Q and A: Week of Jan. 6

Q: It’s been only a few weeks, but I am going through some serious “Scandal” withdrawal! Please don’t tell me that it’s done for the year! I see that a new show has taken its place. — Nicole D., via email

A: Don’t worry, my little Gladiator, “Scandal” will be back with all-new episodes beginning Feb. 27. The show that’s been on in the meantime is an eight-part miniseries called “The Assets,” which is based on the real-life events of CIA counterintelligence officer Sandy Grimes (played by Jodie Whittaker). The miniseries is set in 1985 and takes a look inside the true, personal stories of the conclusion of the Cold War as told by the CIA.

Q: I know that KISS has been nominated again for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Did they make it this year? It’s long overdue, in my opinion.— Brad L., Pittsburgh, Pa.

A: The makeup-wearing hard-rock quartet did indeed make it into the Hall this go-’round. Kiss, along with Nirvana, Hall and Oates, Peter Gabriel, Linda Ronstadt and Cat Stevens will be the 29th class inducted into the Hall of Fame on April 10. The ceremony will air on HBO in May. And I think now is a good time for me to start a petition to get Def Leppard their HOF nomination. Having sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, spawning numerous hits — as well as scores of copycats — the boys from Sheffield sell out arenas to this day.

Q: When I went to see “Catching Fire” at the theater, they showed a preview for a movie called “Divergent,” and it looked pretty good. What can you tell me about it? — Elizabeth F., via email

A: Like “The Hunger Games,” “Divergent” is also based on a trilogy of young-adult books (these are authored by Veronica Roth). The other two books, “Insurgent” and “Allegiant,” round out the “Divergent” trilogy. The sci-fi adventure film, which comes to theaters March 21, is set in Chicago sometime in the near future, when people are divided into factions according to their personality. If you don’t fit into any one faction, you are known as Divergent, which our heroine, Beatrice Prior is classified as. She soon discovers a sinister plot brewing in her seemingly perfect society. The movie stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Zoë Kravitz (and yes, she is the daughter of rocker Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet).

Q: I was sad to hear that Joan Fontaine had passed away. Did she and her sister, Olivia de Havilland, ever make up? — Paisley T., via email

A: The sisters had been feuding since 1941, when Joan won the Academy Award over sister Olivia (although sources say the animosity started all the way back to their childhood). They never did mend fences; however, Olivia issued a statement through her publicist that she was “shocked and saddened” by her sister’s death, and grateful for “the many kind expressions of sympathies.”

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 27

Q: I really love watching “Chelsea Lately” and “After Lately” on E! The shows’ casts really seem to have fun and get along. Please tell me this is the case! —George T., Altoona, Pa.

A: That certainly is the case. I spoke with series star Heather McDonald recently, and she told me: “We really do laugh all the time, and we really do like each other so much. So many times we’ll be laughing about something and I’ll just go, ‘Oh, don’t we have fun?’ I think it all stems from the example that Chelsea (Handler) has set, and I think that’s important. We’re like a little family where she’s the Mom, and she doesn’t allow jealousy, and she doesn’t allow any real kind of unhealthy competition in any way. We truly believe that each of our success only helps the other.”

And following Chelsea’s example of getting into the publishing industry, Heather has written her own NYT best-selling humorous memoir called “You’ll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again,” and I have to say, the book is deliciously funny. And check back later this week to read my entire interview with Heather. You don't want to miss it!

Q: Like most of the world, I was shocked and devastated to hear of Whitney Houston’s death. I really thought she was on the right path, and about to make a music and movie comeback. Did drugs play a part in her death? — Deena R., via e-mail

A: While there has been no official word as of this writing, TMZ is reporting that according to family sources, Whitney, 48, was killed by a combination of Xanax and other prescription drugs mixed with alcohol. Although she did die in the bathtub, the family was told by the coroner’s office that there didn’t appear to be enough water in her lungs for drowning to have been the cause of death. The L.A. Police Department has determined that there were no signs of foul play.

Whitney will star posthumously in the feature film “Sparkle,” which is slated for an Aug. 12 release. She also recorded two songs for the movie, which will, of course, be on the soundtrack.

Q: Is it true that two of my favorite comedians, Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, are making a movie together? — Samuel D., via e-mail

A: It is indeed true, and I couldn’t be happier to see these two onscreen together. Will and Zach star in “Dogfight,” a comedy about two battling politicians from South Carolina who each have presidential aspirations. The movie is set to premiere Aug. 10, and also co-stars Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow.

