MSN TV Blog: Celebs

Along Came a Spider...Named for Stephen Colbert

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:10:43 GMT

Colbert Nation, rejoice! The toughest man in journalism today now has a variety of spider named after him.

After finding out that Neil Young has an arachnid named after him (and how random is that?), Colbert asked on-air where his spider was.

An egghead type obliged, and here we are. There now exists the aptastichus stephencolberti.

I wonder what he would do if someone named a species of bear after him. Be grateful or freak out?

- posted by Raoul

R.I.P., Don Davis

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:16:03 GMT

I was saddened to see that Don Davis, who played General Hammond on "Stargate SG-1" has passed away of a heart attack over the weekend.

I actually gasped when I came across the headline. Maybe that's because Don had a rare gift. He was one of those actors who didn't seem to be playing a role.

He managed to convey gravitas, gruffness and kindness in the role, often simultaneously.

He will be missed.

- posted by Raoul

Rest In Peace, George Carlin

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:18:44 GMT

Legendary funnyman George Carlin passed away Sunday at the age of 71. Although he racked up guest appearances on sitcoms like "The Simpsons" and "Welcome Back, Kotter" and even had his own show in 1994, Carlin is probably most famous for his "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" schtick. (If you don't know what they are, well, there's a search box right above this post.) He got in a lot of trouble for this routine because it basically consisted of repeating seven dirty words over and over again. In 1978 the Supreme Court ruled that it was indeed constitutional to ban those seven words during broadcast, at least at certain hours of the day.

- Posted by Kate

R.I.P., Tim Russert

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:30:09 GMT

I was really stunned to hear that Tim Russert of NBC's "Meet the Press" died today at the age of just 58 of a heart attack.

He had the difficult job of trying to juggle all sorts of people from all over the political spectrum, and to his credit, seemed to maintain his impartiality.

Condolences to his family, to NBC News and to his many fans.

- posted by Raoul

Kelsey Grammer Has a Mild Heart Attack

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:32:15 GMT

I'm sad to tell you all that Kelsey Grammer had a mild heart attack over the weekend. He's reportedly doing well now, and is scheduled to be released from the hospital in the next few days. The star of "Frasier" and "Back to You" is all signed up for a new ABC comedy "Roman's Empire," where he'll play the eccentric patriarch of an eccentric family. (Sounds a lot like "Arrested Development," and that's never a bad thing.)

As much as I enjoy Grammer's acting, I like him even better as a producer. He's produced several of the shows he's starred in, and also "Medium" and "Girlfriends." Both of those shows just happen to be great shows about what it's like to be a woman.

- Posted by Kate

RIP, Harvey Korman

Thu, 29 May 2008 23:55:30 GMT

I'm saddened by news that Harvey Korman has passed away.

I was pretty young when "The Carol Burnett Show" was on, but I do appreciate his work there and of course in "Blazing Saddles."

- posted by Raoul

Cybill Moonlights as Shawn's Mom on 'Psych'

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:14:14 GMT

Another casting I think noteworthy: Cybill Shepherd is going to do a minimum of two episodes on "Psych" as the heretofore MIA mom to Shawn and ex-wife of Henry.

I think this is good news. As was apparent from "Moonlighting," Cybill's got great comic timing. And from the start of "Psych," I've always wondered where Shawn's mom was while Henry was browbeating Shawn into developing his powers of observation to the extent he did.

I wonder if they are going to try to do flashback sequences where Cybill's character interacts with Young Shawn and Young Gus.

- posted by Raoul

Lucy Liu to Become 'Dirty, Sexy'

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:13:04 GMT

The Hollywood Reporter is saying that Lucy Liu, last seen on "Cashmere Mafia," will still have a home on ABC if/when that show is officially cancelled.

She's in talks to play a role on "Dirty, Sexy Money" as an attorney.

I have to say that I trust the writers on "DSM" pretty implicitly. But I really hope that they work a little harder and give Liu a role that's different from the same basic super-aggressive, uber-professional woman that she's done since "Ally McBeal."

It might be nice, for example, if she were an idealistic lawyer who reminds Nick about how much he's sold out to be part of the Darlings' world.

- posted by Raoul

Donald Trump Is In Hot Water Over Fake Family Crest

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:21:40 GMT

Now, you guys know I usually avoid posting celebrity gossip, but it's hard - impossible! - for me to resist when it relates to my favorite reality star, The Donald. The New York Post reports that Trump, who's building a golf course over in Scotland, "forgot" to register his family crest with the Scottish government. This isn't some old family crest we're talking about, this is one of The Donald's classy creations. A picture is worth a thousand words. My favorite part is the spear.

"Now experts say things could get ugly if he doesn't cough up the $1,700 registration fee.

'The Lord Lyon may not have used its powers in decades, but he has the power to send the boys round and go in and smash up any of these coats of arms,' heraldry expert Hugh Peskett warned.

"Trump's company, which said The Donald ordered the creation of the family crest, said it's working on registering it now."

Trump better watch out for those heraldry experts! Maybe Gene Simmons can get on the horn and raise that $1,700 for his former "boss."

By the way, yes, that is Jimmy Fallon in the background, doing his best Trump impression. Or maybe it's a James Bond impression?

- Posted by Kate

Big O Gets Big Network Deal

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:59:32 GMT

She may not be as popular as Ellen DeGeneres or have as hot a significant other, but Oprah Winfrey just teamed up with Discovery Network to launch the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Yes, it will be known as OWN. I bet she gets a kick out of that.

Her own show will remain on network TV for now.

Congrats to Ms. Winfrey.

So what would you like to see the network feature?

