Q and A: Week of Sept. 26
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| Michael C. Hall |
A: Wait no longer, Stacie. ‘Dexter’ returns to Showtime on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This 12-episode season will see some major changes for our favorite serial killer/blood-spatter analyst (played by Michael C. Hall). According to Showtime’s president David Nevins: ‘There’s going to be some things that happen over this season of ‘Dexter’ that can change some of the DNA in the show.
“As a programmer, I believe in change,” he said. “I’m not scared of change. I know where they’re going this season and have some sense of where they could go in subsequent seasons.’ As of now there is no official word on a season seven, however, all parties are in serious negotiations to make that happen.
Q: I love the addition of Marc Anthony to TNT’s ‘HawthoRNe.’ What’s in store for his character and Jada Pinkett Smith’s for next season? — Sylvia R., Oakland, Calif.
A: There’s nothing in store for these characters next season, I’m afraid, as TNT decided not to renew the medical drama for a fourth season. A network rep said: ‘TNT has decided not to order a fourth season of ‘HawthoRNe.’ TNT truly appreciates the tremendous dedication of everyone involved in ‘HawthoRNe.’ The series gave TNT the opportunity to work with many outstanding people, including Jada Pinkett Smith and the rest of the show’s talented cast, crew, producers and writers. We wish everyone involved with ‘HawthoRNe’ nothing but the best.”
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| Andy Whitfield |
A: It makes me very sad to report that the handsome young actor recently lost his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He passed away on Sept. 11 at the age of 39 with his wife, Vashti, at his side. She released this statement: ‘He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.’
Q: First of all, I still can’t believe that the original ‘Law and Order’ was canceled. And second, can you tell me what series star Sam Waterston has coming up? — Judith F., Altoona, Pa.
A: You’ll have to wait only a little while longer to see Mr. Waterston on television again, but you’ll need to order HBO if you don’t already have it. He is set to star in the new series by writer Aaron Sorkin (who wrote ‘The West Wing’ and ‘The Social Network’) about cable news. The as-yet-untitled drama will center on a cable-news anchor played by Jeff Daniels and a newsroom boss played by Sam Waterston.
Q and A: Week of Sept. 19
A: TNT recently announced that Eric would be starring in its new original series "Perception," about an eccentric neuroscientist (Dr. Daniel Pierce, played by Eric) who helps solve complex criminal cases. The show also stars Rachael Leigh Cook and Kelly Rowan (“The O.C.”). The series will be 10 episodes long and will join the network’s lineup in summer 2012.
This isn’t Eric’s first foray into drama, by far, as he also starred in "The Andromeda Strain," "Who Is Clark Rockefeller?" and "Lonesome Dove," to name just a few. Also, if you happen to subscribe to Netflix or HuluPlus, you must check out his 2004 three-episode guest-starring appearance on "Dead Like Me" (which you can rent or stream) to see a side of Eric you’ve probably never seen before.
Q: Can you tell when/if "Californication" will return for another season? — John D., Columbus, Ohio
A: The David Duchovny-starring dark comedy will be back for its fifth season on Showtime beginning Jan. 8, 2012. This season will see author Hank Moody (David) even more popular (and richer) than ever after his biopic is released. Rob Lowe reprises his role as Eddie Nero, as does Madeleine Martin as Becca and Natascha McElhone as Karen. Also, Marcy and Stu continue their relationship, even though she is pregnant with ex-husband Charlie’s baby. And don’t think Ben (and his daughter Pearl) are out of the picture: The season opens with Karen, Ben, Becca and Pearl on a cross-country RV road trip.
Q: I love Joseph Fiennes and think he is absolutely superb as Merlin in "Camelot." Will he and the show be back for a second season? — Sally T., via e-mail
A: I am sorry to report that Starz has decided not to continue with the "Camelot" series, citing production difficulties. Starz released this statement to somewhat explain its position: "Due to significant production challenges, Starz has decided not to exercise the option for subsequent seasons of ‘Camelot’ with our production partners GK-tv, Octagon Films and Take 5 Productions." This certainly comes as a surprise to many viewers, considering the premiere of "Camelot" garnered the highest ratings ever for an original series on Starz, and continued to pull in high numbers for an original cable series.
