Interview: Jamie Gray Hyder's Life-or-Death Stakes
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.
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| L to R: Sam Trammell as Sam, Joe Mangeniello as Alcide, Dale Dickey as Martha, Jamie Gray Hyder as Danielle |
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.
Q and A: Week of July 29
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| Jamie Gray Hyder |
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.”
Q and A: Week of July 22
Q: I’ve been rewatching one of my favorite shows, Masterpiece Mystery’s “Sherlock,” and I’m hoping you’ll tell me that it’ll be back for a third series. With Benedict Cumberbatch’s and Martin Freeman’s big-screen careers really taking off, I’m worried they won’t have time for this delightful PBS show. — Darlene W., via e-mail A: Benedict and Martin are both on board for the third installment of the hit British mystery series — as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, respectively — with “Sherlock” scheduled to begin airing new episodes in early 2014. You also can see them both together on the big screen (again) in the second and third installments of “The Hobbit” trilogy — as the Necromancer and Bilbo Baggins, respectively — when “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” hits theaters on Dec. 13, 2013, and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” on Dec. 17, 2014.
If you want to see them earlier than this, then I suggest watching (or rewatching) Benedict's outstanding performance in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," alongside the all-star cast of Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and John Hurt. And my all-time favorite Martin project has to be the U.K. version of "The Office." The writing is sharp and witty, the acting is aces, and the chemistry between Martin and series star (and creator) Ricky Gervais is phenomenal.
Q: Is it true that a new “Chucky” horror movie is going to be made? — Freddie H. in Idaho
A: “The Curse of Chucky,” which premiered at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival earlier this month, will be heading to DVD on Oct. 8. Brad Dourif once again provides the voice for the homicidal doll, while his real-life daughter, Fiona, stars in this sixth movie of the horror franchise.
Q: “Falling Skies” is really outdoing itself this season. Please tell me that it will return next summer with a new season. — Gary T., via e-mail
A: TNT’s execs and fans of the apocalyptic Earth-saving, alien-battling show feel the same way you do. The Noah Wyle-starring series, which wraps up its third season Aug. 4, has been renewed for a 10-episode fourth season to air summer 2014.
Q and A: Week of July 15
A: Dirk, who also starred in the original “Battlestar Galactica,” has been embracing his sci-fi roots in recent years. He’s provided his vocal talents for a number of “Battlestar”-related videogames, attended numerous sci-fi conventions and co-starred in the original SyFy channel movie “Earthstorm.” Also, if you saw the 2010 big-screen version of “The A-Team,” then you know he made a cameo appearance, dispensing helpful tanning advice to the new “Face,” Bradley Cooper.
Q: I just read that production on “Hell on Wheels” might be delayed due to flooding in Calgary, where the series is filmed. Do you have any info on that? — Windell S., Port Wentworth, Ga.
A: Production of the Western — which centers on the settlement that accompanied the building of the transcontinental railroad on 1865 — was delayed a bit as rising waters flooded the show’s set. Instead of season three premiering on AMC on Aug. 3, it has been pushed back to Saturday, Aug. 10. The two-hour season premiere begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Q: Please tell me “Monday Mornings” will be back on TV soon. I really have missed that show! — F. Gill, via e-mail
A: I am sorry to have to tell you that the medical drama — which was based on the novel of the same name by CNN’s chief medical correspondent, journalist and neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta — has been canceled after only one season on TNT. Even with the star power of Ving Rhames and Alfred Molina, it couldn’t survive its dismal ratings.
CONTEST!
Readers: For most of us, this summer has been a scorcher! And I can tell you that my list of summertime books to read is even hotter than my summer has been. While I can go on and on about my favorite beach reads this year — the list is long and distinguished — there is one that is head and shoulders above the rest: Rainbow Rowell’s “Eleanor and Park.”
