Saturday Night Live” alumnus, is also on TBS, is there any chance he will guest-star on the show? — Ralph T., via e-mail

A: Tim Meadows’ new one-hour TBS comedy will boast a variety of comedic guest stars this season, but as of now, Conan is not one of them. However, the show is only one degree of separation away from the late-night king.


Tim revealed: “We did have Andy Richter (guest star). He did an episode on the show where he plays a priest, an adviser to one of the students. And it’s a really, really funny scene. And we have a lot of other guest appearances by other comedic actors that I think people are going to be very happy about.” You can catch “Glory Daze” Tuesdays on TBS.

Q: Now that “FlashForward” is over, where else can I get my Joseph Fiennes fix? I miss watching him on a weekly basis. — Jenny A. in Texas

A: You and me both, Jenny. This spring, Joseph will star in the Starz original fantasy-drama “Camelot,” which tells the story of a teenage King Arthur (played by “The Twilight Saga”’s Jamie Campbell Bower), with Joseph playing the part of Merlin. The 10-part period drama also co-stars Claire Forlani (”Meet Joe Black”) and Eva Green (”Casino Royale”). If the series does well, it could run for multiple seasons.



Q: I collect “All in the Family” DVDs, and they seem to have stopped at Season 6. It has been a long time since they’ve put a new one out, and I wondered if and when they were planning to? — Clint K., via e-mail

A: Just in time for the holidays, “All in the Family” Season 7, which originally aired from September 1976 to March 1977, is now on store shelves. This season of the groundbreaking series — starring Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers — deals with infidelity, surgery, unemployment, life-saving CPR, draft-dodgers and accidental arson. You won’t have nearly as long a wait for Season 8, as it’s scheduled to be released Jan. 11, 2011.

Q: What is the meaning of MTAC, the upstairs room with the big screen and worldwide communications on “NCIS”? – Ron S., via e-mail

A: MTAC is short for the United States Department of the Navy’s Multiple Threat Alert Center. After the bombing of the USS Cole in October 2000, as well as the terrorist events of 9/11, the Navy Antiterrorist Alert Center (ATAC) was transformed in 2002 into the MTAC. According to the Navy’s official website, “The Department of the Navy’s Multiple Threat Alert Center (MTAC) provides indications and warning for a wide range of threats to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and assets around the world.”

Q: One of my all-time favorite actresses is the beautiful and talented Jacqueline Bisset. What is she up to lately, and what can I see her in next? — Paula F., Tulsa, Okla.

A: You can catch the international superstar, who turned 66 in September, in the Hallmark Channel’s “An Old-Fashioned Christmas,” which premieres on Saturday, Dec. 11. It is the sequel to Hallmark’s highest-rated film of 2008, “An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving,” an original movie based on a short story by famed American novelist Louisa May Alcott. In this sequel, Jacqueline reprises her role as Isabella Crawford, a wealthy philanthropist traveling the world with her granddaughter, Tilly.


Of revisiting the role in the new movie, Jacqueline told me: “It’s a journey. My controlling character is having difficulty keeping Tilly in line for what I think is best for her. Isabella has good instincts about her granddaughter, but she is controlling and interfering, and she feels that is her responsibility. We are very close, but she also has seen the other side of me, which can be very suffocating. Life is complicated; relationships are complicated.”

Q: I know that “Friday Night Lights” started on DirecTV in October, and I wondered if there are plans to bring it back to NBC again in the new year, as in years past? — Eva, via e-mail

A: NBC will indeed be airing the fifth and final season in 2011, after the show ends on DirecTV’s The 101 Network, as per its agreement with DirecTV. However, an exact date has not been announced as of this writing. In the meantime, you can reacquaint yourself with the show on NBC’s website, which is streaming season-four episodes online until June 2011.

Q: The summer series “The Glades” on A&E was a great show with good plots and characters. Will this show be returning anytime soon? — Barbara E., via e-mail

A: “The Glades,” the first season of which premiered on July 11 and ended on Oct. 3, drew record ratings for A&E in the range of 3.6 million viewers, making it the most watched original drama series in the network’s history. As of the now the date is still unknown, but the show has been renewed for a second season.

