Interview: Amelia Rose Blaire on the "Epic" Final Season of True Blood

Amelia Rose Blaire, photo by Bobby Quillard

From Beverly Hills to Bon Temps, actress Amelia Rose Blaire has worked with some of the hottest young stars in Hollywood today. Her first recurring role, which was on “90210,” helped prepare her for her current contract role, that of new vampire Willa Burrell on HBO’s “True Blood,” which returns for its seventh (and final) season June 22 at 9 p.m. I spoke with Amelia about this last season of the hit supernatural drama, and she gave me an inside peek as to what we can expect this summer from our favorite vampires, werewolves, witches and fairies.

Celebrity Extra: First off, can you give me a little background on yourself? How did you get your start in acting?

Amelia Rose Blaire: My younger sister was a huge catalyst in that. She started taking acting classes, and she was always much more outgoing, more social and braver than I was. I was a very shy kid. One day I decided to tag along with her and got bit by the bug. I knew that if I was going to be an actor, I wanted to be the best possible actor I could be. So I started studying at The Sanford Meisner Center in North Hollywood and did their two-year program. It was immersive and intensive, and I learned a lot about myself. Then I started studying with the actress Lindsay Crouse, who is a wonderful teacher of mine to this day. She directed me toward the Atlantic Theatre Company Conservatory in New York City, where I went after I graduated high school.

CE: Your first big part was on “90210”; tell me about that experience.

ARB: That was the first time I’ve ever had a recurring role on any show. That was very exciting. It was one of my earlier roles, so I just felt like I had my jaw open the entire time because I was experiencing something so different. But it was a lot of fun. It was kind of like being in high school, because I was playing a high-school character, and she was a little weird. She was very strangely possessive and kind of quirky and entitled. It was fun to bring out those different characteristics, because that’s not something I usually play with. Getting to play such a strange character who was really different from me was very special.

CE: Your next big role is your current role, as Willa Burrell in the phenomenally popular “True Blood.” Tell me about your audition and how you got the part.

ARB: I had been in that casting office many times before, but that was the first time I had auditioned for “True Blood.” But I have been a fan of the show since season one, so when I got the audition, I knew where I would be and how to fit into the show. The day I got the audition, my sister was in town, and her cat got hit by a car. I went over to my mom’s house, which is where the cat was, and I went in the backyard, and my sister was holding him. We didn’t know if he was alive or dead. He wasn’t moving. And she was wailing at the top of her lungs, just crying: “Is he gone? Is he dead? Is he dead?” And I had never seen my sister like that. It was a very grounding and sobering and sad moment. There was nothing I could do for her. And the next day, I had to go in to audition for “True Blood.” In the audition, the character was begging not to die, not to be turned into a vampire, which she kind of thought was the same thing as dying. In any other circumstance, I would have made it about not wanting to die, but because of witnessing the whole experience with my sister the day before, I made it about wanting to live. And at the time, it was this gift of getting to see a different perspective. Instead of making it about dying, it was about living. So, for me that was a huge shift.

After I left the audition, I felt out of my body, which is something that is really special when you are able to do that, especially in an audition room, which can be very difficult to let go. But because of that situation, I was able to do it. I got a call later that day that they wanted to see me again. And I went in one more time and kind of kissed it goodbye, assumed it was gone. And then a couple of days later I found out I had booked it, which was unreal.

CE: Is it as much fun to work on “True Blood” as I would imagine it to be?

ARB: It’s a total blast! I mean, where else in life do you get to play with fangs and special effects and blood? You get to live in this whole other world, where the realities of this world don’t exist or can be pushed. It’s so much fun. And everybody is so sweet and so welcoming and warm, and they’re down to play and down to get dirty. It’s really a special set.



CE: This is your second year on the show, but I know most of the cast have been there since day one. That set must be like a well-oiled machine, where everyone really knows his stuff — actors, writers, directors and crew.

ARB: They really do. They know their characters very well, and it’s really cool to see where they take everybody, because a lot of the time, you don’t even see it coming, and then all of a sudden you’re like: “Oh my gosh, yes! That makes total sense! I love it.”

Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) and Willa

CE: I have to ask, and I’ve heard only good things about him, but is Alexander Skarsgard (who plays Eric Northman, the vampire who turned Willa) fun to work with?

ARB: Oh, yes. He’s very funny. He’s very sweet and very goofy. He and Kristin (Bauer van Straten, who plays Pam) are such a team; they’re so much fun to work with. He’s very tall and very nice.

CE: One of my favorite scenes of yours was after Willa was turned, and she came home to confront her father, Gov. Burrell (played by Arliss Howard). Tell me about filming that.

ARB: When I first went into that scene, I was expecting that he would be completely appalled by me and would be terrified. But when we started filming, all he wanted to do was hug me. It was such an incredible learning experience as an actor, because you go in with all of the expectations of how you think the scene is going play out, and then your partner brings something completely different, and you just have to drop everything and just be there with them. He gave me something completely different from what I was expecting, and I think also different from what Willa was expecting. It was a wonderful moment.

CE: What can you tell me about this final season of “True Blood”?

ARB: I think the fans are going to be really happy. The writers and everyone are doing a wonderful job. Everyone wants to make this the best ending that they can possibly make. Everyone is putting in 110 percent — it is going to be epic.

CE: Are you and the rest of the cast starting to feel the end approaching? What is the mood like on the set?

ARB: As the end gets closer, it’s going to affect everyone, because most of the cast and crew have been here since season one. They’ve been working together for seven years, which is an incredible amount of time in this industry. Sadness hasn’t quite taken over the set just yet, but ask me again on my final day of filming!

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Interview: Bruno Gunn's Life-Changing Role in Catching Fire

Photo by Diana Ragland

His very first role (according to imdb.com, at least) was on my favorite soap opera ever, “Guiding Light.” Since then, he’s been showing up in all of my favorites, from “Law and Order” to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to “Monk” to “Curb Your Enthusiasm” to “Sons of Anarchy” to “True Blood” — the list goes on. Bruno Gunn, my fellow Ohioan (he’s from Canton; I’m from Massillon), is now co-starring in one of the biggest movies, and book series, in Hollywood history: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

I spoke with Bruno recently about “Catching Fire” — which opened at midnight and is well on its way to smashing opening-night records everywhere — and he is thrilled that the world gets to see him play Brutus, the hard-core kick-ass Tribute from District 2. And lest you think he is even a teeny bit like his scary character, take it from me when I tell you that Bruno is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Celebrity Extra: Take me back to the moment you heard that you’d been cast as Brutus in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” What was your reaction?

