Q and A: Week of Nov. 4

Bruno Gunn as Brutus in
(courtesy Lionsgate, photographer Murray Close)

Q: I am beyond excited that “Catching Fire” will be in theaters soon. I am really intrigued by all the new Tributes that will be battling it out in this film. What can you tell me about the actor who plays Brutus, the scary and kick-butt Tribute from District 2? — Haley W., via email

A: Bruno Gunn plays the brawny and vicious “Career Tribute” from District 2. And while Bruno certainly is brawny, he is anything but vicious. The Canton, Ohio, native is one of the nicest people I’ve ever interviewed, and he’s just as thrilled to be in “Catching Fire” as you are to see him in it. Upon getting the news that he’d be playing Brutus, Bruno told me: “It was life-changing news. It’s life-changing information when you get something like this. I have been fortunate enough to be working for the past 15 years doing guest stars and small roles and independent films. And then something of this caliber comes along — I was thrilled. Absolutely thrilled. I mean, it’s one of those moments you’ll never forget the rest of your life, to say the least.”

And while the training was intense, Bruno had a blast filming this movie: “It was one of those things where everybody was really focused on doing their work bringing their A game. And at the same time, as focused and serious as everybody was, it was one of those sets that was a very relaxed, fun vibe. We all knew what we were doing with this massive film, but at the same time, it was fun. There was a fun vibe on set. We were all just having a great time making memories and friendships. We did about two to three months of training leading up to the movie, and that was a blast.”

Check back next week for my FULL interview with Bruno.

Q: When is “Dallas” coming back? — Karolyn, Lubbock, TX

A: “Dallas” will return to TNT for its third season in early 2014. I don’t have an exact date yet, but I will let you know when I do. In the meantime, I can tell you that my favorite “90210” alum, AnnaLynne McCord, will guest-star in several episodes when the hit nighttime drama returns for its 15-episode run. All of the Ewing family will return, as well as Mitch Pileggi and Judith Light.

Q: It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for “Teen Wolf” to return to MTV. When will they air the rest of season three? — Joshua B., via email

A: You still have a couple of more months to wait — until Monday, Jan. 6, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, to be exact. However, I do have some good news to share to help ease the pain of waiting: MTV announced that the hit series will return for a fourth season in 2014 with 12 new episodes. Additionally, the network will debut the new talk show, “Wolf Watch,” set to air weekly after each “Teen Wolf” episode.

John O'Hurley (and friends)

Q: Can you tell me what one of my favorite stars, John O’Hurley, has been up to? I’d love to see him in something soon. — Beatrice W., Omaha, Neb.

A: For starters, the talented actor/host/dancer/singer/author will be hosting the National Dog Show Presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day, which airs at 12 p.m. ET/PT, for the 12th year in a row. Aside from all the cute doggy fun for the whole family that we’re used to with the dog show, this year sees the introduction of the Chinook, rat terrier and Portuguese podengo pequeno into the competition.

John also has a children’s book coming out Oct. 31 called “The Perfect Dog.” According to John: “It’s a Doctor Seuss-style poem that I wrote about (my son) Will’s question to me, which was, ’Is there a dog that is perfect?’ And so I go through all of the attributes of what I think the perfect dog would be, and I’m back and forth and back and forth. It ends with: ’The dog that is perfect is the one next to you.’”

You can catch John on the big screen this December, when he co-stars in the indie drama “A Remarkable Life.” And you can catch my full interview with John right here Thanksgiving week.

Q: One of my favorite shows is “Cold Justice.” Will it be back for another season? — Chris M., via email



A: TNT has ordered a second season of its hit real-life drama “Cold Justice,” where former prosecutor Kelly Siegler and former crime-scene investigator Yolanda McClary solve cold cases, their season-one efforts having brought many criminals to justice already. The first season, which wrapped up Oct. 22, so far has helped to bring about a guilty plea (from the Sept. 3 episode), three indictments (Sept. 10 episode) and a grand jury trial to bring about more indictments (Sept. 17 episode). Season two will have 10 more episodes and is scheduled to air in early 2014. As soon as I have an exact airdate and time, I’ll be sure to let you all know.

Q: When will we see more “Bates Motel”? I love that show. — Linda, Kenosha, Wis.

