Q and A: Week of April 9

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Q and A: Week of April 9

Q: Was “Terra Nova” canceled? — Mary D., via e-mail

A: Despite decent ratings and strong international sales of the sci-fi/fantasy series, Fox decided not to renew “Terra Nova” for a second season. However, 20th Century Fox, which produces the series, is shopping the show around to other networks, and hopefully it can be picked up in time for a fall premiere somewhere else (Syfy, are you listening?).

Q: I am a huge fan of HGTV. What happened to Sandra Rinomato from “Property Virgins”? — Cindy K., via e-mail

A: Sandra decided to leave the show after 130 successful episodes to start her new show, “Buy Herself,” which begins airing this month on HGTV Canada, and she hopes for a U.S. HGTV pickup soon. Rinomato stated on her Facebook page: “For the first time in history, a significant number of women are buying real estate on their own, taking charge of their financial situations. … Women buying real estate is not a fad; it’s history in the making, and I am very proud to be a part of i on TV.”

Paul Ben-Victor, photo by Fernando Escovar

Q: A few weeks ago you mentioned the return of USA’s “Fairly Legal,” which I do enjoy, but I was hoping for some spoilers for the show that airs right after that, “In Plain Sight.” — Vail K., via e-mail

A: I do happen to have some “In Plain Sight” info for you, as I recently spoke with series co-star Paul Ben-Victor, who portrays chief inspector Stan McQueen. For Paul, the end of the series is bittersweet, as he explained: “There’s definitely a sense of loss and there’s a sadness there. We had become a family and have gotten even closer, especially over this past year. There’s a real warmth and love on the set. I’m really looking forward to this final season, because while playing Stan McQueen has been great, I’m looking forward to spreading my wings, and there are some very exciting opportunities out there.”

One of those opportunities is promoting his new movie, which he stars in and co-wrote, called “Should Have Been Romeo.” It was selected to the Newport Beach Film Festival in the featured slot the first weekend of the festival. “We’re real excited about that,” Paul enthused. “They’re focusing the whole event around our movie that first weekend. So, on the heels of this, there’s the last season of ‘In Plain Sight,’ which is something that’s going to be really extraordinary. Especially the last few episodes; they’re just phenomenal.”

Q: What has Christopher Judge been doing since playing Teal’c in the “Stargate” series? — Henry F., Miami

A: Christopher has been doing a lot of voice work in video games and animation, as well as a few guest-starring turns here and there on shows like “NCIS: Los Angeles.” This summer, he is set to appear in “The Dark Knight Rises,” which premieres July 20, and is sure to be summer 2012′s runaway blockbuster.

Interview: Paul Ben-Victor's Bittersweet Goodbye

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Interview: Paul Ben-Victor's Bittersweet Goodbye

Paul Ben-Victor, photo by Fernando Escovar

For me, as an entertainment journalist, it's always a pleasure to interview "that guy from that show." You know who I mean: He's a prolific actor with years of experience and scores of TV shows and movies under his belt, and yet, he hasn't been pigeon-holed into one type of role, and he still is able to maintain a bit of anonymity in his everyday life. In the case of this article, the person to whom I am referring is Paul Ben-Victor. You might not know his name (yet, although you should), but when you see his picture (to the left), you know exactly who he is.

He's the guy who made your favorite show more interesting with his guest-starring story arc; he's the actor whose recurring spot on HBO's top shows is the reason you DVRed certain episodes; and he's the character on the USA Network's hit show "In Plain Sight" who is the perfect and balanced foil for marshals Mary Shannon and Marshall Mann. Paul Ben-Victor's Chief Inspector Stan McQueen and crew are back for their fifth and final eight-episode season (the first episode of which aired last week, so catch up with that before tonight's episode airs at 10/9c), which is gearing up to be a season of can't-miss episodes. With guest stars like tonight's Tia Carrere, along with future guests Josh Hopkins, Stephen Lang, Lesley Ann Warren and many others, "In Plain Sight" is promising to go out with a bang, not a wimper.

I spoke with the ever-charming and talented Paul Ben-Victor recently, and he is eager for fans to see the final season of "In Plain Sight," as well as his new movie, "Should've Been Romeo," which is making the Festival rounds as I type.

Celebrity Extra: Looking at your long, long resume here, I think I can safely assume you've been on every TV show and in every movie since 1987. How do you do it?

