Q and A: Week of Sept. 2

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Q and A: Week of Sept. 2

Rebecca Wisocky as Evelyn Powell on Lifetime's Devious Maids

Q: I am obsessed with Lifetime’s “Devious Maids.” Such a great cast and wonderful story lines that I am just devouring. Please tell me the show will be back for another season! — Nina W., Van Nuys, Calif.

A: I am also obsessed with the show, so I am happy to report that Lifetime has renewed “Devious Maids” — the network’s fastest-growing drama ever — for an even more devious second season. The Marc Cherry/Eva Longoria-produced mystery/comedy/serial drama, inspired by the hit telenovela “Ellas Son la Alegria del Hogar,” will have a 13-episode second season in 2014. And along those lines, read on:

Q: So far, my favorite new show of 2013 is “Devious Maids.” Can you give me any clues as to what to expect for the rest of the season, especially for my favorite character, Evelyn Powell? — Kimberly T., St. Louis, Mo.

A: You’re not alone, Kimberly. The Lifetime network show is breaking records and taking names; since its debut in June, each week has seen a steady increase in viewers, myself being one of them. And I also can’t get enough of Evelyn Powell, and especially her scenes with husband Adrian. That’s due in no small part to the fabulous writing and the breathtaking acting by Rebecca Wisocky and Thomas Irwin.

I spoke with Rebecca recently about all things “Maids” (and a little about her stint on another fave of mine, “True Blood”) and she had lots to say. About what to expect for the season finale: “A lot of things come to a head between her and Adrian. I will say that the season opens with a great big chaotic, glamorous party at the Powell house, of which there are many. And the season also closes with a big, large, gorgeous, chaotic party at the Powell house. And equally dramatic things transpire.

“There are a lot of things going on; 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. And pretty significant questions, actually. There are a lot of things in the balance.”

As for Evelyn’s future in season two, Rebecca is content to leave everything in Marc Cherry’s very capable hands: “I’m sure Marc probably has a lot of ideas. I imagine that I’ll hear some of them soon. And 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 go, I’m on board.”

Check back tomorrow for my FULL interview with Rebecca.

Q: Is it true that Courteney Cox is dating her on-screen love, Josh Hopkins, in real life? — Janie P., via e-mail

A: The 49-year-old star of “Cougar Town” — which has been renewed by TBS for a fifth season — IS dating one of her co-stars, however, it isn’t Josh. Courteney and Brian Van Holt (who plays her ex-husband, Bobby) are the real-life couple. In fact, they recently vacationed with Courteney’s daughter (with ex-husband David Arquette), Coco, in Cancun, Mexico. They had to cut their vacation short, however, when Courteney fell and broke her wrist, leading them all to head back to the States so she could be treated by her own physician.

Q: I read somewhere that “A Young Doctor’s Notebook,” starring Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe, has been renewed for a second season, however, I am not sure where to find the first season. The show looks incredibly interesting, so I’d like to get caught up. — Patrick S., via e-mail

A: You’re in luck, Patrick, because Ovation has acquired the first season of “The Young Doctor’s Notebook,” and will begin airing it in October. Based on Russian writer and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov's book, “A Young Doctor's Notebook” is a darkly humorous account of the turbulent experiences of a newly graduated young doctor (Daniel Radcliffe), artfully told through the eyes of his older, opiate-addicted self (Jon Hamm). The young doctor lands a post at a small hospital in a remote village during the Russian Revolution, where the patients, staff and extreme medical maladies cause him to doubt his own competence.

Q: I loved John Stamos on “Glee,” and wondered where else I can see him now that his run on that show is done. — Patty R., Omaha, Neb.

A: The 50-year-old actor/musician/singer/songwriter co-stars as Connor McClane on USA’s “Necessary Roughness,” which just wrapped its third season at the end of August. He also stars in the Yahoo! Screen (screen.yahoo.com) original show “Losing It with John Stamos.” From executive producers Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) and John Stamos, the show takes a hilarious look back at celebrities’ first times. With the help of some artistic re-imagining, viewers learn that the entertainers we know and love lived the same awkward, embarrassing years we all did. Featured guests include Michael Ian Black, Alan Cumming, Olivia Munn, Michael Rapaport, Bob Saget, Matt Stone, Casey Wilson and more.