Q: I could not agree more with your statement that the networks don’t give new shows a chance. I was furious when Fox canceled “Lone Star” after only two episodes. It was different, well-written and had great actors. Instead, we end up with more of the same, lame shows. — Donna W., via e-mail

A: I know, Donna, I know. If our squeaky wheel is loud enough, maybe the networks will listen. These days it seems a safer bet to take a chance on a cable network’s new show — e.g., the aforementioned “The Glades” — as cable networks tend to nurture their new shows, not cut and run at the first sign of trouble like network TV.

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Q and A: Week of July 2

Q: I just saw “Iron Man 2” this weekend, and I wondered about one of the actresses in the movie. In the party scene with Robert Downey Jr., there is a blond actress who looks a lot like Irina from “Desperate Housewives.” Are they one in the same? — Tess G., via e-mail

A: That’s a very good eye you have there, as the actress who played Rebecca in “Iron Man 2” is indeed the same person who plays Irina: Helena Mattsson (pictured, left). The 26-year-old beauty from Stockholm, Sweden, is indeed wreaking havoc on poor Lynette portraying her son’s gold-digging fiancée.

When I caught up with Helena recently, she told me what a joy it is to play the Russian temptress: “It is so much fun to be the villain and to be manipulative. There are so many off-tones, so many layers that only the women understand among themselves. You can always read between the lines. It is also a lot of fun to play a character who’s really far from who you are yourself, and really have fun with that and be the villain.”

Q: Did actress Amy Adams have her baby yet? I remember reading a while back that she was pregnant. — Gina H., Carson City, Nev.

A: Amy, 35, and fiance Darren Le Gallo, welcomed a 7-pound baby girl on May 15. The “Julie and Julia” star named her daughter Aviana Olea Le Gallo. Amy and Darren have been together for seven years and engaged since July 2008.

Q: Will Starz’s new show “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” be back for a second season? Also, I had heard that the show’s star, Andy Whitfield, has cancer. Is he going to be OK? — Paul F., Mansfield, Ohio

A: It was recently announced that “Spartacus” will return in January 2011 as a six-part prequel series that will once again star John Hannah and Lucy Lawless, with brief appearances by Andy Whitfield. The series has been renewed for a full second-season order, but production has been delayed while Andy is treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Co-star Katrina Law (pictured, left) told me that Andy is responding well to treatment, and that “he has felt the millions of prayers that are coming toward him, and it really is an inspiration for him. Keep sending them, because he really appreciates it.”

Q: I can’t believe that “FlashForward” wasn’t renewed for the 2010-11 season. What are they thinking over there at ABC? — Suzzi F., via e-mail

A: “FlashForward” did start out a little shaky, but when it came back after its hiatus, it had really pulled its act together and was cohesive, exciting, well-acted and thoughtful. I am sad we won’t get closure on a lot of those open story lines, as I was looking forward to seeing what the future of the show would bring. Hopefully a cable station like TNT, SyFy or FX will decide to pick up the show for next season.

Q: I was channel-surfing the other day and came across and old episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” I was sure one of the actresses on the show that episode was Ashley Judd. Was it her? If so, what year was that? — J.W., via e-mail

A: That was indeed the “Someone Like You” star, who guest-starred on two episodes of “The Next Generation” back in 1991. That was Ashley’s first role in Hollywood, where she came after college and studied with renowned acting teacher Robert Carnegie at Playhouse West.

Q: I was happy to read in your column about David James Elliott’s new Hallmark Channel movie “Dad’s Home.” It got me to thinking that I’d love to see him in another series so I can watch him on a regular basis. Does he have any plans to come back to television in a new series? — Kim T., St. Louis

A: You’re in luck. David (pictured, left) co-stars in the summer series “Scoundrels,” which airs Sunday nights on ABC. He plays Wolf West, the incarcerated patriarch of a family of small-time criminals. His wife (Virginia Madsen) must try to make ends meet as the family tries to go straight.