I’ve been following Rainbow since her debut novel, “Attachments,” made me late to work a few mornings because I was up too late reading the night before, and her sophomore effort is no different. “Eleanor and Park,” which is set in 1986, is a beautiful story of discovery and first love. (Go to www.celebrityextraonline.com/p/reviews.html to read my review of the book.)
One of my lucky readers will have a chance to win an autographed copy of this book, so you can fall in love for the first time all over again. Entering the contest is simple: Email me at letters@cindyelavsky.com and tell me which book(s) made you fall in love with reading. You can also send me a snail-mail letter — ATTN: Cindy Elavsky, KFWS, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Entries must be received by Aug. 31.
Interview: Eric Roberts Tries Out a New Role
Eric Roberts is one of those actors who everyone knows. He’s starred on the big screen, small screen and the stage; he’s been nominated for an Academy Award, an Emmy Award and Golden Globe Awards. He’s been on soap operas, sitcoms, big-screen blockbusters and art-house dramas. This week, he co-stars in the UP TV original movie “The Perfect Summer” (which airs Saturday, July 13 at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. ET, and Sunday, July 14 at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. ET), doing something he’s never done before: He’s playing a grandpa. “The Perfect Summer” was a family affair for Eric. The movie features original songs by Eric’s stepson, singer-songwriter Keaton Simons, and Jason Castro, who also co-stars in the movie. (Keaton and Jason are also touring together this summer with Ryan Cabrera.) Eric’s wife, Eliza, is Jason’s acting coach. When I spoke with Eric recently, he was excited to tell me about this very different role for him, that of a nurturing grandfather and legendary surf pro.
Celebrity Extra: I have to ask: You play Lou, a surfing legend; can you surf in real life?
Eric Roberts: I do not surf. But I had the No. 3 long-board surfing world champ as my surfing double, so I look like a million bucks.
CE: Tell me about the movie.
ER: It’s a coming-of-age movie. My grandson (played by Adam Horner) and daughter (played by Sydney Penny) come to live with me, and I see he is sticking out like a sore thumb, so I tell him to try surfing. People dig surfers. He tries it out, but complains. I tell him to either do it or don’t, but see how good you can be when you try? I give him hope, and he takes it to the bank. He gets his self-esteem back, feels a sense of accomplishment, and comes out a personal winner. It’s a gentle, sweet story.
CE: You’ve played every type of character I can imagine — what made you want to play Lou?
ER: I haven’t been a grandfather yet. As you know, most roles I’ve played have been anything but normal, and I am not really the grandfather type. I enjoyed playing that. Playing a guy who is normal was fun for me. Grandfathers can be hip!
I’ll tell you, I’m in my early 50s, and I had to be at the beach with all these surfers, so it was double gym time for me. But it was a pleasure to make this movie. This is a story that’s valuable to everybody.
CE: I know you are vegan. What made you decide to adopt that lifestyle?
ER: First of all, it’s really hard when you’re on the road [filming] in the South. But you don’t have to kill animals to eat. I just don’t like the idea that we slaughter so many beasts to eat. So I asked my wife to help me be a vegan. She leads me around by the nose when I am home and keeps me on track. When I’m away, I’m a vegetarian.
Q and A: Week of July 8
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| Krysten Ritter |
A: The hilarious and gorgeous actress is set to reprise her role of Gia Goodman in the “Veronica Mars” movie. Krysten recently tweeted: “Veronica Mars has a special place in my heart because it was my first big acting job, and it was also one of the loveliest on-set experiences you could ever ask for.”
Q: I read about a year ago that TNT was planning a mobster-type series based on the book “L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City” by John Buntin. Is that project still happening, or did it get canceled? — Freddie T., via e-mail
A: “Lost Angels” is indeed going full-steam ahead, with a projected debut on TNT later this year. The cast includes Jon Bernthal, Neal McDonough, Milo Ventimiglia, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jeremy Strong, Alexa Davalos, Thomas Jane, Simon Pegg and, recently announced, Edward Burns. The story centers on the true, decades-long battle between the LAPD — under legendary Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker — and the West Coast gang, led by mob boss Mickey Cohen.
