Q and A: Week of May 17

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Q and A: Week of May 17

Q: While I love hearing about all the “Twilight” kids, I’d really like to know what my favorite vampire, Peter Facinelli, has in the works. — Ingrid S., via e-mail

A: Peter Facinelli, aka Dr. Carlisle Cullen, is ready to prove his action credentials — he’s reportedly signed up to star as World Lightweight Champion Vinny Pazienza, called “Paz.” The boxer stunned doctors by returning to the ring just three months after a near-fatal car crash in the 1990s. The movie is set to start shooting next year. Peter also has written a movie for the Hallmark Channel, in which wife (and “90210″ alum) Jennie Garth will star. He’s also keeping busy on the small screen as Dr. Fitch Cooper on Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “Nurse Jackie.”

Q: I was so happy that TNT picked up “Southland” earlier this season when NBC failed to renew it for the second season. Is there any word yet on whether TNT plans to give it a third season? — Gerry F., Scranton, Pa.

A: TNT recently announced — to the delight of many die-hard fans — that it has renewed the critically acclaimed cop drama “Southland” for its third season. The 10-episode Season Three will begin airing in January 2011. TNT executive vice president Michael Wright praises “Southland” as “a challenging, visceral show that engages viewers with its immersive style, provocative story lines and complex characters.” And by the looks of my mailbag, many of the show’s fans agree.

Q: I first saw “Avatar” on the big screen in 3-D at Christmastime, and I wasn’t too sure I’d like it as much watching it on DVD on my small screen at home, but I am glad to say I was wrong. I am amazed that such an epic movie can also be so warm and intimate, as I find it to be this way on my 50-inch television screen. What do you think? — Davey P., via e-mail

A: I couldn’t agree more. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that “Avatar” is not just an action/special-effects vehicle, it also is a wonderful story. When I spoke with CCH Pounder (who played Mo’at) recently about her attraction to the story line, she had this to say: “There are a couple of things that made me really happy. Regardless of the fact that this is a fairly familiar story, it’s a very strong story. It’s a story of our journey. It’s a story about people. And while you are watching the story of these people, you get to see this extraordinary life form all around you.”

Q: When will the new “Sex and the City” movie be out? I think I might explode in anticipation. — Nikki R., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Hold on just a few more days! “Sex in the City 2″ is due in theaters on May 27. Note that this is a Thursday, and not the usual Friday (or Wednesday) opening day.

Q: I am thrilled that so many of my favorite shows from the 1970s and ’80s are beginning to show up on DVD. Can you tell me when “Falcon Crest” will be out on DVD. I can’t wait! — Janet U. in Florida

A: Wait no longer. “Falcon Crest: Season 1” is now out on DVD, and can be found wherever DVDs are sold and rented. I also can’t wait to re-live those Tuscany Valley memories, with Angela’s scheming, Lance’s lady-killing and Maggie’s voice of reason. It is especially fun to see Susan Sullivan’s portrayal of Maggie back then compared with her hilarious Martha Rodgers (Castle’s mom) on “Castle.”

Q: I love the addition of Rob Lowe to NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” What else does he have coming up? — Irene T., Brunswick, Ga.

A: Along with his “Parks and Rec” duties, Rob Lowe will guest star in the fourth season of the Showtime series “Californication.” Rob will play Eddie Nero, a neurotic yet talented movie star who is in the running to play Hank Moody (David Duchovny) in the film version of Hank’s hit novel. Rob will appear in at least one episode, but could become a recurring character.

Q: My mother and I are loyal viewers of the daytime soap opera “As the World Turns.” We were so sad to hear that Helen Wagner, who had been on the show since it premiered back in 1956, had passed away. How are the other cast members taking the news? — Shelli F., via e-mail

A: Helen Wagner, 91, who passed away May 1, was a soap opera icon. She even held the Guinness world record for playing the same character on TV for the longest period of time. I spoke with longtime friend and cast mate Eileen Fulton (who has played Lisa since 1960) about Helen’s passing, and she told me she felt a little shell-shocked. “My one regret is that she didn’t hang on a little longer to wrap the show up (which ends its run in September). That’s the thing that keeps haunting me. She spoke the first words on the show; we all were hoping she’d have the last words too.”

Q: I was a faithful viewer of the sitcom “Becker,” and I would like to know what the star, Ted Danson, is up to lately. — Sara S., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Ted co-stars in the Glenn Close legal drama “Damages,” which airs on FX. He also co-stars in the HBO comedy series “Bored to Death.” When Ted’s not working, you can find him tending to his organic garden at his and wife Mary Steenburgen’s home in Ojai, Calif.

