Q and A: Week of Dec. 29

Q: There is a series on Cinemax called “The Knick,” which stars Clive Owen, and it’s my favorite new show of the year. Will it be back for another season? — Daniel in North Carolina

A: “The Knick,” which is set in New York in 1900, centers on the Knickerbocker Hospital and its groundbreaking surgeons, nurses and staff, who push the boundaries of medicine in a time of astonishingly high mortality rates and no antibiotics. The series has been renewed for a 10-episode second season — in fact, the show was renewed before the first season even premiered. Such an action shows the much-deserved confidence Cinemax has in the show’s high-caliber star (Clive Owen) and director (Steven Soderbergh).

Q: When will “Portlandia” return? — Sue Y., via email

A: The hit IFC comedy returns for its fifth season on Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. ET, with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein leading the goth charge in this fondly satiric showcase of Portland, Oregon’s most eccentric characters. To see a sneak peak of the new season, go to ifc.com/videos, and use the drop-down tab to search for “Portlandia.”

Q: Do you know if “Outlander” on Starz will be available as a DVD set for purchase at the end of the series year? — Rhonda B., via email

A: While as of yet there is no official DVD release date, I can say with confidence that the wildly popular fantasy/romance/time-travel series will be available on DVD once season one has concluded (at the end of May 2015). If I am wrong, may I be forced to time-travel through the Craigh na Dun stones without a protective gemstone somewhere on my person.

Q: I was thrilled to read in your column that “The Good Witch” was going to be a regular prime-time series on the Hallmark Channel. Can you give me some inside scoop about it? — Betty S., via email

A: I do have some news to share, the biggest of which is that “Desperate Housewives” hunk James Denton has been added to the cast of “The Good Witch,” which will have its two-hour season-one premiere on Feb. 28 at 8/7c, and is slated for a 10-episode run. James plays Cassie’s new next-door neighbor, a divorced doctor and single dad who stirs things up in Middleton when he discovers that Cassie’s (series star Catherine Bell) signature charm is more than just a magic touch.

Q: I’ve been waiting and waiting for a new “Celebrity Apprentice.” Can you tell me when or if it will be back? — Jeremy R., Harrisburg, Pa.



A: I’ve been anxious for my guilty pleasure’s return as well, and we don’t have too much longer to wait, Jeremy. Donald Trump and company will return to NBC on Jan. 4. This season, which is the show’s 14th, promises to bring us more fantastically fun feuding drama with such stars as Kate Gosselin, Ian Ziering, Kevin Jonas, Geraldo Rivera, Brandi Glanville, Shawn Johnson, Sig Hansen, Vivica Fox, Gilbert Gottfried, Lorenzo Lamas, Leeza Gibbons, Kenya Moore, Johnny Damon, Terrell Owens, Keshia Knight Pulliam and Jamie Anderson. Also, the late Joan Rivers, who took home top honors for season eight, filmed two episodes before her death earlier this year. In those episodes, she’ll be sitting in for Ivanka Trump as a judge. Donald Trump told “Today” show’s Matt Lauer that they had considered cutting Joan’s scenes, but ultimately, they decided, “in memoriam, we’re going do something to honor her during those two shows. She was so good, and I think she would have liked it that way.”

Q: Will “Cedar Cove” be back for another season? I miss it already! — Hannah F., via email

A: The Hallmark Channel has indeed renewed the Andie MacDowell-starring hit drama for a third season. Of the renewal, Andie said: “I am so very grateful to Hallmark Channel for a third season, and cannot wait to rejoin the cast and crew to continue making the kind of television of which we can all be proud.”

Q: I am a huge fan of “Graceland,” and am anxious to know if it’ll be back for another season. Can you give me any good news? — Dana F., via email

A: I love being the bearer of good news: The USA network has indeed renewed the crime thriller for a third season. As you probably know, fans were getting a bit antsy for some news, since it seemed to take a bit longer than usual for the network to decide on the pickup. But we can all breathe more easily now, knowing that we won’t be left hanging after that awesome season-two cliffhanger finale. There’s no word yet on a premiere date, but I’d look for it come summer 2015.

Q: I need my “Rizzoli and Isles”! — Gina D., Conyers, Ga.

A: Well, that wasn’t really a question, Gina, but I think I catch your meaning. You’re wondering when TNT’s hit procedural crime drama will return from its midseason hiatus to finish out its fifth season, right? You have just a little while longer to hang on. Our favorite cop and doctor team (Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, respectively) will be back Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. And, hold onto your hat, it’s also been renewed for a sixth season!

Q: My husband and I are fans of “Bates Motel.” I would like to know if it’s coming back and when. — Gert B., Rochester, NY

A: A and E’s mesmerizing series adaptation of the Alfred Hitchcock classic movie will return for its third season this coming March. Expect 10 more spine-tingling episodes of the Vera Farmiga- and Freddie Highmore-starring thriller. Former “Sons of Anarchy” cast member Ryan Hurst joins the show for its third season, cast in the role of Chick Hogan, and ex-con who owns a bike shop and also runs an illegal firearms operation near Dylan’s new farm. He will butt heads with Dylan’s father, Caleb, who’s played by another “Sons,” alum Kenny Johnson.

Q: Can you tell me when “The Following” will return to TV? It did get picked up for another season, right? — Steve F., via email

A: The Kevin Bacon-starring suspense thriller will be back for a third season with 15 new episodes beginning Monday, March 2 at 8/7c with a two-hour season premiere (and picking up the following week in its 9/8c time slot). Also on tap for early 2015 premieres: “Bones” returns from it winter hiatus March 26 at 8/7c; “Glee” makes a movie to Fridays starting with its premiere on Jan. 9 (also a two-hour premiere); and “American Idol” returns for its 14th season, sans Randy Jackson, on Jan. 7 at 8/7c. Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. will be back, and Adam Lambert will be filling in for Keith as a guest judge during the New York auditions. Keith took time off from the show in order to be with his wife, Nicole Kidman, after the death of her father.

Q: I’ve gotta have my “Justified”! — Freddie F., via email

A: You’ll have it, Freddie, in just a few more weeks. The hit FX Western series will be back for its sixth and final season on Jan. 20 at 10 p.m., with Sam Elliott and Garret Dillahunt joining the cast. Get ready for that much-anticipated Raylan/Boyd final showdown!

Q: Two of my favorite shows, “Scandal’ and “How to Get Away with Murder” haven’t been on for weeks. What is going on, and when will they be back? — Frankie F., Biloxi, Miss.

