Q and A: Week of Sept. 5

Q: I saw Nancy McKeon a while back on Disney Channel’s “Sonny With a Chance” playing Demi Lovato’s mom, and I wondered what else she has been doing lately. — Sally T., via e-mail

A: Nancy currently co-stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie “Love Begins,” which airs Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Nancy plays Millie, a local restaurant owner and the heart and soul of the town of Anderson’s Corner. Nancy told me a main reason she took the role: her daughters.


“There are projects I’ve done that are just too grown-up for them to see. This was a chance for them to make fun of me in funny costumes and funny shoes and funny hair. They had a great time. Plus, I love the stories Hallmark tells, and this group of people were pretty terrific to work with.”

Q: I love classic Westerns, especially “The Rifleman.” Can you tell me if series stars Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford are still living, and if so, what they are doing? — Rhonda H., Bountiful, Utah

A: Chuck Connors passed away in 1992 at the age of 71 of pneumonia stemming from lung cancer. His 40-year career spanned sports (basketball and baseball), film and TV; however, he was best known as Lucas McCain of “The Rifleman.” Johnny Crawford, 65, slowly stepped away from acting and headed toward music. He leads the Johnny Crawford Orchestra. See what he’s been up to, and if he’s coming to your area, at crawfordmusic.com.

(photo credit Geno Nicholas)

Q: I’m excited that my favorite show, “90210,” is coming back to the CW soon. Can you give me any teasers for this season? — Heidi R., Washington, D.C.

A: “90210″ returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, Sept. 13. I spoke with Michael Steger, who plays Navid Shirazi, and he gave me the scoop (but not enough to get him in trouble).


“Navid’s going to be working with Dixon, but Dixon’s no longer working FOR Navid. Max and Naomi and the whole pregnancy bomb at the finale, they address that in the first episode. Also, Navid’s family flies to Switzerland to be with his father, but his sister doesn’t get on the plane. Navid does see Adrianna again, and it’s a very awkward situation, but they do talk in the first two episodes. Also, we’re doing a lot more location stuff. I’m excited because there’s a lot more action going on.”

Q: As a history buff, I was excited to read in your column that the History Channel is making a miniseries about the Hatfields and McCoys, starring Kevin Costner as Anse Hatfield. Who will play Randall McCoy? — Darnell R., via e-mail

A: I, too, am eager for this miniseries, which is slated to air next year. I’m happy to report that Bill Paxton — of “Big Love,” “Apollo 13″ and “Twister” fame — is set to play Randall McCoy, the famed arch nemesis of “Devil” Anse Hatfield.

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History Channel Greenlight's Costner's The Hatfields and the McCoys

Kevin Costner, "Hatfield" star and co-producer

History announced today that the network has green-lighted production of a new scripted miniseries, The Hatfields and the McCoys, to premiere on History in 2012, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of America’s most infamous family feud. Academy® Award winner Kevin Costner (The Untouchables, Field of Dreams, Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard and Open Range) will star, playing the role “Devil” Anse Hatfield. The announcement was made by Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager, History.

The miniseries, to be produced by Leslie Greif’s production company, Thinkfactory Media, and Kevin Costner as producing partner, will chronicle the bloody hostilities between two clans that escalated to the point of near war between two states.

“The Hatfields and the McCoys is a classic tale of American history. These are names that are widely recognized, yet few people know the real story that made them famous. We are thrilled that Kevin Costner, one of the most iconic American actors of our time, will be starring as Devil,” Ms. Dubuc said. “At History, part of our legacy — and indeed one of the reasons we are enjoying such great success right now — is our ability to look at the many stories of history through a contemporary lens. Working with Leslie Greif, I am confident that History will reacquaint viewers of our generation with this fascinating and timeless saga of courage, sacrifice and family love amid insidious plots and endless intrigue.”



“The Hatfields and the McCoys has been a passion project of mine for over 20 years, and it was realized the day I met Nancy Dubuc, she made a dream come true when she shared the same enthusiasm and vision for this epic American drama,” said Greif. “And then to be privileged and fortunate enough to have a superstar like Kevin Costner as “Devil” is beyond anything I could have imagined. And now thanks to History, this timeless and iconic tale will finally be told.”

Said Mr. Costner: “Everyone knows the legend of the Hatfields-McCoy feud, but few know the true story of what occurred to make the two families become mortal enemies. As an avid history fan, I am thrilled to join with Leslie Greif and History in this dramatic retelling of a classic and timeless tale that is forever immersed in the folklore of our country.”

The Hatfield-McCoy saga begins with Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy. Close friends and comrades during the Civil War, they returned to their neighboring homes — Hatfield in West Virginia, McCoy just across the Tug River border in Kentucky — to increasing tensions, misunderstandings and resentments that soon exploded into all-out warfare between the two families. As hostilities grew, friends, neighbors and outside forces joined the fight, bringing the two states to the brink of another Civil War.

Their story also includes: a tempestuous love affair between Hatfield’s son and McCoy’s daughter, which had disastrous consequences; the execution of McCoy’s three young sons in retaliation for the Rasputin-like murder of Hatfield’s beloved brother; a New Year’s Massacre of the McCoy clan and burning of their home, which also sparked international headlines; a public clash between state governors; and ultimately the involvement of the United States Supreme Court.

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