Q and A: Week of Aug. 12

Godfrey Gao, photo courtesy Jet Star Entertainment

Q: I’ve read all of “The Mortal Instruments” books by Cassandra Clare, and I can’t wait to see “City of Bones” when it opens Aug. 21. I’m intrigued by Godfrey Gao, who plays my favorite character in the series, Magnus Bane. Can you tell me a little about him? — Gina W., San Francisco

A: Godfrey Gao, who was born in Taiwan and grew up in Vancouver, Canada, is excited to be a part of this movie, although when he was cast, he didn’t know just how big the book series is. When we spoke recently, he told me: “At first I didn’t know what the movie was about, only they were looking for an Asian character. So, I picked up the books myself, and I started reading them. I started reading about my character and it was really, really interesting, and it kept me on my toes the whole time reading it. And now, obviously, I’m a big fan as well. This is my first English feature.”

Preparing for the role of Magnus — the cross-dressing, 800-year-old powerful warlock — was no easy task, as Godfrey revealed: “Preparing for Magnus was pretty stressful for me, because this character is really mysterious. This is definitely an out-of-the-ordinary character for me, where I get to put makeup on, and glitter and nail polish, and wear crazy outfits. When I first got the makeup on, I was just like, ’Man, what have I gotten myself into?’ But at the end of the whole transformation, I felt like I had powers.”

Stop by later this week to read my entire interview with Godfrey, where he tells me more about "City of Bones," working with the cast, and his enlightening experience at this summer's Comic-Con.

Q: I’ve recently started watching the Glenn Close series “Damages,” and I was wondering where I could go to catch up on previous seasons that I missed. — Priscilla J., via e-mail

A: Crackle, the relatively new entertainment network, has added the critically acclaimed legal thriller to its lineup. Through 2014, you can watch the first four seasons at crackle.com/c/damages. Crackle offers hundreds of full-length, unedited, on-demand movies and TV series, and is completely free across multiple platforms and services.

Q: Whatever happened to plans to make a “Beverly Hills Cop” TV series? — Doug F. in Virginia

A: CBS passed on the “Beverly Hills Cop” pilot; however, the interest surrounding the pilot has made Paramount consider a fourth “BHC” movie. According to “Deadline,” Eddie Murphy already is attached to reprise the role of detective Axel Foley, and Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec are writing the script.

Q: Is it true that Johnny Depp is going to retire soon from making movies? What a loss that would be! — Bea W., via e-mail

A: In an interview with the BBC, Johnny told reporter Susanna Reid: “I wouldn’t say I am dropping out any second, but I would say it’s probably not too far away.” In June, he told “Rolling Stone” magazine: “I can’t say that I’d want to be doing this for another 10 years.” Let’s hope he changes his mind as the time gets closer.

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 13

Beth Riesgraf

Q: I am so happy that “Leverage” has started a new season. Can you tell me what to look for this season? — Geoff F., via e-mail

A: I recently spoke with Beth Riesgraf, who plays Parker, the Leverage team’s resident thief, cat burglar, pickpocket and safecracker extraordinaire. Like you, Beth is excited for the action/dramedy’s fifth season, telling me: “All I can say is that there is a reason that we are in Portland, and there will be a payoff to that toward the end of the season.

“For Parker personally, she’s in a good place. Now she’s able to be a part of something bigger, and she’s able to socialize. No one’s going to (mess) with her because she’s still got her edge, and she’s smart as a whip. I think she’s opened up socially and emotionally. Some of those boundaries have been let down and she kind of understands how to get along in society.”

Q: I haven’t heard much about the upcoming movie “The Lone Ranger,” starring my favorite actor, Johnny Depp. Please tell me that the movie is still being made and will be released! — Pauli A., Colchester, Vt.

A: The big-screen version of the small-screen classic — starring Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger — is on track for a July 3, 2013, release. The movie, which also stars Johnny’s “Sweeney Todd” co-star Helena Bonham Carter, ran into some delays earlier on due to rewrites, and more recently because of budgetary concerns.

Connor Jessup

Q: I really like the actor who plays Ben on TNT’s “Falling Skies.” Can you tell me more about him? — Leanne W., Salem, Mass.

A: Toronto native Connor Jessup — who plays the middle son of Noah Wylie’s character, Tom Mason — started acting at the age of 11 and counts among his loves directing, writing and producing along with acting. The 18-year-old stars in the big-screen drama “Blackbird,” which premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where he will be presented with the Toronto Rising Star Award (along with three or four other recipients).

Connor is thrilled to be chosen as a Rising Star, and he told me: “TIFF means a lot to me. It’s a big part of my life. It was probably a main factor in influencing my love of movies and my discovery of film. I’m very honored to be chosen, especially since it’s my hometown, home festival. I’m looking forward to it.”

Q: I love the new “Dallas” — it’s just what I’ve been missing from my regular TV lineup. Will it be back for another season? — Gail W., via e-mail

A: I wholeheartedly agree with you. I got chills as I watched the premiere episode and those familiar strains of the “Dallas” theme started up. TNT has indeed renewed the hit series. The network has ordered 15 episodes for its second season, which is scheduled to air in 2013.

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Q and A: Week of May 16

Q: I was so excited to watch one of my all-time favorite actors, Ed Asner, co-starring in CMT’s “Working Class.” Now that the show won’t be back for a second season, what are Ed’s plans? — Martha F., Altoona, Pa.

A: The great Ed Asner has just signed on to “Royal Pains” in a multi-episode guest-starring stint. Ed will appear in two episodes as the grandfather of Hank and Evan, played by Mark Feuerstein and Paulo Constanzo, respectively. The 81-year-old iconic sitcom actor will appear in the show’s upcoming third season, which premieres on Wednesday, June 29, on USA.

Q: I was reading that “21 Jump Street” is going to be remade into a feature film. Is that true? If so, will any of the series’ original stars be making a cameo? I am sure Richard Grieco has some time. — Pat R., via e-mail

A: Actually, you might be surprised to learn that Officer Tom Hanson himself, Johnny Depp, plans to make a cameo in the movie adaptation of the TV series that helped launch his stellar Hollywood career. The remake — which will star Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube and Rob Riggle — is due to hit theaters in March 2012. Also, I am sure Richard Grieco will jump on the cameo bandwagon if he’s asked — unless he’s waiting for the big-screen version of “Booker.”



Q: My sister was telling me about a new reality show about “Glee” where they search for the next cast member. Can you tell me more about that and where I can see it when it airs? — Rhonda M., via e-mail

A: Beginning Sunday, June 12, Oxygen will air “The Glee Project.” From Ryan Murphy, the creator and Emmy award-winning executive producer of “Glee,” and executive producer of “Glee” Dante Di Loreto, this 10-episode competition series will find and train a group of 12 singers who will compete against one another to win a seven-episode guest-starring role on “Glee.” Also, a group of “Glee” series regulars will appear as guest mentors in each episode. Fan favorite Darren Criss will make a guest appearance in the series premiere as the first of these mentors. Darren joined the cast last season as Blaine and quickly became a breakout sensation.

Q: I really miss watching one of my favorite political pundits, Keith Olbermann, on MSNBC. Why hasn’t some other cable network snapped him up yet? — Kellie H., Knoxville, Tenn.

A: Cable network Current TV has done the snapping-up honors. The network announced that Keith Olbermann will return to the air June 20, hosting a weeknight news-commentary hour called “Countdown with Keith Olbermann.” Keith left MSNBC in January and apparently signed on with Current TV less than a month later. For those unfamiliar with the station, Current TV is the public-affairs channel launched in 2005 by former vice president Al Gore and Joel Hyatt.

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