Q and A: Week of Sept. 24

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Q and A: Week of Sept. 24

Q: I saw a video on CMT by Shooter Jennings, and he sounds and looks so familiar. Is he related to the late Waylon Jennings? — Travis R., via e-mail

A: Shooter is the country-music star’s son with wife (and fellow country singer) Jessi Colter. Shooter grew up surrounded by legends: Waylon, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. You can catch Shooter beginning Sunday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. EST on Ovation, where he participates in the six-part documentary series, “Johnny Cash: Song by Song,” sharing his recollections of the Man in Black.

Shooter shared some memories of Cash with me when we spoke recently: “One of the first things I think that has not been documented very well about Johnny Cash is how funny and goofy and charming he was. He wasn’t a brooding, dark, stoic character. He’d play jokes on people and do things to make little kids laugh. He was like a big kid. My dad was like that too. That’s the way they were together too.”

If you want to read more about Shooter, Waylon and Cash, as well as how Shooter has carved his own niche in the country-music world, check back next week to read my extended interview with the lovely and personable singer.

Q: What can I see Jennifer Garner in next? — Vivianne A., via e-mail

A: Jennifer stars in a new movie called “Butter,” which hits theaters Oct. 7. I’m not only eager to see Jen, but check out this cast: Alicia Silverstone, Rob Corddry, Ty Burrell and Hugh Jackman. I can’t begin to explain the movie (which is about a butter-sculpting competition) — you’ll just have to see it for yourself. Or watch the trailer here to get an idea.

Q: I watched the “Price Is Right” 40th birthday show, and was dismayed to see that Bob Barker wasn’t there to celebrate. Was he not invited, or was he unable to attend? I can tell you his presence was definitely missed! — Ada E. in Arkansas

A: Bob Barker, the original emcee for the long-running game show, was not invited to the birthday bash, which came as a shock to many longtime viewers, and to the man himself. Bob told “TV Guide Magazine”: “I don’t know why I wasn’t asked to take part in some way. But I do know I am ashamed of the show and surprised at their complete disregard for the welfare of animals. (When I was there,) we never did anything that condoned animal cruelty. Apparently, things have changed.”

Q: What does Patrick Wilson have planned since CBS’s “A Gifted Man” was canceled? — Nicki C., via e-mail

A: Patrick’s next role is opposite Alec Baldwin in the big-screen thriller “Caught Stealing.” Alec plays a sadistic cop to Patrick’s down-on-his-luck former hot shot who gets caught up in a web of very bad things. The movie is based on a book of the same name by Charlie Huston, which is the first installment of the “Hank Thompson Trilogy.”

Q and A: Week of Jan. 16

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 16

Q: I have such a crush on Karen Gillan of “Doctor Who.” Can you tell me what else I can see her in? — Jonathan F., Bangor, Maine

A: The ravishing redhead, who plays Amy Pond in the hit sci-fi series, can be seen next month on Ovation television in the network’s first original movie, “We’ll Take Manhattan.” The movie — which airs Saturday, March 3, at 8 p.m. ET — is set in the 1960s world of fashion photography and is based on a true story. It follows upstart photographer David Bailey as he persuades British Vogue to hire his unknown model and girlfriend, Jean Shrimpton (played by Karen), for a major fashion photography layout in Manhattan. Over the course of the shoot, they shatter every established rule of fashion photography, outraging Vogue fashion editor Lady Clare Rendlesham (played by Helen McCrory of “Harry Potter” fame).