Q: “Harry’s Law” seems to have vanished. What’s up? — Echo H., via e-mail

A: There has been a little shuffling over at NBC. At the end of January, “Harry’s Law” took about six weeks off. But don’t worry, Kathy Bates and company will return with new episodes March 11 on its new night and timeslot, Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.

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Q and A: Week of Sept. 26

Michael C. Hall

Q: It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for ‘Dexter’ to return for its sixth season. Can you tell me when it will be back? — Stacie E., via e-mail

A: Wait no longer, Stacie. ‘Dexter’ returns to Showtime on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This 12-episode season will see some major changes for our favorite serial killer/blood-spatter analyst (played by Michael C. Hall). According to Showtime’s president David Nevins: ‘There’s going to be some things that happen over this season of ‘Dexter’ that can change some of the DNA in the show.

“As a programmer, I believe in change,” he said. “I’m not scared of change. I know where they’re going this season and have some sense of where they could go in subsequent seasons.’ As of now there is no official word on a season seven, however, all parties are in serious negotiations to make that happen.

Q: I love the addition of Marc Anthony to TNT’s ‘HawthoRNe.’ What’s in store for his character and Jada Pinkett Smith’s for next season? — Sylvia R., Oakland, Calif.

A: There’s nothing in store for these characters next season, I’m afraid, as TNT decided not to renew the medical drama for a fourth season. A network rep said: ‘TNT has decided not to order a fourth season of ‘HawthoRNe.’ TNT truly appreciates the tremendous dedication of everyone involved in ‘HawthoRNe.’ The series gave TNT the opportunity to work with many outstanding people, including Jada Pinkett Smith and the rest of the show’s talented cast, crew, producers and writers. We wish everyone involved with ‘HawthoRNe’ nothing but the best.”

Andy Whitfield

Q: I am a huge fan of Starz’s ‘Spartacus; and was wondering how the original Spartacus, Andy Whitfield, is doing? I read in your column that he’s been battling cancer. — Paul Y., via e-mail

A: It makes me very sad to report that the handsome young actor recently lost his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He passed away on Sept. 11 at the age of 39 with his wife, Vashti, at his side. She released this statement: ‘He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.’

Q: First of all, I still can’t believe that the original ‘Law and Order’ was canceled. And second, can you tell me what series star Sam Waterston has coming up? — Judith F., Altoona, Pa.

A: You’ll have to wait only a little while longer to see Mr. Waterston on television again, but you’ll need to order HBO if you don’t already have it. He is set to star in the new series by writer Aaron Sorkin (who wrote ‘The West Wing’ and ‘The Social Network’) about cable news. The as-yet-untitled drama will center on a cable-news anchor played by Jeff Daniels and a newsroom boss played by Sam Waterston.

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 29

Q: Mike Myers is one of my favorite comedic actors. What’s next for him? — Faith D., via e-mail

A: Aside from having a baby on the way, the biggest professional news to come from the Mike Myers camp is that Mike is set to break out his Austin Powers character for a fourth film. There’s no word about what the plot will center on, but you can bet he’ll have a sexy and smart new sidekick to follow in the wake of Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham and Beyonce. I’d like to see Emma Stone give Austin a run for his money. Yeah, baby!

Q: Do you know what the status is on a new “Bridget Jones” movie? Every so often I hear rumors that one is in the works, but then nothing ever happens. Would Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth even be interested in returning to the franchise? — Pauline F., Akron, Ohio

A: Since 2009, Working Title Films (which produced the first two movies) has been thinking about a sequel, and hints of that have been reaching our ears. Renee Zellweger had always said there couldn’t be another movie without another book. Well, the series’ author, Helen Fielding, announced earlier this year that she is hard at work on the third “Bridget Jones” book. Helen has confirmed: “I will be working on both the book and the film, but I don’t know if they are the same thing yet. It’s not been decided.”

And Academy Award-winner Colin Firth, who plays Mark Darcy in the series, told the BBC this summer, “I think the idea of Mark and Daniel (played by Hugh Grant) and Bridget in advanced stages of deterioration could be quite fun. We’re making a comedy, after all.” The wheels are indeed in motion for a third “Bridget” movie.

Q: I have a question about a show that featured a married couple with eight children, but they split up. Did the mom get her own show? — Ken J., The Villages, Fla.

A: The mom in question, Kate Gosselin, did get her own show: What was “Jon and Kate Plus 8″ became “Kate Plus 8.” However, TLC announced the final show will air on Sept. 12, with this statement: “TLC has decided not to renew another season of ‘Kate Plus 8.’ By the end of this season, ‘Kate Plus 8′ will have hit the 150-episode mark (including ‘Jon and Kate Plus 8′), an exceptional milestone. TLC hopes to check in with Kate and the family periodically with specials in the future.”