READERS: A few months back, I held a contest for five lucky readers to win a DVD of Taylor Hicks’ “Whomp at the Warfield” concert DVD. Scores of loyal Taylor Hicks fans (and Celebrity Extra readers) correctly answered this question: What songs did Taylor sing in the “American Idol” finale, which ultimately crowned him the winner? (The songs were “Living for the City,” “Levon” and “Do I Make You Proud?”) Winners in the drawing were: Tammy Krebs of Groton, Conn.; Amy Hicks (no relation to Taylor!) of Theresa, N.Y.; Dorothy Mayes of Roanoke, Va.; Nicholas Russo of Norwell, Mass.; and Nancy McConnell of Stansbury Park, Utah. Keep an eye on your mailboxes, folks. Taylor Hicks is on his way!

Q and A: Week of March 15

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Q and A: Week of March 15

Q: I really loved “Avatar” and have been hearing talk of sequel(s). Please tell me this is true! — David G., via e-mail

A: Director James Cameron has hinted that the rumors are true. I spoke recently with CCH Pounder (pictured left; photo credit Geneva Morgan) — who plays Mo’at, the mother of Neytiri and the spiritual leader of Omaticaya clan of Pandora — and she also verified that the idea of further adventures on Pandora is definitely a great possibility. CCH explains: “I know that he (James Cameron) did semi-announce that he is going to make a sequel — that he is going to take a break, but he did have a story idea. I think perhaps it was always that this would be some sort of a trilogy story.


“I don’t think it would take as long, because we already have the world of Pandora created, and it all exists in the digital world. All you have to do is put the story and characters in it. I think, Suzy, his wife, would greatly appreciate a break, and his children would love to see him hang about a bit. He’s kind of a workaholic guy. It might be four years, and it might be next year (that he starts working on it).”

Q: I was really starting to get into the new Fox show “Past Life,” but I suddenly can’t find it on the schedule anymore. Has it been canceled, or is it merely on hiatus? — Charity E., via e-mail

A: After airing only three episodes, Fox has decided to pull the plugged on the struggling and poorly received supernatural crime thriller. It has been replaced by original episodes of “Kitchen Nightmares.”

Q: I am a huge fan of “American Idol,” and was wondering what one of my favorite past winners, Taylor Hicks, is doing now? — Margie F., Hartford, Conn.

A: The Season Five winner of “American Idol” is currently touring the country in “Grease,” playing the role of Teen Angel. He also recently released his first concert DVD called “Whomp at the Warfield,” which is sure to delight members of his “Soul Patrol.” When I caught up with Taylor recently, he told me how much he is enjoying trying his hand at acting: “(Being in “Grease”) has been great. It’s allowed me to get into acting and understand role-playing, and it’s just a great starting point for me in the acting field.”

Q: Is it true that someone is making a film about Facebook? How is it possible to turn that into a film? — Frank J., via e-mail

A: Production has begun on “The Social Network,” which stars Rashida Jones, Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg, and is directed by David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “Se7en,” “Panic Room” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”). Shelby Young (“Days of Our Lives” and “Wild Child”) recently finished shooting her supporting role in the film. While she couldn’t tell me much about the movie or her role in it (they have all signed confidentiality agreements so the story doesn’t leak out), what she could tell me is that the movie is about the founders of the social-networking site Facebook. Like many of the film’s stars, Shelby admits, “I am such a huge fan of ‘Fight Club,’ so the chance to work with David Fincher, I just couldn’t pass that up.” Look for “The Social Network” in theaters come October.

Q: At the end of last season it was stated that “Friday Night Lights” was coming back this year. Has that changed? I haven’t been able to find anything about it. — Phillis M., via e-mail

A: Season Four of “FNL” is slated to premiere Friday, April 30, on NBC. Per an agreement with DirecTV, the fourth season already aired on The 101 Network from October 2009 through this past February, with NBC re-airing the season coming next month. If you want to be surprised by what happens this season, beware of online spoilers from those who already saw the episodes on The 101!

