Happy Birthday, Charles Shaughnessy
Feb. 9, 2010 – Charles George Patrick Shaughnessy, who played Maxwell Sheffield on “The Nanny” (1993-99 on CBS), turns 55 today.
He played Ted Reeves in the short-lived WB series “Living With Fran” (7 episodes in 2005-06).
His first acting role was as Julian Spears in the TV series “Jury” (1983 BBC series). He was 28.
Best wishes to Charles and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Lifetime Television Photo featuring Charles Shaughnessy and Fran Drescherin “The Nanny Reunion: A Nosh to Remember.”
Alec Baldwin returns as co-host of Turner Classic Movies’ “The Essentials”
Alec Baldwin - AP Photo
PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY TCM
Two-time Emmy® winner Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) is returning for a second season as co-host of “The Essentials” on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). In his first season, Baldwin displayed a deep knowledge of classic films. Baldwin and TCM host Robert Osborne will return in 2010 with a new slate of “must see” movies each week.
“The Essentials” airs Saturdays at 7 p.m. The 10th season will kick off in March 2010 with Elia Kazan’s 1951 version of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Marlon Brando and Oscar® winners Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden.
The season will feature four Best Picture Oscar winners, including The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), Gigi (1958), Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and The Sting (1973), as well as Best Foreign Language Film Oscar winner Black Orpheus (1959).
For the first time, “The Essentials” will include two special late-night installments, with the seminal 1970s films Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Serpico (1973).
Other titles for 2010 include the groundbreaking Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and The Graduate (1967); the delightful Ealing comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), with Alec Guinness in eight different roles; and the work of several top-name directors, such as Alfred Hitchcock (Strangers on a Train – 1951), Frank Capra (Meet John Doe – 1941), John Ford (My Darling Clementine – 1946), Stanley Kramer (Judgment at Nuremberg – 1961) and George Cukor (the newly restored A Star Is Born – 1954).
“I have enormous respect for TCM and Robert Osborne,” Baldwin said. “TCM has stayed true to its mission, with a vast library of movies from many different decades. I’m proud to be able to sit down with Robert again.”
“After we wrapped our first season together, I remember thinking how many more films I would like to discuss with Alec,” Osborne said. “Now we have that chance.”
The following is a complete schedule of the films Baldwin and Osborne will be presenting for the showcase’s 10th season:
March 6 – A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
March 6 (late night) – Saturday Night Fever (1977)
March 13 – White Heat (1949)
March 20 – Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
March 27 – Gigi (1958)
April 3 – Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
April 3 (late night) – Serpico (1973)
April 10 – Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
April 17 – Strangers on a Train (1951)
April 24 – The Graduate (1967)
May 1 – A Foreign Affair (1948)
May 8 – The Lion in Winter (1968)
May 15 – The Blue Dahlia (1946)
May 22 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
May 29 – The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
June 5 – Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)
June 12 – San Francisco (1936)
June 19 – A Star is Born (1954)
June 26 – The Snake Pit (1948)
July 3 – Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
July 10 – My Darling Clementine (1946)
July 17 – The Road to Morocco (1942)
July 24 – Black Orpheus (1959)
July 31 – Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)
Aug. 7 – The Sea Hawk (1940)
Aug. 14 – Leave Her to Heaven (1945)
Aug. 21 – The Sting (1973)
Aug. 28 – Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Sept. 4 – The Graduate (1967)
Sept. 11 – A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Sept. 18 – Gigi (1958)
Sept. 25 – White Heat (1949)
Oct. 2 – Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Oct. 9 – Strangers on a Train (1951)
Oct. 16 – A Foreign Affair (1948)
Oct. 23 – Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
Oct. 30 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
Nov. 6 – Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)
Nov. 13 – The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
Nov. 20 – San Francisco (1936)
Nov. 27 – A Star is Born (1954)
Dec. 4 – The Snake Pit (1948)
Dec. 11 – Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Dec. 18 – Meet John Doe (1941)
Dec. 25 – The Lion in Winter (1968)
Jan. 1 – My Darling Clementine (1946)
Jan. 8 – The Road to Morocco (1942)
Jan. 15 – Black Orpheus (1959)
Jan. 22 – Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)
Jan. 29 – The Sea Hawk (1940)
Prior to co-hosting “The Essentials,” Baldwin appeared on TCM as part of the network’s “Guest Programmer” series. In 2008, he hosted the TCM special “Role Model: Gene Wilder,” in which he interviewed the comic actor.