Bruno Gunn: It’s life-changing information when you get something like this. I have been fortunate enough to be working for the past 15 years doing guest stars and small roles and independent films. And when something of this caliber comes along, it’s a game-changer. I was thrilled. Absolutely thrilled. It’s one of those moments you’ll never forget the rest of your life, to say the least.

CE: Of course you knew that “The Hunger Games” was a book series turned into a film franchise, but how familiar with it were you prior to being cast in the movie?

BG: I hadn’t read the books, at first, but after I got the part, I dove in and read the books, and I was like, “Wow.” The first movie was pretty darn close to the first book. And I think fans are going to be happy with this translation from book to film in this second one. Lionsgate really gets it right with casting. Gosh, they nail it. So, to get cast in something that I feel very close to as a character is pretty special.

About six or seven years ago, I had a friend of mine say to me, “Right now somebody is writing your role.” As an actor, you go through a lot of ups and downs, and you wonder, “Man, is there going to be something for me at some point?” And I was in a low with things, and a friend shook me up and said, “Someone is writing a role for you right now.” I really feel that way with Brutus. I feel that way with “Catching Fire.” The first thing I said to Suzanne Collins (author of the “Hunger Games” trilogy) is, “I am this guy!”

CE: What was filming like? I’m sure it was pretty strenuous, but I hope it was fun too.

BG: It was one of those things where everybody was really focused on doing their work, bringing their best selves for the part. And at the same time, as focused and as serious as everybody was, it was one of those sets that was a very relaxed, loose vibe. It was a fun vibe. We all knew what we were doing with this massive film, but at the same time, it was fun. We were all just having a great time making memories and friendships. We filmed in Atlanta, and I had the good fortune to go to Hawaii. That was the other thing. We were a group of people who came together to make this amazing film, and I had this opportunity to travel the country to make it.

CE: You’re in great shape already, so tell me, how was training for the movie?

BG: We did about two to three months of training leading up to the movie, and that was a blast. It’s important for me to stay fit on many levels. And so I went into this fit, but once I got there, I definitely turned the heat up. I wanted to do this to be a big, bruising, bad-ass warrior. Brutus instills fear, and so I wanted to look the part. I put in a lot of extra time to change my physique.

CE: Because of the popularity of the books and the first movie, a lot of people have a preconceived notion of who Brutus is. How did you go about creating him for yourself and making Brutus your own?

BG: It was about building a history for Brutus, building a back story for him. It was one of those things where I wanted to build this history and let that influence what was otherwise a very physical role so I could draw upon it when needed. I ended up having to go back and use my imagination and create scenarios for me. You know, what was his relationship to his parents? Did he have brothers and sisters? What happened to them? So I built those back stories to let that influence what was otherwise a very physical role.

Bruno Gunn as "Brutus"
Courtesy of Lionsgate
Photo By Murray Close

CE: How did it enhance your performance?

BG: There were moments where I found myself going back into my story that I created, and there was a sense of sadness that was starting to bubble to the surface, and I was like: “Wow! I’m getting really sad right now.” Not to give too much away, but there was a moment where I had this sadness, and it was bubbling to the surface, and as an actor I thought: “Gosh, you know, Brutus wouldn’t be almost crying. He’s a fierce warrior.” And then I thought: “Wait a second. This is real. This is what I created. It’s a real moment.” Brutus can have this real moment.

I’m starting to get — it’s so close to bubbling up in me now. Even a year later, it bubbles up. But it’s a real moment for Brutus to have this sadness. So I let it play. I’m going to open the floodgates and just let it be real. So, that’s what I did. As an actor, my job is to express myself as freely as possible. So that’s why I was like, “I’m just going to let ’em have it.” Building that back story really helped.

CE: I know that fans really appreciate all the hard work you put into creating this character, the concern you’ve shown for a series that is close to a lot of people’s hearts.

BG: I’m glad you brought that up. That’s one of the things that I just love about this: The fandom is pretty special. This is one of those opportunities where — and especially with social media, and I’m a huge fan of social media — to be able to reach across the world and have a dialogue with someone instantaneously is pretty freaking amazing. And to be able to reach out to the fans and share that experience with them — because it’s a real experience that I’m having — and to share that with the fans, who are probably feeling it 10 times more than I am, that’s pretty special.

CE: And they’ve been waiting for this movie for a long time. Are you ready for the craziness to begin?

BG: Everybody asks me that, and I’m like, “Are we ever really ready?” But I should prepare myself, right? I’m looking forward to it. It’s thrilling to see the fans so excited; I’m ready to jump in with them. I’m ready to have this experience with them because it’s for them. That’s really how I feel. This is all for them, so if me tweeting (twitter.com/brunogunn) about “Catching Fire” gets them — which I do a lot of, and they love it — that’s what I want. It’s for them.

CE: I am excited for summer to come, and to see what’s in store for my favorite vampires, werewolves, and fairies in season seven of “True Blood.” What’s it been like working on that hit show?

BG: That’s another great group of people to work with. They’re organized; they’re smart. They know exactly what they want and what they’re going for. The whole entire group of people was great to work with. I’m excited to get back on “True Blood,” and I’m looking forward to getting into that season opener.

CE: I am so worried about Sookie, Bill and Alcide, what with you and all the other Hep-V-infected vampires coming after them. I know how tight-lipped they are over there, but do you know anything about the inevitable fight scene that will take place?

BG: I don’t know about the fight scene, but I can tell you that I’ll definitely be back in Bon Temps, Lousianna.

CE: Such a tease! I know that, along with myself, there is a whole slew of “True Blood” fans who just have to know what’s going to happen!

BG: That’s awesome that you like it. It’s such a fun show. And it has a great fan following too. They have such great fans, just amazing. I think that’s one of the things I love about it: These fans are loyal to the bone.

CE: What can you tell me about the new movie you have coming out next year called “The Vatican Tapes”?

BG: That’s a thriller/horror movie, and it’s with an amazing director, Mark Neveldine, who did “Ghost Rider.” It was a great opportunity to team up with him and work with him for the first time. It’s another Lionsgate production. I play a patient in a mental ward. It’s going to be frightening, to say the least. But it was great working with Mark Neveldine. What a talented and visual director! Some of the shots, you’ll just be blown away. As we were filming, I was thinking, “How is this going to work?” And then I saw it, and I was like: “Yep, okay. Go ahead and do it, Mark.” But I’m not going to say anything anymore to give it away. But he was great to work with. The whole cast was great. It was a fun experience, and I’m looking forward to that coming out.

CE: Fairly recently you were at a charity event in your hometown of Canton, Ohio. What was that for, and what can you tell me about it?

