Showing posts with label PBS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PBS. Show all posts
Interview: Jeremy Piven (Mr Selfridge) on His "Humbling" Role
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| Jeremy Piven as Harry Selfridge |
Celebrity Extra: Tell me about what you thought when you first heard about the role, and that you’d be playing such an iconic, fascinating and brilliant man.
Jeremy Piven: I remember exactly where I was: We had finished eight seasons of “Entourage,” and I was taking a little bit of a much-needed break. I was passed information that here was a guy from the Midwest who had made a name for himself at a store (Marshall Field) that I had grown up going to, and my mother and her mother before that. He was incredibly ambitious; he decided to jump on a boat — it takes about three weeks to take a boat from New York to London — and go to England to invent a department store. At that time, department-store shopping didn’t exist over there.
He had an incredibly colorful life, and those involved (with the show) said: “Listen, let’s tell his entire life in four years. You’re the guy for it.” To be offered a role of this magnitude was humbling. I pretended like I needed to take a beat to think about it, but I didn’t. I needed to take no beat. I thought: “This guy exists? Are you kidding me? When do we start?”
CE: I don’t blame you for your excitement; this is such a wonderful show. What can you tell me about season three?
JP: It’s great, and the show itself is continuing to evolve. The third season, the stakes are raised; there are incredible turning-point moments, which I can’t tell you about too much, but it’ll completely take you by surprise. To be able to tell his life was so fascinating. It was beautiful and inspiring and tragic and all those things. It’s been a feast and just a gift to do this. It’s also a fascinating journey in terms of how it’s coming to people’s attention here in the States. As you know, we’re on PBS; it’s a very select audience. Overseas it airs on ITV, which is the equivalent of one of our major networks or HBO or something. It’s a monster hit. It’s been sold to 165 out of 200 countries. That’s more than “Entourage,” “Downton Abbey” — it’s just staggering. Here in my own backyard, it’s still kind of catching on. With season three starting on March 29, you can binge-watch the first two seasons (on Amazon Prime or iTunes), and then catch up on season three, which I think is the perfect way to see it.
CE: A lot of people compare “Mr Selfridge” to “Downton Abbey” simply because they are both period dramas set circa World War I and take place in England. How would you describe “Mr Selfridge” to dispel those misconceptions?
JP: I happen to be a fan of “Downton Abbey.” All of us as Americans are absolutely living in the present moment, and to see a simpler time where people have to confront each other face to face, it’s fascinating — it’s something, I think, we all secretly long for. “Downton” deals mostly with the country. And “Selfridge” is very much in the heart of the city. Those are two totally different energies. Yes, you get the period drama, but you have the pace and the energy of the city. It’s incredibly vital and edgy. It’s a faster-paced, energized version of maybe what one’s reference is for “Downton.”
CE: Harry Selfridge truly was a man ahead of his time when it came to advertising and modern-day selling hype. He was a brilliant trendsetter. What were your thoughts on the man as you did your research to portray him?
JP: He was ahead of his time in every aspect. At Marshall Field (his flagship store in Chicago) in the late 1800s, he built these enormous windows and portrayed scenes like a still-life play. That’s how he got people to come in. Quite a bit of what we see in department stores nowadays was his doing: putting all the products and perfumes where you can see them as soon as you walk in — he stole that particular idea from the French, but if you’re going to steal, you’re going to steal from the best — but those were all his ideas.
As soon as the television was invented, he put them in his stores and made it so the people could film themselves and show themselves in his store like a reality show. He wanted people to have a place where they could gather, be themselves, be whomever they see themselves as, and treated like guests. My mother and my grandmother have memories of being in Marshall Field, where there were places for my mother, as a little girl, where she could go and play and have the time of her life.
CE: Tell me about Harry Selfridge, the man.
JP: He had an incredible wife and family. He was a man-made celebrity and loved it. He put so much money into advertising. He was there every morning greeting all the customers, and there they could see the famous Harry Selfridge. It’s like walking in and seeing P.T. Barnum or Harry Houdini. He fancied himself a performer and an artist.
He wasn’t faithful to his wife, and she passes away (at the beginning of season three), and it completely rocks his world. He feels like he’ll never find love again. And that’s where we begin the season. He’s been taken down quite a few pegs. It was a little risky the way I’m playing it. I played him as a performer from the onset, and he’s been taken down quite a few notches. His heart is completely broken. He doesn’t know how he is going to continue. He’s got his mother there, and she’s been a rock for him, but now his wife is gone. And so he’s completely given up on love. And then enters Nancy Webb, who is this incredible force of nature who he completely falls for. I can’t tell you too much more.