A: Don’t worry, the two hit ABC dramas are merely on winter hiatus. Olivia and Annalise will be back on Jan. 29, at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET, respectively. “Murder” has its two-hour season finale on Feb. 26, and taking its time slot starting March 5 is “American Crime.” The 11-episode series — which stars Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton and Penelope Ann Miller — tells the story of young couple in Modesto, California, were brutally attacked in their home, leaving Matt Skokie, a war vet, murdered, and his wife, Gwen, unconscious, barely hanging on. The crime sends shock waves throughout the community, stirring up tensions across socioeconomic and racial lines in this gritty new drama from the points of view of all those involved. Another new ABC drama, premiering Sunday, March 1, is the 10-episode “Secrets and Lies.” The story focuses on Ben, played by Ryan Phillipe, who is a person of interest in the death of a neighborhood boy, which is being investigated by Det. Andrea Cornell, played by Juliette Lewis.

Q: I know season four just ended, but I have to know: Will my favorite show, “Hell on Wheels,” be back for another season? — Jane T., via email

A: The AMC Western period drama, which is about the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad across the United States, will be back for its fifth and final season of 14 episodes, which will be split in half for its airing. The first seven episodes will premiere in summer 2015, with the final seven airing summer 2016.

Readers: I have great news for all you “Longmire” fans! You guys asked, and Netflix listened. The streaming video website has picked up the former A and E series — which was canceled earlier this year after three seasons — for a 10-episode fourth season. The beloved Western crime drama will return sometime in 2015 — an exact date has not yet been announced. According to Netflix, season four picks up moments after season three’s exciting finale.

And in disturbing news: I reported a few months ago that NBC was developing a family sitcom starring Bill Cosby that was to possibly debut this summer. Well, in the midst of multiple rape allegations, the network has decided to pull the project, which was going to be a multigenerational family show with Bill as the patriarch of the family, dispensing wisdom on relationships and parenthood.

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 21

Jamie Gray Hyder

Q: Can you tell me about the actress who plays Lucia on “Graceland”? She looks familiar to me. What else has she been on? — Patrick J., via email

A: Jamie Gray Hyder is perhaps best known for playing Danielle, a werewolf in Alcide’s pack, last season on “True Blood.” After her “TB” stint ended, she went on to co-star on “Graceland” as Lucia Solano, who is just trying to live life on the straight and narrow — unlike her brother, Carlito, and the rest of her family. I spoke with Jamie recently about her new role, as well as what we can expect as “Graceland” wraps up its second season on the USA network.

“Lucia wants to get a real job and be independent and prosperous, in a legal way. She wants to be able to live a normal life and have normal relationships. She doesn’t get to have friends or lovers, because those relationships are constantly ruined by the antics of her brother and the rest of her family. She’s just striving for normalcy and is constantly being dragged through the mud.”

She did give me a little tease as to what to expect in the finale: “It’s a two-part finale, and it’s definitely designed to leave everyone wanting more. I just got done shooting it, and it’s all very fresh in my mind. I’ll tell you this, when I read the finale, I was shocked.”

Q: Is it true that there is going to be another “Terminator” movie? — Kalli R., Modesto, Calif.

A: Arnold Schwarzenegger will be back on July 1, 2015 as the aforementioned Terminator in “Terminator: Genisys.” The fifth installment of the futuristic action series also stars Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen of “Game of Thrones”) as Sarah Connor, Jason Clarke (no relation to Emilia) as John Connor, and Jai Courtney (Eric in the “Divergent” trilogy) as Kyle Reese. I am curious as to the timeline of this film, because Emilia and Jai are in their 20s, and Jason, who plays their son, John, is in his 40s. So, I’ll guess that some crisscrossing time-travel component definitely will play a part in this movie (as in all the “Terminator” films).

Q: What has Adrien Brody been doing lately? — Gina T., via email

A: Next up for Adrien is starring as the great magician-showman Henry Houdini in “Houdini,” the History Channel original miniseries, which airs Sept. 1 and 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The miniseries follows the epic tales of Harry Houdini as he emerges as America’s first bona-fide world-renowned superstar. “Houdini” delves deep behind the curtain into his life through his stunts, visions and mastery of illusion.

Q: Will my favorite summer series, “Suits,” be back for another season? — Fallon F., via email

A: USA’s hit legal dramedy, which had its midseason finale Aug. 20, has indeed been renewed for a 16-episode fifth season. Also, look for the second half of season four in spring 2015.

Q: Will my favorite show, “Fargo,” be back for another season? — Paul R., via email

A: You betcha! FX has renewed the critically acclaimed drama — which is based on the Coen brothers’ hit movie of the same name — for a second season, especially after it racked up 18 Emmy nominations! Season two, which will consist of 10 episodes, most likely will air in fall 2015, although no specific date has been set.

Adam Korson, photo by Diana Ragland

Q: I had been watching this new show on the CW network called “Seed,” and I really liked it. Now I can’t find it anywhere. Can you tell me what happened to it? — George S., via email

A: The Canadian comedy (to which the CW bought the rights) is about a 30-something ne’er-do-well — and previous sperm donor — who becomes acquainted with the offspring he never knew he had. It didn’t do so well in the ratings and was canceled after two shows. The CW has said it plans to air the remaining episodes online.

This truly is a shame for American audiences because I had the pleasure of interviewing series star Adam Korson about the show, and he’s truly one of the nicest people you could ever meet. In Adam’s words about the show: “This is a show for those who want a half-hour to laugh and escape from your everyday life. You’re going to watch it, and you’re going to relate to it. I remember as a kid I would tune into ‘Seinfeld’ because I knew for that half-hour, I was going to be laughing and be taken on a crazy journey. I think that’s good television, and that’s what our show is.”

Q: I’ve loved Portia de Rossi ever since “Ally McBeal,” and especially in “Arrested Development,” but I haven’t seen her in anything lately. What can I see her in next? — Kellie Y., Bowling Green, Ohio



A: The gorgeous and talented actress — and wife of Ellen DeGeneres — will be hitting the small screen this fall when she appears in a multi-episode arc of the hit ABC political drama “Scandal.” And what better way to announce your next project than by your wife “accidentally” letting it slip on Twitter? Ellen recently announced to her millions of Twitter followers: “So annoying when people brag on Twitter, and that’s why I’m not tweeting that Portia just signed on to do a top-secret arc on Scandal. Oops.” “Scandal” returns for its fourth season on Sept. 25 at 9/8c. (Note the time change from last season.)