BG: It was the Pathway Caring for Children charity event. They help foster kids, abused kids — kids just in real bad shape. It was a fundraiser, and they also had the Tuohys, the family who inspired the book and movie “The Blind Side.” They were the guest speakers, and they reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in appearing. I love the state of Ohio and everything about it. I love the people there and especially my hometown, so it was a no-brainer for me to take that opportunity to go back. It was a great experience, and it’s an amazing organization.

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Interview — Rebecca Wisocky: From Fairy Queen to Ice Queen

Since its debut in June, each week “Devious Maids” — Lifetime Television’s original Sunday-night drama created and written by Marc Cherry, of “Desperate Housewives” fame — has seen a steady and record-breaking increase in viewers, myself being one of them. While I love all of the characters, I can’t get enough of Evelyn Powell, played by the exquisite Rebecca Wisocky. Her scenes with Thomas Irwin — who plays her husband, Adrian — are heartbreaking and breathtaking. And the rest of the cast ain’t so bad, either! I was thrilled to speak with Rebecca recently, and we talked all things “Devious” — and also a bit about her previous stint on another favorite of mine, “True Blood.”

Celebrity Extra: When you first read the script and got the call to audition, what made you want to be part of “Devious Maids,” and especially to play the delicious part of Evelyn?

Rebecca Wisocky: Everything. I respect Marc as a storyteller and as a writer a great deal. I know Evelyn is the kind of character that he excels at writing, and it’s just so, so juicy and delicious to play. I had just played a small part in a flashback in the final scene of “Desperate Housewives,” and had such a great time. I couldn’t imagine my good fortune that he chose me to do this. But it also felt like the perfect fit, to be honest. I’ve played a lot of bitches, and I try to lend some complexity and vulnerability to them when I can — and this was that, and so much more. It’s the kind of woman that I find desperately interesting.

CE: This might be impossible to answer, but what is your favorite thing about being on “Devious Maids”?

RW: Oh, I can’t choose one. I can give you a long list of things, but I really can’t choose just one. I love my primary scene partner, Tom Irwin — just in love with him. Love the whole cast. Love Marc Cherry. I love Evelyn. She’s allowed to be flawed and dangerous and vulnerable and wickedly funny and blind and still be likable. And I love her clothes. I love shooting in Atlanta. I’m having a blast.

CE: The revelation about their son who was killed as a child is riveting, and has me glued to my TV watching them deal with their still-raw emotions. What else about Evelyn and Adrian’s relationship is so compelling for the audience?

RW: Well, they’re sick and twisted, and the stakes are very, very high and very dark. But I think there’s something about that relationship that people can relate to. They’re in it together, for better or for worse. I’m hearing that a lot, and I’m very pleasantly surprised and interested in how much people seem to be feeling for Evelyn and rooting for her. Because let’s not forget she’s an evil bitch. She does and says things that are morally reprehensible. Yet Marc has allowed us to show this side of her in which she’s this very vulnerable, complex woman who’s endured a tremendous amount of pain. And I think it’s interesting to play on that. This is not a person you are supposed to like, and yet I think the way that she’s been painted in the places I’ve been allowed to go with her have made her a little bit likable. And that’s nice for me. I play bitches a lot, so it’s nice to play one who people love.





CE: You have to give me just a teensy bit of info on what fans can expect as the first season of “Devious Maids” draws to a close.

RW: I will say this: You’ve seen a lot of Evelyn and her story line lately, but for the next few episodes, she takes a little break. But for the final two episodes (airing Sept. 15 and 22), she comes back in full force, and a lot of things come to a head between her and Adrian. I will say that the season opened with a great big, chaotic, glamorous party at the Powell house, of which there are many. And the season also closes with a big, gorgeous, chaotic party at the Powell house — and similarly dramatic things transpire.

CE: Can you tell me how any of this will segue into season two?

RW: I’m not sure it’s there to know yet. I’m sure Marc has a lot of ideas, and I imagine that I’ll hear some of them soon. From my perspective, whatever he writes for me is going to be gold. I think he has a love for this character, and I’m very grateful for that. Whatever direction he decides to take this character in, I’m on board. I’m excited to see what happens with other people, too. By the end of the season, the question “Who killed Flora?” will be answered. But 10 more questions will rear their heads in its place — pretty significant questions. There are a lot of things in the balance.

CE: You have a devoted fan base on Twitter who call themselves the Devious Army. How great is it that they support your show and the actors in this way?

RW: That’s truly a testament to the fans who have come together for the show. There was an article — I think it might have been a blog on the Huffington Post — but it really draws attention to the fact that we’re live-tweeting and having this interaction with the fans of the show, and how it has really increased viewership. Our numbers have grown considerably since our premiere. I’m grateful and really tickled by all of the response that’s been so enthusiastic and so kind. I’m genuinely surprised, delighted and really touched that people love Evelyn.

CE: Another show that has a crazy-devoted fan base is “True Blood,” and a couple of seasons back, you got to play the cool part of the fairy queen, Mab. Tell me about that experience.

RW: It was so much fun. I mean, first of all, I’m a big geek for prosthetics and things like that. The makeup team over there on “True Blood” are such artists. I loved the process of being transformed into a gorgon. I loved it. We shot out in the high desert, and we’re running around like “Land of the Lost” extras. It was fun. I was bummed because I don’t think the fans really rallied around that story line, but I loved playing that character. Everyone on the set and in that crew and in that company was super nice to me.

CE: Your resume is so diverse: comedy, drama, film, TV and plays. Do you like mixing it up like that to keep you on your toes, or do you prefer one genre to another?

RW: I love all of it. I’m a character actor; I really genuinely feel very, very lucky to be working. I would love to do another play soon. That’s been a while. I’d love to do more movies. But again, I feel grateful. I feel like the right thing has kind of come to me at the right time. I feel that I’ve been allowed to play a wide range of characters, which is not always the case in Hollywood. As long as some of that continues, I’m pretty happy.

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Interview: Jamie Gray Hyder's Life-or-Death Stakes

With only a few episodes left in season six, and with the recent news of its season seven renewal, “True Blood” is ramping up for a spectacular cliffhanger (which airs Sunday, Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT). But, then again, as we die-hard fans know, it wouldn’t be “True Blood” if it didn’t. Last season’s newcomer to the Shreveport wolf pack, Danielle — played by Jamie Gray Hyder — is finding her footing in the wolf hierarchy, and is stepping on a few toes in the process. Namely, her packmaster’s No. 1 gal, Rikki (played by Kelly Overton). I spoke with Jamie recently about her supernatural role, and she’s excited for fans to see what the show has planned for us.