CE: Why must you tease? I’ve read that Lord Loxley is back to make trouble for Harry …
JP: I think that’s one of the things that both “Mr Selfridge” and “Entourage” do so well is that they really take a cue from the performance aspect of the show itself — the execution — and they can see when a character is really executing well, and then continue to explore and heighten that character. And that’s the case with Lord Loxley. He comes in — he had no idea that he had been spoken of. Lady Mae would speak of him, and he was an off-camera presence the first season. And then enter Aidan (McArdle). Aidan is this brilliant Irish-British actor who plays him so brilliantly; he plays him almost like Richard III in terms of he relishes in his own evilness. He enjoys it. And he really is a thorn in Harry’s side. He’s back, and he blames Harry for the loss of his wife because Harry was very close with Lady Mae. They had a great relationship. I think they are alike in a lot of ways. They’re both survivors and incredibly crafty and all that stuff. But it was totally a platonic relationship. There’s something about that relationship that really makes Lord Loxley crazy. And he’s hellbent on bringing Harry down and his store down. He’s quite capable of doing it.
Q and A: Week of Jan. 1
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| Sting, pictured with superfan Josh Romaine (picture courtesy Josh Romaine) |
A: Well, Nina, I’m sure you already know that Sting’s most recent album, “The Last Ship,” was released this past September. But did you know that on Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, you can catch Sting on Thirteen’s “Great Performances”? The concert was filmed this past year on Sting’s birthday (Oct. 2) at a special fan-club performance during a 10-night run of a benefit concert where Sting performed songs from his new album. My friend’s husband (see pic) was fortunate enough to attend this event, so I can tell you with certainty that it’s a concert that should not be missed.
Q: Can you tell me when “American Idol” will be back? I’m so excited that Jennifer Lopez has returned for this next season. — Kendra W., via email
A: The singing competition that started it all returns for its 13th season on Fox beginning Jan. 15 at 8/7c. Along with Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban returns to lend his expertise to the judging panel, Ryan Seacrest will continue to be our fearless host, and Harry Connick Jr. upgrades his season-12 mentor status to become a season-13 judge. Former judge Randy Jackson will return for a few episodes as an in-house mentor.
Q: It seems like forever since “Vikings” ended its first season. When will it be back? — Danny J., via email
A: “Vikings” will return for a 10-episode second season on the History Channel on Feb. 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, and you can count on plenty more drama, gore, sex and political intrigue. According to “Vikings” creator Michael Hirst: “The first episode of the new season will be absolutely gobsmacking. There are huge dangers at the personal level [for Ragnar]. Certain things are resolved in conflict and certain things continue. The scale will be bigger. He’s gone into business now with a king. So, he can raid with bigger parties. He can be more ambitious.
“There is going to be a new big, big character who is the King of Wessex. Wessex is a much larger kingdom than Northumbria, with a much more powerful king and also a cleverer king, a king who spent half of his young life at the court of Emperor Charlemagne. Ragnar is going to be up against a very formidable foe in the King of Wessex.”
Q: I need my “Portlandia”! — Susanna Y., Chicago
A: On Thursday, Feb. 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, you’ll get your “Portlandia”! IFC’s original hit comedy returns for its fourth season with 10 all-new episodes. Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein play host to a number of fun guest stars this go ’round, including Ed Begley Jr., Steve Buscemi, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Goldblum, k.d. lang, Kyle MacLachlan, Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde.
Downton Abbey Renewed for Fifth Season
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| Downton Abbey Season 4 Cast |
Boston, MA – November 10, 2013 – DOWNTON ABBEY, the Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning drama hailed by The Hollywood Reporter as “an absolute pleasure to watch,” will return to MASTERPIECE on PBS for a fifth season.
“As American audiences ready themselves for the January 5th premiere of Season 4, our devoted Downton fans will rest easy knowing that a fifth season is on the way,” says MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton.
Downton Abbey Season 4 recently completed its run in the UK, where it drew 11.8 million average viewers — making it Britain’s highest-rated television drama in 2013. Earlier this year, more than 24 million viewers watched the third season of the series in the U.S., making it the most-watched drama in PBS history.
Gareth Neame, Executive Producer of Downton Abbey and Managing Director of Carnival Films, said, “Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year. We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television. All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year.”
"Like millions of other Downton fans, I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Crawley family,” said Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS. “PBS is proud to be the home of this extraordinarily entertaining series, and, along with our stations, we look forward to sharing Season 5 with U.S. audiences."
Downton Abbey Season 4 will air on MASTERPIECE Sundays, January 5 through February 23 on PBS.
Q and A: Week of Aug. 26
Q: I think I’ve finally dealt with the death of Matthew Crawley on “Downton Abbey” and am now eager for more upstairs/downstairs drama. Can you tell me when new episodes will begin airing? — Frannie P., via e-mail A: Series four of “Downton Abbey,” which pick up in winter 1922, is scheduled to premiere Jan. 4, 2014, on PBS. Michelle Dockery, who plays the newly widowed Mary, assured fans at the Television Critics Association panel this year that as far as she knows, no other major characters are set to exit this season (referring to last season’s deaths of Matthew and Lady Sybil).