Paul Ben-Victor: (Laughs) I do what comes next. Christopher Walken once wrote, “I take what comes next.” And that’s pretty much been my best plan of attack. Whatever the next gig is, I just jump on board for the most part.

CE: Unless is not that good, right?

PBV: If it’s a decent, good job and I know who’s in it, I pretty much just go with. I’ve always liked working. I like the idea of being busy, and I like getting paid (laughs).

CE: And the variety of roles you've been able to take on must be great for you, as an actor.

PBV: It has been. I always felt like I could do characters pretty well, and actually, the first job I got out of college, I played a Puerto Rican guy in a play at a theater in the Lower East Side — and it was Puerto Rican guys who hired me to do it. There are plenty of Latino actors in New York, but for some reason, I got the job. 

I don’t do it consciously, I just say: “Oh, I can do that. I can play a Russian. I can play a Puerto Rican. I can play a Mexican guy. I can play an Italian. I can play whatever you got.” And I’d go in and learn the words, learn the accent, learn the sound, and somehow come out with the job. So I ended up doing all these different characters. I’ve become a character actor, I guess. It’s sort of what I was drawn to.


I’m still trying to learn how to do a lot of stuff. You’re always looking for the next level, as an actor. You want to move on to that next level so you can get to be more choosy, so you can get offered the juicer roles. There’s a lot of stuff I’d like to do and a lot of stuff I’d want to do, but those roles haven’t gone to me. They’ve gone to other actors who are more famous people, bigger names. It’s nice to have my career, but there are a lot of roles I’ve seen out there that I’ve wanted and fought for that I didn’t get, but I still would love to do at some point.

CE: What haven't you done yet that you'd like to get the chance to do?

PBV: I love comedies. One of my fantasies is to just get on a sitcom. I did a pilot once years ago, and I was just crossing my fingers and praying that this thing would go, because that’s a dream job. It’s not as demanding hourly. It’s not as many hours a week. It’s a shorter day and then you get that live audience that comes in at the end of the week, and that’s something that I would love to do. It’s just a blast. You get to put on a little play every week. That’s something I haven’t done but would love to do.


But I do love it all. I used to do a lot of commercials. I loved doing that. I just got chosen as one of the new voices on the Pepperidge Farm campaign. I love doing voice-over work. I also have a play that I wrote and produced a few years back in Los Angeles that I starred in, and that was the most exciting thing to do: to write, direct and produce your own work. I co-wrote that with my mom (Leah Kornfeld).

CE: With "In Plain Sight" drawing to a close, is it an exciting time for you, or are you a little sad about it ending, or a little of both?

PBV: It’s both; it’s sort of bittersweet. There’s definitely a sense of loss and there’s a sadness there. When they announced that this was the last season, I was like: “Oh man, what a great gig. I’m going to miss everybody.” We had become a family and have gotten even closer, especially over this past year. There's a real warmth and love on the set. It’s a real family atmosphere.


The guest stars we’ve been having are great. Mary’s brother’s, Will McCormack, is back this season. Stephen Lang is playing her dad in the last few episodes. I’m really looking forward to this final season, because while playing Stan McQueen has been great, I’m looking forward to spreading my wings, and there are some very exciting opportunities out there that I’m looking forward to.

CE: And I'm sure one of those is shopping around your new movie, "Should Have Been Romeo"?

PBV: We were just officially selected to the Newport Beach Film Festival. It’s in the featured slot on the weekend of the festival. We’re real excited about that. They're sort of focusing the whole event around our movie that first weekend. That’s really exciting.


So, on the heels of this, there’s the last season of "In Plain Sight," which is something that’s going to be really extraordinary. Some of the last few episodes that I’ve read and am now shooting are just phenomenal.

CE: What can you tell me about them, without giving too much away?

PBV: Let's see ... I gave you the clue that Mary’s dad is back. He’s been talked about for five seasons, so let’s just say he shows up and there’s a lot of excitement around his character — a lot of action, a lot of drama and a lot of interesting things. Stephen Lang is just terrific.


This year, Stan has a girlfriend, played by Tia Carrere. She’s absolutely lovely; she plays my dance teacher on the show, that’s how we meet. We do the tango together in (tonight's) episode, so everybody needs to watch out. Definitely don’t miss this episode. I’ve heard it gets pretty steamy.