Q: When I lived in Canada, there was a show on CTV called “Flashpoint.” Now that I am back in the States, I’ve been told I can catch it on TV here, but I haven’t found it. Can you help? — Judy T., via e-mail

A: All four seasons of “Flashpoint” have aired in the U.S. on Ion Television (check your local listings for channel info). The network recently announced that it has renewed “Flashpoint” for a 13-episode fifth season, which will begin shooting in February. CBS also aired the show here and there — as a midseason replacement or to fill an empty slot when needed — but the series has no set schedule on that network. “Flashpoint” centers on a highly skilled tactical team, trained in negotiating and getting inside the subject’s head to understand the emotional breaking point (the “flashpoint”) that triggered the crisis. The series stars Hugh Dillon, Enrico Colantoni and Amy Jo Johnson.

Q: A while back I remember reading on your website about a movie with Will Ferrell spoken entirely in Spanish. Is this still happening? — Dave R., via e-mail

A: The movie you are referring to is called “Casa de mi Padre,” which also stars Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna and Efren Ramirez (see my interview with Efren here). It is indeed in the style of the “telenovela” and is entirely in Spanish (with English subtitles for us gringos). The movie hits theaters March 16, and you can see the first trailer on the movie’s Facebook page and on YouTube (search “Casa de mi Padre”).

Q: I loved “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Are there plans to film the second book in the series? I hope so! — Stephanie S., Hollywood, Fla.

A: Although the box-office returns for “Dragon Tattoo” aren’t blockbuster material, you can bet 10,000 kronor that “The Girl Who Played with Fire” is indeed in the works, with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara set to return, Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal confirmed. “Fire” is set for a 2013 release. Fingers crossed for “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.”

Interview: Russell Ferguson Wants to Change How We See Dancing

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Interview: Russell Ferguson Wants to Change How We See Dancing

Russell Ferguson captured America's heart, as well as the sixth season's "So You Can Think You Can Dance" trophy, when he burst onto the scene in 2009. I caught up with Russell recently to discuss life after "SYTYCD," as well as the fact that now you can see Russell and his co-competitors competing on the dance-contest show all over again on Ovation beginning tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT. (Check ovationtv.com for a complete schedule.)

Celebrity Extra: Have you wanted to dance for as long as you can remember, or is there a moment when you realized, "Hey, I want to be a dancer."

Russell Ferguson: Good question. That has always stuck with me from the beginning. The furthest I can remember back, I was like 3. I remember my mother asking me in the kitchen what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I had always said an artist and a dancer. And it’s just stuck with me ever since. I think I was born into it honestly. I remember dancing all my life, whether it was just in the street or in a dance class.

CE: When did you start training?

RF: I started when I was 5. I was in a nonprofit dance company called Boston City Lights. Inner-city kids would just go there and learn how to do choreography, and then you would join the company after you got a certain amount of training. We would do shows around Boston. I guess I was always in that kind of setting, so I always had experience picking up different professional techniques and stuff like that.

CE: What made you decide to even audition for "SYTYCD"?

RF: Honestly, it was my mother. I was in college. I was doing a year at the University for the Arts, and it was basically get a degree in that or be a part of a dance company, where you would be set but you wouldn’t really make a name for yourself, and you would be part of a company. I wasn’t really a big fan of school — but I DO encourage kids to stay in school. But I was much more focused on dancing.



Once the auditions came to Boston, my mother said, “Hey, this is your time.“ She just felt it. She called me and said: “I’ve got the papers, and I really think you should audition. Even if you don’t make it, I really feel like you should just go. I feel like if you make it, you’re gonna win. This is your time.”

And I was like: “I don’t know. I don’t know about the whole Hollywood thing. But then I just though, Why not? If I get in, I get in. If I don’t, I don’t.”

CE: The whole process must have been excruciating — I figure you are constantly rehearsing, learning, dancing, all that.

RF: You could easily be fooled that it’s all just lots of fun by watching it on TV. But if you don’t know how to discipline yourself during certain situations or if you don’t know how to be professional during certain situations, it’s hard to get past certain things. And a reality show could really break you, a competition like that, because 24/7 you’re under pressure. Cameras are in your face, and when you’re just used to performing for the love of it, it’s hard to be on stage and focus on things like, "OK, this camera is going to be shooting your face up close at this time."