Happy Birthday, Seth Green
Feb. 8, 2010 – Seth Benjamin Gesshel-Green, who played Barry on the short-lived NBC series “Four Kings” (five episodes aired in 2006), turns 36 today.
He provides the voice of Chris Griffin on “Family Guy” (8 p.m. Sundays on Fox) and voices many characters on “Robot Chicken” (10:30 p.m. Sundays on Cartoon Network).
His first acting role was as Benjamin “Ape-Face” Andrews in the 1984 movie “Billions for Boris.” He was 10.
Best wishes to Seth and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: NBC Photo featuring Seth Green guest starring on “My Name Is Earl.”
Happy Birthday, Miguel Ferrer
Feb. 7, 2010 – Miguel José Ferrer, who played Dr. Garret Macy on “Crossing Jordan” (2001-07 on NBC), turns 55 today.
He played Jonas Bledsoe in the short-lived NBC series “Bionic Woman” (9 episodes in 2007).
His first acting role was as Ensign Robert “Bobby” Wickles on “Magnum, P.I.” (1981 episode titled “Lest We Forget”). He was 26.
Best wishes to Miguel and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: NBC Photo featuring Miguel Ferrer as Dr. Garret Macy on “Crossing Jordan.”
Happy Birthday, Kathy Najimy
Feb. 6, 2010 – Kathy Ann Najimy, who provides the voice for Peggy Hill on “King of the Hill”(7:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox), turns 53 today.
She played Olive Massery on “Veronica’s Closet” (67 episodes from 1997-2000).
Her first acting role was as Lang’s Girl Friday in the 1991 movie “The Hard Way.” She was 34.
Best wishes to Kathy and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Kathy Najimy arrives at the 5th annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Runway for Life benefit, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
“The Vampire Diaries” continues to mesmerize
From left: Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley in "The Vampire Diaries." - The CW Photo
More juicy Damon/Katherine/Stefan back story info was learned on last night’s episode of “The Vampire Diaries” and it was especially engaging to see more of Damon before he was bad.
While I think Damon is most entertaining when he’s wicked, it was also appealing to see Damon/Elena/Stefan in the current day story trying to get along, although by the end of the show that effort proved to be fruitless, not surprisingly.
Though my favorite “Vampire Diaries” character is Damon, my fondness for Stefan continues to grow. Paul Wesley is worthy of making this character interesting and more than one-dimensional, as he displayed in the early day scenes, particularly with his father, and in the way he’s demonstrated his regret about what had happened between he and Damon.
Nina Dobrev continues to be cool as Elena – I especially enjoy the way she doesn’t let Damon get away with anything while she’s around.
Keep up the good work “The Vampire Diaries” – I can’t wait for next week’s episode!
“The Vampire Diaries” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on The CW.
– Melissa Hayer
Searching for ‘World’s Strictest Parents’ in Oklahoma
Producers for the
TV show “World’s Strictest Parents” are searching for Oklahoma families (with at least one teenager at home) willing to mentor two unruly teenagers for a week.
The teens have relatable adolescent problems, such as smoking, drinking and defying authority (NOT violence, gangs or hard drugs).
And the hope is that by placing them with loving and caring families with strict morals, the teens will turn their attitudes around and get back on the right track.
Those interested in opening their homes to troubled teens are asked to call regional casting director Jim Choate at 540-854-7585 or 540-850-5011.
“It would be a good idea for each parent to watch the show before commiting to the show,” Choate said.
A “World’s Strictest Parents” marathon will air Sunday (Feb. 7) beginning at 3:30 p.m. on CMT. Other upcoming episodes are scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 9) and 3 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 11).