A: I can’t wait for the 10-episode second season to start, which will be in January on A and E. Joining Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates) and Vera Farmiga (Norma Bates) this season are Michael Vartan as a love interest for Norma (watch your back, Michael!), Kathleen Robertson and Michael O’Neill as Miss Watson’s father.

Q: Seeing Tina Fey and Amy Poehler present at the Emmy’s this year made me wonder if they’d be back to host the Golden Globes? I loved them as co-hosts! — Gina F., via email

A: Tina and Amy have signed on to host the Golden Globe Awards for the next two years. Insiders are saying the deal is a coup for the Golden Globes, but I say it’s a coup for the viewers, as we’ll be treated to the comedic dynamic duo for at least two more ceremonies.

Q: Now that “Breaking Bad” is over, what’s next for Bryan Cranston? — Donald F., via e-mail

A: The in-demand actor has loaned his voice to the H2 original series “Big History.” H2 — an offshoot of the History Channel — which premiered the 10-hour series on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10 p.m. ET. “Big History” will dare to reveal one grand unified theory for how every event throughout history is connected.

Each episode will begin with an iconic topic from the pages of traditional history, such as the Great Pyramids, Titanic or the American Revolution, but then will spin into surprising journeys through other fields, weaving together insights and evidence from various disciplines such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology, history and economics. “Big History” will pull together the puzzle pieces from all 16 half-hour episodes into an epic two-hour finale, revealing the unifying link among all events.

“I was asked to be the voice of 13.7 billion years of history,” said Bryan Cranston, “Sure, I’ve got the time — give or take a billion years. As I read the material, I realized that this new series gives a surprising and unique look at our world. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Jennie Garth

Q: I was surprised to see Peter Facinelli guest-starring on “Glee” a few weeks back. It got me to wondering what his ex-wife, Jennie Garth, is up to now? — Holly U., Tampa, Fla.

A: Jennie is in talks to co-star in a new sitcom for ABC Family with former “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-star Tori Spelling. The pilot is called “Mystery Girls,” and it’s based on a story that Tori co-wrote with screenwriter Shepard Boucher. According to Us Weekly magazine: “‘Mystery Girls’ is a comedy about a former starlet (Tori) who starts solving crimes with her former mystery-TV-show co-star (Jennie) after a witness to a crime refuses to talk to anyone except the infamous Mystery Girls.” And although I think “Us” meant to use the word “notorious” and not “infamous,” I think you get the idea of what the sitcom is about.

Q: What’s next for Christian Bale? — Barry T., Minneapolis

A: Of Christian’s current projects, the one I am most eager to see is the gritty thriller called “Out of the Furnace,” which opens Dec. 6. Boasting an all-star cast of Christian, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Casey Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana and Sam Shepard, the story centers on Russell Baze (Christian), whose younger brother, Rodney (Casey), mysteriously disappears. When law enforcement fails to (or is too afraid to) follow through, Russell decides to search for justice himself.

Q: I was wondering if you have any news on “Body of Proof”? Is it coming back? — Robin W., via email

A: I’m sorry to report that the Dana Delany-starring medical drama was canceled by ABC after three seasons. All three seasons are available on DVD, if that is any consolation.

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Interview Outtakes

Most of the time when I am conducting an interview with a celebrity, I have more interview material than space for printing the interview. Here are some blurbs from stars that did not make it to the print version of the interview, but were too good not to publish.

Jennie Garth

Jennie Garth (on deciding to compete on “Dancing with the Stars”): I had like a moment of insanity when I said yes to that. I didn’t realize, sometimes you get yourself into things and you are like, “What have I done?” And that was definitely one of those things for me, but once you are in, you can’t get out. I just had to keep moving forward. I had to keep going. It was go-time, and I had to go. It ended up going well — much better than I thought — but every moment, every turn, was unknown to me. I was in unknown territory. But it was fun, and it was exhilarating. It was challenging, and it was kind of freeing in that I really feel that I could do anything.

Jaime Pressly (on doing a wrap-up or reunion show for “My Name Is Earl”): I would be game to go back to that set and work with those people any day, any time. And I think everybody else that was a part of the show would say the same thing. It was the greatest job I’ve ever had and the greatest group of people that you could ever ask to work with. They all hold a very dear place in my heart, and I miss them all terribly.

