Q and A: Week of Nov. 4

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Q and A: Week of Nov. 4

Bruno Gunn as Brutus in
(courtesy Lionsgate, photographer Murray Close)

Q: I am beyond excited that “Catching Fire” will be in theaters soon. I am really intrigued by all the new Tributes that will be battling it out in this film. What can you tell me about the actor who plays Brutus, the scary and kick-butt Tribute from District 2? — Haley W., via email

A: Bruno Gunn plays the brawny and vicious “Career Tribute” from District 2. And while Bruno certainly is brawny, he is anything but vicious. The Canton, Ohio, native is one of the nicest people I’ve ever interviewed, and he’s just as thrilled to be in “Catching Fire” as you are to see him in it. Upon getting the news that he’d be playing Brutus, Bruno told me: “It was life-changing news. 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 then something of this caliber comes along — I was thrilled. Absolutely thrilled. I mean, it’s one of those moments you’ll never forget the rest of your life, to say the least.”

And while the training was intense, Bruno had a blast filming this movie: “It was one of those things where everybody was really focused on doing their work bringing their A game. And at the same time, as focused and serious as everybody was, it was one of those sets that was a very relaxed, fun vibe. We all knew what we were doing with this massive film, but at the same time, it was fun. There was a fun vibe on set. We were all just having a great time making memories and friendships. We did about two to three months of training leading up to the movie, and that was a blast.”

Check back next week for my FULL interview with Bruno.

Q: When is “Dallas” coming back? — Karolyn, Lubbock, TX

A: “Dallas” will return to TNT for its third season in early 2014. I don’t have an exact date yet, but I will let you know when I do. In the meantime, I can tell you that my favorite “90210” alum, AnnaLynne McCord, will guest-star in several episodes when the hit nighttime drama returns for its 15-episode run. All of the Ewing family will return, as well as Mitch Pileggi and Judith Light.

Q: It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for “Teen Wolf” to return to MTV. When will they air the rest of season three? — Joshua B., via email

A: You still have a couple of more months to wait — until Monday, Jan. 6, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, to be exact. However, I do have some good news to share to help ease the pain of waiting: MTV announced that the hit series will return for a fourth season in 2014 with 12 new episodes. Additionally, the network will debut the new talk show, “Wolf Watch,” set to air weekly after each “Teen Wolf” episode.

John O'Hurley (and friends)

Q: Can you tell me what one of my favorite stars, John O’Hurley, has been up to? I’d love to see him in something soon. — Beatrice W., Omaha, Neb.

A: For starters, the talented actor/host/dancer/singer/author will be hosting the National Dog Show Presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day, which airs at 12 p.m. ET/PT, for the 12th year in a row. Aside from all the cute doggy fun for the whole family that we’re used to with the dog show, this year sees the introduction of the Chinook, rat terrier and Portuguese podengo pequeno into the competition.

John also has a children’s book coming out Oct. 31 called “The Perfect Dog.” According to John: “It’s a Doctor Seuss-style poem that I wrote about (my son) Will’s question to me, which was, ’Is there a dog that is perfect?’ And so I go through all of the attributes of what I think the perfect dog would be, and I’m back and forth and back and forth. It ends with: ’The dog that is perfect is the one next to you.’”

You can catch John on the big screen this December, when he co-stars in the indie drama “A Remarkable Life.” And you can catch my full interview with John right here Thanksgiving week.

Q: One of my favorite shows is “Cold Justice.” Will it be back for another season? — Chris M., via email



A: TNT has ordered a second season of its hit real-life drama “Cold Justice,” where former prosecutor Kelly Siegler and former crime-scene investigator Yolanda McClary solve cold cases, their season-one efforts having brought many criminals to justice already. The first season, which wrapped up Oct. 22, so far has helped to bring about a guilty plea (from the Sept. 3 episode), three indictments (Sept. 10 episode) and a grand jury trial to bring about more indictments (Sept. 17 episode). Season two will have 10 more episodes and is scheduled to air in early 2014. As soon as I have an exact airdate and time, I’ll be sure to let you all know.

Q: When will we see more “Bates Motel”? I love that show. — Linda, Kenosha, Wis.

A: I can’t wait for the 10-episode second season to start, which will be in January on A and E. Joining Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates) and Vera Farmiga (Norma Bates) this season are Michael Vartan as a love interest for Norma (watch your back, Michael!), Kathleen Robertson and Michael O’Neill as Miss Watson’s father.

Q: Seeing Tina Fey and Amy Poehler present at the Emmy’s this year made me wonder if they’d be back to host the Golden Globes? I loved them as co-hosts! — Gina F., via email

A: Tina and Amy have signed on to host the Golden Globe Awards for the next two years. Insiders are saying the deal is a coup for the Golden Globes, but I say it’s a coup for the viewers, as we’ll be treated to the comedic dynamic duo for at least two more ceremonies.

Q: Now that “Breaking Bad” is over, what’s next for Bryan Cranston? — Donald F., via e-mail

A: The in-demand actor has loaned his voice to the H2 original series “Big History.” H2 — an offshoot of the History Channel — which premiered the 10-hour series on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10 p.m. ET. “Big History” will dare to reveal one grand unified theory for how every event throughout history is connected.

Each episode will begin with an iconic topic from the pages of traditional history, such as the Great Pyramids, Titanic or the American Revolution, but then will spin into surprising journeys through other fields, weaving together insights and evidence from various disciplines such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology, history and economics. “Big History” will pull together the puzzle pieces from all 16 half-hour episodes into an epic two-hour finale, revealing the unifying link among all events.

“I was asked to be the voice of 13.7 billion years of history,” said Bryan Cranston, “Sure, I’ve got the time — give or take a billion years. As I read the material, I realized that this new series gives a surprising and unique look at our world. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Jennie Garth

Q: I was surprised to see Peter Facinelli guest-starring on “Glee” a few weeks back. It got me to wondering what his ex-wife, Jennie Garth, is up to now? — Holly U., Tampa, Fla.

A: Jennie is in talks to co-star in a new sitcom for ABC Family with former “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-star Tori Spelling. The pilot is called “Mystery Girls,” and it’s based on a story that Tori co-wrote with screenwriter Shepard Boucher. According to Us Weekly magazine: “‘Mystery Girls’ is a comedy about a former starlet (Tori) who starts solving crimes with her former mystery-TV-show co-star (Jennie) after a witness to a crime refuses to talk to anyone except the infamous Mystery Girls.” And although I think “Us” meant to use the word “notorious” and not “infamous,” I think you get the idea of what the sitcom is about.

Q: What’s next for Christian Bale? — Barry T., Minneapolis

A: Of Christian’s current projects, the one I am most eager to see is the gritty thriller called “Out of the Furnace,” which opens Dec. 6. Boasting an all-star cast of Christian, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Casey Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana and Sam Shepard, the story centers on Russell Baze (Christian), whose younger brother, Rodney (Casey), mysteriously disappears. When law enforcement fails to (or is too afraid to) follow through, Russell decides to search for justice himself.

Q: I was wondering if you have any news on “Body of Proof”? Is it coming back? — Robin W., via email

A: I’m sorry to report that the Dana Delany-starring medical drama was canceled by ABC after three seasons. All three seasons are available on DVD, if that is any consolation.