David is thrilled to try on this new role, telling me: “This guy, he has a lot of me in him, and he’s got a lot of people that I know in him. It’s just a great opportunity that came along, and I’m just happy to be a part of it. He’s completely different from Harmon Rabb (his character on ‘JAG’), and that’s dynamite.”

Q: I know Alec Baldwin is very politically vocal, but is it true he is going to run for office? — Paul T., Altoona, Pa.

A: According to Alec’s spokesman, Matthew Hiltzick, this rumor is false. He told the New York Daily news that Alec has no current plans to run for office, but “who knows what may happen in the future?”

 Q: Are former cast members of the original “Beverly Hills, 90210” still friends? I grew up watching that show, and would like to think they all still get along. — Heather D., via e-mail

A: A while back, there was a much-reported riff between Shannen Doherty and the rest of the cast, which I am sure you heard of, but time seems to have softened the actress’ sharp edges. While I wouldn’t say she is best friends with her former castmates, she certainly isn’t an enemy. Many of the others regularly keep in touch. In fact, Jennie Garth (with hubby Peter Facinelli), Jason Priestley (and wife Naomi) and Brian Austin Green (with girlfriend Megan Fox) recently attended the nuptials of fellow “90210” alumnus Ian Ziering. Jennie tweeted about the event: “Had a great time at Ian and Erin’s wedding. Kind of like a mini ‘90210’ reunion. What a beautiful bride. Oh, and the groom wasn’t too bad either!”

Q: I am excited to see the new “A-Team” movie, especially because it stars one of my favorite actors, Bradley Cooper (pictured, left). He always seems to be linked to some beautiful Hollywood actress. Can you tell me who he is dating now? — Tara F., Baltimore

A: The often-shirtless star has been linked to Jennifer Esposito, with whom he had a four-month marriage, and Jennifer Aniston, whom he describes as a buddy, not a love interest. He is mum, however, when it comes to current lady-love, Renee Zellweger. The cute couple has been dating since 2009; however, he refuses to go into details about their relationship in order to keep it as private as possible (which I fully support).

Q: I just got the new Emily Giffin book, “Heart of the Matter,” and absolutely love it. Now I am hearing that her book, “Something Borrowed,” is being made into a movie. Please tell me this is true! — Rhonda H., Hamilton, Ohio

A: I am happy to report that the rumors are true. The film, which began shooting in April, is set for a 2011 release. It stars Kate Hudson as Darcy, Colin Egglesfield as Dex, Ginnifer Goodwin as Rachel and John Krasinski as Ethan. For those unfamiliar with the book series, the movie centers on a Manhattan attorney who becomes involved with her best friend’s fiance. Alcon Entertainment, headed by Hilary Swank and Molly Smith, plan to develop the sequel, “Something Blue,” as well.

Q: Who is going to take over the role of Mikaela Banes in the third “Transformers” movie now that Megan Fox has quit the franchise? — Tommy T., via e-mail

A: As of this writing, the front-runner for the role is Victoria’s Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whitely. Shooting has already started on “Transformers 3” (working title), and the project also involves Patrick Dempsey, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, and of course, Josh Duhamel and Shia LaBeouf will be returning as Captain Lennox and Sam Witwicky, respectively.

Q: I was watching “Friday Night Lights” a few weeks ago, and could have sworn that one of the co-stars was Detective Larry Zito from “Miami Vice” back in the ’80s. Was it him? What has he been up to since leaving “Miami Vice”? — Tommy D., via e-mail

A: John Diehl, 60, has been working VERY steadily since leaving the trendsetting police drama back in 1987. Most recently he portrayed Richard Sherman on “FNL.” He also has starred/guest-starred on: “L.A. Law,” “The John Larroquette Show,” “Nash Bridges” (reuniting with "Miami Vice" co-star Don Johnson), “JAG,” “The West Wing,” “Cold Case” and “Point Pleasant.” He also just wrapped two feature films, “Road to Nowhere” and “Natural Selection.”

Q: I have been a lifelong fan of the Osmonds. I know that two of the brothers, Virl and Tom, are deaf. My mom told me Merrill’s son is deaf as well. Can you tell me about him? — Paula F., Harrisburg, Pa.