Q: Why isn’t "30 Rock" on NBC’s fall schedule? I didn’t hear anything about it being canceled! — Janet F. in Florida
A: Don’t worry, Janet! "30 Rock" will be back for its sixth season at the beginning of 2012. NBC decided to postpone its premiere, mainly because of Tina Fey’s pregnancy and also to give a jump-start to some of its freshman comedies.
Interview: Nancy McKeon Steps Into the Past
Nancy McKeon might be best known for her role of Jo Polniaczek on “The Facts of Life,” where she donned a ponytail and plenty of attitude on the hit ’80s sitcom. Since then she has appeared in a number of movies, as well as starred in the drama series, "The Division" and the sitcom "Can't Hurry Love." Now Nancy's fans can watch her this weekend on “Love Begins” on the Hallmark Channel (premieres Sat. Sept. 17 at 9/8c; see local listings for more days and times). I spoke with Nancy about her new movie, as well as her “Facts” family.Celebrity Extra: What was it about the movie and the role of Millie that caught your fancy and made you want to be a part of the production?
Nancy McKeon: I have two little girls, and my primary job is here with them, so when I choose to step away, the timing has to be right, and this was. It was summer, so they could come with me. They don’t really know Mom’s “other” job. They just know my cooking, cleaning and carpooling.
And I love the Hallmark Channel. I’ve done some other things for them, too. I love the stories they tell and this group of people; they were pretty terrific. Right now it is more important, because this way my girls can actually watch the work. There have been some things that I have done that are just too grown up for them to see for a while. So this was a chance for them to make fun of me in funny costumes and funny shoes and funny hair.
CE: There was a real chance that the role of Millie could be seen as a busybody instead of helpful, but she really is a kind and generous soul. Was it written like that, or was it something you brought to the role?
NM: I think a lot of it was there. You could very easily become Mrs. Kravitz if you want to, but it really wasn’t that kind of movie. In my life, I’ve had some really lovely people — teachers, my own mom — who I was able to go to and talk to if I needed a sounding board of any kind. Seeing that and being able to come be in that particular role is just really lovely.
It’s different when you go back and do a period piece. You are able to remember times when people really talked instead of texted or emailed real quickly. You really kind of got to sit down and have a cup of coffee or tea, and talk about life and your desires or expectations and fears. It was interesting being around that group of people, because all of a sudden I find myself the older one on the set. I’ve always been usually the younger one on the set, but now I’ve transitioned into having been around so long.
CE: How was everyone to work with?
NM: They all were great. We had lots of chats about work and school and things that they are interested in. Everybody was just fantastic.
CE: What do you hope viewers take away from the movie?
NM: It’s just nice to be able to sit with the family and watch a story, and maybe remember that talking is worthwhile and sometimes taking a chance is worth it. You do have to be a little fearless, a little vulnerable, but it’s worth it in the end.
CE: Do you still keep in touch with the gals from “The Facts of Life”?
NM: I talk with Lisa (Whelchel, “Blair”) and Charlotte (Rae, “Mrs. Garrett) all the time. Lisa doesn’t live too far from me, so she comes down to the ranch all the time and hangs out. Charlotte has been here. Her sister lives in Dallas, so Texas is a middle point for us all. The others are usually working here, there and everywhere. We just got the award from TV Land, and we all got together for Charlotte because she is an incredible lady. She was an incredible teacher, and I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to work with and learn from her.
I’m privileged and proud to call them my friends. We had a great time when doing that show. It was really great for all of us. We’ve been very lucky and very blessed. It’s nice to be able to be adult friends and enjoy each other’s company.