- posted by Raoul

OMG! Jamie Lynn Spears Is Underage and Pregnant!

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:25:55 GMT

Sometimes I hate that part of my brain that could be used for better things gets locked up on celebrity gossip, particularly when I don't care at all about the celebrity in question.

Case in point: some of my neurons are going to be for the foreseeable future devoted to remembering that a 16-year-old girl who stars on a show I never heard of got knocked up by her 19-year-old boyfriend.

And yet, there it is. Jamie Lynn Spears, star of a Nickelodeon show "Zoey 101," is with child. She's the sister of Britney, and won't the Spears family be having an interesting Christmas coming up?

Depending on where the dirty deed was done, the boyfreind could get a slap on the wrist or three years in the slammer.

Apparently this won't affect the show as the last season has already been put in the can.

I'm sure the first wave of coverage will make us all a little sick to death. It all brings to mind something from "Family Guy." To paraphrase: America loves itself some hot jailbait.

It's interesting to see people try to take the high road over what would be just lowbrow information. For instance, Nickelodeon is apparently considering having a special about teen pregnancy. And Newsweek has this piece about entertainment law contracts and morals clauses.

I suppose all this is the warmup for the main event: jokes about the situation and people pontificating about the corruption of pop culture.

The jokes may not be the hottest until the late-show talkers come back in January. (All I got off the top of my head is "Maybe Jamie shouldn't have tried using SpongeBob SquarePants as a contraceptive.")

I'm blanking on whether another teen TV star has had as public a pregnancy. But in any case, we're going to get to the point where various people will use this as a way to condemn all of Hollywood because one girl had more money than common sense, patience or pregnancy-prevention skills.

- posted by Raoul

What's the Big Fat Deal?

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:30:06 GMT

You may have heard about the flap about Jennifer Love Hewitt's bikini pictures in which she's looking a little cheeky.

And now Janice Dickinson has made a comment about how Tyra is fat, only to take it back.

I know weight's a hard thing to deal with, and by no means should I in particular be throwing stones from my particular glass house.

But let's be frank: these women are clearly heavier than they were just a few years ago.

While still being frank, let's make another thing clear. Even in her most unflattering picture, Jennifer looks as good as most women, if not better.

And sure, Tyra has packed on pounds since her modeling days. That's to be expected. But again, she still looks gorgeous.

One day, we'll get beyond the notion that someone has to be a size 2 or lower to star on TV. But to get to that day, we should try giving women some slack.

- posted by Raoul

Geeky Is the New Sexy

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:59:14 GMT

People's list of the sexiest guys alive is up, and man, are there some geeks in the mix, or at least portrayers of geeks.

Among the honorees:

-Masi Oka, who plays Hiro on "Heroes"

-Rainn Wilson, who plays Dwight Schrute on "The Office"

-Chris Gorham, who plays accountant Henry on "Ugly Betty"

-Zach Levi, who plays slacker "Chuck."

It seems hotness is less about a winning smile and great pecs and more about being able to wield a pocket protector and talk sci-fi or comics.

If this trend continues, I might have a shot at the "Sexiest Men Alive" list.

- posted by Raoul

Kiefer Sutherland Faces DUI Charges

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:00:28 GMT

Kiefer Sutherland was pulled over late last night in Los Angeles for making an illegal U-turn. He later failed a sobriety test and was taken to the local sheriff's department. He's out on bail now and will appear in court in mid-October.

Instead of attempting a lame Jack Bauer joke of my own I'll point you to Best Week Ever's elaborate conspiracy theory regarding the arrest.

- Posted by Kate

Gordon Ramsay, Um, Burns Himself

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:59:28 GMT

Best Week Ever is reporting that British chef Gordon Ramsay burned his testicles in a kitchen mishap. They're feeling some schadenfreude, and I get that, but I want to know what really happened. Actually, I don't want to know, I'm just not buying "I was standing too close to the stove in cotton pants." It sounds suspiciously like "I walked into a door."

Well, best wishes for a speedy recovery, Chef Ramsay, and let's hope you don't come out of this ordeal sounding like David Beckham.

- Posted by Kate

Teen Choice Awards: The Results Are In

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:10:12 GMT

The Teen Choice Awards were held last night, and it was a night of few surprises. I think Kristen Bell must have been right about Comic-Conners being the tastemakers of tomorrow, because American teenagers do not seem to want the job. Check out last night's winners in the television categories:

Actor, Comedy: Steve Carell
Actress, Comedy: Miley Cyrus
Actor, Drama: Hugh Laurie
Actress, Comedy: Hayden Panettierre
Breakout: America Ferrera
Animated: "The Simpsons"
Comedy: “Hannah Montana”
Drama: "Grey's Anatomy"
Made-for-TV Movie: High School Musical 2
Personality: Tyra Banks
Reality/Variety:"American Idol"
Reality Star (Male): Sanjaya
Reality Star (Female): Lauren Conrad
Sidekick: Allison Mack
Villain: Vanessa Williams

- Posted by Kate

Will We Ever Tire of Scandals? Nah.

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:12:13 GMT

Entertainment Weekly is doing a two part feature on the 50 "greatest" celebrity scandals since 1985. You can check out part one, the bottom tier, today. The top 25 go live on Monday.

Let's try to guess what will get top billing, shall we? Off the top of my head: OJ, Britney Spears' quickie marriage to her buddy Jason Alexander, the Charlie Sheen/Denise Richards divorce drama, Hugh Grant's hooker troubles, Janet Jackson's Super Bowl nip slip, and, oh, duh, Michael Jackson's trial. I hope Prince von Anhalt makes Monday's list but he might not be famous enough. What do you guys think will be on the list?