Erin Karpluk

Erin Karpluk (on similarities between her and her character on “Being Erica”): I like that when life gets her down or she stumbles in life, she is able to pick herself up, dust herself off and keep going. So that is something that I have learned personally from her. I've heard from friends and family that there are certain quirks and mannerisms that are my own that come out in the character. Usually any kind of awkward moments she is having is probably pretty authentically Erin, because I find that I can be awkward in life, and I’m not afraid to make mistakes. That is something of me that I bring to the character. And then on a dramatic level, anything to do with family is something that I can just draw upon from real life. The one thing that Erin and Erica both are is we are very committed and empathetic toward our loved ones. My family and my friends mean more to me than anything. I feel very lucky to have that connection in my own personal life, so I can draw upon that in my acting experiences. The fact that I work with such wonderful cast members, it just makes it so easy for us to have that connection. It’s like a real family I have now when I go back to Toronto to shoot. It’s really lovely to go back to those actors and create those connections.

Ross Thomas (on working with Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid on “Soul Surfer”): It was a bit surreal, to be honest. They both are icons in their own right and a pleasure to work with. Helen is an avid surfer — surfing is what really brought us together. Dennis is interested in learning and getting good. At first, he played golf on his days off, but we got him hooked, and he became a surf junkie. I think that really carried over into our performances, that sense of family.

Jane Seymour (by Charles Bush)

Jane Seymour (on her children in the biz): My son, Johnny, one of the twins, is becoming a rock star. He is about to be signed by a major label. He’s writing this amazing music. He’s extraordinary. He’s the lead singer and the lead guitarist. I’m just in awe of his talent. Then my oldest son, Sean Flynn, he’s 25, he does the most extraordinary photographic art. Collectors have already been buying his stuff. He was studying to be a filmmaker and all of a sudden, the next thing I know, he’s doing this really unique, extraordinary photographic art. One of my daughters, Katherine Flynn, is an actress. She also writes great comedy. She ended up staring opposite me in a movie called “Perfectly Prudence” for the Hallmark Channel just recently. She was fantastic in it. She played my daughter. Of course, it wasn’t much of a stretch. But it was fun, because she had a lot of scenes with Joe Lando who, of course, was my “Dr. Quinn” co-star.

Heather Locklear (on flexing her comedy chops on “Saturday Night Live” in the ’90s): That was my favorite! That was my most favorite thing I’ve done where you could see that I’m funny. I had such a great time doing it. And that “Melrose Place” take-off was so funny. So perfectly perfect. I have a meeting coming up for something soon, something funny, so we’ll see.

Mark Pellegrino (by Eric Williams)

Mark Pellegrino (on the variety of the roles he’s played): Well, I’m glad that it is happening that way. Some folks would like to say that I’ve played bad guys. I think if I play the bad guy, I try to — I can never look at myself as a bad guy. I always try to bring out the good and the moral and the right that the person is going for, so hopefully any variety that I’m able to bring to a role just happens because I’m trying to find the human thing and not act in an archetypal way.

Eric Winter (on possibly working with wife, actress Roselyn Sanchez): You know, I don’t know. If the right project ever came up, and it made sense, then sure. I mean, we’re not completely against it, but it’s one of those things that a lot of couples — sometimes you keep it separate, but if the right opportunity presents itself, then who knows?

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 14

Q: I was so happy to see Jennie Garth starring in the new Hallmark Channel movie “Accidentally in Love,” and wondered what else she has been up to since leaving “90210.” — Isabella W., via e-mail

A: I recently caught up with Jennie, who was thrilled to star in a movie (“Accidentally in Love”) written by her husband, actor/writer Peter Facinelli. She gave me the scoop: “I do a lot of literacy campaigns for young kids. It’s something that is really important to me, which was passed on by my father. Also, I work a lot for the American Heart Association as a national spokesperson, and I enjoy that work a lot.


“I’m writing my first children’s book, which comes out in February 2012. I’m just creatively starting that ball rolling. I’m enjoying that very much. I’ve moved out of L.A. to give the girls a little bit more of a safer environment to be young in. So, whatever work comes to me or works around their schedule, I’m open to doing at this point, but if it doesn’t work for that, then forget it.”

Q: I heard that Will Ferrell is coming to “The Office.” Is that true? — Katrina E., via e-mail

A: You heard correctly! Hot on the heels of Ricky Gervais’ cameo on the Jan. 27 episode of “The Office” comes the news that Will Ferrell will guest-star over a four-episode arc on the hit NBC comedy (Thursdays, 9 p.m. ET). Will plays a branch manager who arrives from the home office and proves to be just as inappropriate as Michael Scott, Steve Carell’s character.