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| Eric Winter, photo by Gabriel Goldberg |
A: The handsome actor, who played the duplicitous FBI agent Craig O’Laughlin on CBS’s “The Mentalist,” has a couple of projects in the pipeline. According to Eric, right now he is having a blast working on the set of “Rizzoli and Isles,” calling Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon two of the best ladies in the business.
“I am so happy to be a part of this show,” he told me. “It’s a huge hit on TNT, and it’s such a great cast. I love the dynamic between my character (BT) and Maura. I really hope the fans enjoy it!”
Eric also co-stars with Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe in the PlayStation 3 videogame, “Beyond: Two Souls,” which will be released Oct. 8. For all you nongamers out there, this game is a pretty big deal, with a storyline rivaling a big-screen movie. It will contain extended scenes, bonus scenes and features, and a bunch of other cool stuff for excited “Beyond” fans.
Q: We seem to be inundated with reality TV shows, and I just read about one more being added to the list, called “Summer Camp.” What can you tell me about this show? — Kevin H., Tallahassee, Fla.
A: “Summer Camp” is a new reality competition series from the producers of “Big Brother,” where the cast competes in summer camp-style events to win cold hard cash. The show premieres on the USA network July 11, airing at 8/7c.
Interview: Aiden Turner Is The Perfect Boyfriend
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| Aiden Turner |
Celebrity Extra: What was is about this movie, and the role of Jacob, that made you want to be a part of this project?
Aiden Turner: I’ve always played the good guy. I’ve never played a bad guy, I suppose, until the end of “All My Children.” The movie was originally called “Deceit,” but they changed it because of so many other movies called “Deceit” over the past five to 10 years. So now, it being “The Perfect Boyfriend,” it has a very innocent movie title, but then when you watch it, you see that it’s one guy who is very deceitful. It was a very interesting role, and I thought it would be very enjoyable to play. It seemed like a very good script that I could definitely handle and do something different with.
CE: Tell me about working with the cast.
AT: Jen (Jennifer Taylor, “Quinn”) is very professional, and she’s just a delight to work with on-camera and off-camera behind the scenes. She’s very funny and witty. And she’s adorable. She’s very generous as well. She’s a generous actress on the screen. She’s always there. She knows her lines. She’s always prepared, and she takes risks. So, she’s enjoyable to work with.
And then Ashley Scott (“April”), well, she’s done movie after movie after movie. She’s very experienced and very good-looking, but she has a powerful energy. She definitely got my attention on-screen, and she’s a pleasure to look at and to work with. And there were some love scenes. It was the second day of shooting when we did them. We didn’t even have time to really get to know one another. We were thrown into the deep end, but she’s a professional.
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| Aiden and Jennifer Taylor |
AT: Yeah, absolutely. When the cameras weren’t rolling, we were laughing and joking around. There were some days that were 14, 15 hours long, so you need to sort of laugh just to help you get through the day.
CE: What was your reaction when you heard that Prospect Park was resurrecting “All My Children” and “One Life to Live”?
AT: I’m excited for the fans, mainly, and I knew it was a long, hard road for a couple of the producers involved from ABC who also lost their jobs. When it aired on ABC, it had a 2 million to 3 million viewership, and to let that go to earn more profit, it let the fans down. It’s kind of sad. Now that it’s back online, that is very exciting. That first week, it was the No. 1 show downloaded on the Internet, so that made me very happy.
CE: Would you reprise your role of Aidan Devane if you were asked? I think he’s about due to be sprung from prison.
AT: Absolutely. Whether on “All My Children” or “General Hospital” — you know that Finola Hughes is Aidan’s aunt, Anna Devane, on “GH.” Being on one of those shows, or even both, I would definitely be interested. It was so much fun — a big part of my life.
CE: Tell me about the cookbook you were working on last time we spoke. What kinds of foods and recipes will it cover?