- Posted by Kate

Isaiah's Back?!?!

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:47:27 GMT

After the whole mess with "Grey's Anatomy" and the F-word, I was among those who thought that Isaiah Washington would never work in Hollywood again. Or at least, not in any conventional way.

Even putting aside the question of him being homophobic in a gay-friendly town, he has seemed erratic and uncontrollable in many of his lengthy string of interviews. And he (wrongly, in my view) brought racism up as a reason he was fired. Not exactly traits you look for in an employee.

But NBC apparently has seen enough talent in him to give him a shot. He'll be playing a recurring guest-star on "The Bionic Woman" who apparently has mysterious plans to help -- or hurt-- Jamie Sommers. He also has a development deal where he could be a lead actor in a 2008-2009 series.

I suppose everyone deserves a second chance, right?

Personally, "The Bionic Woman" is one of the shows I'm most looking forward to, and I hope his presence there doesn't take me out of that world and make me think about T.R. Knight again.

- posted by Raoul

The CW Grabs Two Hotties

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:26:46 GMT

Two of my favorite CW shows, "Supernatural" and "Smallville," have both added two new female stars.

Katie Cassidy, daughter of Shaun, will be joining "Supernatural" as Ruby, a bounty hunter who will be helping the Winchester boys track down the demons who escaped from hell in the second season finale.

And Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort will portray Supergirl. The "Smallville" powers-that-be are going to have her be a little more rebellious, have her crush out on Jimmy Olsen, and pique the interest of Lex.

While I like eye candy as much as the next red-blooded heterosexual male, I have to say I have my doubts about both these additions.

Both the prior recurring female roles on "Supernatural" were, in my view, not so hot. Meg and Jo were supposed to add some spice to the show, and on paper, it might have worked out. But in practice, both were just kind of there. Maybe the third time will be the charm. And maybe Katie can convince her dad to guest-write a script for her.

As for Supergirl, I previously vented on the subject that it's probably a bad idea to devote much of what will probably be the last season of the show to establishing the character and putting together plots for her. I'm definitely open to be proven wrong, though.

- posted by Raoul

Coming Soon: The Oprah Store

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:21:05 GMT

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Oprah is going to be opening up a store where fans can buy all sorts of Oprah-related merchandise.

Good for Oprah. On the one hand, I wish her the best of luck.

The chances of my buying anything from there are minimal.

But I have to admit that on the store's completion, I'll head over there just to check it out. It should make for some good people-watching at the least.

On the other hand, I wonder if the world really needs a place people can buy Oprah iPod covers. Who buys that stuff?

And as someone who's about elevating the spirit, it seems having a store designed to appeal to materialism is sort of hypocritical, don'tcha think?

- posted by Raoul

Isaiah Washington Is History on 'Grey's Anatomy'

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:19:21 GMT

While T.R. Knight is back for "Grey's Anatomy," TV Guide's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Isaiah Washington will not be.

He said in a statement, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." First of all, wasn't getting mad what got him in trouble in the first place? Second, what's the point of saying something like that? Is Shonda Rhimes going to back down after reading a publicist statement that her former actor's mad? And third, he probably should have seen the writing on the wall. He was lucky to have gotten to play out the season instead of just getting fired straight away.

Will this mean the end of his career? I mean, who in Hollywood is going to hire him, now?

As far as "Grey's" goes, I think he'll not really be missed. Not only will his departure lead to some sighs of relief behind the scenes, it will also mean more room for stories for Cristina. It'll open the door for a new character. Perhaps the cardio god doctor from Cristina's Stanford days will make his way north to Seattle Grace to lend Cristina a supportive shoulder (and/or other body parts).

I'm sure people will be up in arms about how PC it is that he got fired (presumably) for using an anti-gay slur and what not, but let's face the facts: there was a clash there between what management wanted and how Isaiah behaved. He got a second chance. He blew it, and it looks in retrospect like that was that.

I bet he regrets doing the gay-friendly PSA and kissing up to his co-stars, huh? I wonder if we're going to get some juicy stuff from his camp about the behind-the-scenes of the show.

- posted by Raoul

Rosie's View of 'The View'

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 03:55:54 GMT

Love her or hate her, the proof's in the ratings: "The View" earned its best May sweeps ratings ever in Rosie O'Donnell's last days with the show. And I'd bet that those ratings were the result of just as many, if not more, anti-Rosie watchers as from those who like and/or agree with her politically. Recent polls have suggested that, overall, viewers were more sympathetic to Elisabeth Hasselbeck in the whole brouhaha, but, as has become immediately and painfully clear since Rosie bolted, the conflict made for good TV. Period.

Meanwhile, O'Donnell's writing a new book, "Celebrity Detox," that will include her musings about her experience on the show. She teased the book last weekend in New York at the annual BookExpo of America convention, where she promised the writings wouldn't be vindictive or mean, before admitting that the epilogue had to be changed in light of her recent departure from "The View."

I'm skeptical about how much she'll be able to hold back, though. A few weeks ago, I attended a taping of "The View," of the episode, in fact, that turned out to be Rosie's last appearance on the show. It was the installment that aired on Memorial Day (but was taped before the ultimate blow-up with Hasselbeck), and which found the gang celebrating Elisabeth's birthday. The oddest moment: Rosie had given Elisabeth a pretty personal, generous bday gift: She invited EH, her husband and daughter to vacation for a week at Rosie's tricked out mansion in Miami. Wonder if EH will ever cash in on that gift, or, if Rosie's invitation is still open?