Q: For this final season of “Lost,” I am as confused as ever — and LOVING it! I also love one of the newer characters, Jacob. What can you tell me about the actor who plays him? I know I’ve seen him in other things. — Melanie C., Dayton, Ohio

A: Mark Pellegrino (pictured left; photo credit Eric Williams), 44, who has played Jacob on “Lost” since the end of the previous season, has been in a ton of movies, such as “The Big Lebowski,” “Mulholland Drive,” “Capote” and “National Treasure.” On the small screen, he is most known for playing the Devil on “Supernatural” and Paul Bennett on “Dexter.” I asked Mark when we chatted recently if it was intimidating for him to join such an established, phenomenon of a show so late in the series.

“Luckily I didn’t know it was such a huge phenomenon until I landed on the island and was told,” Pellegrino said. “When you audition, the character sides are not the character you are auditioning for, and the scenes are just made-up stuff to throw off all the people on the Internet who are so anxious to get the material. I had no idea what it meant until I got there and they told me I’m Jacob. And then it dawned on me what a big deal it was.”

Interview: Taylor Hicks — A Renaissance Man

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BY Unknown 11:22 0

Interview: Taylor Hicks — A Renaissance Man

Celebrity Extra: What was the impetus for your deciding to audition for American Idol back in 2005?


Taylor Hicks: It was really fate. I went to Las Vegas on a whim and my brother told me Idol tryouts were there. So about four hour later I was there auditioning. It wasn’t something that I said I needed to go do; it was something that just happened. Luckily, by the grace of God, I went in and won.

CE: How awesome was it for you when Simon had to admit he was wrong about his prediction that you’d never make it to the final round?

TH: You have to let your actions speak louder than your words, so to speak, that’s the key. And I just did that. And when you get toward the end of the competition, it’s not really about the judges. It’s about the fan base and about who does well that night.

CE: How did the term “Soul Patrol” start in referring to your fan base?

TH: It was an organic thing, really. They are just a great fan base. I am very happy and blessed to have a fan base that is so supportive of me.

CE: Aside from winning American Idol, you really know you’ve made it when a cast member on Saturday Night Live imitates you. How did you feel about Jason Sudeikis’ impersonation of you a few years back?

TH: I thought it was spot-on. I wish he had done more — it was hilarious. It’s pretty flattering when that happens. With that being said, I am very fortunate to have these opportunities come my way.

CE: Now you are playing Teen Angel in Grease, which is currently touring in the U.S. How has the experience been so far? (Go to taylorhicks.ning.com/events/event/listUpcoming for tour info.)

TH: It’s been great. It’s allowed me to get into acting and understand role-playing. It’s just a great starting point for me in the acting field.

CE: How’s life on the road?

TH: I love the road. It’s nice to be able to be in one spot for an extended amount of time, as opposed to doing music shows where they are just one-night runs.

CE: Looks like you are up in D.C. now (at the time of the interview). How’s that blizzard treating ya?

TH: I don’t mind there being snow, because I never saw a lot of it before. It’s good to experience all kinds of different weather, and all different parts of the country too.

CE: Anything can happen during a live show — do you have any funny stories or audience encounters?

TH: My fly has been down during “Beauty School Dropout,” which is pretty hilarious. That’s a definite wardrobe malfunction.

CE: What can fans who are contemplating coming to see Grease expect? Why should they come out?

TH: For those who’ve seen the movie and not the play, it’s the best of both worlds. There’s “Hopelessly Devoted” and “Greased Lightning,” and they integrate some of the movie into the Broadway show, so it’s really the best of both worlds. It’s a lot like the movie.

CE: Tell me about your concert DVD, Whomp at the Warfield. Is this your first concert DVD?

TH: Yes, it’s my first concert DVD. I am just really pleased about it.

CE: Why did you decide now is the time to make a concert DVD?

TH: It shows me in a live setting, which is what I am good at. It’s where I thrive — that’s a good light for me to be in. I am really excited about it. I am really excited about the fact that people can see a really great live show in that setting.

CE: Who would you like to work with?

TH: Paul Simon would be a great collaboration for me. I really like his music. I would also like to a funk/R&B album with Lady Gaga. That’d be cool.

(Don't forget to enter Celebrity Extra's Whomp at the Warfield DVD contest. Details are here.)

TAYLOR HICKS CONTEST

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BY Unknown 11:14 0

TAYLOR HICKS CONTEST

It’s time for another contest, with five copies of Taylor Hicks' Whomp at the Warfield DVD up for grabs. Just correctly answer this Taylor-related trivia question:

“What songs did Taylor sing in the ‘American Idol’ finale, which ultimately crowned him the winner?”

Send your answer to letters(at)cindyelavsky.com. Please include your full name and mailing address. Entries must be received by April 30. Five winners will be chosen and announced in a future column.