Celebrity Extra: First off, tell me how you got started in the business, and how that led to the role of Danielle on “True Blood.”

Jamie Gray Hyder: I’ve been performing since I was only 2 years old. I’ve been doing stage work since I was really young, and I’m a classically trained vocalist. I started off on stage and performed there, and then went to college and got my degree in theater and film studies. I stayed on the East Coast for a little while, and then I moved out to L.A. four and a half years ago to pursue film and television. I’d been in L.A. probably about three years and done upwards of a hundred auditions. And then “True Blood” came along, and I got the role. I’m super excited.

CE: Had you been a fan prior to landing the part?

JGH: Of course, I knew about the show. I had to watch four seasons of the show in a couple of days because I started working right away. I don’t have a TV, so I’d previously seen only a few episodes of the show with friends. After watching all four seasons, I thought, “Oh my God, what did I get myself into?” (Laughs.)

You know, everyone is so good at their jobs — from the acting to the writing and all the crew — that I thought that if it came down to doing nude scenes, I think that they’ll take care of me. And that’s what happened. I did that love scene with Joe (Manganiello, who plays Alcide) and Kelly, and they make you feel comfortable and make sure you have all the provisions necessary to help you shoot the scene.

CE: From all I’ve heard, it sounds like a really great set to work on.

JGH: It’s great. Everybody is so nice and has a great sense of humor. We’re working long hours in harsh conditions. The fact that everybody gets along and enjoys what they’re doing is huge. And when I first started on the show last season, I was the new person. I walked in and everybody introduced themselves and welcomed me into the club. It’s really a unique atmosphere.

CE: The ladies certainly love Joe Manganiello. How is it working with him?

JGH: Joe is great. He is the ultimate professional. He’s so disciplined both on his work as an actor and on his body. He’s a great example, I think. He was one of the first people to welcome me when I first came to the show. I’m very grateful for that.

CE: As the show kicks into high gear as we finish out the season, can you give me any scoop?

JGH: There are some pretty big things that are going to go on that I don’t even know much about. The few episodes that I’m not in, I don’t see the script for it. I get to watch along with everybody else. The tension is going to continue to be heightened as the season goes on, with the clash between the vampires and the government. And now you have this “Billith” creature. There’s potential for things to just completely implode.

CE: How is the Shreveport wolf pack handling the upheaval?

JGH: I think with the vampires being attacked, we don’t know who the next target is. We’re scrambling just to keep our pack as tight as possible and to look out for our people. I think that all of the supes are doing just that. Everyone is sort of banding together, bearing down for survival.

L to R: Sam Trammell as Sam, Joe Mangeniello as Alcide, Dale Dickey as Martha, Jamie Gray Hyder as Danielle

CE: What does the rest of the season hold for Danielle and the Shreveport pack?

JGH: With everyone struggling a bit throughout the pack and the season, it gets really interesting. I’m looking forward to watching all of that evolve. I’d love to see Danielle step up and be the No. 1 bitch in the pack, but I don’t know if she has it in her.

CE: Alcide’s current No. 1, Rikki, certainly has her opinions about how the pack should be run. In fact, she questions Alcide, your pack leader, a little too much. I think he’d be better with Danielle.

JGH: Yeah, Rikki definitely is stubborn, and definitely questions Alcide a lot. I think we’ll see that continue to play out throughout the season.

CE: How do you feel about the decision earlier in the season to kidnap Emma when Luna died because they wanted to keep Emma with the pack, with “her own kind”?

JGH: If one of us is threatened, then we’re all threatened. For her to be out and exposed like she was, then we’re all outed. To protect her is to protect ourselves. We need to have all of our ducks in a row; we want all of our people on our side.

CE: It seemed kind of desperate and out of character for Alcide to do that (however, he got back into my good graces when he gave Emma to her grandmother, Martha, and let Sam and Nicole escape).

JGH: Yeah, but the stakes are so high, I think that’s why you’re going to see more of these desperate acts. It’s life or death. And it’s causing some people to do some things that are extreme and unusual.

CE: Tell me about your latest project — starring in the PlayStation 4 videogame “Killzone: Shadow Fall,” which will be released in time for Christmas. What was that experience like?

JGH: I did weeks of motion capture and face and body scanning. The renderings of the character look just like me. It’s a new realm to apply my skills to. It was really fun, but it’s a really tedious process. You have to learn really quickly how it works. You’ve got a lot to shoot. We went down to San Diego to Sony Studios, and we shot a few weeks of motion capture. I did a day of voice-over in Los Angeles. We did additional face and body scanning. I had two weeks of fight and weapons training to prepare for all of my motion capture. I was trained in hand-to-hand combat techniques and tactical techniques, and working with handguns and rifles. It has been a really cool project, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

CE: A lot of actors are getting involved in these videogame projects. Why do you think that is?

JGH: It’s such a unique thing. I think these projects are starting to employ actors more now because videogames are becoming more cinematic, and they’ve got these really involved story lines. The fans are smarter, and they need more than just the action of the game to be involved in.

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Q and A: Week of July 29

Jamie Gray Hyder

Q: I was a little hesitant about watching season six of “True Blood” because, in my opinion, it really jumped the shark last season. But I can say now that I am happy I stuck with it, because this season has been really good so far. Will there be a seventh season? — Anna-Marie P., via e-mail

A: HBO just announced that the vampire/werewolf/shapeshifter/fairy/witch drama will be back for a seventh season, which will premiere summer 2014. I recently spoke with a member of the Shreveport wolf pack — Jamie Gray Hyder, who plays Alcide’s other girlfriend, Danielle — and she too is excited about what the rest of the season has to offer.

“There are some pretty big things that are going to go on that I don’t even know that much about,” Jamie told me. “If it’s a scene I’m not in, I don’t know what happens; I’m watching along with everyone else. But tensions are going to be heightened, and the stakes are going to continue to be raised. We’ve got the vampires versus the government, and now we have this ‘Billith’ creature, and the potential for things to completely implode is very real.

“With the vampires being attacked, we don’t know who’s going to be next … who’s going to be the next target. We’re scrambling just to keep our pack as tight as possible, and look out for our people. I think all of the supes are sort of banding together. It’s very important for all of our survival.”

There are a handful of episodes left of season six of “True Blood,” which airs Sunday nights at 9 ET/PT. And as we discovered last week, I’m sure we’ll all be surprised by who survives to see a seventh season — and who does not. And check back tomorrow for my full interview with this lovely and talented actress, where she also tells me all about starring in the new PS4 videogame "Killzone: Shadow Fall."

Q: With Joy Behar leaving “The View,” who will they get to replace her? — Tina F., Phoenix, Ariz.