CE: Speaking of Tia and Stephen and all the rest, your show does seem to get some excellent guest stars. What do you think it is about the show that attracts them?

PBV: Me! I’m just kidding. No, honestly, it's Mary. I’d say half of the wonderful guest stars we’ve had on have crossed paths with Mary on "The West Wing," i.e., Allison Janney and Richard Schiff — who I’ve also worked with in the past several times and he’s actually an old friend. And then Mary’s reputation — she’s got a strong history, a strong career. I think it’s about the show first and foremost, but people want to work with people they’ve either worked with before or people they admire, and that's Mary.

CE: Let's change gears a bit, and tell me about your movie, "Should've Been Romeo." I've seen the promos online, and I have to tell you, it looks really good!

PBV: Well, it is a labor of love, and it’s been a real family gathering. I wrote the original draft with my mom and with Michael Goldberg, who’s an old friend I went to school with at Carnegie Mellon. He wrote "Cool Runnings" and "Little Giants" and "Snow Dogs." And then another friend of mine, Greg Ferkel — who's cousin to the director, Marc Bennett — he did the last draft with me, so there’s actually four writers on this. So the writers are all friends and family, and then Marc, who I’ve known since I was like 12 or 13, is the director. He’s done documentaries and commercials, and this is his first feature, but he’s been directing for 25 years. Another friend, David Levy, he’s the executive producer, and he helped raise the money. We just kept rewriting it and rewriting it and rewriting it, and finally David said: “I’m ready. Let’s make the movie.”


I called in all my friends. Everybody just came to bat. I’d been talking to Natasha Henstridge and Michael Rapaport about this literally for at least eight years. They both just showed up and gave it their all, and they were phenomenal. They were great.

CE: I love Natasha's scene on the website ... it's so funny!

PBV: She loved it. As you saw, she plays herself in the movie. I wrote that scene a couple of months before we shot it, and I said: “Natasha, check out this new scene. Is this okay?” because it was a real homage to her "Species" character. She called back and said, “I absolutely love it!" She was thrilled with doing it, because it’s a real spoof on that character.


We tested the movie several times, and the audience were people who did not know me personally, and they were cracking up. They were hysterically laughing the whole time, and we said: “Holy sh*t! We think we may have something here.” So it’s a real crowd-pleaser. It’s PG — you can almost say it’s a family movie. It’s real easy to watch, and it’s a lot of fun. We’re looking forward to a successful run.

CE: Gimme a quick summary of the movie, just to whet my readers' appetites for it.

PBV: Ultimately it’s about an actor. That’s sort of the A story. It’s about this kooky actor, almost like a "Tootsie" kind of vibe, if you remember the old movie with Dustin Hoffman. He’s a little delusional, he’s a little nuts, wacky ... but it’s ultimately a family movie about this would-be, possible family coming together — and they're not really a family, but maybe they are? — and we find out what happens.

CE: If all goes well on the festival circuit, does that mean a wider audience will get to see it? Just from the previews, I am very anxious myself to see it.

PBV: It will probably come out next Thanksgiving when it’s family time and folks are looking for a nice fun, family film to go to.

CE: Speaking of family, I was reading about your wife Julie's nonprofit foundation, The Art of Giving. Would you tell me a bit about that?

PBV: Absolutely! It's a new, grass-roots, nonprofit organization made up of all volunteers. She began the foundation in January, and the programs are growing and expanding almost daily. Briefly, the Art of Giving Foundation provides assistance and care to children around the globe who are displaced and/or living in extreme poverty. They assist children in helping other children who are in need through the use of art.


Currently there are programs in Woodland Hills (California) and Santa Monica, which bring free arts and education to children in the programs and communities. Anyone who's interested can go to www.art-of-giving.org. It really is wonderful, so I hope you and your readers will look into it.

Q and A: Week of May 9

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Q and A: Week of May 9

Q: I read somewhere that my all-time favorite band, KISS, is back in the studio working on a new album. Is that true? If so, when can we expect some new material from them? — Rodney G., via e-mail

A: It’s true: KISS is working on a new studio album. The band began recording in April, and lead singer/songwriter Paul Stanley told me that they expect to release the album in late fall or early 2012, depending on how things go. He said: “So far, it sounds phenomenal. It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.”