AT: Foods from back home in England. Really healthy stuff for breakfast, healthy stuff for dinner. Also a section of food that’s easy to cook that you can cook in under 10 minutes. It will contain recipes to make decent cocktails, summer cocktails or for different events and things like that. And also different kinds of shakes — health shakes and smoothie shakes that you can have for a healthy snack that contain all great nutrients, which not only keep you alive but give you energy and whiten your eyes and just make you feel better every day.
Interview: Sasha Alexander, "Maura Is in a Funky Place"
The dynamic duo of “Rizzoli and Isles” — played by Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, respectively — is back and better than ever this fourth season of the TNT hit cop-show drama, which airs Tuesday nights at 9/8c. I spoke with the doctor half of the duo, Sasha Alexander, about the new season and what’s in store for chief medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles. And yes, I also asked her about “Dawson’s Creek.” I just couldn’t resist. Celebrity Extra: Last we saw Maura, she was going to anonymously donate a kidney to her sister. Where does season four pick up?
Sasha Alexander: We start about three months after Maura has donated her kidney to her sister. Like you said, her sister doesn’t know. Maura’s in a funky place, because emotionally I think she is recovering from the surgery, but she’s kind of bummed out that nobody has really reached out and thanked her. Not her mom, not her sister, not anyone. And so she’s just feeling a little bit vulnerable and fragile. And she’s not her normal sunny self, and it’s kind of a bummer for Jane (Rizzoli) and for everyone else, because they are having to tiptoe around her.
But I think it’s funny to see her that way. Watching Jane try to help lift her spirits, it leads to some funny antics. Like, Maura wants to spy on her kidney to make sure that Kayleen’s taking care of it properly. There’s a scene where she spies on her and she’s pumping all this artificial sweetener into her coffee, and she’s like: “That is just not OK. It’s so unhealthy. She’s not treating my kidney well.” It was really funny.
It’s sweet because it brings Maura and Kayleen together. They do end up forming a relationship, which is going to lead to Maura playing big sister to Kayleen. And Kayleen’s going to come to her for help with their mom, Hope, and it leads to a lot more of the family drama. Paddy Doyle is on trial, and we’re going to uncover what really went on with Hope and with Paddy. There’s a lot of cover-up. A lot of secrets. A lot of lies. And it’s going to put Maura in a position of having to choose between these people that she’s just met who she’s related to and her real friends and family, Jane and the Rizzolis.
CE: Your show always has the best guest stars. Who’s on board for this season?
SA: Sharon Lawrence is back as Hope. And John Doman is back as Paddy Doyle. Amaury Nolasco joins us as Lt. Martinez, who is a person from Jane’s past who we’re going to find out about. Eric Winter is a love interest for Maura. He plays a bomb-squad tech who Maura’s attracted to.
CE: Switching gears a bit, I am a huge “Dawson’s Creek” fan, so I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about your experience on that show.
SA: I had a wonderful experience there, and the thing that always makes me laugh is that I went to prom with Dawson. I remember Katie (Holmes), Michelle (Williams) and I trying on so many dresses over the course of the three months. They were really, really picky about the prom dress. It was a big deal. But I had a wonderful time. All of them were wonderful. James (Van Der Beek), Josh (Jackson) and Michelle are all still dear friends. You know, we don’t have shows like that anymore. I loved the innocence and the beauty of that show. And I just thought it was a really fun experience for me, and I thought it was a really positive show. I wish there was something like it on the air now.
DD: Another big role for you was as Kate Todd on “NCIS” — and boy, what an exit! Her death was so startling.
SA: The reactions were just enormous. I remember I took off for Europe that summer, and when it aired, people just went nuts, and CBS called and was like: “Oh my God! You have to come back. We have to figure out what to do.” And it was wonderful to have such a positive reaction in the sense that people really loved Kate, and they still do. I think it was shocking because nobody saw it coming. I can say that I don’t like it when people walk up to me and re-enact it for me. It’s not an image of oneself that we like to keep reliving. But, it is what it is. It was a good, shocking TV moment.
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 emailA: 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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