Q: Can you tell me what Naomi Watts has coming up? She is always such a joy to watch. — Nathan H., Fresno, Calif.

A: The versatile and award-winning actress recently started work in a prominent role in ”Insurgent“ and ”Allegiant,“ movies two and three of the ”Divergent“ trilogy. Naomi plays Evelyn, mother of Four and leader of an insurgent rebel group, the Factionless. She’ll also give viewers more of a glimpse into the background of her son, Four (played by Theo James), the restrained and self-contained Dauntless leader. Shooting began this summer in Atlanta, and is scheduled for a March 20, 2015 premiere date.

Q: Is ”Boardwalk Empire“ returning for another season? — Gord, Mission, British Columbia

A: The Emmy Award-winning HBO drama will return for its fifth and final season on Sept. 7. This eight-episode season takes place during the depths of the Depression in 1931, wherein Enoch ”Nucky“ Thompson (played by Steve Buscemi) recalls his Atlantic City roots and plots a post-Prohibition future. Says series creator Terence Winter: ”We look forward to bringing it to a powerful and exciting conclusion.“

Katheryn Winnick

Q: Do you have any news about “Vikings”? — Bob L. in Minnesota

A: I do have some casting news: History announced that for season three of the hit historical drama, Lothaire Bluteau will portray Emperor Charles of France, a powerful man who views battling the Vikings as spiritual and earthly; Kevin Durand will play the Wanderer, a mysterious man who is not what he seems; Morgane Polanski has been cast as Princess Gisla, the elegant, self-possessed daughter of Emperor Charles; and Ben Robson will play Kalf, Lagertha’s (Katheryn Winnick) trusted second in command.

Q: I can’t seem to get enough of “Falling Skies”! Can you tell me if it will be back next summer? — Dean P., via email

A: “Falling Skies” will indeed return to TNT next summer to wrap up its epic story during its fifth (and final) season. Ten new episodes in summer 2015 will tie a pretty (or not-so-pretty) bow on the hit sci-fi drama, and I’m hoping that all of our questions will be answered. But, now that I think about it, I kind of hope all of our questions WON’T be answered so there will be a reason for a future big-screen version of the series (like “Star Trek” and “The X-Files”).

And speaking of hit dramas, TNT also has renewed two more of its chart-topping summer series: Freshman drama “The Last Ship” will be back for a 13-episode season two (up from a 10-episode first season). Courtroom/crime drama “Major Crimes” also has been renewed for a fourth season, with a 15-episode order.

Q: My mom told me that she heard my favorite book, “The Red Tent,” is being made into a movie. Is that true? If so, can you tell me what you know about it? — Jessica G., Reno, Nevada

A: Production began in May in Morocco on Lifetime’s major two-night miniseries “The Red Tent,” which is based on the best-selling novel by Anita Diamant. For those unfamiliar with the book, “The Red Tent” is the sweeping tale of Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob, who was seen only in small glimpses in the Old Testament. The miniseries will air later this year, and stars Minnie Driver, Morena Baccarin, Rebecca Ferguson (as Dinah), Iain Glen, Will Tudor and Debra Winger.

The miniseries begins with Dinah’s happy childhood spent inside the red tent, where only the women of her tribe are allowed to gather and share the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood. Told through Dinah’s eyes, the film recounts the story of her mothers Leah (Minnie), Rachel (Morena), Zilpah and Bilhah — the four wives of Jacob (Iain) — and Jacob’s courtship of them. The saga continues as Dinah matures and experiences an intense love that subsequently leads to a devastating loss, changing her and her family’s lives forever. Debra portrays Rebecca, Jacob’s mother, while Will stars as Joseph, Dinah’s brother.

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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 July 1

Q: One of my favorite movies is “Into the Wild.” Can you tell me what its star, Emile Hirsch, has coming up? — Ronald W., via e-mail

A: For Emile’s latest project, he is taking on the iconic role of Clyde Barrow in the History/Lifetime/A and E joint production of “Bonnie and Clyde.” Holliday Grainger of “The Borgias” has been tapped to play Bonnie Parker, with Holly Hunter, William Hurt, Sarah Hyland, Elizabeth Reaser, Lane Garrison, Austin Hebert and Dale Dickey all set to co-star. The four-hour two-night event miniseries will air simultaneously on History, Lifetime and A and E, and will be directed by Oscar nominee Bruce Beresford.

For those unfamiliar with the real-life events, “Bonnie and Clyde” retells the fascinating tale of the couple whose crime spree enraptured the Depression-era American public. Clyde was always able to stay one step ahead of the law as he and Bonnie escaped capture time and again. His one blind spot was Bonnie, who was intent on becoming famous, fed on the media attention and pushed Clyde to commit riskier and more dangerous crimes to generate bigger headlines, and make them the most famous criminals of the modern era.

“Bonnie and Clyde” will air later this year. I’ll let you know the date as soon as I know.

Q: What has Val Kilmer been up to? I loved him in “MacGruber,” but haven’t seen him in anything lately. — Felicia W., Atlanta

A: Aside from starring in his one-man show that he also wrote and directs called “Citizen Twain,” Val has just signed on to co-star in the IFC satire “The Spoils of Babylon,” which skewers the epic television miniseries in six half-hour episodes to air in early 2014. Produced by Funny or Die, the original comedy also stars Will Farrell, Toby Maguire, Haley Joel Osment, Tim Robbins, Michael Sheen, Kristen Wiig and Jessica Alba.

Jennifer Caserta, president and general manager of IFC, jokingly says of the project: “This amazingly talented cast will give this decadent genre its due respect. Never before has a parody of a miniseries been more poised for showers of accolades.”

Q: I love “Justified.” Is it coming back for another season? — Bobbie B., Richmond, Va.

A: FX has renewed the critically acclaimed crime drama for another season. The show will premiere its fifth season in January 2014. In the meantime, you can catch up on seasons one through three on DVD, and season four on Amazon Instant Video or iTunes.

Q: I thought that “Eastbound and Down” was over, that the third season was its last season. Now I hear there is a new season coming. Is this true? — Larry T., Philadelphia, Pa.