It’s hard to focus on things like that when you’re trying to please the crowd. So, things like that could really take away from the love of it. But, if you know why you’re there and you’ve got your head on straight, then you know you can make it through anything. You’ve just got to have faith in whatever you believe in.

CE: Sounds like it's really stressful!

RF: Oh, man! It’s definitely a stressful process. Friends are going home and friends are crying. Everybody is wondering, “Is it gonna be me next?” You just never know. Some of the best people were getting kicked off, and we were just like, “Wow!”

All that was going through my head was, “As long as you do everything that you need to do perfectly, there’s nothing that can go wrong. And if you do go wrong, hey, then you know you’ve done your best.” I wasn’t focused on trying to go home like that. My whole thing was, “I’m not saying I’m gonna beat everybody, but I am gonna say that I’m not going home.” Which is pretty much the same thing, but it’s more humble of a mentality.

CE: That's an optimistic, half-glass-full way to look at competing with friends. What else did you take away from the competition?

RF: I really learned that no matter how my body is feeling, my spirit takes over. Another reason that I did this competition was to prove to myself that I was as good of a dancer as a felt I was. And I was like, “This is gonna prove that.” It almost felt like one big battle.

CE: What kind of doors did this open for you and your dancing career?

RF: God has just been blessing me! Right after that, I got to perform at the Academy Awards. I’ve been teaching pretty much everywhere around the country — from Virginia to Utah to Washington to Cali. And I’m in an upcoming film called “Battlefield America” that’s gonna be coming out pretty soon, probably at the end of next year. It’s definitely like the next big dance movie coming out. It has a lot of youth in it, and it basically revolves around the youth and how they get down. It’s gonna be real big.

CE: Now that you know the outcome of your season of "SYTYCD," are you excited about getting the chance to watch them all again?

RF: I haven’t even watched every episode myself, so to watch that would definitely be an experience. I am looking forward to it.

CE: Tell me about your dance company, Side Street.

RF: Side Street is a company that I came up with. We’re trying to grab some youth and make positive things. We’ve got different projects. We’re seeking to teach and establish a program where we can go around and perform everywhere, and get it on Broadway, hopefully. That’s what we’re really striving for. The opportunity that "SYTYCD" gave me, I’m trying to take advantage of it.

CE: What are your long-term goals and plans for yourself and your career?

RF: Right now I’m trying to be like a spider. I’m trying to be everywhere. I definitely want to kick hard into the movie industry, because that has always been a passion of mine. One of my goals is to do what Michael Jackson did and put dancing on film — the way it should be, the way it used to be. There are not really a lot of people out there with those kinds of motives. They’ve kind of just conformed to everything that’s going on, because they know it’s going to get that kind of hype.

I feel like stuff that’s on YouTube should be on TV. There should be sitcoms with dancing in it! I feel like the Disney Channel and "Glee" are cool, but let’s get even more in depth with the dancing. I just feel that dance is at a point right now where it’s evolved tremendously, and it has to be seen in the light that a lot of other arts are seen. That’s my goal. I know, it’s real big!

Q and A: Week of July 25

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Q and A: Week of July 25

Russell Ferguso

Q: I’ve been loving this season of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and it got me to wondering how one of my favorite past winners has been doing. Can you tell me what season-six winner Russell Ferguson has been up to lately? — Dominique F., via e-mail

A: Since winning the “SYTYCD” title in December 2009, Russell has been busy dancing, teaching and acting. I spoke with him recently, and he gave me the scoop: “Right after (I won “SYTYCD”), I got to perform at the Academy Awards. I’ve been teaching pretty much everywhere around the country: Virginia, Utah, Washington and Cali. I’m in a film called ‘Battlefield America’ that’ll be out probably at the end of next year. It’s definitely the next big dance movie.”


Russell and the rest of America can re-live their favorite “SYTYCD” moments from seasons six through eight starting Friday, Aug. 5 on Ovation. The network is producing original extras featuring the judges, dancers and choreographers as they reveal their favorite moments from the show. Go to ovationtv.com for a complete schedule.