In the meantime, Paul also is working with the House Research Institute to help bring awareness to teen hearing loss. Having been born deaf in one ear as well as being a mega rock star, Paul knows all about protecting his hearing, and he wants to help spread the word any way he can. “Hearing loss affects kids, it affects teens, and it affects adults. I tell people, ‘If you won’t listen to somebody in a white coat, maybe you’ll listen to somebody in black leather.’”

For more info on how you can protect your hearing, go to earbud.org, and to learn more about Sound Rules! visit soundrules.org. Go here for my full interview with Paul.

Q: Will “Memphis Beat” and “Rizzoli and Isles” be back on TV? I’m already getting tired of all the summer reality shows! — Glenda F., via e-mail

A: “Memphis” and “Rizzoli” will be back this summer on TNT, starting June 14 and July 11, respectively. In fact, TNT recently announced its all-new summer programming slate, which includes two new series, “Franklin and Bash” with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer, and “Falling Skies” with Noah Wylie. Other returning series include “Men of a Certain Age” on June 1, “HawthoRNe” on June 14, “Leverage” on June 26 and “The Closer” on July 11. So get ready for some summertime drama, because TNT is filled to the brim with it!

Q: The Season 1 cliffhanger for Syfy’s “Being Human” had me on the edge of my seat. Please tell me it has been renewed for another season — I can’t wait to see what they come up with next! — Jackie H. in Montana

A: The vampire/werewolf/ghost fantasy-drama has been renewed for a second season by the Syfy network. In fact, the Season 1 finale shattered ratings records for the network. Although no official Season 2 premiere date has been given, I would assume to look for it come January 2012.

Q: I was happy to read in your column that “In Plain Sight” would be back on USA for a fourth and fifth season, but I read that star Mary McCormack is pregnant in real life. How will they handle it on the show? — Colleen V., Las Vegas

A: Mary and hubby Michael Morris are expecting their third child together. Mary told People magazine that her pregnancy will be written into the show, so it will be interesting to see what this means for her character, Mary Shannon.

Q and A: Week of April 25

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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.

Q and A: Week of April 12

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Q and A: Week of April 12

Q: I read somewhere that KISS frontman Paul Stanley went to the “Fame” high school majoring in art. Is that true? — Matt H., Akron, Ohio

A: Paul Stanley attend the High School of Music & Art in New York City. The “Fame” high school was the High School of Performing Arts, which later merged with the High School of Music & Art to form Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.

I spoke with Paul recently, and he told me about his high-school experience: “It’s funny, because when I first saw ‘Fame,’ and then I went to my school, I was expecting to see people dancing on the cars, but it wasn’t happening. But I ended up putting art aside at some point, because for me, I’m just not a fan of being told what to do by somebody else. Some people are cut out for listening to authority, and some people are cut out for going their own way. I just sort of soured on art.”

But now, Paul is back in the art scene, but on HIS terms. You can see Paul’s artwork at paulstanley.com, and also check to see if he is touring with his art in your area.

Q: This season of “The Celebrity Apprentice” is really good so far. I love the different personalities clashing as they try to work together on their challenges. I was wondering, who decides what the challenges will be? — Hank F., via e-mail

A: Ivanka Trump, wunderkind daughter of mogul Donald Trump, recently revealed on Twitter that they all — Ivanka, Donald and brother Donald Jr. — throw out ideas for all the different challenges and then decide collectively which ones they’ll do throughout the season. Next season “The Apprentice” is going back to its original format of casting regular people to compete for a job within the Trump empire. If you are interested in auditioning, go to nbc.com for all the details.

Q: “In Plain Sight” is one of our favorite shows. Will it be back for a third season? — Jackie D., via e-mail

A: The USA Network’s popular drama centering on a Deputy U.S. Marshall for the Federal Witness Protection program began its third season on March 31. The show has moved to Wednesday nights at 10/11 p.m. Central. Season Three will consist of 16 episodes — and if you need to catch up on any previous episodes, season one and two are available on DVD.

Q: Were Jordan and Jeff, teammates from “The Amazing Race,” on “Big Brother” together? — Lee R., via e-mail

A: Jordan Lloyd and Jeff Schroeder met while they both were contestants on “Big Brother 11″ in 2009. As you may know, Jordan won a half-million dollars on the show, and also walked away with Jeff’s heart. Jordan was unable to repeat her winning magic, as the pair was eliminated from “The Amazing Race” in March.