A: Originally, “Eastbound and Down” was supposed to be only three seasons. Danny McBride and company ended the series in a hilarious way that only they could. However, HBO (and perhaps pressure from die-hard fans like us) convinced Danny, Will Farrell and the rest of the crew to return for a fourth season. I, for one, am thrilled, as this has been a highlight of my sitcom-watching career. The fourth — and supposedly final — season of HBO’s “Eastbound and Down” is scheduled to premiere Sept. 29.

Q: Can you tell me how Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard is doing? I heard he has cancer. — Shelley W. in North Carolina

A: According to the axeman himself, the Def Leppard guitarist is doing just fine. He has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which has an 80 percent cure rate, and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy. He plans to continue touring with the band throughout the summer. In his words, he wanted to warn fans about his “new aerodynamic hairstyle (read: no hair) … I don’t want anyone to be so shocked by my new look that they ask for a refund.”

Q: One of my favorite shows is TNT’s “Rizzoli and Isles.” Can you give me any clues as to what to expect this season? — Janet Y., via email

A: I had the chance to speak with series star Sasha Alexander, who plays Dr. Maura Isles, and she gave me a few spoilers about season four, which begins Tuesday, June 25: “We start three months after the end of season three. Maura has anonymously donated her kidney to her sister, Kayleen. Maura is in a funky place. She’s feeling vulnerable and fragile. She’s not her normal, sunny self.”

“It’s fun watching Jane try to lift her spirits. It leads to funny antics with Maura and Jane. It brings Maura and Kayleen together, which leads to a relationship, and more of a family drama.”

In regard to future storylines and guest stars, we can expect great ones this season, starting with Maura’s love life. As Sasha tells me: “Eric Winter (of ’The Mentalist,’ ’Brothers and Sisters’ and ’The Ugly Truth’) is a potential love interest. He’s great — I love him. He plays a bomb-squad tech that Maura is attracted to.”

Because of my affinity for “Dawson’s Creek,” I had to ask her about her time there. “I had a wonderful experience. I love that I went to the prom with Dawson. James (Van Der Beek), Michelle (Williams), Josh (Jackson) and I are still dear friends. We don’t have shows like that anymore. I love the innocence and the beauty of that show. It was a really fun experience for me, and it was a really positive show. I wish there were something like it on the air now.”

Q: I heard that Steve Perry has cancer. Is this true, and if so, how’s he doing? — Wyatt R., Buffalo, N.Y.

A: The former Journey frontman recently revealed on his blog that he did indeed have cancer. In Steve’s words: ”Three weeks ago a routine mole was taken off my face, and the lab report came back melanoma skin cancer. I’ve had two surgeries in two weeks to remove all the cancer cells, and I’ve been told they think they got it all, and no other treatments are required.”

This news comes only six months after Steve lost his girlfriend, Kellie, to breast cancer, which had spread to her lungs, bones and brain.

Q: I am so happy that ”Scandal” was renewed for a third season. Can you give me any hints as to what to expect when it returns? — Justine P., via email

A: One thing you can expect is more Scott Foley. He was recently made a series regular, so it would appear that he is not out of Olivia Pope’s life. It also would seem that he won’t be left indefinitely in the hole his bosses at B613 tossed him in at the end of season two. Here’s hoping he doesn’t come out all grungy and gross like Huck did after his time in the hole.

Q: I saw “Man of Steel” over the weekend and loved it. Will there be a sequel? — Johnny S., via email

A: A sequel had been rumored to be in the works, and with the record-breaking opening weekend of “Man of Steel,” you can bet that sequel will become a reality. “Man of Steel” took in $125 million during its opening weekend, bringing in more money than the openings of the previous five “Superman” movies combined. It also was the biggest June opening for a film ever, and it had the second-highest opening of a film so far this year, behind “Iron Man 3.” This gives a great boost to the DC Comics superheroes for their own movies, much like Marvel Comics has done with its characters of Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers.

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Interview: Michael O'Neill on Justice and Politics in Sundance Channel's Rectify

Character actor Michael O’Neill is one of those actors I just love to interview. While he certainly knows his way around Hollywood — he’s been in countless daytime and nighttime dramas, comedies and feature films — he still maintains such an affable and approachable manner that I felt like I was talking to an old friend from the moment we began our interview. I spoke with Michael about his latest project, the Sundance Channel’s original drama series called “Rectify,” which airs Monday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The action takes place in a small town in Georgia, where one of its residents (Daniel Holden) has just been released from prison after spending 19 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Michael plays Sen. Roland Faulkes, who was the prosecuting attorney at the time who sent Holden to prison.

Celebrity Extra: What can you tell me about the show, in general? From what I’ve read, I really like the premise of the show.

Michael O’Neill: This is what happens to a community, particularly a small community, when prison comes to them. This young man has grown up in prison, and it’s all he’s known for the past 20 years. So when he comes out, it’s a huge stone on the water of this little community. You live in Florida, so you know the little towns of the South. The magnolias bloom, and the dogwoods are out at Easter, and the jonquils come up, but there is also this kind of decay underneath it all that we turn a blind eye to. But you just can’t; you simply can’t. I grew up in the South. I grew up in and among those towns, and there’s a real connectivity. There’s a sense that everybody knows your business. There’s a rhythm to it, and the rhythm of prison is very different. And it unsettles it.

CE: Tell me about your character, a man who basically made his career on a prosecution that ended up being unjust.

MO: Oh, yes, you know, it’s not uncommon. It’s interesting what ambition will do. It always has its own agenda. When I think about that character 20 years ago, I wonder if he realized where his ambition would take him or that he was even that ruthless. There’s always a gray area.

CE: What kind of a man is he? I’m guessing he started out thinking he was doing the right thing for his town.

MO: It’s funny, because what you’re talking about is sort of the same thing I’ve struggled with. On the one hand, it’s so delicious to play a guy who’s Machiavellian, and you want to make him more evil, more manipulative. But I don’t think that that’s true to his character. I do think that when opportunity arose 20 years earlier, it was compelling.

But I do think he feels like he’s been a public servant. He answers to the people. He felt the pulse of the town and what they wanted. They wanted a retribution for the act, so he went about making sure that they were satisfied.

There’s a certain hunger in him to be the top dog, to be able to do the things he wants to do. He knows how to glad-hand, and at the same time, I think there’s a little contempt in him about the fact that they aren’t quite up to his speed. Not unlike a lot of politicians today. They might intend one thing, but at the end of the day, there’s a certain self-serving that takes over.