A: Justin Osmond (pictured, left), Merrill’s son, was born with severe hearing loss, but can now hear with the help of hearing aids. Justin is the public-relations coordinator/spokesman for the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which has provided more than 440,000 hearing aids to underprivileged children in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Justin told me about an instance of providing the gift of hearing to a young child that has stuck with him: “I remember one little girl in particular who changed my life forever. She was just absolutely filled with joy when she realized she could hear. Her mother told me with all the sincerity in her heart: 'I love my daughter so much. And now she can hear me tell her that I love her.’

“And then she said something that I’ll never forget: 'Justin, I hope you never measure your life by the days you have lived but by the smiles you have left behind.’” For information on how you can help, go to starkeyhearingfoundation.org.

Q: I know Alicia Witt of “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” also was in the movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” Was she also the little girl in “Dune”? — Cate S., via e-mail

A: This beautiful film and TV star did indeed get her break in showbiz in the 1984 David Lynch sci-fi fantasy, “Dune,” with Kyle MacLachlan and Sting. The 34-year-old actress also has appeared in “Vanilla Sky,” “The Upside of Anger,” “88 Minutes” and “Friday Night Lights,” to name a few.

Q: I watched a movie on SyFy a while back called “Brave New World” with Leonard Nimoy. I can’t find it anywhere and would love to see it again. — Robyn D. in Florida

A: I found a few out-of-print VHS copies of the 1998 remake of the classic book by Adolph Huxley on amazon.com, as well as a PAL DVD version on eBay. There are a few out there, but you’ll have to pay a pretty penny to get your hands on one. Good luck!

Q: Will James MacArthur, who played Danno in the original “Hawaii Five-0,” have any part in the new show? — Jim S., Punta Gorda, Fla.

A: Mr. MacArthur is relishing his retirement, playing golf and tennis, doing a little traveling and enjoying spending time with his family. He divides his time between his homes in Southern California and Hawaii. Currently, there are no plans for his participation in the new “Hawaii Five-0.” When I contacted him recently, he told me: “I wish the new team much success and look forward to seeing what they’ll do with the franchise.”

Q: I saw a preview for the new series “The Gates,” and one of the actors looked like Luke Mably from “The Prince and Me.” Was that him, and if so, what has he been doing since that movie? — Elly H., via e-mail

A: That is indeed the prince himself, Luke Mably (pictured, left), playing an entrepreneur with an otherworldly bloodlust in the new ABC summer drama. When I asked him why he’d been keeping such a low profile, he told me: “When ‘The Prince and Me’ first came out, I was staying in Los Angeles. I remember walking down Sunset Boulevard and someone saying to me, ‘Hey, you’re that prince guy!’ And whenever I had meetings for film roles, I would walk into the room and people would go, ‘Ah … the prince!’

“It was nice to get recognition for a role I did, and the fans of the film have been very complimentary, which I am forever grateful for and sincerely humbled by. But as time went by, I thought, I hope I won’t be known only for playing this prince guy. So I was keen to do more diverse work. I went back to London. One project I am proud of since then is a play I did called ‘Festen.’ It’s a haunting story and subject matter. Another project I’ve done, which I am keen for people to see, is a movie called ‘Exam’ (on DVD July 23).” Until then, you can catch Luke in “The Gates” on Sunday nights on ABC.

Q: Can you tell me if “Raising the Bar” has been canceled? — William F., via e-mail

A: The Steven Bochco drama, which starred Mark-Paul Gosselaar, was canceled in late 2009 by TNT. However, the network was quick to pick up another Mark-Paul starring vehicle, another lawyer series for the 2010-11 season called “Franklin and Bash.” This buddy comedy also stars Breckin Meyer of “Clueless” and “Kate and Leopold” fame.

Q: Is “Designing Women” out yet on DVD? I have “The Best of Designing Women” DVD, but would love to have all of their seasons. — Donna L., Roanoke, Va.

A: You’re in luck! Seasons one through three of this fabulous Southern Belle comedy are now available on DVD, with season four being released on Sept. 14. You can find them wherever DVDs are sold.