A: Barbara Walters, who is the only original panelist left on the show and who plans to retire in 2014, announced that Jenny McCarthy will take over Joy’s empty chair when the show begins its 17th season on Sept. 9. Of Jenny’s hiring, Barbara said: “Jenny brings us intelligence as well as warmth and humor. She can be serious and outrageous. She has connected with our audience and offers a fresh point of view. Jenny will be a great addition to the show.” Sherri Shepherd and Whoopi Goldberg also are expected to return.

Q: Can you tell me what Mira Sorvino has been up to lately? She is one of my favorite actresses. — Heidi R., via e-mail

A: The USA Network just revealed that the Oscar winner has signed on to a multi-episode arc of “Psych,” beginning with the seventh episode of the eighth season (which is rumored to be the show’s final season). She will play the Santa Barbara PD’s newest head detective, Betsy Brannigan, who is being described by USA as “incredibly sweet, adorably reserved and yet certified badass.”

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 18

Q: I know its season premiere is still a while away, but can you give me any “True Blood” scoops? — Susan M., Atlanta

A: As you know, the folks at HBO’s “True Blood” are pretty tight-lipped about story lines, but they do occasionally throw us fans a bone or two. I have a few casting tidbits for you: Rutger Hauer (pictured left, of “Blade Runner” fame) joins the cast as the mysterious Macklyn. Speculation is that he had something to do with, or knows something about, the murder of Jason and Sookie’s parents.

Arliss Howard will play Louisiana Gov. Truman Burrell, whose wife left him for a vampire, so we can make a pretty good guess as to how he feels about vampire rights and such. In a recurring role, his daughter will be played by “90210” alum Amelia Rose Blaire, who doesn’t share her father’s views about vampires. Also, Jurnee Smollett (“Friday Night Lights”) has been cast as Nicole, who is described as a “naive do-gooder,” and will be a series regular.

I’ll be sure to share more info as I receive it, leading up to the summer premiere of season six.

Q: Is there any chance that “Inside the Actors Studio” will ever return to Bravo or any other network? — Alan C., Columbia, S.C.

A: While the past four seasons of the show have had fewer episodes with longer lag times between episodes, “Inside the Actors Studio” is still a Bravo mainstay, entering its 19th season with a wonderful interview with Liam Neeson this past October. As of this writing, I do not have a date for episode two, but in the meantime, Bravo has been re-airing popular episodes (Hugh Jackman!) from recent seasons to tide you over.

Q: Will “Dark Minds” be back for another season? — Joseph T., via e-mail

A: Investigation Discovery’s true-crime series, which follows the cases of real-life crime author M. William Phillips and criminal profiler John Kelly, returns for its eight-episode second season on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Our investigators revisit unsolved homicides believed to be the work of serial killers. The twist? They have an insider who intimately understands the disturbed mind of a murderer — because he is one, currently serving multiple life sentences in a maximum-security prison.

This unique source offers his expert opinion to profile the killers whose victims deserve justice and whose families deserve answers. Known to viewers as “Raven,” he uses his personal experience to formulate theories about the motives and practices of each murderer, providing unorthodox yet invaluable information to help provide law enforcement with critical leads to help solve these cases.

Q: What is Blair Underwood working on these days? — Greg W., via e-mail

A: Blair is close to signing on to star in the pilot of NBC’s remake of “Ironside,” which was a popular cop drama starring Raymond Burr as the wheelchair-bound detective Robert Ironside. The original series ran from 1967 to 1975.

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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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Q and A: Week of Aug. 20

Q: Who is the beautiful young woman who plays Lilith on my favorite show, “True Blood”? Can you tell me anything about her? — Bobby R., via email

A: Jessica Clark made quite an impression on “True Blood” viewers when she made her naked, bloody debut as the “mother of all vampires” back in July. Jessica herself is a “True Blood” fangirl and was thrilled to get the chance to be on one of her favorite shows.

She eventually got used to the show’s “naked rite of passage,” telling me recently: “After the first, second, third take, you just kind of go: 'OK, I’m naked. You’ve seen it.’ Most of the cast has been through it in some shape or form, so everyone is super supportive. The cast and crew are respectful and professional, but funny as well. Everyone was like: 'Welcome to “True Blood.” Here’s another Thursday.’”

It also was tough keeping her role as Lilith a secret from family and friends: “It was something the show wanted to keep under wraps, because it’s been building all season. Part of the fun and the mystery of 'True Blood’ is that you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen. So, I couldn’t tell anybody.”

Q: I am so bummed that “Unforgettable” was canceled. I love Poppy Montgomery in just about everything she’s in! Any chance we can convince CBS to bring it back? — Britney F., via email

A: In a rare turnabout, CBS recently decided to un-cancel the procedural drama, which stars Poppy and former “Nip/Tuck” star Dylan Walsh. After the May cancellation, the series was being shopped around to other networks, including TNT and Lifetime, when CBS decided to give it another go. “Unforgettable” will return with 13 all-new episodes in summer 2013.

Q: Earlier this year, I read about a man who allegedly killed his wife while scuba diving on their honeymoon in Australia. Then I believe I saw an interview with Harvey Keitel, and it was mentioned that he’s starring in a movie about the woman’s death. Is that true? If so, when will it come to theaters? — David W. in Alabama

A: Mr. Keitel is indeed starring as Tommy Thomas, the father of Tina Watson, whose suspicious scuba-diving fatality made headlines all over the world when her husband was accused of orchestrating her death for insurance money. But you don’t have to go out to a movie theater to see “Fatal Honeymoon”; the movie premieres on Lifetime Television Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. ET/PT (with re-airings throughout that weekend and the next — check your local listings).

Q: Since they wrapped up the Rosie Larsen murder on “The Killing,” will it be back for another season? — Ron A., Bangor, Maine

A: It saddens me to report that AMC has decided not to pick up “The Killing” for a third season. At least we found out who killed Rosie Larsen.

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Q and A: Week of April 23

Wladimir Klitschko

Q: My friends and I watched the Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight-title bout against Jean-Marc Mormeck at our local bar, and were happy to see Wladimir retain his heavyweight title. One of my friends mentioned he heard that Wladimir intends to start up an acting career when he’s done with boxing. Is that true? — John R., Indianapolis

A: While it is true that the handsome Ukrainian has dipped his foot in the Hollywood pool a bit — the documentary “Klitschko,” which centers on his and his older brother Vitali’s rise in the boxing world, has been making quite an impression on festival-goers since premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival last year — Wladimir is keeping his eye firmly on his boxing career.