CE: Just looking at the cast list of “Rectify,” you’ve got a bunch of heavy-hitters working with you: Hal Holbrook, Abigail Spencer and Aden Young, to name a few.

MO: Yeah, you’re talking about some pretty seasoned people there. Young or old, they’re seasoned. They’ve been around the block enough to know what gets them going. And they were all compelled by these characters. They felt like they were in opportunity land. They were getting to do something that just was very rare. Abigail and I had conversations about it — she’s as hot as a $2 pistol right now — and she adores her character, Amantha. She’s exploring something that she doesn’t usually get to explore. I’ve watched Aden work a lot, and as contained as he is, you feel like the fuse has been lit. Like there’s an explosion happening inside that’s been muffled underneath a can.

And Hal, of course, he’s incomparable. There’s nobody like Hal Holbrook. I’ve known him for a number of years, and he’s sort of the gold standard in the character-actor world. When people are around us, I say: “Just pay attention. You’ll see how to work from him.” Even when he’s not shooting, he’s continually exploring. He’s not on his cell phone texting anybody; he’s in that script. He’s in exploration.

CE: Let’s talk about your fan-favorite role on “West Wing.” You were originally supposed to be on for one episode, but they loved you so much, they stretched that role to six seasons.

MO: Thanks; I appreciate your saying that. At that time, we were broke. I had three children. My wife had had twins a matter of weeks before, and I hadn’t worked in a while. I’m thinking: “This is a great show. I don’t want to burn it on one day.” But I went in and the script supervisor came over to me and said: “They like you upstairs. You’ll be back,” And I’m thinking: “Yeah, sure, right. Thanks a lot.” And then they did invite me back. They came up with some great stuff, particularly when Aaron Sorkin was there. I still have Secret Service guys who reach out from time to time. I think they appreciated that there was a little reveal about who they are and how they do what they do. I certainly have a great appreciation for them. They were very helpful to me through that journey.

CE: You played an integral multi-episode role on “Grey’s Anatomy” as distraught widower Gary Clark. Tell me about that experience.

MO: I think one of the reasons (creator/executive producer/writer) Shonda (Rhimes) offered me that role was probably because of that Butterfield character, that archetype of a man who solves problems. Because Gary Clark was the absolute end of the spectrum, just the inability to deal with the loss of his wife and becoming untethered from everyone. Working on “Grey’s” was an extraordinary period of time. It breaks my heart every time I see a similar situation come up in the news. I think one of the things Shonda was saying with that story line is that he wasn’t dealt with well. Somebody needed to help him process out if he could. But maybe he was incapable of it. That was probably the most difficult work I’ve ever had to do.

CE: Personally, I think you’d be a perfect fit for Shonda’s newer series, “Scandal.” We need to put that bug in her ear.

MO: That’s a great idea. Let’s get that thought out there. If I run into Shonda I’ll tell her: “Listen, I just spoke to Cindy, and she had the most remarkable idea. We need to do ‘Scandal’ together.”

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 4

Q: While I wasn’t a big fan of the story line Scott Foley had on last season’s “True Blood,” I was excited to see him in my living room again after leaving “Grey’s Anatomy.” What can I see him on next? — Trudy K., via e-mail

A: I agree with you, Trudy. Scott Foley is one of those underrated, underutilized actors who we need to see much more of. So, you can imagine my happiness upon discovering that he is set to guest-star on one of my favorite shows, ABC’s “Scandal.” His character is said to be a part of a major story arc that will play out toward the end of the current season. Creator and head writer Shonda Rhimes was eager to work with Scott again after his run on “Grey’s,” so one show’s loss is another’s gain!

Q: I’ve always really liked Anthony Michael Hall, especially his recent sci-fi series, “Warehouse 13.” However, I do miss seeing him in comedies: His guest-starring turn on “Community” a few seasons back was hilarious. Can you tell me if he’ll be on a comedy soon? — Audrey W., via e-mail

A: When “Awkward” returns to MTV this summer for its super-size third season, Anthony Michael Hall will join the hit series as a teacher at Jenna’s high school. According to those in the know, Anthony will play a sadistic creative-writing teacher who insists on pushing his students beyond their academic limits. Anthony also co-stars in the feature-film comedy, “Sexy Evil Genius,” along with Michelle Trachtenberg, Seth Green and William Baldwin.

Q: A while back you wrote that “Unforgettable” had belatedly been renewed for a second season; however, I’ve seen neither hide nor hair of it yet. Please tell me that the suits didn’t change their minds again! — Hilary S., Portland, Maine

A: Don’t worry, Hilary, the Poppy Montgomery-starring police procedural will indeed have its second season on CBS. And we now have a premiere date, which is Sunday, July 28 at 9/8c. As I reported previously, season two will comprise 13 episodes, with Dylan Walsh, Jane Curtin and most other cast members returning.

Also, a few months ago, I was disheartened to report that AMC had decided not to renew “The Killing” for a third season. In another rare reversal — along the lines of CBS’s renewal of “Unforgettable” — AMC recently announced that the crime drama WILL be back for a third season.

Season three takes place a year after the Rosie Larson case was solved, as Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) searches for a runaway girl and uncovers a string of murders connected to Sarah Linden’s (Mireille Enos) previous murder investigation. Linden, no longer a detective, must return to both a career and a case she had put behind her.

All this renewal reversal has given me new hope for ABC’s “GCB” to return, whether with ABC or another network. Let’s make this happen —TNT, I’m lookin’ at you!

Q: I remember a few months back you wrote that Shooter Jennings would be releasing an album in the new year. I’ve been looking for it but haven’t been able to find it. — Jesse W., Nashville

A: You’ll have to wait just a little longer to get your hands on Shooter’s latest album, which is a quick follow-up to “Family Man.” I spoke with Shooter about “The Other Life,” which drops on March 12, and he can’t wait for his fans to hear it. Shooter told me: “We cut 17 songs and scrapped two of them. And 10 of them ended up on ‘Family Man’ and five ended up on ‘The Other Life.’ And then over the past year, we recorded the rest of the songs.

“I’m really excited about ‘The Other Life’ because it’s a darker kind of country record, but then there’s a taste of like all the other (stuff) that I’ve done. Like a little bit of ‘Black Ribbon,’ a little bit of this and that sprinkled on the record. Like where ‘Family Man’ was a pretty traditional country record for the most part, this one definitely branches out into some really out-there territory. It’s cool — some of the songs that were on this record that we held from ‘Family Man’ are my favorite songs from the session. It was just kind of clear which songs fit on which album.”