The thing that was most notable during the taping, though, was Rosie's attitude. She was clearly weary of the whole process. On that particular episode, since it was being shown at a later date, there wasn't the usual Hot Topics segment, which meant Rosie was less invested in the show to begin with. Then, during commercial breaks, she would bolt from the table set and head out to the audience to answer questions, and avoid her fellow co-hosts altogether.

During a segment about flattering swimsuits for different body types (admittedly, a generic, done-to-death feature on any show), O'Donnell was so uncharacteristically quiet that it was clear she just didn't want to be there. Again, the minute the cameras stopped rolling, she jumped off the set and went directly to the audience and rolled her eyes about the swimsuit lameness.

The point: If she couldn't even contain her frustrations about the show in front of an audience, while the show was still in progress, what are the odds she's going to play nice in a book, for which she undoubtedly received at least a six-figure advance, and which will be out months after her "View" departure, and while she's lining up or beginning her next project?

- posted by Kim

Rev. Jerry Falwell Has Died

Tue, 15 May 2007 18:01:34 GMT

Breaking news: The Rev. Jerry Falwell, one of the leading televangelists, is dead. He was found unconscious by staff at Liberty University.

A lot of people will be very saddened by this, while some people will be privately or publicly jumping up and down.

I am no friend to the man or his politics, but basic humanity compels me to be a little saddened by his loss.

My condolences to his friends, family and followers.

- posted by Raoul

Oprah Hands Out Presidential Endorsement

Mon, 07 May 2007 18:42:32 GMT

The New York Times put together a piece on how Oprah Winfrey has come out in support of Barack Obama's bid for the presidency and it looks at whether that will help seal the deal for the Obama campaign. This triggers a couple of thoughts for me.

First, I wonder if anyone's actually surprised that Oprah would endorse Obama if she'd endorse anyone. I'm not.

Second, I wish it were on more substantive grounds than "I know him personally, so I can trust him." At least, according to the NY Times article, whatever policy stands he's taken aren't as important as that personal connection. In a way, that's understandable. But if you're going to really endorse someone, shouldn't it be more because of their platform? She might as well have said, "I'm endorsing him because we're both from Chicago" or "because we're both black" or "because we both have unusual names that start with 'O'."

Third, I'm a little disappointed in how little the article has to say on the subject. Granted, the writer's not entirely at fault because there are a ton of unknowns that are out there. How much weight is Oprah willing to throw behind that endorsement? Will Oprah actually do campaign appearances for Obama? Will Oprah stump for Obama on her show, or have him on more frequently than the other candidates? How will this affect her program when it offers to host political candidates? I mean, if I were Rudy Giuliani or whoever, I would might be reluctant to appear on a talk show whose host has early on endorsed my competition. And yes, while she's unable to donate a lot of money directly to Obama's campaign, will Oprah find other ways to put her billions of dollars to work for him or the Democratic Party? What is the breakdown of her audience along demographic and political lines, and how many people from it might be swayed to go with Obama over the other candidates?

I think the writer should at least have pointed out the existence of these and other questions and made some attempt to get answers, even if the answers are fundamentally elusive.

How about you? Does Oprah's word mean anything to you in terms of who you'd vote for?

- posted by Raoul

Chattin' with Jack McBrayer, a.k.a. '30 Rock's' Kenneth the Page

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 22:07:30 GMT

It's Thursday, which has become my favorite night of TV watching, in no small part because of "30 Rock" (NBC, 9 p.m. ET). And though the show has an amazing ensemble cast, it's Kenneth the NBC page who makes the show for me. The sweet, super-excited, TV-lovin' employee from Stone Mountain, Georgia is so adorkable, and what makes it even more fun: Kenneth's portrayer, actor Jack McBrayer, isn't so different from his TV counterpart. The accent: It's real. The enthusiasm for his job: It's real. The sweetness: It's real (he even called me ma'am, which would make me feel prematurely old if it weren't just so Kenneth of him) …

- posted by Kim

MSNTVB: Hi, Jack how are you?
Jack McBrayer: I'm great, thank you.

MSNTVB: Thank you so much for doing this today.
JM: Oh, of course, of course. I'm very flattered to have been asked.

MSNTVB: I have to tell you I love the show so much …
JM: Oh, good.

MSNTVB: And at least 90% of why I love the show is Kenneth.
JM: Well, God bless. It's getting fun, it's so fun. I glad that we get a second season of it.

MSNTVB: I was just going to say congratulations, that's so exciting.
JM: I know! It was real touch and go there for a while.

MSNTVB: Was it really? Were you really concerned that you might not get a second season?
JM: Oh, absolutely, because, as much fun as we were having doing it and as much as people who watched the show said they were enjoying it, the bottom line was just not a lot of people were watching it. So, there was some serious concern whether or not we'd be coming back. Hey, there was even concern that we wouldn't even make it through the first season.

MSNTVB: It seems like more people have caught on as the season goes along, and that word of mouth is really pulling in new fans, though, right?
JM: I think so, I really do think so. I was just at an Easter party and some people were saying 'Yeah, I just started watching it.' Which sounds strange, because, you know, we've done 21 episodes, but the bottom line is people are busy, people have kids and stuff, and it does take a lot, I think, for something like that to catch on. Not to mention there was that bit of confusion at the beginning of the season with 'Studio 60.' And also I don't know how keen people were on just jumping right in on a show that's about behind the scenes of a late night sketch comedy environment. So, you know, through all those obstacles, I'm just glad that it has picked up some momentum, and that people are liking it. We like it, and we've really found our legs I think.

