Q and A: Week of Oct. 1

Tim Matheson, photo by David Zaugh

Q: I’ve loved Tim Matheson since I first saw him in “Animal House” all those years ago. Can you tell me what he’s doing now? — Tracey P., Allentown, Pa.

A: You and me both, Tracey. Tim is as busy as ever, directing and co-starring in the CW’s “Hart of Dixie” (airing Tuesday nights at 8/7c), and he couldn’t be happier in this latest gig. He told me recently what he likes so much about the show: “We’re this crazy, totally disparate group of people in this small Southern town — kind of a magical town — and despite all our differences and conflicts and strong feelings, we all somehow manage to get along.

“Our characters have tremendous flaws and failings. Nobody’s perfect. But we somehow manage to get through our day — and life — without crashing and burning. That’s what we all kind of hope for, and I think there’s a little bit of those flaws and failings in everyone. And the show takes you someplace that you don’t expect and in ways that you don’t expect. It’s tremendous fun, and it’s very sincere.”

Check back here later this week for the full interview where Tim and I discuss his acting and directing, as well as his memorable roles, past and present.

Q: Is it true that Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green are leaving “The Voice”? — Gian W., via e-mail

A: Yes, but only temporarily. Usher and Shakira are coming to the show this spring as coaches, with Christina and Cee Lo returning next fall. The decision was made to offer contestants varied coaching styles and to accommodate the coaches’ tour schedules.

Q: What’s your favorite new show of the fall so far? — Hillary R., via e-mail

A: Hands-down, my favorite new show is “The Mindy Project,” which airs Tuesday nights at 9:30/8:30c. It’s funny, sweet, quirky and a little bit edgy, like the show’s namesake. However, I have to say that "Ben and Kate" (Fox, Tuesday, 8:30/ 7:30c) is a very very very close second. 

And I know you didn't ask, but my favorite returning shows are "Revenge, " "New Girl" and "Suburgatory" — none of which are suffering from the sophomore slump, I can tell you!

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Q and A: Week of July 25

Russell Ferguso

Q: I’ve been loving this season of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and it got me to wondering how one of my favorite past winners has been doing. Can you tell me what season-six winner Russell Ferguson has been up to lately? — Dominique F., via e-mail

A: Since winning the “SYTYCD” title in December 2009, Russell has been busy dancing, teaching and acting. I spoke with him recently, and he gave me the scoop: “Right after (I won “SYTYCD”), I got to perform at the Academy Awards. I’ve been teaching pretty much everywhere around the country: Virginia, Utah, Washington and Cali. I’m in a film called ‘Battlefield America’ that’ll be out probably at the end of next year. It’s definitely the next big dance movie.”


Russell and the rest of America can re-live their favorite “SYTYCD” moments from seasons six through eight starting Friday, Aug. 5 on Ovation. The network is producing original extras featuring the judges, dancers and choreographers as they reveal their favorite moments from the show. Go to ovationtv.com for a complete schedule.

Q: One of my favorite summer movies so far has been “Thor.” Any plans for a sequel? — Ted G., Allentown, Pa.

A: It just so happens that the moneymaking movie about an ax-wielding superhero is prime for a sequel, which Disney and Marvel Studios plan to deliver. Chris Hemsworth will be back to play the title character, and you can expect the sequel to come swinging into theaters in July 2013.

Chelsea Rendon

Q: I recently saw “A Better Life” and was really impressed by the young actress who played bad girl Ruthie. Can you tell me a little about her? — Tanya D., via e-mail

A: Up-and-comer Chelsea Rendon played Ruthie Valdez, the gang-member girlfriend of Luis. When I spoke with Chelsea, she told me she had always wanted to be an actress or performer, especially after seeing the performance of her idol, Jennifer Lopez, in “Selena.” Chelsea went on to get guest parts in “ER,” “Judging Amy” and “FlashForward,” and she is hoping “A Better Life” will be her break into something even bigger and better.


Working with director Chris Weitz, who also directed “New Moon,” has its fringe benefits, aside from getting to work with a genius. Chelsea told me: “Chris got me tickets to the ‘Eclipse’ premiere. I met Taylor Lautner, and I was so proud of myself for staying calm. I also got to meet Peter Facinelli and everybody else. It was so cool, because these are people that I like and look up to.”

Q: I really love “The Voice.” Will it be back with all four judges for another season? — Stacy S., Atlanta

A: Don’t you worry — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will all be back when the musical-competition show resumes midseason on NBC on Monday nights. Be on the lookout in the new year!

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