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Interview: Bellamy Young, A First Lady Ahead of Her Time

Bellamy Young as Mellie Grant, photo courtesy ABC

Bellamy Young is a familiar face on the television landscape. You might recognize her from her scores of guest-starring roles on shows such as “The X-Files,” “Cold Case,” “Castle,” “Private Practice,” “Criminal Minds” and “Franklin and Bash.” But it’s her role as first lady Mellie Grant on ABC’s breakout hit “Scandal” (which airs tonight at 10/9c on ABC) that really has people talking. Mellie is a no-holds-barred, eye-on-the-prize kind of gal, and that prize is retaining her position in the White House (and in President Grant’s life), no matter what it takes. I spoke with Bellamy recently about her role and the show, and was thrilled to discover she is pretty much the opposite of her scary “Scandal” character.

Celebrity Extra: When I first heard about “Scandal,” and the fact that it was created by and is written and produced by Shonda Rhimes, I knew I’d be in for a treat. What did you think when you first auditioned for the role?

Bellamy Young: I was overwhelmed. It was probably two years ago, and I was reading all the pilots for that year, and this was fathoms above the others. Shonda just understands people. She just knows how to hook your heart. She gets your brain, but she hooks your heart. She can pull you through a narrative, and this one is so intense. For the audition, I did what I never do, which is I bought an outfit especially for Mellie. I went in and I had two lines, and I was just so happy for them to let me do two lines in this piece that I thought was so beautiful. Then I got the part, and they suddenly just started writing the most incredible story line for my character, and they made me a regular. I just couldn’t be any happier.

CE: How about that Mellie? She is quite a character to play.

BY: And you know what? I don’t think Mellie is necessarily wrong. She’s always got the country’s best interest at heart, and she always has a very strong rationale behind her decisions and her actions. She just isn’t patiently waiting for everyone to catch up to her genius.

CE: Speaking of genius, how is it working with Shonda Rhimes?

BY: Shonda’s awful special because she sees people, not packages. So race and gender and sexuality are all sort of arbitrary to her and to the integrity of the character. Linda Lowy casts everything for Shonda, and there are no words to explain how amazing Linda is at her job. So I knew that they would, from this incredible script, attract the best people in town, and then just keep writing surprising story lines for everyone. For me personally, the office of first lady is so fascinating, and throughout the political history of our country, it’s been where you can see the most visible change, because gender roles have changed so much. I knew it would be a fertile ground to explore if given the chance. And it has proved to be beyond my wildest imagination in that regard.

Every character on the show is so nuanced and complex. No one is all right; no one is all wrong. No one is all good; no one is all bad. Humans are flawed, so it gets interesting when you bump up against other smart, flawed humans.

CE: Does Mellie love Fitz, or is it more of a business arrangement for her?

BY: I do believe they loved each other when they got married. Mellie loves Fitz — she would take a bullet for him, like only if it grazed her ear. I watch the show with my mom. My mom’s been widowed three times, bless her heart, and the third time she got married, I saw her fall in actual love. It looks so different from the other thing she’d been trying. And it wasn’t like she didn’t think she was in love before; it’s just different when it’s real. You don’t know it until you know it. And I sort of feel like that’s poor Fitz’s problem (being in love with Olivia Pope and not his wife, Mellie).

CE: As we saw in the season premiere when Mellie used the announcement of her baby’s sex as a chance to address the nation about genocide, Mellie isn’t afraid to use any circumstance to help further her agenda. Can we expect to see more of that this season?

BY: Oh, positively. Mellie is going to use every moment available to her to forward her agenda. But she really wants to be the president, so she would never be careless with the country. She really always believes she’s doing the right thing in her mind. There will be plenty of little bombshells, little smiling, sparkling bombshells that Mellie will drop along the way. They also give us some true moments of grace and connection, which helps for me because I always feel like I’m just playing Mellie in one moment in time, and it’s usually a bad moment. She’s really hurt. She is not at her best right now. I think that also helps you understand her relationship with Fitz, because there’s not a person alive who can’t empathize with that kind of complex relationship — true love-hate relationship. You never hate the people more than the people you love the most. They can make you the craziest.

CE: What kind of a mom is Mellie?

BY: I think Mellie is a very devoted mom. Bottom line, she is fiercely loyal. So, is she warm? I don’t think so. But she is fiercely supportive of and instills in her children that they can be anything they want to be in this world; they just have to believe in themselves. But she is also a working mom. She has a lot of help during the day while she’s off trying to make the country better. I think she struggles like so many women do with balancing the domestic with the professional.

CE: What does the future have in store for Mellie?

BY: That’s the thing — I don’t really know the answer. But I do know I’d do this job forever. The show gives such wish fulfillment for the audience and the actors, but it also has a conscience. That’s part of that battle for Mellie: Once you get to your end game, is it fulfilling? I think personally the answer is that love has to be the most fulfilling thing, and Mellie is falling at a deficit right now. And you try anything you can to fill that hole when you don’t have love. It will be pretty darn interesting to see the way Mellie flails around for a while.

CE: How is it working with Tony Goldwyn as your husband?

BY: Heaven. There’s no other way to describe it. Tony is the kindest human being and the most devoted person — personally to his children and his wife, but also as an actor. His generosity is unreal. And also his acting is so organic that it’s just quietly dumbfounding. You know, you just watch him and it’s just truth happening. There’s no artifice. He’s really living what’s happening, and it just raises your game. It’s so inspiring. I can’t say enough great things about him.

CE: In general, it sounds like a great show to work on.

BY: It’s unbelievable, across the board. The cast, crew, writers, the production office — everyone is at the top of their game. Everyone is kind, and everyone feels lucky to be there. We know how lucky we are to be working on a project this good with people who love it. And then (writer-creator) Shonda (Rhimes) — man, she’s just a gracious, brilliant, big-hearted woman.

CE: Any teasers for what’s coming up?

BY: Shonda plays it all very close to the vest, so I really don’t know much. Let’s see ... we have college students gone missing and sex scandals. Of course, more sex scandals. God, there’s always so much sex. Everyone loves sex. That’s the fun part. And Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) will get more complicated this season, so that’s fun to watch, because Kerry does it so well, and it’s just so human. Of course, Mellie will be up to no good at all. Just smile and rub her pregnant belly the whole time.