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Q and A: Week of March 15

Q: I really loved “Avatar” and have been hearing talk of sequel(s). Please tell me this is true! — David G., via e-mail

A: Director James Cameron has hinted that the rumors are true. I spoke recently with CCH Pounder (pictured left; photo credit Geneva Morgan) — who plays Mo’at, the mother of Neytiri and the spiritual leader of Omaticaya clan of Pandora — and she also verified that the idea of further adventures on Pandora is definitely a great possibility. CCH explains: “I know that he (James Cameron) did semi-announce that he is going to make a sequel — that he is going to take a break, but he did have a story idea. I think perhaps it was always that this would be some sort of a trilogy story.


“I don’t think it would take as long, because we already have the world of Pandora created, and it all exists in the digital world. All you have to do is put the story and characters in it. I think, Suzy, his wife, would greatly appreciate a break, and his children would love to see him hang about a bit. He’s kind of a workaholic guy. It might be four years, and it might be next year (that he starts working on it).”

Q: I was really starting to get into the new Fox show “Past Life,” but I suddenly can’t find it on the schedule anymore. Has it been canceled, or is it merely on hiatus? — Charity E., via e-mail

A: After airing only three episodes, Fox has decided to pull the plugged on the struggling and poorly received supernatural crime thriller. It has been replaced by original episodes of “Kitchen Nightmares.”

Q: I am a huge fan of “American Idol,” and was wondering what one of my favorite past winners, Taylor Hicks, is doing now? — Margie F., Hartford, Conn.

A: The Season Five winner of “American Idol” is currently touring the country in “Grease,” playing the role of Teen Angel. He also recently released his first concert DVD called “Whomp at the Warfield,” which is sure to delight members of his “Soul Patrol.” When I caught up with Taylor recently, he told me how much he is enjoying trying his hand at acting: “(Being in “Grease”) has been great. It’s allowed me to get into acting and understand role-playing, and it’s just a great starting point for me in the acting field.”

Q: Is it true that someone is making a film about Facebook? How is it possible to turn that into a film? — Frank J., via e-mail

A: Production has begun on “The Social Network,” which stars Rashida Jones, Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg, and is directed by David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “Se7en,” “Panic Room” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”). Shelby Young (“Days of Our Lives” and “Wild Child”) recently finished shooting her supporting role in the film. While she couldn’t tell me much about the movie or her role in it (they have all signed confidentiality agreements so the story doesn’t leak out), what she could tell me is that the movie is about the founders of the social-networking site Facebook. Like many of the film’s stars, Shelby admits, “I am such a huge fan of ‘Fight Club,’ so the chance to work with David Fincher, I just couldn’t pass that up.” Look for “The Social Network” in theaters come October.

Q: At the end of last season it was stated that “Friday Night Lights” was coming back this year. Has that changed? I haven’t been able to find anything about it. — Phillis M., via e-mail

A: Season Four of “FNL” is slated to premiere Friday, April 30, on NBC. Per an agreement with DirecTV, the fourth season already aired on The 101 Network from October 2009 through this past February, with NBC re-airing the season coming next month. If you want to be surprised by what happens this season, beware of online spoilers from those who already saw the episodes on The 101!

Q: For this final season of “Lost,” I am as confused as ever — and LOVING it! I also love one of the newer characters, Jacob. What can you tell me about the actor who plays him? I know I’ve seen him in other things. — Melanie C., Dayton, Ohio

A: Mark Pellegrino (pictured left; photo credit Eric Williams), 44, who has played Jacob on “Lost” since the end of the previous season, has been in a ton of movies, such as “The Big Lebowski,” “Mulholland Drive,” “Capote” and “National Treasure.” On the small screen, he is most known for playing the Devil on “Supernatural” and Paul Bennett on “Dexter.” I asked Mark when we chatted recently if it was intimidating for him to join such an established, phenomenon of a show so late in the series.

“Luckily I didn’t know it was such a huge phenomenon until I landed on the island and was told,” Pellegrino said. “When you audition, the character sides are not the character you are auditioning for, and the scenes are just made-up stuff to throw off all the people on the Internet who are so anxious to get the material. I had no idea what it meant until I got there and they told me I’m Jacob. And then it dawned on me what a big deal it was.”

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