–Penny TV
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Feb. 7-13, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Feb. 7.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
GUEST STARS
••Elizabeth Banks (“Scrubs”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Kathy Bates (“The Blindside”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”) on “Pit Boss,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet.
••Jon Bon Jovi (“Ally McBeal”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) on “Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Benjamin Bratt (“Miss Congeniality”) on “Modern Family,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Deanne Bray (“Sue Thomas” F.B.Eye”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••David Brenner (“Worth Winning”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Bob Eubanks (“The Newlywed Game”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 8 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Scott Foley (“The Unit”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Jasmine Guy (“Dead Like Me”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Richard Kind (“Mad About You”) on “Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Perry King (“Melrose Place”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) on “Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••John Larroquette (“Boston Legal”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Kristin Lehman (“Prison Break”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Thad Luckinbill (“The Young and the Restless”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••James McDaniel (“NYPD Blue”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Tim Meadows (“Saturday Night Live”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jim Nantz (“NFL on CBS”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”) on “Til Death,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Danica Patrick (race car driver) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Pamela Reed (“Jericho”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Elizabeth Rohm (“Law & Order”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Antonio Sabato Jr. (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Phil Simms (“NFL on CBS”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Sissy Spacek (“Carrie”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Joe Spano (“NYPD Blue”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Justin Theroux (“Tropic Thunder”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Joe Torre (Los Angeles Dodgers manager) on “Castle,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC.
••James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”) on “Mercy,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Michael Weston (“Gamer”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Zack Woods (“The Honkys”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Susan Yeagley (“I’m Not Gay”) on “Til Death,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
Pictured above: 30 ROCK — “Anna Howard Shaw Day” Episode 113 — Pictured: (l-r) — Photo by: Ali Goldstein/NBC
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Feb. 7-13 (2010)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Feb. 7 (as well as a few marathons).
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“Bathtastic,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on DIY (third-season premiere).
••“Undervcover Boss,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Antiques Roadshow UK,” 3 p.m. Monday on BBC America (32nd-season premiere).
••“Winter Next X,” 4 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp,” 8 p.m. Monday on VH1 (seventh-season premiere).
••“NFL Full Contact,” 9 p.m. Monday on truTV (series premiere).
••“Past Life,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (special preview, series premieres at 8 p.m. Thursday).
••“Faces of America,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“Inside NASCAR,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Showtime (series premiere).
••“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS (20th-season premiere).
••“Famous Crime Scene,” 8 p.m. Friday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Kick Buttowski — Suburban Daredevil,” 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Survivors,” 7 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“America’s Next Top Model Obsessed,” 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on Oxygen.
••“Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC (fourth-season finale).
••“Friday Night Lights,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on DirecTV (fourth-season finale).
••“The Haunted,” 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (first-season finale).
••“Operation Wild,” 9 p.m. Friday on Planet Green (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Jersey Shore,” 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on MTV.
••“CSI,” noon Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday on SPIKE.
••“Last Restaurant Standing,” 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“The Nanny,” 10 p.m. to midnight Monday through Feb. 14 on Nickelodeon.
Pictured above: PAST LIFE: Psychologist Dr. Kate McGinn (Kelli Giddish, second from L), Price Whatley (Nicholas Bishop, third from L), Dr. Malachi Talmadge (Richard Schiff, L) and Dr. Rishi Karna (Ravi Patel, R) investigate the world of the unexplained as they work together to solve decades-old mysteries in the new drama PAST LIFE premiering Thursday, Feb. 11, on FOX. Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart/FOX
Happy Birthday, Chris Parnell
Feb. 5, 2010 – Thomas Christopher Parnell, who plays various characters on “Saturday Night Live”(10:35 p.m. Saturdays on NBC), turns 43 today.
He guest starred as Dr. Leo Spaceman on “30 Rock” (nine episodes from 2006-09).
His first acting role was as Bobby Fastdancer in the 1995 movie “Decade of Love.” He was 28.
Best wishes to Chris and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Chris Parnell from Saturday Night Live arrives to the world premiere of the film in which he appears titled “The Grand”, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, Friday, April 27, 2007. ( AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