Q: I heard that the actor John Dye, who played Andrew on “Touched By An Angel,” passed away. Is that true? He was so young! – Ruth S., Chillicothe, Ohio

A: John Dye passed away on Jan. 10, just shy of his 48th birthday, of a heart attack. He was survived by two brothers, both of his parents, and a grandparent.

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 22

Max Irons

Q: Last night I rented ‘Red Riding Hood’ and noticed one of the stars is Max Irons. Any relation to Jeremy Irons? — Hillary G., via e-mail

A: Max Irons, 25, is the son of Academy Award-winning English actor Jeremy Irons. Next up, Max is set to star as the title character in the feature film ‘Vivaldi,’ along with Alfred Molina, Elle Fanning and Tom Wilkinson. It is due for release in 2013.

Q: I have been hearing rumors that ‘Desperate Housewives’ has been canceled. Is that true? I hope not, as it’s my favorite show! — Emmy R., via e-mail

A: ‘Desperate Housewives’ has not been canceled; however, creator Marc Cherry recently announced that this upcoming eighth season will be the show’s last. While the news was bittersweet for everyone involved, cast and crew agree that the time has come to wrap things up on Wisteria Lane. Marc teased at ABC’s Television Critics Association party last month that this final season will return to the basics and revisit the mystery that launched the show: Mary Alice’s death. Teri Hatcher and company will return on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m. EDT.

Leeza Gibbons

Q: I was so happy to read in your column that Leeza Gibbons would be returning to daily syndicated television in ‘America Now.’ What made her decide to return to the daily grind? — Rita E., Omaha, Neb.

A: Leeza, 54, has never been one to rest on her laurels. In fact, she prides herself on remaining busy, be it with her PBS weekly show ‘My Generation,’ her work with the Home Shopping Network and Guthy-Renker on her Sheer Cover beauty-product empire, or her tireless work as an advocate for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Regarding her signing on with ‘America Now,’ which premieres Monday, Sept. 12 (check your local listings for time), Leeza told me: ‘I’m so excited, because this is a real change of pace for me going back to daily television. I’m crazy about Bill Rancic (her co-host), and we’re very excited about working together on this.

“I’ve already hit the ground running and started looking at some segments that I want to make my own, including interviewing leaders and newsmakers and celebrities about success and living without limits. There’s also consumer news, lifestyle and fitness, and things for children — we’re going to tackle all of it."

Check back later this week for my entire interview with Leeza where we talk about her new show, her recent marriage, her Sheer Cover line, and Leeza's Place, her nonprofit organization for caregivers of people with memory disorders.

Q: With all the talk of Amy Winehouse’s recent death, the death of football great Bubba Smith was overlooked. Can you give me any information on him? – Harold T. in Florida

A: Charles Aaron ‘Bubba’ Smith passed away on Aug. 3 of apparent natural causes (as of this writing, the final coroner’s report had not been released). The former defensive end for the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers — who some consider even more famous for his work as Moses Hightower in the ‘Police Academy’ films — was 66 at the time of his passing.

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 8

CORRECTION: It was recently reported in this column (as well as many other entertainment columns) that Mariska Hargitay would be in only 13 episodes of this coming season’s “Law and Order: SVU.” Well, I am happy to amend that report with news from the Big Guy himself: Showrunner and executive producer Warren Leight contacted me to dispel the rumor. He told me: “Mariska will be in all 22 ‘SVU’ episodes this season. Rumor she is leaving at 13 just wrong.” With Christopher Meloni’s Detective Stabler leaving, it’s a relief to learn Mariska’s Detective Benson will be sticking around.

Q: It seems like every other year, there is a rumor that “Jurassic Park 4″ is going to made. But so far, no movie. Will it ever happen? — Paul G., Miami

A: All signs point to “yes.” Producer/director Steven Spielberg told a crowd of enthusiastic sci-fi fans at last month’s San Diego Comic-Con fan convention that there will be another “Jurassic Park,” and it might be only two to three years away. Steven said that he has a story and a screenwriter ready to go for the fourth movie of the dinosaur-clone series, and Steven himself will serve as producer.

Q: I really love MTV’s new teen comedy, “Awkward.” The actor who plays Matty looks really familiar. Can you tell me what else I might have seen him in recently? — Cara D., via e-mail

A: Beau Mirchoff, 21, plays Matty, the nice-guy jock with a heart — and it appears he also has a thing for our heroine, Jenna. You might remember Beau from “Heartland,” or from his turn as Drea de Matteo’s son on “Desperate Housewives.”