MSNTVB: I know you've been asked this before, but it really does seem like you are a lot like Kenneth, or rather that he's a lot like you …
JM: Haha, I wish I was a little bit more different, but basically, we're not too dissimilar, because, like him, I do love my job. Yeah, I've always been somewhat of a people pleaser, I'm afraid, but, you know what, there's worst things to be, I think.

MSNTVB: Kenneth is so sweet and endearing, I don't think there's anything wrong with that at all. He's also a little sharper than people may give him credit for.
JM: I think it's the Southern accent. I think when people hear a Southern accent, they just think the person's stupid.

MSNTVB: How do like living in New York for the show?
JM: I love New York. I had lived in New York before this show, but I didn't have a job, so I was very poor.

MSNTVB: It's easier to love the city when you have a little money right?
JM: Oh, my God, you can really appreciate New York a little bit better when you can afford New York. But yeah, I lived there from 2002 to 2004, and it was just scraping by like everybody else. And I had a ton of fun, but after a while it really does just, it wears you down. My dream is one day actually own property, but I don't even know where yet.

MSNTVB: Maybe in New York?
JM: Maybe! I've got some time until, so I decided, for now, I'll buy me a new cell phone!

MSNTVB: Did you get a cool one?
JM: No, I just got a regular old one. I'm so weird, like I get a paycheck, and I've gone so long without having any money that it just immediately goes to the bank. So I hadn't even bought a cell phone until today! I think my first major purchase is going to be a mattress. I need a new mattress.

MSNTVB: That's going to be your first big splurge?
JM: Yes. I'm treating myself to a mattress. As is necessary for good health.

MSNTVB: Any hints on what we might see happening for Kenneth the rest of the season? Any good Kenneth story lines?
JM: Let me see … Well, in our season finale, we were having a lot of fun, and I think this story's already (out), so I don't think I'm spoiling any kind of secrets, but my cousin is being played by Sean Hayes.

MSNTVB: Is he like Kenneth? Do they get along?
JM: Well, we do, but we also see a darker side of the family … And I get to leave the office, and drive to Pennsylvania to see him. It was such an honor to have him play Kenneth's cousin, not to just be on the show, but, you know, to be my cousin. It was so fun, I'm excited, and I got to do a few little stunts in that episode.

MSNTVB: Kenneth? Stunts? Can't wait to see that.
JM: I know!

MSNTVB: I just read something shocking about Kenneth today. He actually has a last name?
JM: Yes, it's Parcell. P-A-R-C-E-L-L.

MSNTVB: And has he mentioned that in an episode? I totally missed that …
JM: It was very early on. I think like it was in the third episode, when Kenneth was playing poker with Jack (Alec Baldwin). And Kenneth says something like, 'And I'll raise you $300,' and Jack goes (McBrayer does his best Alec Baldwin impression), 'Will you now Kenneth Ellen Parcell from Stone Mountain, Georgia?' He started talking like Hannibal Lector.

MSNTVB: I think everybody was just kind of referring to Kenneth as Kenneth The Page, as if 'The Page' is his last name, right?
JM: Haha, yes, and in the original pilot, my little name tag said 'Kenneth P'. and people were like, 'Oh, P for Page, right?'

MSNTVB: That would have been great, wouldn't it?
JM: I know, right? I am Kenneth the Page.

MSNTVB: Was the role written with you in mind, because you had worked with Tina before, right?
JM: Yes, yes ma'am, and I believe it was, I believe it was. Of course, you know, I had to audition like everybody else, but I think that from the beginning, Tina and her husband Jeff Richmond, who's a producer on our show, I think they were really pulling for me from early on, so that certainly made my hiring a bit easier. But yeah, it's been so fun and the whole staff of all the writers captured the voice of all of the characters really, but especially of Kenneth. A lot of people ask if we improvise, and I can very honestly say that I do not, because the scripts are just so dead on.

MSNTVB: Do you have a favorite Kenneth moment?
JM: Well, sometimes it's just the little things like uh, there was an episode where Liz (Tina Fey) sends Kenneth out to the drug store to Tracy's medicine, and it's such a little thing that made me laugh so hard, where she goes 'Kenneth! I need you to go to the Rite Drug on 46th and Eighth, fast!' And Kenneth says, 'Yes sir!' and runs out. Just calling her sir, it's so funny. I like the little things, where I get to just look googley-eyed in the camera lens, because, you know, Kenneth is just so fascinated with showbiz. He's enamored with all of it.

MSNTVB: That episode has another of my favorite Kenneth moments, where he's at the drug store, and he's in a hurry, and gets there and there's a long line, but he still lets a little old lady cut in front of him. That's just so Kenneth.
JM: That was so funny. I love doing those little bits where you don't really even have to talk.

MSNTVB: And the writers script even those little bits, the looks, the movements? They write even that little bit of minutiae?
JM: Yes, that was in the script.

MSNTVB: Wow.
JM: I'm telling you! I'm really just a pawn in their wicked game. I just put on my page outfit and say the line.

MSNTVB: Speaking of that, how realistic is Kenneth's page outfit?
JM: Oh, it's the real deal, except I think (my jacket) is made of wool, and I think the real NBC pages have the polyester ones.

MSNTVB: Yikes, sounds flammable.
JM: I don't know, honestly, I think the jackets would just dissolve.

MSNTVB: Have you interacted with them at all, with the real pages?
JM: Oh, definitely, in fact, before ('30 Rock') even came around, I was doing bits on 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien.' I was with those pages most of the time, and I would sneak into 'Saturday Night Live' and talk to the pages for a little bit. They're very hard workers, but it is kind of a thankless job. However, I would say a large percentage of people who work for NBC or at NBC were pages at one time. It's a good farming system for NBC personnel.