I spoke with him recently about the acting rumors, and he told me: “While I am asked often about being in movies — usually it’s a Russian mob character — it’s always the same thing. I did play myself in ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ and I did two German comedies. But right now I’m playing the role called the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and it takes all of my time. I really like to play it, and I have to stay focused. So there’s no nonsense with any wannabe Hollywood stuff. If I lose my focus, then I’m going to lose the titles, and I don’t want to do that.” 

You can watch Wladimir defend his title July 7 against Tony Thompson, and read my entire engaging interview with the charming heavyweight right here later this week.

Q: I am so excited to see “The Avengers,” starring all of my favorite comic-book heroes, especially Captain America. Because of “The Avengers,” does that mean there won’t be a “Captain America: The First Avenger” sequel for a while? — Fred D., via e-mail

A: Walt Disney Studios recently announced that Chris Evans will once again suit up in red, white and blue to save the world from the bad guys. You can expect the sequel to last summer’s blockbuster hit to arrive in theaters on April 4, 2014. While it’s still too early to camp out for tickets, at least there’s a release date in sight.

Q: I’m really sad about this being the final season of “Desperate Housewives.” How are the ladies of Wisteria Lane taking it? — Nina R., via e-mail

A: If one of Marcia Cross’ latest tweets is any indication, they are as sad as you are. Marcia recently lamented via Twitter: “How do you handle goodbyes? Me, not so well ... already feel so sad and vulnerable ... [I] will miss my ‘Desperate Housewives’ family terribly.”

Readers: Here’s an update on release dates of various HBO projects that have been mentioned in past columns. First, season five “True Blood” premieres on June 10 at 9 p.m. with 12 all-new episodes. Also, “Newsroom” — the Aaron Sorkin drama starring Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer and Sam Waterson — premieres its 10-episode first season on June 24 at 10 p.m.

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Q and A: Week of March 19

Q: The addition of James Spader to “The Office” as Robert California has really helped with Steve Carell’s leaving. Now I hear that James is leaving the show. Is it true? — Donald D. in Minnesota

A: James Spader will not be back next season. Executive producer Paul Lieberstein (who also plays Toby) says that it was always James’ intent to stay only one season. In fact, he was scheduled to be in only last year’s finale but, as Paul stated, James’ scenes were so compelling, “those two scenes became a season.”

Q: I’m going through some serious “True Blood” withdrawal. Do you know when it’ll be back for its fifth season? — Kristen B., via e-mail

A: Eric, Bill and company want to do bad things with you for 12 episodes this summer. If you hunger for a new Sookie adventure, then head to your local bookstore on May 1 for the release of “Deadlocked,” the latest installment in the Southern Vampire Mysteries on which the HBO series is based. You also can reacquaint yourself with season four on May 29, when the series will be released on DVD and Blu-ray.

Q: I am thrilled to hear that “Titanic” is being rereleased soon in 3-D. Can you tell me when it will hit theaters? — Jeanette F., Gary, Ind.

A: Look for the big boat on the big screen starting Friday, April 6, and be prepared for even more thrills than the original release. Because of the new 3-D effects, it can only make the sinking scenes even more intense. And believe me, they were scary enough to begin with — even for the actors involved.


I spoke with “Titanic” co-star Eric Braeden, who portrayed John Jacob Astor, and he told me about filming his drowning scene. Eric, who also has played billionaire businessman Victor Newman on “The Young and The Restless” since 1980, revealed to me: “That was one of the scariest moments in this business for me, because you had all that water coming from the sides, and 150 tons of water coming from the top. Once the water reaches a certain level, then everything that is not bolted to the bottom just crashes through the room. With the water rising and rising, and then suddenly 150 tons comes on top — it was one of the scariest moments I’ve spent in this business.”

Q: My husband and I love “A Gifted Man,” and wonder if it’ll be back this fall. — The Crouses, Virginia Beach, Va.

A: Things are not looking good for the CBS medical drama, which stars Patrick Wilson. Its ratings have been pretty low, and two of the series’ stars have been cast in other fall shows as backup. You can sign a petition for CBS to keep the show at tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/a-gifted-man-petition-22315, or via snail mail: Ms. Nina Tassler, CBS, 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039, RE: A Gifted Man.

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 2

Q: I have been following the career of Sam Neill ever since “Jurassic Park.” I loved him in “The Tudors,” “Happy Town,” “The Horse Whisperer,” “Wimbledon,” “Daybreakers,” “Crusoe,” etc. What does he have coming up next? — Will O., via e-mail

A: Sam is rumored to be returning as Dr. Alan Grant for “Jurassic Park IV,” which doesn’t have any production or release-date details as the movie was too recently announced. He co-stars in the big-screen adaption of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge,” to be released later this year. But you can catch him even sooner. Sam (above, fourth from the right) comes back to the small screen on Monday, Jan. 16, on Fox when he stars in the new series “Alcatraz.” This show looks creepy, scary and super exciting, and I plan to tune in to see exactly what all the hubbub is about.

Q: I really miss Christopher Meloni on “Law and Order: SVU.” Please tell me I can see him on another series or in a movie soon. — Randi E., via e-mail

A: You’ll be able to see Christopher as soon as this summer on the small screen when he makes his debut on the sixth season of HBO’s “True Blood.” Details are hush-hush, as it always is with “True Blood,” but according to executive producer Alan Ball, Chris will play “an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.”


For the big screen, you can see him sometime this year (a release date has not yet been announced) in the comedy “Awful Nice.” And in June 2013, he co-stars as Colonel Hardy in the new “Superman” film, “Man of Steel,” which also stars Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, and slew of other top-notch stars.

Q: With Piers Morgan gone, will they be getting another judge for “America’s Got Talent,” or just stick with Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne? — Callie H., Portland, Ore.

A: In a move that is causing some controversy (when hasn’t controversy followed this man?), shock-jock Howard Stern has been tapped to be the third “Talent” judge. Said NBC exec Paul Telegdy: “Howard Stern’s larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to ‘America’s Got Talent’ starting this summer. He’s a proven innovator, and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”

Q: It seems like it’s that time of year again … when will the next season of “American Idol” be on? I am kind of disappointed by “The X-Factor,” and I could really use my Steven, Jennifer and Randy fix right about now. — Tina R., Wheeling, W.Va.

A: You don’t have to wait much longer: America’s most popular talent competition will be back Wednesday, Jan. 18, on Fox, with the show airing Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c.

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True Blood's Kristin Bauer Launches Campaign to Protect Chimpanzees

(PRESS RELEASE)

Kristin Bauer and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine launch campaign on Change.org asking U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend endangered species protections to captive chimpanzees.