Q and A: Week of Sept. 12
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| Anna Kournikova |
A: The weight-loss competition/reality show will be back for its 12th season on NBC beginning Tuesday, Sept. 20 (8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET). This season sees “The Biggest Loser” with two new trainers: tennis star Anna Kournikova (who replaces Jillian Michaels) and celebrity trainer Dolvett Quince. Trainer Bob Harper and host Alison Sweeney will return, and they will be joined by 15 contestants competing in a “Battle of the Ages,” which groups contestants by age. There will be three teams of five divided by age: the youngest players, all under 30; the middle players, ages 30 to 49; and the older players, ages 50 and above.
Q: I loved “Spin City,” and I can find the seasons with Michael J. Fox as the star on DVD, but can’t find the seasons when Charlie Sheen took over. Do they ever plan to release those seasons? — Darren D., Spokane, Wash.
A: When Michael J. Fox retired from the successful sitcom after the fourth season, Charlie Sheen joined Heather Locklear and company, taking over as Deputy Mayor Charlie Crawford for the fifth and sixth seasons. The fifth season also was a who’s who of guest stars, including Marcia Cross, Kal Penn, Regis Philben, Raquel Welch, Dakota Fanning, Jason Priestley, Rosie O’Donnell, Seth Meyers, Scott Wolf and Alyssa Milano. Season five is finally available on DVD, and can be found online and wherever your favorite DVDs are sold.
Q: This spring I really got into Christian Slater’s new show called “Breaking In.” I was so sad when it was canceled by Fox. Now I am hearing it might not be canceled. Is that true? — Dylan F., via e-mail
A: In an almost-unprecedented reversal, Fox decided to uncancel the caper comedy that centered on a team that is hired by companies to break into their own security systems in order to find flaws and weak links. Back in May, all signs pointed to “Breaking In” coming back for the fall, but when the fall schedule was announced a short time later, the show was nowhere to be seen. After much behind-the-scenes negotiation, Fox announced in August that the show would be back for 13 episodes to begin airing midseason 2012.
Q: I was an avid viewer of the ABC show “V,” and especially loved the character of Father Landry. Can you tell me if I can see the actor who played him in anything else soon? — Vivian A. in Pennsylvania
A: Joel Gretsch, who played freedom fighter and priest Jack Landry on the ABC sci-fi show about aliens invading Earth, has risen from the ashes of “V” and can next be seen this fall on NBC’s “The Playboy Club” as a recurring character who clashes with Eddie Cibrian’s Nick Dalton.
Interview: 90210's Michael Steger Is Excited About the Future
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| (photo credit Geno Nicholas) |
Celebrity Extra: When you first auditioned for the “90210” reboot, did you have any apprehensions or doubts that the show even needed a remake?
Michael Steger: I didn’t think any of the remakes were going to make it. I was very skeptical at first. I started going to more and more auditions for the show, and what got me really interested is when I found out Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah from “Freaks and Geeks” were on board.
CE: While I enjoyed the throwback of having some of the original “90210” cast on the show, I was happy when the show began to focus on the new characters and phase out the previous ones — that’s when it really hit its stride and found its focus.
MS: Yeah, the first season it seemed like we had like 50 cast members, which was really ridiculous. Whenever the vets were in the episode, Navid was out. I was like, “Aw, man! What’s going on?” We had to share a lot of screen time with everyone, so it got tricky. But now, the writers are in a place where we are all really enjoying where the stories are going, and they keep on surprising us with both funny and dramatic stuff. It’s good.
CE: What are some story lines you have enjoyed playing?
MS: The whole thing with Navid putting Adrianna through rehab and dealing with that situation. I thought it was a very difficult story line. It was so hard to pull off, and I felt like we told a great story. That was one of my favorites. And his relationship with Silver starting up has been amazing.
CE: It’s been great to be able to see Navid really grow up and mature through the years.