Of his year on “DH,” Beau told me: “I learned so much from all the people on that set. They are pros, and they know what they’re doing. I learned a lot from Jeffrey Nordling, who played my father, and Drea de Matteo, who was my mother. I had a big crush on Drea. I hope it didn’t read on camera. That would have been creepy.”

Playing a teen on “Awkward.” has Beau remembering his own awkward time in high school: “Everything seems like such a dire situation. Like it’s the last time you’ll be able to do something. Or it’s the end of the world if you can’t go out with that girl. But it’s really not, and it’s so insignificant looking back. But you’re growing up and you’re figuring things out.”

Q: I was so sad to hear about the passing of singer Amy Winehouse. Do authorities know what caused her death? — Grant D., via e-mail

A: Toxicology reports will probably take weeks to get back, so it might be a while before we know what killed the troubled songstress, who was only 27 when she passed away on July 23. Amy had publicly battled addiction, but police say there were no signs of drug or paraphernalia in her home at the time of her death.

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Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79

(From KTLA News)

Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor has died at the age of 79.


Taylor died early Wednesday morning of congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to her publicist, Jamie Cadwell.


She was hospitalized in February for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, described at the time as "an ongoing condition" by Cadwell.


Taylor, a double Oscar winner famous for her eight marriages -- twice to actor Richard Burton -- underwent heart surgery in 2009 to replace a leaky valve.

Read the rest here.

While she will, of course, be remembered for her magnificent performances in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Giant" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," she will also be remembered by soap-opera lovers for her infamous appearance in 1981 on "General Hospital" as Helena Cassadine (she also made a cameo on "All My Children" in 1983). This was quite a coup for GH to acquire an actress of Elizabeth's caliber, and I remember the excitement around my house (and my grandmother's) as the story unfolded and Helena played a pivotal (and menacing) role in the wedding of Luke and Laura.

Elizabeth was married eight times, and she leaves behind four children and nine grandchildren.

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Q and A: Week of Dec. 27

Q: When will “Southland” be back? I was so happy when TNT picked it up from NBC, and have been eagerly awaiting its return. — George F., via e-mail

A: The cutting-edge drama will be back on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 10 p.m. on TNT. Series star Benjamin McKenzie (pictured left; photo credit: Doug Hyun) gave me the scoop: “It’s going to be the same show you’ve seen before, it’s just going to be more focused on the four principle characters left: Ben, Lydia, Sammy and John. It’s a pretty aggressive show; this season it’s really going to double-down on the aggressiveness. It’s fast, hard-hitting and uncompromising.


“With my character and John, the dynamic has changed yet again. It’s more of a peer-to-peer relationship than it has been in the past. Although Ben will still mess up and John will criticize him brutally for it, he’s got a little more freedom to do a little more of his own work. The end of the season will mark the end of his probationary period.”

Q: I love the Syfy show “Merlin.” I haven’t seen new episodes on the schedule for a while, and I’m afraid it has been canceled. Please tell me it hasn’t! — Mark T. in Vermont



A: Don’t worry, Mark. The magical Syfy series will indeed be back for a third season beginning Friday, Jan. 7, at 10 p.m. Season three finds the young Merlin (played by Colin Morgan) in increasingly more dangerous and dark battles in his secret quest to protect Prince Arthur (Bradley James) in the fabled kingdom of Camelot, where magic is forbidden by King Uther (Anthony Head). They rejoin Morgana (Katie McGrath) — who has a dark destiny of her own — with Angel Coulby as her loyal maid Gwen, and Richard Wilson as wise court physician Gaius. John Hurt returns as the voice of the Great Dragon.

Q: Is Jillian Michaels really leaving “The Biggest Loser”? I can’t imagine the show without her! — Tawny D., via e-mail

A: Well, start imagining it, because Jillian is outta there. After this season, which begins Jan. 4, her contract is up, and she is leaving the show. Jillian explained her decision: “I want to take a year off TV and focus on becoming a mommy and doing more charity work. Shooting ‘Losing It’ also had a big impact on me. Living with kids, I saw firsthand what I was missing.”

Q: How is Vanessa Williams fitting in as the newest cast member of “Desperate Housewives”? — Sandi S., Lousiville, Ky.

A: Vanessa is doing great, at least according to co-star Joshua Moore, who plays Parker Scavo. When we spoke about the show’s return from winter break on Jan. 2, he told me: “She’s just great to work with. I think she’s a really good actress and she’s great in her role. She’s just a very cool person to talk to and hang out with. She definitely has to flip that switch on to be mean (like her character, Renee).”