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Q and A: Week of Oct. 15

Eric Dane (photo courtesy ABC/Danny Feld)

Q: I watched the season premiere of “Grey’s Anatomy” and saw that Mark Sloan died. Did the person who played him die in real life? I noticed at the end they gave a birth year and a death year. — Wayne M., via e-mail

A: Eric Dane, who played the medical drama’s Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan since the show’s second season, is alive and well, unlike his character. He currently is in preproduction on the feature film “Sweet Spot,” which also stars Salma Hayek and Kurt Russell. The film is about a former New York Yankees pitcher past his prime who tries to revive his career in the Mexican Baseball League, and will be released in 2013.

Q: I am so happy that “Scandal” was renewed and has started its second season. Can you please give me any spoilers for what’s coming up? — Tina A., Hartford, Conn.

A: If you’re familiar with Shonda Rimes’ other shows (“Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice”), you know you’re in for drama, for sure. I spoke with series star Bellamy Young (who plays first lady Mellie Grant), and she gave me a little tease of what to expect this year.

“We’ll have government agents gone rogue, college students gone missing and sex scandals. Olivia will get more complicated this season, which is fun to watch because Kerry (Washington) does it so well. And it’s just so human. Mellie will get up to no good at all. But Shonda plays it very close to the vest with the story line. Getting the script for the next episode is a big deal. And we’re all texting each other: 'What page are you on?’ And it’s all so shocking! We all just can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Come back here tomorrow for my full interview with this lovely and engaging actress, who is nothing like her alter ego ... I promise!

Sean Bean (photo courtesy HBO)

Q: I really like Sean Bean, especially in “Troy” and “Game of Thrones.” What else can I see him in? — Helen S., Virginia Beach, Va.

A: The British thespian, 53, first entered my radar when he played Bond bad guy Alec Trevelyan in 1995′s “GoldenEye.” He’s done tons of stuff before and since, but nowadays he is best known as the doomed Eddard Stark. Last season, he co-starred with Ashley Judd in “Missing,” and in 2010 he played Zeus in “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” and will reprise that role in next year’s “Sea of Monsters.” From 2008-2010, Sean played the title character in “Crusoe,” he tried to foil Nicolas Cage’s treasure hunt in 2004′s “National Treasure,” and he played Boromir in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The list goes on and on.

Q: I think that Jimmy Kimmel did a bang-up job hosting the Emmy Awards. Any chance he’ll host the next Academy Awards ceremony? — Bob K., via e-mail

A: While Jimmy might have an Oscar-hosting gig in his future, the 85th annual Academy Awards ceremony, which will take place Feb. 24, will be hosted by “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane.

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Interview: Tony Goldwyn's Scandalous New Gig

In its bid to take over network-television dramas completely, a few weeks ago ABC debuted yet another new kick-ass series (joining the likes of "Revenge" and "GCB") called "Scandal," which airs Thursday nights at 10/9c. In case you are unfamiliar with the show, it centers on a "fixer" named Olivia Pope (played by the exquisite Kerry Washington), who has dedicated her life to protecting and defending the public images of the nation's elite and keeping those secrets under wraps. One of those elite just happens to be the President of the United States, Fitzgerald Grant, played by Tony Goldwyn. I recently had the chance to speak to the Prez about his latest role, one that was able to coax him back to series television. 

Celebrity Extra: "Scandal" is definitely at the top of my favorites list for new shows this year, and I can certainly understand why you'd want to be a member of this creative team. For you, what were some deciding factors that made you want to be a part of this show?

Tony Goldwyn: Well, a couple of things. Number one was Shonda Rhimes. I’d worked with Shonda as a director on "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Private Practice," and have so much admiration for her and know what great rich characters she writes, so that was number one. The second part was Kerry Washington, who is one of my favorite actresses. I think that she’s one of our best young film actresses, and every time I see Kerry in a movie, I am just knocked out by it, so that excited me a lot. 

And turning down the President of the United States is difficult. That’s going to be an interesting character anyway, but particularly I knew that Shonda Rhimes writing a president, he’d be a pretty interesting president. Then there was the script, which just a great recipe for really good storytelling.

CE: You know it's going to be good with Shonda involved, and looking at "Grey's" and "Private Practice" ...

TG: Yeah, that’s the whole thing. I was constantly surprised in the best way as the scripts kept coming in. [The character of Fitz] just keeps getting better and better and better as these scripts go along, and more complicated and interesting. As an actor, I feel like these gifts keep being dropped in my lap. I’m really grateful to Shonda for involving me, because it’s just literally every episode, I can’t believe the stuff that I am getting to do. By the end of the season it gets really interesting. It’s just been a really, really exciting thing to be a part of.

CE: What do you like best about playing Fitz?

TG:  Well, there are two things really. Fitz is a guy — for better or for worse — who leads with his heart, and in a very committed way he does that. Sometimes that gets him into terrible situations, but it ultimately gives him a sense of purpose, and I think maybe I’m biased, but a goodness because he leads really with his humanity. I think it’s what gives him great strength as a leader because he’s ultimately uncompromising in that way. Sometimes his heart gets him into real messes as well. But he’s an open-hearted man in a very dangerous world, and he has the courage to be that way. I find that a really admirable quality. All of his feelings admit it.

CE: And even though the president definitely has his faults, he's not a "bad guy," because he has redeeming qualities and you can see where he is coming from.

TG:  I think that’s right. Maybe that’s why I love playing villains, because I like to find the humanity in villainous characters. Shonda has this ability to find actors who have an intuitive understanding of what lies beneath that actor, like what their potential and complexities are. You’ll see as you get to know the characters better that Shonda digs things out of actors that are just amazing. There are people that she’ll hire not knowing how much they are going to be in the series, and she’ll just sense something about them and start to write for that person, unearthing aspects that that actor has to offer that a lot of them have never seen before. 

Shonda just has this instinct about people. It’s a beautiful thing as an actor to feel that you’re seen by a writer. That’s a very rare thing. I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced it. I’ve been cast in roles that I was very right for, but one of the great things about television is the writing continues constantly, so Shonda intuits things and then she writes to the show. So many decisions won’t be made until she sees what’s happening on screen, and then she’ll start to write to that. We were constantly surprised by where the show was going. Every week we had no idea what was going to happen, and neither did Shonda sometimes. I’d say, “What’s up with Amanda Tanner?” and she’s like, “I don’t know yet!” It was great.