Q: One of my favorite summer movies so far has been “Thor.” Any plans for a sequel? — Ted G., Allentown, Pa.

A: It just so happens that the moneymaking movie about an ax-wielding superhero is prime for a sequel, which Disney and Marvel Studios plan to deliver. Chris Hemsworth will be back to play the title character, and you can expect the sequel to come swinging into theaters in July 2013.

Chelsea Rendon

Q: I recently saw “A Better Life” and was really impressed by the young actress who played bad girl Ruthie. Can you tell me a little about her? — Tanya D., via e-mail

A: Up-and-comer Chelsea Rendon played Ruthie Valdez, the gang-member girlfriend of Luis. When I spoke with Chelsea, she told me she had always wanted to be an actress or performer, especially after seeing the performance of her idol, Jennifer Lopez, in “Selena.” Chelsea went on to get guest parts in “ER,” “Judging Amy” and “FlashForward,” and she is hoping “A Better Life” will be her break into something even bigger and better.


Working with director Chris Weitz, who also directed “New Moon,” has its fringe benefits, aside from getting to work with a genius. Chelsea told me: “Chris got me tickets to the ‘Eclipse’ premiere. I met Taylor Lautner, and I was so proud of myself for staying calm. I also got to meet Peter Facinelli and everybody else. It was so cool, because these are people that I like and look up to.”

Q: I really love “The Voice.” Will it be back with all four judges for another season? — Stacy S., Atlanta

A: Don’t you worry — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will all be back when the musical-competition show resumes midseason on NBC on Monday nights. Be on the lookout in the new year!

Q and A: Week of April 18

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Q and A: Week of April 18

Q: The other day I stumbled across a show on MTV called “The Hard Times of RJ Berger” — I absolutely loved it! The actress who plays RJ’s mom looks very familiar. Can you tell me about her? — Stan R., Nashville, Tenn.

A: Actress/comedian Beth Littleford portrays Suzanne Berger, RJ’s unconventional (and always entertaining) mom in the MTV scripted comedy — the first-ever sitcom on MTV. You might remember Beth from her four years on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” I chatted with Beth recently (check back later this week for our full interview), and she told me how excited she is about season two.


“This season goes really deep. It continues to push the envelope on a lot of levels, but there is also a lot of really hard, squeezing angst,” she said. “No one is who they appear to be, and life is more complicated. My character continues to be a little bit cartoonish, but then goes deep. You see the love and you see the heartbreak. And because the parents are regular characters this season, I get some juicier story lines.”


You can catch Beth this summer in the Steve Carell comedy “Crazy Stupid Love,” as well as part of the super-mega-all-star cast of “Movie 43.”



Q: I know this is the final season for “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” but can you tell me when her final show will air? — Annie L., via e-mail

A: Oprah’s Harpo Productions, which produces “Oprah,” confirmed that the final original episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” will air May 25. Oprah tweeted last month that she was “hard at work planning the final shows” of TV’s top-rated talk show for more than 20 years. Check your local listings for time and station — I have a feeling the entire month will be packed with stuff you won’t want to miss!

Q: I heard that because of contract negotiations, “Mad Men” won’t be back for a fifth season. Please tell me this isn’t true! — Heather F., via e-mail

A: Don’t fret. The show is getting a late start because of contract-negotiation specifics with “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner, but it will return for its fifth season in early 2012.

READERS: It’s time for our third contest! On Tuesday, May 10, the Ovation network is premiering its original series “In Search of Food.” The program spotlights the popularity and resurgence of the “locavore” movement — cooking with locally sourced ingredients — that has invigorated local growers and farms around the country. Barton travels to Minneapolis, New York and San Francisco, where he meets local farmers, chefs and food craftsmen. “In Search of Food” is hosted by acclaimed chef, author and sustainability advocate Barton Seaver. I have five copies of Barton’s “For Cod and Country,” a beautiful hardcover cookbook highlighting cooking with fish. Write to me at letters@cindyelavsky.com or at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, and tell me how far you have gone in search of good food. Deadline is May 31.