Q: I was so happy when I heard that Nancy O’Dell would be replacing Mary Hart as co-anchor on “Entertainment Tonight” when Mary retires in 2011. It will be nice to see Nancy’s lovely face on TV again! What is she up to in the meantime? — Jillian F., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Nancy is thrilled by her latest career move. She told me: “It is such an honor (to be chosen to replace Mary Hart). Mary is such a TV icon. I remember watching it when it first debuted and thinking, ‘Oh my God, that would be such a cool show to work for.’ And here I am, working for it! It is very exciting.”


Nancy also has teamed up with Florida Orange Juice on a promotion to help make mornings special for families. She explained: “It’s so difficult for people to make their mornings meaningful with their families, as they are being pulled in so many directions. But all you need is 15 minutes, whether it’s over a glass of orange juice or over breakfast, to just sit down and talk with your family.” So Nancy is helping launch the Florida Orange Juice Morning Squeeze contest, with the grand prize being a family trip to Florida. To enter, go to www.FloridaJuice.com/Morning_Squeeze.php.

Q: Will “Army Wives” be back anytime soon for a new season? — William S., via e-mail

A: Rest assured, Lifetime Television’s perennial hit drama “Army Wives” will be back for a fifth season with 13 all-new episodes. “Army Wives” is Lifetime’s most successful series in the 26-year-history of the network, so I’d say the show has quite a bit of life left in it. It will be back in 2011, however the exact date has not been announced. If previous seasons are any indication, it should be back by late spring to early summer.

Q: I caught the tail end of what looked like a really good documentary on Animal Planet about men diving with Nile crocodiles. Can you tell me what it was called and when/if I can see it again? — Sam M., via e-mail

A: The show is called “Into the Dragon’s Lair,” which documents wildlife photographer Roger Horrocks and world-renowned underwater cameraman Didier Noiret as they travel to Botswana’s Okavango Delta to capture never-before-seen behaviors to help broaden the world’s scientific understanding of these fearsome creatures. It is definitely a don’t-miss show, and you can see it again Thursday night, Jan. 20.

Q: How much do reality-television stars, people like Kim Kardashian, make? — Frankie F., Washington, D.C.

A: It depends on the star’s popularity, as well as extracurricular activities, like perfume and clothing lines, books, etc. Kim, for instance, is the highest-paid reality star, raking in $6 million in 2010. Lauren Conrad is close behind, banking $5 million in 2010.

Q: I was so sad to hear that one of my favorite comedic actors, Leslie Nielsen, had passed away recently. Did he film anything before he died, to be released posthumously? — Jeff D., via e-mail

A: The great Leslie Nielsen, 84, who began his acting career back in 1950, passed away in November after a short battle with pneumonia. For his final movie, he voiced a character in the animated comedy “The Waterman Movie,” which is scheduled for release some time next year.

Q: What has happened to Rich Fields, the announcer for “The Price Is Right”? They keep having “guest” announcers. Will he return sometime soon? — Donna C. in New York

A: Rich Fields, 50, who came aboard “The Price Is Right” after the death of longtime announcer Rod Roddy in 2004, is no longer the announcer of the perennial game show. Before the start of the 2010 season, Rich was informed that the producers wanted to go a different way with the show, which included a new announcer with improvisation-comedy background. For now, the show is employing a series of guest announcers, but hopefully the producers will settle on one announcer soon, instead of continuing this game of announcer musical chairs. Currently, Rich is a part-time meteorologist in Los Angeles.

Q: Watching older movies with George Clooney, and comparing how he looked then with now, it looks like he has had a little tightening done to his face? Has he? To me, he seems like the last person on Earth who would undergo plastic surgery. — Hannah F., via e-mail

A: Actually, the 49-year-old star confessed to Oprah Winfrey back in 2007 that he had had some excess skin under his eyes removed. As he said: “It’s important to look awake.” If you check out some before and after pictures online, you can see that the result is subtle and natural-looking, unlike some other pulled-tight celebs who shall remain nameless.

Q: Why did the ABC/Disney-produced “Legend of the Seeker” get canceled? There is a worldwide fan campaign (saveourseeker.com) that is working hard to get this beloved, high-fantasy show back for a third season. Have you heard anything about the show coming back? — Shirley T., Derby, Conn.

A: The Internet is exploding with campaigns to save the show, as well as some well-placed rumors that the show might not be finished. Back in October, “Seeker” stars Craig Parker and Bruce Spence hinted at the fan gathering RingCon 2010 that the show might not be over, yet. Bruce stated, “I know that a lot of people think it’s dead, but it’s not.”