CE: Speaking of casting, the chemistry between you and Kerry is just sizzling. I love Fitz and Olivia when they are in the same room together.

TG: It’s like it’s magical. As I mentioned, I have so much respect for Kerry as an actress — we knew each other socially and we’re both really involved politically, so we have always kind of hit it off personally. I just have tremendous respect for her on many different fronts, and she’s a stunningly beautiful woman. So, I don’t know, chemistry is such a funny thing. There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s either there or it’s not. Our acting styles seem to mesh, you know, our way of working, and I think we have a mutual respect for each other. Then there’s physical chemistry, which is something, like I said, you can’t manufacture. We find that we work really well together, and it’s easy to fall in love with her.

CE: And you really feel bad for Fitz, still being in love with Olivia, even though he's married and it's really not something he should be feeling.

TG: It’s impossible. It’s an impossible situation, and that’s what makes it great and that’s what people will have to see. One of the great things about it is Shonda puts us in extreme conflict with one another. So, you have those two opposite forces constantly battling each other, and there’s so much that happens. All Fitz wants to do is have Olivia talk to him and be able to have her see him and understand the truth of his situation, and her unwillingness to do that and the assumptions that she makes make it really, really difficult. That thing — that opposition and that undeniable kind of magnet that thing that they have together — just constantly plays out in different ways, and creates more and more problems.

CE: As we get into the home stretch of this first season, can you give me any hints or spoilers?

TG: I don’t want to give anything away but I can say that, in my opinion, every episode gets better than the last one. Whatever you think you know, you’re wrong. It gets really complicated. The last couple of episodes, particularly, just rock. They’re like a roller-coaster ride. It’s really fun.

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Q and A: Week of May 7

Q: I am so hooked on “Scandal,” the new midseason show on ABC, and I am especially glad to see Tony Goldwyn in a strong supporting role. How is he liking his new role as president of the United States? — Tina W., Atlanta

A: Like you, I love “Scandal,” so I jumped at the opportunity to speak with Tony about his new role. He told me: “First of all, turning down the role of the president of the United States is difficult. That’s going to be an interesting character, but particularly I knew that with Shonda Rhimes writing a president that he’d be a pretty interesting president. The script was really well written and just a great recipe for really good storytelling.

“As an actor, I felt like these gifts kept being dropped in my lap. I’m really grateful to Shonda for involving me; each episode, I couldn’t believe the stuff that I was getting to do. By the end of the season, it gets really interesting.” Check back here later today to read my entire interview with Tony, where he gives inside info about what to expect by season’s end.

Q: One of my favorite screen actors of all time is Anthony Hopkins. What can I see him in next? — Jared G., via e-mail

A: Presently, Anthony is filming “Hitchcock,” a movie about “Psycho,” “Rear Window” and “Birds” director Alfred Hitchcock. Unless you want to wait until 2013 for the movie, Google “Anthony Hopkins Hitchcock” to see the eerily true-to-life transformation of the enigmatic actor to the horror auteur through the magic of makeup and prosthetics. The film also stars Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Beal, and definitely on my must-see list for 2013.

Crystal Allen

Q: Can you tell me what Brandon Routh has coming up? — Theresa G., Brighton Beach, N.Y.

A: Brandon has a new movie coming out May 18, which is quite a departure from portraying the Man of Steel. Brandon stars in “Crooked Arrows,” about a reluctant coach who takes on a Native American lacrosse team. I spoke with Crystal Allen, who plays Brandon’s love interest in the film, and she told me: “Brandon’s character, Joe, and I were high-school sweethearts. I give him a hard time. I challenge him throughout the movie. Brandon is such a nice guy, and he’s got such a presence on film. He just really shines and he’s really moving. He was great to work with.” Read our entire chat right here next week.



Q: How is Guiliana Rancic doing after beating breast cancer last year? — Audrey T., via e-mail

A: Guiliana, who beat breast cancer after undergoing a successful double mastectomy last year, is expecting a baby — via surrogate — with husband Bill. The baby, who is due later this year, is genetically Guiliana and Bill’s; however, due to Guiliana’s health issues, they decided to go with a surrogate to make sure the baby has a greater chance to be carried to full term.

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 30

Q: I was watching an old episode of “Dexter” from season one and was thrilled to see Tony Goldwyn as a guest star that episode. What has he been doing lately? I know he’s done a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but I’d love to see his handsome face on screen soon. — Ginger F., Madison, Wisc.

A: Well, you won’t have to wait too long, Ginger, because Tony is one of the stars of the new ABC drama “Scandal.” The show centers on Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington), a former communications director to the president of the United States (Tony Goldwyn), who left the White House to open her own prominent crisis-management firm. She’s hoping to start a new chapter in her life — both professionally and personally — but she can’t seem to completely cut ties with her past.

“Scandal” premieres Thursday, April 5, at 10 p.m. ET. With the show’s creator and executive producer being Shonda Rhimes, who also is behind the powerhouse series “Grey’s Anatomy,” you can bet there will be plenty of edge-of-your-seat drama to keep you coming back each week.

Q: I know you’ve mentioned this before, and every now and then I hear teases about it, but are they ever going to make a “24” movie? — Gerry D., via e-mail

A: Jack Bauer himself, Kiefer Sutherland, told reporters at a Television Critics Association press event about the planned movie: “Hopefully we’ll begin shooting at the end of April, beginning of May.” So, while that’s about all the details anyone can offer at this point, at least it’s something, and if we cross our fingers, maybe this movie will see the light of day by fall 2012 or early 2013.

Q: Are the rumors of a Van Halen reunion true? If so, is it with David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar as the frontman? — Steve V., Akron, Ohio

A: Those rumors are not rumors, Steve. They are cold, hard facts: Van Halen, with David Lee Roth, is back with a new album and upcoming tour. The album is called “A Different Kind of Truth” and will be released Feb. 7, with the debut single, “Tattoo” already getting airplay. The band starts touring Feb. 18, so check online to see when they are coming to your town. Hopefully they’ll stay friendly with each other long enough to complete the tour this time.

Q: Will “Top Shot” be back for another season? — Jeremy W., via e-mail

A: The History Channel recently announced that its top-rated competition series hosted by Colby Donaldson will be back for a fourth season starting Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 10 p.m. ET. The show promises more twists and history-inspired challenges than ever before. Unless your lady is into the show, I’d suggest taking her out to dinner for Valentine’s Day and DVRing the show to watch once she’s gone to sleep

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