Michelle told the TCA panel: “As much as I think it was sad to see Dan (Stevens, who played Matthew) go, it opens up an opportunity for Julian (Fellowes, “Downton Abbey’s creator and head writer) to take the character in all new directions. The fourth (season) is about recovery. She’s starting a new life. There are various suitors who are being thrown in her direction. But she’s very reluctant to go through with any of it because she can’t stop thinking about Matthew.”
Q: I thought Jay Leno was going to retire and hand “The Tonight Show” reins over to Jimmy Fallon. Is that ever going to happen? — Brendan W., Spokane, Wash.
A: NBC officially announced that Jay Leno’s last day will be Feb. 6, 2014, with his staff of 170 getting paid through September as part of the agreement. Jimmy Fallon will take over hosting duties on Feb. 24, after the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. “The Tonight Show” will relocate to New York City from Los Angeles for Jimmy’s tenure as host. Seth Meyers — writer, comedian and “Weekend Update” anchor on “Saturday Night Live” — will take over Jimmy’s position at “The Late Show.”
Q: Is it true that Lea Michele and Kate Hudson of “Glee” do not get along off-screen? — Bridget L., via e-mail
A: Chalk that rumor up to good acting — just because their characters didn’t get along doesn’t mean the actresses behind the characters don’t. In fact, Kate offered up her Los Angeles home to Lea so she could hide out for a few weeks after the death of her beau, Cory Monteith.
In other “Glee” news, NeNe Leakes is set to return for multiple episodes this season as Coach Roz. This makes me happy, because even though I love Coach Sylvester, there is always room for the hilarious Roz.
Q: I loved Showtime’s series “The Borgias” and was so bummed when it was canceled without a resolution. Any chance it’ll come back as a movie or something to wrap things up? — Jerry T., Montgomery, Ala.
A: The Jeremy Irons-starring period drama, which ended its third season this past June, has gotten a wrap-up — in e-book form. Mid-August saw the release of “The Borgia Apocalypse,” a book based on the intended two-hour series finale that never came to fruition.
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 Dec. 3
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| Rachel Boston |
A: Rachel, 30, most recently starred in the Lifetime original movie “Holiday High School Reunion,” which aired in November (check your local listings for possible re-airings). As I type this, Rachel is shooting something else for Lifetime — this time it’s a pilot for a new show, which will air this summer if the network decides to pick it up for a full-season run. It’s called “Witches of East End,” and Rachel told me about the show when I spoke with her recently.
“I am working with such an amazing group of women! Julia Ormond plays my mom and Jenna Dewan-Tatum plays my sister. When we were born, our mom cast a spell so we wouldn’t know we are witches. Through a chain of events, we discover who we are and how we can help protect each other and our town.”
Go here to read my full interview with Rachel.
Q: Is there a new “Wizard of Oz” coming to theaters? I thought I saw a preview for it online — the special effects looked excellent. — Bret A., Pittsburgh
A: On March 8, 2013, “Oz: The Great and Powerful” will be coming to a theater near you. Here’s the official story line: “Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz. At first he thinks he’s hit the jackpot — fame and fortune are his for the taking. That all changes when he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who aren’t convinced he’s the great wizard everyone’s been expecting.”
Q: Do you have any news on “Downton Abbey”? I can’t wait for the new season! — Donna B., Oklahoma City, Okla.
A: While season three has already aired in the U.K., we’ll have to wait until Jan. 6 to see it here in the States. Also, I recently learned that the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, plans to create a “Downton Abbey” prequel, which will focus on the courtship of Lord Grantham and Cora.
Q: In the 1960s there was a TV show whose characters and story line were similar to the upcoming flick “Django Unchained.” The main character went by the name of Jemal David. What was the show’s name? — Sid D., via e-mail
A: You are thinking of “The Outcasts,” which aired on ABC for one season from 1968-69. “The Outcasts” and “Django Unchained” both were inspired by Sergio Corbucci’s 1966 spaghetti Western, “Django.” “The Outcasts” co-starred Don Murray and Otis Young, and is most notable for being the first television Western with an black co-star, as well as featuring the first biracial Western action team.
Q and A: Week of June 18
Q: I watched the most wonderful documentary on PBS the other night on the life of Johnny Carson. He is and always will be the best late-night talk show host, and I was very interested to learn about this usually private man. Will it air again soon? If not, can I buy it on DVD? — Paul F., Altoona, Pa. A: I know the documentary you are talking about, because I watched it too and absolutely loved it. In the late ’80s and early ’90s — when I was finally allowed to stay up late — I watched “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” religiously, so I was thrilled to sneak a peek into this talented man’s life. You can stream “American Masters Johnny Carson: King of Late Night” on your computer at pbs.org/americanmasters. However, if you can wait until July 17, you can purchase the DVD (or Blu-ray) of the film, which will include outtakes and bonus material, through PBS Distribution.