WASHINGTON, DC – Actress Kristin Bauer, who plays Pam on HBO's True Blood, has launched a campaign on Change.org with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect captive chimpanzees.

Bauer’s online campaign asks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend the endangered species protections currently given to wild chimpanzees to captive chimpanzees used in experiments and the entertainment industry and kept as pets in United States.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible intelligence and rich, complex social lives of chimpanzees,” said Bauer. “It would be shameful to see them go extinct in the wild as we continue to exploit them here in the U.S. in invasive experiments, entertainment and as pets.”

Bauer cites studies demonstrating that when people see chimpanzees used in commercials and interacting with humans in the media, they are more likely to believe that chimpanzees not only make good pets, but that they are not endangered in the wild.

“The Endangered Species Act should protect all chimpanzees, including those being used in laboratory experiments,” said John Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C., of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “No other developed countries allow invasive research on chimpanzees because of ethical and scientific problems with such experiments. The U.S. must do more to protect humankind’s closest genetic relatives.”

Bauer’s campaign is likely to draw national attention to the lack of protections for captive chimpanzees. The actress is encouraging True Blood fans to sign her online petition campaign on Change.org, the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change.

“It’s really impressive to see Kristin Bauer rally her fans around giving chimpanzees a voice,” said Change.org Director of Organizing Stephanie Feldstein. “Through her campaign on Change.org, Kristin’s fans can take action on a cause that’s important to them. Change.org empowers anyone, anywhere to start a campaign on issues that matter to them, and it’s been incredible to watch this campaign take off.”

A proposal to extend protections to captive chimpanzees is currently under consideration by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The public comment period for the proposal ends October 31.

Live signature totals from Kristin Bauer’s campaign:
http://www.change.org/petitions/us-fish-wildlife-service-protect-all-chimpanzees

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Q and A: Week of April 25

Q: I am going through some serious “True Blood” withdrawal! Can you tell me when the show will return? I know it’s usually over the summer, but I haven’t heard a specific date yet. — Ginger F., via e-mail

A: HBO just announced that season four of the vampire (and fairy and shifter and witch) drama will begin Sunday, June 26. However, if you need your vampire fix before then, Charlaine Harris will release book 11 of the Southern Vampire Mysteries, “Dead Reckoning” — on which the “True Blood” series is based — on May 3. Also, the “True Blood” season three DVD will be released on May 31.


And, since this is the summer of contests, you have a chance to win a copy of the season three “True Blood” DVD set. Write to me at letters@cindyelavsky.com, or at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, and tell me if you are on Team Bill, Team Eric or Team Alcide. I will randomly draw one lucky winner to receive the “True Blood” season three box set. Deadline is May 31.



Q: Do you know if “In Plain Sight” will be returning on USA? We thoroughly enjoy it and hope it’s not canceled. — Pete and Ann, Venice, Fla.

A: The USA network’s drama starring Mary McCormack will return for its fourth season on Sunday, May 1. The show already has been renewed for it’s fifth season, which is scheduled for a 2012 premiere. So, no worries for your favorite show — you’ll have at least 20-something more episodes on the way.

Q: The other day, my mom was watching “My Girl” on DVD and it got me to wondering what Anna Chlumsky, the actress who played Vada, is doing now. She was so good in the movie! — Paula F., Fresno, Calif.


A: Anna’s most recent role is that of Jennifer Mills in the Hallmark Channel original movie “3 Weeks, 3 Kids,” premiering Saturday, May 7. Jennifer is a free spirit who is forced to grow up when her parents hatch a plan for their solo daughter to care for her sister’s rambunctious children. Of taking on this surrogate-mom role, Anna says: “My character has to face her fears of letting the kids down and letting herself down, and in confronting those fears, that’s really where you find your courage.”


Anna, now 30, has guest-starred on “30 Rock” and “Law and Order,” among many other shows. She also just finished shooting “Veep,” a pilot for HBO opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and is in production on the feature film “Sam,” starring opposite Chris Klein.

Q: NCIS is my favorite show. I was told that Mark Harmon is leaving. Is that true? — Linda J., Nokomis, Fla.

A: With record-setting ratings and being picked up for a ninth season, you can bet Mark won’t be leaving “NCIS” anytime soon.

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Q and A: Week of August 23

Q: I finally rented “The Cove” and was disgusted and heartbroken to witness the slaughter of those beautiful dolphins. Since the movie came out, have things gotten better over there in Japan? — Julia S., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: I spoke with Ric O’Barry, longtime dolphin activist and subject of the award-winning documentary “The Cove.” He is sad to report that the slaughter and capture of wild dolphins still occurs, albeit on a “lesser” scale.


“The dolphin slaughter begins Sept. 1 and goes through March,” he said. “During that period last year in that the town of Taiji, the mayor and the city council implemented a no-kill policy. They were bringing dolphins in and capturing them for the dolphin swim program — the dolphin-captivity industry. But they let about 300 of them go. They still kill pilot whales, but they stopped killing bottle-nosed dolphins, probably thinking, ‘That will appease them.’ But we don’t know what’s going to happen come this Sept. 1.”

You can track Ric and his son, Lincoln’s, progress on this hot-button issue on Animal Planet’s “Blood Dolphins.” The premiere episode airs Aug. 27 (with an encore Sept. 3), and parts two and three air Sept. 10 and 17, respectively.

Q: Christopher Walken has always been a favorite of mine, and I wonder what is coming up in his future, project-wise? — Elva P., Fort Worth, Texas

A: The versatile 67-year-old actor has many big-screen movie projects in the works, including “The Irishman,” “Life’s a Beach,” “A Girl and a Gun” and “Wild Oats,” the latter of which just started filming and is a comedy co-starring Christina Ricci, Shirley MacLaine and Bill Pullman. While Christopher is an excellent dramatic actor, I love to see him cut-up in a comedy, so “Wild Oats” is one I’m especially looking forward to.

Q: I just saw Natasha Henstridge in the TV movie you recommended, “The Devil’s Teardrop,” and I really liked it. What are some other things I can see her in? — Lindsay D., via e-mail

A: Natasha told me that, while she is mulling over different projects at the moment, the next thing you can see her in is the Aug. 29 episode of Lifetime Television’s hit “Drop Dead Diva.” As Natasha explained: “I get to stir up some trouble. I play Claire Harrison, who is the partner of the law firm with J Parker — Parker & Harrison. So J Parker and Claire Harrison have some history, and I go over there and make some trouble, both businesswise and personally.”

Q: I recently watched a movie called “The Last of the Dogmen,” starring Tom Berenger, and it got me to wondering what he’s been up to lately. — Mary W., Southbury, Conn.