Q: With the financial trouble that MGM has been having, does this mean no more James Bond films? — Frankie R. in Florida

A: Bond’s future was looking pretty grim; however, it now seems that things are back on track for the as-yet-untitled Bond 23 film. Daniel Craig will return as 007, with rumors running rampant that Javier Bardem has been offered the role of “Bond Villain.” Shooting begins later this year with a release date of Nov. 9, 2012.

Q: Not much has been said about how Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg reacted to “The Social Network,” the movie based on the founding of Facebook. Is he mad about the movie, or did he like it? — Gigi R., Fresno, Calif.

A: “The Social Network” star Jesse Eisenberg recently told “Access Hollywood” that Mark congratulated him on his Oscar nomination when the two starred together in a recent “Saturday Night Live” skit. Jesse was relieved that Mark was so good-natured about everything, revealing: “He has such a wonderful sense of humor about the whole thing. The fact that he would agree to come on ‘Saturday Night Live’ was a testament to his good feelings about (it). We were both so thankful that the other one was so open to working in that way under very unique circumstances.”

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Interview: Jennie Garth 'Accidentally' Finds Love

Jennie Garth will probably forever be known as Kelly Taylor from both incarnations of “90210,” as well as for her comedic turn on the sitcom “What I Like About You.” But she is also the mother of three adorable daughters and the wife of actor/writer Peter Facinelli, who is best known for his role of the compassionate vampire “dad” Carlisle Cullen in “The Twilight Saga” phenomenon.

Years ago, Peter got an idea for a screenplay, with the thought that it could be a project for himself and his wife. But “Twilight” and other responsibilities made it impossible for Peter to act in his movie, “Accidentally in Love,” but the project went full speed ahead with Jennie in the starring role of single mom Annie, who finds herself falling in love with an actor who’s hiding a secret identity. “Accidentally in Love” premieres Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9/8c, on Hallmark Channel and runs throughout the weekend (check your local listings).

Celebrity Extra: When your husband wrote this movie, he wrote it with both of you in mind, but it turned out he couldn’t be in it. Were you sad because you’d like to act with him, or were you a little relieved because you don’t want to mix business with pleasure?

Jennie Garth: No, I’d love to work with him, but it would have been a different movie if he’d have done it. It was funny because, like you said, he wanted to play the role of Eddie, and I told him, “You know, I don’t really think you’re right for it.” He said: “What? I’m not right for my own movie?”



CE: What are some aspects of Annie’s personality that you can relate to and empathize with?

JG: Of course, the mother aspect — the love for your child and protecting your child. I like that she’s a hard worker, and she works as a waitress and has a real life. I gravitate toward real people in general, real American working people. I really have a fondness for that life, and so I loved playing someone like that. My life, as real as it is for me, is probably not what some people would consider to be normal. So I loved that sort of “Everywoman” aspect to her.

CE: Of course you are a professional, but was it weird for you to be kissing another man, ironically because of something your husband wrote?

JG: It’s always weird. There is never a time when it’s not weird doing love scenes or being romantic with a stranger, especially when you are married and your kids are going to be seeing it. Peter wasn’t on set during that scene. I was on the phone with him going: “Oh, I don’t want to do it. It’s weird.” It is NOT my favorite thing to do.

CE: At least your co-star, Ethan Erickson, ain’t too bad-looking, and is quite the charmer, so that must have made it easier.

JG: He’s a doll, and just so respectful of me and my husband and our family. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-star.

CE: Speaking of co-stars, your other co-stars were wonderful — Marilu Henner, Fred Willard and Dannika Northcott.

JG: Weren’t they great? I was shocked that Marilu was going to be my mom, because she’s so young and foxy. But we have so much in common. I had an instant fondness for her and just wanted to hear all of her stories — and she has a lot of stories. And also having Fred Willard there, I was like: “Are you kidding me? Fred Willard’s going to come in and play this?” That was so exciting for me working with him. Dannika, who played my daughter, is a sweet friend of my family now. She is such a gifted, very natural actress.

CE: What do you hope the audience takes away from this movie?

JG: The message from Eddie’s character is pretty profound: You can have money and all the accolades and success, but until you have someone to share it with, you’re really nothing. And for Annie to let her guard down and be lovable, to try to move forward and find love again was a challenge for her.

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