MS: Yes, especially when he finally put his foot down and ended things with Adrianna. He found some backbone and he was like, “You know what, I can’t take any more.” He made a huge change in his life, and I think that change came with a lot of fear. It was the best thing Navid could have ever done. That was the best part about playing the character — the idea of him maturing from a boy to a man.
CE: What can we expect for season four?
MS: We’ve all graduated. Navid is not going to college. In fact, he’s at the helm of the production company. His entire family went to Switzerland because of his father being charged with child pornography. So, Navid ends up moving in with Silver, selling his car and just putting all of his money into his business. Silver becomes his assistant. But he’s still being haunted by his dad’s past. Ex-business partners who happen to be pretty upset start showing up.
CE: What about the rest of the West Bev gang? What are they up to?
MS: Navid is going to be working with Dixon, but he’s no longer working FOR me. Also, my sister ends up not getting on the plane and stays in town, wanting to move in with me and Silver. With Max and Naomi and the whole pregnancy bombshell at last year’s finale, they address that in the first episode. Navid does see Ade again, and it’s a very awkward situation, but they do talk in the first two episodes.
CE: Much like your characters, you must be excited to graduate into the real world of adulthood and the story lines that will bring.
MS: Oh yeah, definitely. I feel like there is so much more you can do outside the high school. There are so many more mature story lines. We’re not confined to the walls of West Beverly, and it feels good. We’re doing a lot more location stuff. The sets look amazing, and we’re at the beach more than usual. I’m excited, because there’s going to be a lot more action going on.
Q and A: Week of Sept. 5
Q: I saw Nancy McKeon a while back on Disney Channel’s “Sonny With a Chance” playing Demi Lovato’s mom, and I wondered what else she has been doing lately. — Sally T., via e-mailA: Nancy currently co-stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie “Love Begins,” which airs Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Nancy plays Millie, a local restaurant owner and the heart and soul of the town of Anderson’s Corner. Nancy told me a main reason she took the role: her daughters.
“There are projects I’ve done that are just too grown-up for them to see. This was a chance for them to make fun of me in funny costumes and funny shoes and funny hair. They had a great time. Plus, I love the stories Hallmark tells, and this group of people were pretty terrific to work with.”
Q: I love classic Westerns, especially “The Rifleman.” Can you tell me if series stars Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford are still living, and if so, what they are doing? — Rhonda H., Bountiful, Utah
A: Chuck Connors passed away in 1992 at the age of 71 of pneumonia stemming from lung cancer. His 40-year career spanned sports (basketball and baseball), film and TV; however, he was best known as Lucas McCain of “The Rifleman.” Johnny Crawford, 65, slowly stepped away from acting and headed toward music. He leads the Johnny Crawford Orchestra. See what he’s been up to, and if he’s coming to your area, at crawfordmusic.com.
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| (photo credit Geno Nicholas) |
A: “90210″ returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, Sept. 13. I spoke with Michael Steger, who plays Navid Shirazi, and he gave me the scoop (but not enough to get him in trouble).
“Navid’s going to be working with Dixon, but Dixon’s no longer working FOR Navid. Max and Naomi and the whole pregnancy bomb at the finale, they address that in the first episode. Also, Navid’s family flies to Switzerland to be with his father, but his sister doesn’t get on the plane. Navid does see Adrianna again, and it’s a very awkward situation, but they do talk in the first two episodes. Also, we’re doing a lot more location stuff. I’m excited because there’s a lot more action going on.”
Q: As a history buff, I was excited to read in your column that the History Channel is making a miniseries about the Hatfields and McCoys, starring Kevin Costner as Anse Hatfield. Who will play Randall McCoy? — Darnell R., via e-mail
A: I, too, am eager for this miniseries, which is slated to air next year. I’m happy to report that Bill Paxton — of “Big Love,” “Apollo 13″ and “Twister” fame — is set to play Randall McCoy, the famed arch nemesis of “Devil” Anse Hatfield.
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