A: Tom can be seen on the big screen — and in 3-D — in the summer blockbuster “Inception.” (FYI: So far, this is my favorite movie of the summer.) His movie “Sinners and Saints” also is touring the festival circuit.

Q: One of my favorite reality shows is “The Real Housewives” series on Bravo. I especially love Bethenny Frankel on the New York series, and I wondered if that show and/or Bethenny would be back? — Michele M., Bel Air, Md.

A: I spoke with Bethenny recently, and she told me she has no plans to return to the “Real Housewives.” In her words: “I very highly doubt I will go back to ‘Housewives.’ I don’t see any reason or upside for that.” Besides, Bethenny is pretty busy these days as a new mom, a newlywed and promoting her “Body by Bethenny” workout DVD.

And if you are wondering how she shed all that baby weight, it’s simple: “[The weight] came off afterward, because I wasn’t extreme about dieting nor had I binged while pregnant. Just be balanced before, during and after, and treat your diet like a bank account, and you will have no issue.”

Q: I really love the addition of Lindsay Pulsipher on “True Blood,” but this makes me doubt the potential re-emergence of “FlashForward,” since Lindsay played teenaged Charlie in one of the final scenes’ flash-forwards. Should I give up on the dream of “FlashForward” being picked up by another network? — Fred J., via e-mail

A: I am sad to report that I think yes, the dream might be over. Many fans, including myself, were drawn into the exciting series and had hoped that maybe TNT or AMC would save it from extinction. When I asked Lindsay about the possibility, she wasn’t super hopeful of a “FlashForward” resurrection.


“There hasn’t been any talk of that, that I know of, unfortunately,” Lindsay tells me. “I know a lot of people really loved that show, and I think it had amazing potential to be really great next season. Unfortunately, I have not heard anything, but you never know — if another cable network wants to pick it up, that would be amazing!”

Q: What happened to the NBC drama series “Trauma”? One week it was on, the next it was gone. Will it be back? — Judy, Waverly, Ohio

A: “Trauma,” a medical drama that centers on a group of paramedics in San Francisco, was officially canceled by the network this past May due to low ratings.

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Interview: Lindsay Pulsipher Mingles With Vampires

True Blood, which airs Sunday nights at 9 on HBO, has had everyone talking since the show began in 2008. The Emmy-nominated show, based on the series of best-selling books by Charlaine Harris, is known for its solid pedigree of featured stars and guest stars. New to the show this season is Lindsay Pulsipher (pictured left, photo credit JSquared Photography), who previously co-starred in The Beast with the late Patrick Swayze. Lindsay plays new-girl-in-town Crystal, and she just happens to stir up some trouble.

Celebrity Extra: When you came aboard True Blood, it was already a bona fide hit with a solid fan base. Was that intimidating for you, or did it get you excited to tackle this role?

Lindsay Pulsipher: I was over-the-moon excited. I was screaming at the top of my lungs when I got the news I’d been cast. Then once all that settled in, I realized the caliber of the show. I knew I was coming into a huge, huge show with a huge fan base and a big following. So there was a little bit of — panic sets in and then you think, “Oh man, can I pull this off and make people excited about this role?” So I hope that I’ve pulled through.

CE: Had you read any of the books before getting the part?

LP: You know when I got the part; I had not read the books. I made a conscious decision to hold off reading them, because I wanted to look at Crystal through the writers’ eyes on the show. And then once I kind of got a feeling for the character and I kind of knew where they were taking her and everything, I decided to start reading the books. I’m on the third book now, and it’s so good. I can see why people are so into it.

CE: What can you tell me about Crystal?

LP: Well, Crystal is just a really strong and spirited character. And I think that it’s every actor’s dream to kind of play a role that has a little meat to it. And there’s a lot for me to play with, with Crystal. She’s multilayered and she’s complex, and she’s got a lot of issues in her life right now. And she’s a little bit manic and it’s fun to be able to explore all those avenues and she’s definitely not one dimensional which is fun.

CE: What’s the overall atmosphere of the show; how is everyone to work with?

LP: It’s a very light and friendly set. Everybody has an amazing time and you can tell everybody just loves their job. And everybody is so happy to be there, which makes for such a pleasant environment. And that being said though, everybody is very professional and takes their job very seriously. And all the actors on the show are really dedicated to their characters, and they know their characters very well.

CE: Can you give me a tease about what going to come up in the next few episodes?

LP: I can definitely tell you that Crystal causes rifts in BT [Bon Temps], but it’s not just for Jason. She causes some problems for some of the other characters and gets herself into some trouble.

CE: Now, can you tell me if your character will be back in Season 4, or might that give something away?

LP: It’s probably best if I don’t answer that. It could potentially give away some spoilers. So I should probably stay away from that question (laughs).

CE: FlashForward was one of my favorite new shows of last season, and I was surprised to see you pop up in the last moments of the final episode as Teenaged Charlie. Have you heard anything about any possible chance of it being brought back, even if it's to another network?

LP: You know, there hasn’t been any talk of that that I know of unfortunately. I know that a lot of people really loved that show, and I think that it had amazing potential to be really great next season. But unfortunately I have not heard anything. But, that would be really cool if it did because I would really love to work on that show again.

CE: Yeah, I want to start a campaign for TNT to bring it back, or AMC, or any of those cutting-edge cable networks.

LP: Yeah, I know. I have a lot of friends who feel that same way. It had a lot of potential, and it was really different and interesting. I’m kind of sad that it’s not going to come back. But you never know, and if another cable network wants to pick it up, that would be amazing!

CE: Prior to this, you co-starred in The Beast with Patrick Swayze. Can you tell me what he was like as a person, and how he was to work with?

LP: Patrick is — was — such an amazing person and I can’t say enough things about him. He was sweet, kind, generous and had an amazingly dirty sense of humor. He was such a jokester. You know, always joking and making things so pleasant and light. Oh, he was such an inspiration. I can’t say enough good things about him. [Going through cancer treatment while shooting the show] really put things into perspective for me. Like if I was kind of tired or my call time was at an ungodly hour, it made me think twice of even complaining inside my head because I knew what he was going through. Never once did he come to work unprepared. He was always in top-notch form. And it was so inspiring to see.

CE: Tell me about the feature film you star in, The Oregonian.

LP: The film is amazing. It’s kind of an art horror film, if you will. My character is this girl who’s leaving home and, without giving too much away, she’s gets into a car accident. And she kind of wakes up and doesn’t know if she’s alive or dead or in purgatory somewhere. And it’s her journey discovering that. And she encounters a lot crazy things along the way, and it’s really different. I’ve never done anything like it. It’s really different and bizarre, and I’m really excited about it.

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