While he might just be employing positive thinking, rumor has it that many alternative stations have been approached about picking up the show for its third season, including SyFy and BBC (both of which reportedly passed). For some fan-made videos, as well as other links to help save the show, check out craighorner.com (a fansite for the “Seeker” star).

Q: I really miss “Parks and Recreation” — it is by far my favorite comedy on TV, along with “The Office.” When will it return? I can’t take much more of “Outsourced.” — Samuel F., via e-mail

A: You will be happy to hear, as I was, that “Parks and Rec” (as many of us lovingly refer to it) will be back on NBC on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 9:30/8:30c after “The Office,” where it belongs. I also was getting a little nervous that the mediocre comedy, “Outsourced,” was going to usurp Leslie Knope and company from their rightful spot on must-see Thursday night TV. I am not sure what this means for “Outsourced,” but I don’t really care. It is difficult for me to get behind a show that makes light of a real problem in America nowadays: high unemployment and jobs being shipped overseas. Aside from that, it just ain’t funny!

Q: Last I heard, “V” was coming back to ABC in November, but November came and went, and no “V.” Please don’t tell me that it has been canceled. After the cancelation of “FlashForward” and “The Gates,” I don’t think I can take another early cancelation! — Theresa R., Baltimore

A: Don’t you worry, Theresa. “V” will make its highly anticipated season premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 9/8c. Season two will feature more character and lizard revelations, more details about the V’s mythology, as well as even more action and more plot twists. As my favorite new show of the 2009 season, I can’t wait to see what develops.

Q: I loved Laura Prepon on “October Road,” and was sad when it went off the air. Can you tell me what else I can see her in? — Danni J. in Georgia

A: Laura, 30, has been busy since “October Road” was canceled in 2008. She guest-starred on “In Plain Sight,” “Medium,” “House M.D.” and “How I Met Your Mother.” In January, Laura plays Natalie Gray, the actress who portrays Nicki Heat in the movie adaptation of Richard Castle’s best-selling mystery book “Nicki Heat” on ABC’s “Castle.”

Q: I have loved all of the “Glee” cameos as of late, especially Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow. Now I hear that Anne Hathaway might be on the show? Is that true? — Denny T., via e-mail

A: While there are no immediate plans for Anne Hathaway to guest-star on the popular Fox musical/comedy, if Anne gets her way, you just might see her walking down the halls of McKinley High. She recently revealed: “In my head, I’ve cast myself, and I know what song I’m going to sing! I would want to play Kurt’s long-lost aunt’s mother’s sister, who is also gay and comes back to help him deal with his sexuality, and I would sing ‘You Are Not Alone’ from Steven Sondheim’s epic show ‘Into the Woods.’”

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Leslie Nielson Dies at 84

I come home (and back online) from my weeklong Thanksgiving holiday, only to learn one of my favorite comedic actors has passed away.

(from Associated Press)

Despite decades spent playing sober commanders and serious captains, Leslie Nielsen insisted that he was always made for comedy. He proved it in his career's second act.

"Surely you can't be serious," an airline passenger says to Nielsen in "Airplane!" the 1980 hit that turned the actor from dramatic leading man to comic star.

"I am serious," Nielsen replies. "And don't call me Shirley."

The line was probably his most famous — and a perfect distillation of his career.

Nielsen, the dramatic lead in "Forbidden Planet" and "The Poseidon Adventure" and the bumbling detective Frank Drebin in "The Naked Gun" comedies, died on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 84.

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Q and A: Week of Oct. 11

Q: My husband and I think “Men of a Certain Age” was the best show on TV last year. Can you tell us if it’s been picked up for a second season? We sure hope so. — Carmen G., via e-mail

A: I am happy to report that TNT’s hit comedy starring Ray Romano, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula has been renewed for a second season, which will premiere Nov. 29. You can relive the first season soon, as Season One will make its DVD debut Nov. 2. The two-disc DVD set will include all 10 episodes from the first season. Bonus features include commentary, deleted scenes, gag reel and behind-the-scenes footage.

Q: I just found out that actors Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek have divorced. How are they doing, and how do they make it work with their children? — Sasha F., Ontario, Canada

A: I spoke with Jane recently while she was promoting her Lifetime movie “Reviving Ophelia” (which I highly recommend), and she told me how she and Brad are able to make it work since getting divorced in 2009: “Brad and I have a really wonderful relationship. The marriage couldn’t work anymore, but I think that we still have an incredible fondness and love for each other that we really want our kids to see as we become friends. We just think of it as a family that lives in two different houses.”