MSNTVB: So when Jack jokes in the poker episode that everyone there is either going to be working for Kenneth one day or die by his hand, it's not far off?
JM: Haha, exactly, he's not exaggerating.

MSNTVB: What was it like working with Alec Baldwin in the beginning? Was it intimidating?
JM: Yes, absolutely. In fact, sometimes it still is, but what I'm realizing is just to enjoy the ride of working with such a phenomenal actor. You know at first, you just think everybody's a great actor. And then you see him in action, and you're like , 'No, no, no, no, he is the real deal.' I've been learning a lot just from watching him, but also, he's so generous with his acting. Whenever you're doing scenes with him, he'll give you 100 percent, even when the camera's not on him. He really wants a scene to come together period, even when it's not about him.

MSNTVB: He really does have amazing comedic timing, doesn't he?
JM: He really is gifted, his comic timing is really dead on. It's really so impressive to watch, and it's fun to be able to learn from that.

MSNTVB: Are you guys done with the season? Have you wrapped on filming?
JM: It officially wrapped on March 23. So we're on vacation now, because we won't start back until like August or September.

MSNTVB: And what are you doing with your down time? Any movie projects or theater or improv work?
JM: I am. I'm mostly relaxing, but I did get a small part in a movie that shoots in Hawaii.

MSNTVB: That's convenient for your vacation time!
JM: I know! They were like, 'We're going to need you for a whole week,' and I thought, okay, but then they called me back and said they had changes and stuff with the schedule and now they need me there for a whole month.

MSNTVB: Nice!
JM: I know! I have never been to Hawaii, it's been like a dream of mine to go. So, I'm going to have a lot of time there in Oahu. I'm so excited.

MSNTVB: What is the movie?
JM: It's called 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall.' And it's produced by Judd Apatow.

MSNTVB: Great, congratulations! Pretty much everything he does is great.
JM: He produced 'Talladega Nights,' which I did back in 2005. So yeah, I'm really, really excited, because I'm a huge fan of the Apatow. I'm just real excited to be able to do a couple of more projects with him.

MSNTVB: And that you get to hang in Hawaii for a move to do it …
JM: In Hawaii! For a month!

MSNTVB: Yeah, forget the mattress, just get some swim trunks and a bottle of sunblock and you're set.
JM: Honestly! I. Can. Not. Wait.

More on Michael Rosenbaum

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:23:10 GMT

As Kim mentioned in her Channel Surfing today, Michael Rosenbaum has announced that he'll stop portraying Lex Luthor on "Smallville" after next year's season, the show's seventh.

Some various reactions:

1. I doubt the show would come back for a eighth season, regardless of what Michael Rosenbaum's position was. From what I understand, the standard practice is to sign actors to seven-year contracts, and reupping is generally cost-prohibitive. So in a sense, the announcement's not that big a deal.

2. As shown by his recent directorial stint, Michael's got a lot of versatility. Hopefully, whenever he finishes with "Smallville," he'll get a venue that will allow him to fully use his talents.

3. As much as I love-hate "Smallville," the writers for the show have done a really poor job with Lex. For much of the series, they made him a better person than our future Superman: more generous and less self-absorbed, less mopey. Then somewhere around the fourth or fifth season, they remembered Lex was supposed to be the villain and instead of showing gradually how a basically good, if somewhat Machiavellian, person came to be evil, they essentially light-switched him to evil. And then they made him obsessed with Lana, because who wouldn't be obsessed with Lana?

4. Despite all this, Michael's done a great job with the gig and consistently has been one of the highlights of the show.

5. I think this is Michael's way of telling the powers-that-be: you only have a certain amount of time to finally wrap up this story right. I hope they listen.

6. I think that the powers-that-be might be willing to go forward with a Lex Luthor-less "Smallville." But would audience members watch? Speaking for myself, I guess it depends on where they took the show. If they had additional appearances by John Glover as Lionel Luthor (who has been MIA for far too much of the current season, BTW), heck yes. If there were no main adversary and it just was Clark versus random Kryptofreaks, probably not.

- posted by Raoul

R.I.P., Anna Nicole Smith

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:20:55 GMT

Word's just come out that Anna Nicole Smith has died suddenly after collapsing earlier this afternoon.

It's pretty shocking, especially when it follows so closely the death of her son.

Deepest condolences to her friends and family.

- posted by Raoul

Noooooooooo T-Bag! Don't Do It!

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:58:59 GMT

Thanks Radar Online for pointing out this hilarious, squirm-inducing clip of "Prison Break" star Robert Knepper getting ready to explain to Regis Philbin why his character is named T-Bag. Dear God, no! Explaining that name to Regis is like explaining it to your grandpa! Mercifully, the usually annoying Kelly Ripa cuts Knepper off as the show heads to commercial break. Do you think Reeg's head would have exploded had T-Bag actually gotten his graphic description out on the air?

- posted by Kim

As the Isaiah Turns

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:37:28 GMT

Isaiah Washington of "Grey's Anatomy" is now in treatment as a result of his latest outburst. I didn't realize they had treatment to get you to stop using anti-gay slurs. Maybe it involves electrodes or something.

I hope it really is an honest attempt by him to get to the root of his anger and his problems rather than a desperate attempt to hold on to his job.

I hope some good will come of all this, with whatever public service announcements he eventually does.

And above all, I really hope that this whole incident can be put behind us really, really soon.

- posted by Raoul

The Book on Isaiah

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 19:24:08 GMT

The Isaiah Washington controversy has kicked off a lot of comments, so many that I feel like I should weigh in and respond to some of them.