Q: I can’t find new episodes of “Army Wives” on the TV schedule. Is it done for the season? — Genie D., via e-mail
A: Don’t worry — there will be 10 new episodes of Lifetime’s “Army Wives” starting Sunday, June 24, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Note the new time slot, as “Wives” will now follow “Drop Dead Diva.” Upon the show’s return, Susan Lucci will be back in her guest-starring role.
Q: My wife and I loved the show “Cold Case,” and still watch the reruns. We wonder whatever happened to Kathryn Morris, who played Det. Lilly Rush. We have seen all the other lead characters on other shows, but not her. — Ron C., Roanoke, Va.
A: The gorgeous 43-year-old just finished the short film “Sunday’s Mother,” and most recently co-starred with Denise Richards and Jim Belushi in the direct-to-DVD movie “Cougars, Inc.” She also played a small role in last year’s Oscar-nominated film “Moneyball”; however, her part ended up on the cutting-room floor. I haven’t seen the DVD extras yet, but hopefully we can watch her there. I think your wife and you will agree that we need to see Kathryn in a leading role on another hit series stat!
Q: My two favorite new shows of this past season were both on Fox: “Touch” and “Alcatraz.” Will they be back for another season? — Sienna F., via e-mail
A: I’ve got good news and bad news. Want the bad news first? Fox has opted not to pick up “Alcatraz” for a second season. While it debuted pretty strong in the ratings, each week saw a steady decline in viewers, and it lost more than half its initial viewers by season’s end. “Touch,” however will be back for a second season. And, in case you were wondering, “American Dad,” “Bones,” “The Cleveland Show,” “Fringe,” “Glee,” “Kitchen Nightmares,” “New Girl,” “Raising Hope” and “The Simpsons” will all be back for new seasons come fall.
Q and A: Week of Dec. 12
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| Lucy Hale |
A: I love to be the bearer of good news. Your favorite bad girls, led by Aria Montgomery (played by Lucy Hale), will be back with new episodes on ABC Family on its new night starting Monday, Jan. 2. Watch as Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer take matters into their own hands to try to finally put a stop to their tormentor, the mysterious “A.”
Also, I spoke with Annabeth Gish recently, who played/plays Dr. Sullivan on the show, and I asked her if she'd be back when the show returned. While she couldn't tell me much, she could say this: "I don’t know if I’m at liberty to say. You will see Dr. Sullivan again. In what way shape or form I cannot say." Don't miss Annabeth on A&E's "Bag of Bones," the second half of which airs tonight at 9/8c, and check out my interview with the talented actress here.
Q: I love watching one of my favorite “classic” TV shows, “Designing Women,” in reruns whenever I get the chance. I’ve decided to ask Santa for the boxed sets on DVD, but can only find seasons one through four. Will season five be out before the holidays? — Jeanne C., Conyers, Ga.
A: You, and the rest of us “Designing Women” fans, are in luck — season five was released on DVD Dec. 6, right in the nick of time for Jolly Ole St. Nick to place a copy in your stocking. Season five begins with Charlene enrolling in college, Suzanne accidentally bidding on a date with Anthony, Mary Jo deciding to want a baby, and Julia secretly moonlighting as a nightclub songstress. The four-disc set includes all 24 original episodes — with all the hairspray and shoulder pads that that entails. This season is also the last to include original cast members Jean Smart and Delta Burke, who left before season six to be replaced by Jan Hooks (who stayed for seasons six and seven) and Julia Duffy (who was in season six only).
Q: Can you tell me if one of my favorite shows on TV will return? “The Killing” on AMC was riveting, and the twist at the very end of the last show blindsided me! — Ann in Minnesota
A: I was just thinking about that show the other day, so thank you for reminding me. I too love “The Killing” and was glued to my seat for the entire 13-episode first season. The show will be back for a second season — thank goodness! — most likely in late spring, although an official date has not been set. If you’re not already following me on Twitter (twitter.com/celebrity_extra), you should, because I always post up-to-the-minute news on casting and returning series.
Q: “Downton Abbey” on PBS was one of my favorite shows of 2011. I remember reading in your column that it would be back for a second season. If so, when? — Donna B., Tulsa, Okla.
A: “Downton Abbey” season two returns to PBS’s Masterpiece Classic on Sunday nights beginning Jan. 9 and running through Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. ET. Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Dan Stevens headline the remarkable cast as World War I shakes Downton Abbey to its very foundations.
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