Q: I was so sad to read that Gloria Stuart had passed away. “Titanic” is one of my all-time favorite movies, and Gloria did a wonderful job in it. What other films has this beautiful actress been in? — Phyllis S., via e-mail

A: Gloria Stuart, who passed away Sept. 26 of respiratory failure at the age of 100, got her start early in Hollywood. She was a blond beauty who starred in “The Invisible Man,” “Gold Diggers of 1935” and “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.” She was semiretired by the 1940s, and returned to acting in the ’70s with sporadic roles in TV and film.


She returned to the acting forefront in the 1997 epic romance/disaster film “Titanic,” and both she and Kate Winslet were nominated for an Academy Award for the same role (Kate playing Young Rose, and Gloria playing Older Rose), which was an Oscar first. Upon hearing of Gloria’s passing, Kate released this statement: “I feel blessed to have met her, known her and to have acted alongside her. She will be deeply missed.”

Q: What are these rumors I’m hearing about a “Sound of Music” reunion? — Gerry D., Wilmington, Del.

A: I think you’re referring to the news that the entire cast of the hit 1965 musical will reunite on “Oprah” on Oct. 29 in honor of the film’s 45th anniversary. All the cast members (as well as members of the real Von Trapp family) will be on hand, including stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Color me ecstatic!

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Martin Short's Wife Dies

(from usmagazine.com)

Martin Short's wife of 30 years, former actress Nancy Dolman, has died, the actor's rep tells UsMagazine.com.

She passed away Saturday at the couple's home in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

No other details were released.

Nancy, 58, had been battling cancer since 2007.

The two, who met during the 1972 Toronto production of the musical Godspell, had three children together: Katherine, 26; Oliver, 24; and Henry, 21.

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Rue McClanahan Dies at 76

Golden Girl Rue McClanahan has died at the age of 76.

"She passed away at 1 a.m. this morning," her manager, Barbara Lawrence, said. "She had a massive stroke."

Rue, who played man-happy Blanche Devereaux on the still-popular '80s sitcom Golden Girls, had suffered a minor stroke earlier this year while recovering from bypass surgery. Lawrence adds that at the time of her death Thursday, Rue “had her family with her. She went in peace.”

(read the entire story here)

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Gary Coleman, 42, Dies

UPDATE from the Associated Press

Gary Coleman, the child star of the smash 1970s TV sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" whose later career was marred by medical and legal problems, has died after suffering an intercranial hemorrhage. He was 42.

Utah Valley Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Janet Frank says life support was terminated and Coleman died at 12:05 p.m. MDT.

Coleman, with his sparkling eyes and perfect comic timing, became a star after "Diff'rent Strokes" debuted in 1978. He played the younger brother in a pair of African-American siblings adopted by a wealthy white man.

His popularity faded when the show ended after six seasons on NBC and two on ABC.

He suffered continuing ill health from the kidney disease that stunted his growth and had a host of legal problems in recent years.

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Syringe and Pills Found Near Paul Gray's Body

(from the Associated Press)

The hotel employee who found Slipknot bassist Paul Gray dead in his room told a 911 operator that there was a hypodermic needle next to Gray's bed and there were "all kinds of pills everywhere."

TownePlace Suites maintenance worker Mike Kellow told the operator Monday morning that he found the 38-year-old Gray's body in a corner of his room slumped against a wall.

"There's a hypodermic needle next to the bed here," Kellow said.

The dispatcher asked if Gray was awake.

"Oh God, no. He's all purple," Kellow said.

Kellow told the operator it appeared that Gray had been "gone a while."

Kellow says he checked on Gray after the bassist's mother called the Urbandale, Iowa, hotel because she couldn't reach her son.

The six-minute recording, which was first obtained by Des Moines television station WOI-TV on Wednesday, ends with the dispatcher telling Kellow he was sending a police officer to the hotel.

(see entire story here)

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Art Linkletter, 97, Dies

(from the Associated Press)

Art Linkletter, whose People Are Funny and House Party shows entertained millions of TV viewers in the 1950s and '60s with the funny side of ordinary folks and who remained active as a writer and speaker through his ninth decade, died Wednesday. He was 97.

Linkletter died at his home in the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles, said his son-in-law, Art Hershey, the husband of Sharon Linkletter.

"He lived a long, full, pure life, and the Lord had need for him," Hershey said.

Linkletter had been ill "in the last few weeks time, but bear in mind he was 97 years old. He wasn't eating well, and the aging process took him," Hershey said.

Linkletter hadn't been diagnosed with any life-threatening disease, he said.

(read more here)

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Brittany Murphy's Husband Found Dead

(from the Associated Press)

The husband of Brittany Murphy was found dead at his Los Angeles home late Sunday, five months after the Hollywood actress died, police said.