One reader wrote, "God created male and female. Two men or two women cannot get together and be fruitful and multiply and replenished the earth. I'm so sick of the gay community wanting so much acceptance about their "alternative lifestyle" that is not acceptable in the eyes of God. Why practice a lifestyle if you have to cry everytime someone calls you a name. Why most we know the sexual preference of every entertainer."

Hate to break it to you, but God also apparently created gay people. And I'm tired of people wanting to be treated with a minimum of respect. What the heck is up with that? BTW, in the case of T.R. Knight, he kept his sexuality private until this incident brought it to the open.

One reader wrote, "I find the comment by Isaiah Washington to be very demeaning. I would like to know what the results would be if the comment had been a racial slur toward him. I feel certain that a lawsuit would already be in the works. The point is not whether you agree with homosexuality or not, the point is that comments made in any variation of discriminatory context is hurtful to the person or persons in which they were directed. I applaud the network for reprimanding him, but I have my doubts if his apology is sincere. The money and celebrity status that he has attained means more to him than compromising his views."

While I mostly agree with you, I have to say that for better or worse, he shouldn't have to compromise his views. He just needs to be willing to face the consequences. You can't be on a show that embraces diversity like "Grey's Anatomy" and be spouting off about members of a group without expecting some repercussions.

One reader wrote, "Screw GLAAD they would probably like it in the rear. I guess it's not right to have a opinion unless it's politicly correct. Right on Isaiah call em like you

see em."

Class-y!

I have to say that if I had to side with someone who allegedly choked a co-worker and went out of his way to deny saying something that it was clear that he said on a night that was supposed to be a big professional accomplishment for the office, I'd re-examine my views a little because I wouldn't exactly like having such a person as my philosophy mate.

One reader wrote, "I thought the Greys' writers had gone nuts with Izzy's character, turns out she IS really nuts. This is typical over reaction to some minor incident and by screaming racism will get Dizzy Izzy some much needed publicity. Should we ban the F_ _ _ _ t word too?"

What would you do if someone insulted one of your best friends and then lied about it in front of millions of people? I know I'd be pretty ticked off. If it's nuts to stick by your friends and to suggest someone who told an obvious and blatant lie at an extremely inappropriate time should be quiet, I don't want to be sane. I don't see Katherine Heigl as overreacting at all. And it's not racism, it's homophobia.

One reader wrote, "Whatever happened to "freedom of speech"? So his comment offended a few people, so what! It sickens me to hear all this touchy, feely, "feel sorry for me", "he/she called me a name" bull. Grow up America! This is a country that allows us to think and speak our minds. If it offends you that much, then turn him off the t.v. or don't watch something that may or may not be offensive. My satellite company has added the "LOGO" channel to the channel line-up. That doesn't mean that I tune-in to it either. I, personally, find it to be distasteful and "not my cup of tea", BUT I'm not going to go out here in this world and demand that everyone adhere to my beliefs or thoughts on the subject. That's what makes this country so interesting and unique. We all have different opinions and we don't have to agree on everything all the time. He should have never had to apologize for simply stating, in his own words, what he thought or how he felt. It's just a shame that we are now being forced to "censor" ourselves for the fear of "hurting someone's feelings". Get over it! Grow a backbone! Don't boo-hoo about it and act like a child by demanding that someone in charge "write his name on the board" or "keep him after class". AND for Lord's sake, GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!"

Your freedom of speech ends somewhat when you go to work each morning. Try calling your boss or a coworker a name and see what happens. Let alone choking a co-worker. Washington should thank his lucky stars every day that Shonda didn't replace him with Eriq LaSalle or someone.

One reader wrote, "I HOPE THE GUY GETS FIRED. I DON/T LIKE HIM ON THE SHOW ANYWAY."

I don't think there's a good chance of that. If they didn't fire him after the original incident, I don't see how they can fire him after he stupidly brought the whole matter up again. I like the character Preston Burke, or I did before this whole tremor issue got going. I think his character has good interactions with Cristina and ironically, George (who is played by the actor he used the slur against).

One reader wrote, "I think that this is even worse than what Richards or Gibson said! Both of those men were under the influence of something or another, Richards was being harrased by those he called the N word and they were acting like what the N word stands for. But apparently Washington said his remark trying to be hurtful. He must not feel comfortable areound gays and only because he is black is the reason he isn't being chastised for his remarks. It is ok for a black person to use the N word and I guess they think it is ok to call a gay person the F word...which is the same. The F word to a gay person has the same feeling as the N word to a black person. I don't like Washington's character on the show so if he is "killed" off, it won't bother me in the least bit."

Have you been missing all the criticism he got when this incident was first reported and now that he foolishly brought it up again? Believe me, he didn't escape any consequences because of his race. And what's with generalizing that because Washington is an idiot, black people think it's OK to call gay people names?

ETA: I came across singer John Mayer throwing his two cents on Isaiah Washington. He puts out there that the way to solve this whole controversy is simple: Make Preston Burke gay. He even puts together a couple mock scenes talking about how it could be done. I'd pay good money to see that happen.

- posted by Raoul

Oh, Paula

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 20:58:06 GMT

Well, we've all wanted something that would take the focus off the bloated Rosie/Donald scandal, right? Here we go, an, ahem, disoriented, ahem, Paula Abdul, promoting, or trying to, anyway, the new season of "American Idol" in an interview with a Seattle TV station today.

Video 1 and Video 2.

Let the rehab countdown begin!

- posted by Kim

'Dear Rosie' ...