The preliminary cause of the death of British screenwriter Simon Monjack is natural causes, police spokesman Sgt. Louie Lozano told The Associated Press.

"We concluded there no signs of foul play or any criminal activity involved," said Sgt. Alex Ortiz, another police spokesman.

Firefighters responding to an emergency call from a woman at 9:40 p.m. found the 39-year-old Monjack dead at the Hollywood Hills residence, police spokesman Sgt. Louie Lozano said. Ortiz said he didn't know who called. Monjack and Murphy had shared their home with Murphy's mother, Sharon.

Ortiz said that the Los Angeles Coroner's Office was taking over the investigation because criminal activity had been ruled out, and would provide more details later on the death and circumstances surrounding it.

(read the entire story here)

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Legendary Actress/Singer/Activist Lena Horne Dies at 92

Legendary African American singer Lena Horne died Sunday in New York City at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She was 92. No cause of death was given.

Lena's rise from a 16-year-old chorus girl at Harlem's Cotton Club to six decades of work in film, radio, television, and on stage is impressive and unprecedented. 

(For an extensive obituary, go here.)

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Lynn Redgrave, 67, Passes Away

(from AP)

Lynn Redgrave, an introspective and independent player in her family's acting dynasty who became a 1960s sensation as the freethinking title character of "Georgy Girl" and later dramatized her troubled past in such one-woman stage performances "Shakespeare for My Father" and "Nightingale," has died. She was 67.

Her publicist Rick Miramontez, speaking on behalf of her children, said Redgrave died Sunday night at her Manhattan apartment. In 2003, Redgrave had been treated for breast cancer.

Her death comes a year after her niece Natasha Richardson died from head injuries sustained in a skiing accident and just a month after the death of her older brother, Corin Redgrave.

The youngest child of Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, Lynn Redgrave never quite managed the acclaim — or notoriety — of elder sibling Vanessa Redgrave, but received Oscar nominations for "Georgy Girl" and "Gods and Monsters," and Tony nominations for "Mrs. Warren's Profession," ''Shakespeare for My Father" and "The Constant Wife."

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Dixie Carter Dies at 70

(from the Associated Press)

Designing Women actress Dixie Carter (pictured, in red, with Designing Women cast), who used her charm and stately beauty in a host of roles on Broadway and television, died Saturday. She was 70.

Publicist Steve Rohr, who represents Carter and her husband, actor Hal Holbrook, said Carter died Saturday morning.

UPDATE: Her publicist says she died of complications from endometrial cancer, which affects the uterus

"This has been a terrible blow to our family," Holbrook said in a written statement. "We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy."

A native of Tennessee, Carter was most famous for playing quick-witted Southerner Julia Sugarbaker for seven years on Designing Women, the CBS sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1993.

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Corey Haim Dies at 38

(from the Associated Press)

The Los Angeles coroner's office says "The Lost Boys" actor Corey Haim is dead at 38.

UPDATE: Corey's mother,  Judy Haim, told Access Hollywood that she was informed by the coroner this morning that her son died of pulmonary congestion. She said that the autopsy determined that Corey's heart was enlarged and his lungs had filled with water.

Longtime friend and co-star, Corey Feldman, wrote on his blog: "This is a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul who will always be my brother, family and best friend. We must all take this as a lesson in how we treat the people we share this world with while they are still here to make a difference."

UPDATE: "As he got out of bed, he felt a little weak and went down to the floor on his knees," Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said. His mother called paramedics.

An autopsy will determine Haim's cause of death. There was no evidence of foul play, police Sgt. Michael Kammert said.

Haim, who gained attention for his roles in "Lucas" and "The Lost Boys," had flulike symptoms before he died and was getting over-the-counter and prescription medications, police Sgt. William Mann said.

"He could have succumbed to whatever (illness) he had or it could have been drugs," Mann said. "He has had a drug problem in the past."

Haim was taken by ambulance to the hospital from an apartment in Los Angeles near Burbank.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed that Haim, who battled substance addiction for several years, was found unresponsive in an Oakwood apartment and pronounced dead at Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center at 2:15 a.m. of an accidental drug overdose.

Coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said Wednesday that Haim died at 2:15 a.m. at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. She said an autopsy will determine the cause of death and there are no other details.

Canadian-born Haim became a teen heartthrob with the 1986 film "Lucas" and 1987's "The Lost Boys."

His first role was in the 1984 hit "Firstborn," in which he played a young child caught up in a family war. He then appeared in the 1985 television movie "A Time to Live."

In recent years, he appeared in the A&E reality TV show "The Two Coreys" with his friend Corey Feldman. It was canceled in 2008 after two seasons.

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