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 01:30:41 GMT

What's the one thing that could possibly, hopefully, end this whole Rosie O'Donnell/Donald Trump feud? Maybe a shared enemy? And if everything in this letter The Donald wrote to Rosie today is true, I'd say Barbara Walter has some 'splainin' to do, hmmmmm?

- posted by Kim

Rosie's Back; The Feud Continues

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:21:51 GMT

As Rosie O'Donnell returns from a vacation to her co-host seat at "The View" this morning, her squabble with Donald Trump continues. Trump is still running his mouth with the crude insults (and now has daughter Ivanka and look-a-like son Donald Jr. in the mix), while Rosie continues to lamely and foolishly fuel the feud with a dorky painting of The Donald.

Will Rosie fire back verbally at The Donald on today's "View"? Last night's uber-cheesy season premiere of "The Apprentice" certainly left her with no small arsenal of fodder. One word: "Tentcity." Yikes.

Meanwhile, if you want to express your own anger/disgust with the two big babies, check out this Rosie vs. Donald video game, which is more fun, and far less obnoxious, than the real thing.

- posted by Kim

Paris: You're Fired!

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:23:54 GMT

This is classic: "The Simple Life" star Paris Hilton has been fired from the one thing she's supposedly good at it, partying. How, exactly, does one get fired from partying?!?

On the plus side, could this be a sign that, mercifully, Paris' inexplicably extended 15 minutes of infamy is almost up?

- posted by Kim

Two Cartoon Pioneers Have Passed Away

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 01:44:30 GMT

I was very saddened to learn that Joseph Barbera, as in Hanna-Barbera, as in Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, The Smurfs, Yogi Bear and numerous other cartoons, has passed away.

Basically, if you are an American who either was a child from 1960 on or had a child or grandchild since then, you owe him a bunch.

Personally, I don't even know how many Saturday morning or after school hours were devoted to watching Hanna-Barbera productions. In addition to the aforementioned brands, there was Magilla Gorilla, Secret Squirrel, Atom Ant, the Wacky Races and the Laff-a-lympics. How odd that before I came across the news for the first time I had an out-of-the-blue urge to search YouTube for some Super Friends clips.

On a lesser level in terms of name recognition, one of the writers behind "Rocky & Bullwinkle" and one of the creators of "Dudley Do-Right" is also no longer with us.

A totally different style of humor, but equally funny.

May both rest in peace.

- posted by Raoul

Some (Hopefully Final) Richards Thoughts

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:11:05 GMT

Watching the appearance on Letterman, I felt like someone sat Michael Richards down and made him read "Racial Reconciliation for Dummies" -- and he didn't even get all that far in it.

There were a few moments that seemed weird. His referring to blacks as "Afro-Americans," for example. Normally, I don't care if people say black or African-American or whatever, but that term hasn't been used for like 20 years so it seemed a bit odd.

And then his talking about "the forcefield of this hostility" and bringing up blacks were mad about Katrina and how comedians were doing Comic Relief -- where did that all come from?

Letterman can be a good interviewer. I don't know if it was because Jerry Seinfeld was right there or what, but he seemed to be softpedalling things. I think the fundamental question that needed to be asked was the one that Jay Leno posed to Hugh Grant: "What were you thinking?" And then, "How can you expect people who watched your rant to believe that you don't believe on some level what you were saying?"

It was just an odd, odd segment.

A lot of people have been commenting on the various posts on this that Kim and I have put on this subject. (Which is great and I hope it carries over to some of our other posts on more savory and light-hearted subjects.)

I wanted to respond to a few of the themes I saw coming up in some of those comments.

A few people felt that people were condoning the racial slurs that were fired back at Richards, or that if a black comedian had used a racial slur it would be more acceptable, or that blacks can somehow get away with slurs against whites but not the other way around.

I can only speak for myself. I would be just as dismayed if it were, say, Chris Rock who directed the slur at an individual person and appeared in all seriousness to say that 50 years ago all white people should have been roasted on a spit. Yes, lots of black comedians use both the N- word and the C- word in their acts. I'd prefer that they didn't. But even so, it's a different beast altogether than singling out an audience members and directing the slur at them in particular. And I'm just as appalled by the audience members who went racial after Richards. It may be a little more understandable since they were doing so in reaction to Richards but it doesn't make it any less wrong.

I don't know what I can do to convince people that a prominent black using a racial slur against a specific white person like this would also get in trouble. So we may just have to agree to disagree there.

Finally, one poster pointed out that there's a world full of issues that are far more important than Richards and his temper. And that poster is right. There's Iraq, there's poverty, disease, failing schools and on and on and on. Even within our little corner of TV, there's probably a half-dozen things as worthy of discussion. So with that, I'm expecting to turn to such topics and watch this one goes down to semi-obscurity. I hope eventually Richards gets the forgiveness he's seeking, does the work that he says he needs to do, and have that be that.

- posted by Raoul

TV's Sexiest Men Alive

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 23:29:25 GMT

Some people are grumbling about People mag's choice of George Clooney as a repeat "Sexiest Man Alive"; I say, if you can't appreciate that face and just the general Clooney-ness of him, you need to check your pulse.

As for the rest of the dudes featured in the annual issue, which hits newsstands tomorrow, there are plenty of TV types who get the sexy stamp of approval, including "The Office's" John Krasinski, "Day Break" star Taye Diggs, "Las Vegas" star Josh Duhamel, "Without a Trace's" Enrique Murciano, "House's" Omar Epps, "Ugly Betty's" Eric Mabius, and, of course, the man who many thought should have "won" the cover title, Dr. McDreamy himself, "Grey's Anatomy" star Patrick Dempsey.

Who do you think People should have included?

- posted by Kim