#Middlebury
Q: I was looking through my old CDs and found one by Jewel. I used to play it over and over. I realized that I haven’t heard anything new from her in a long time. Is she still recording albums? – S.T.
A: Jewel is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter (and fantastic yodeler) from Alaska whose 1995 debut album, “Pieces of You,” has gone multi-platinum. She’s still recording, with her most recent album, “Picking Up the Pieces,” released in 2015.
During the pandemic Jewel performed in an online concert called “Live From San Quarantine.” She was recently profiled on “CBS Sunday Morning,” where she said something quite profound: “One thing I’ve really learned in my life is the darkest of times are the most fertile opportunities.”
Jewel (Kurt Markls/CCASpeakers photo)
She’s done a lot to raise money for troubled youth through InspiringChildren.net and her “Never Broken” organization, JewelNeverBroken.com.
To answer your question, certainly during all this time in isolation her creativity has been sparked, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she released a new album in the near future.
Q: I’ve been enjoying seeing the special episodes of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” in prime time with host Jimmy Kimmel. Will it be returning to syndication weekdays? – G.Y.
A: Right before California issued its stay-at-home orders, Jimmy Kimmel hosted a special series of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Nine episodes were filmed celebrating the 20th anniversary of the popular game show that originally started out as a prime time phenomenon with host Regis Philbin. It later became a hit weekday game show up until 2019, when it was canceled.
The anniversary episodes that aired recently on ABC were actually filmed without an audience. Each celebrity contestant was allowed one friend or family member to sit behind them on camera, assisting them with answers. Their winnings benefitted a charity of their choice. I think Kimmel (who hosts the late-night “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC) did a great job as the “Millionaire” host, so if we’re lucky he’ll preside over some special editions in the future. Unfortunately, there are no plans at this time to syndicate the game show weekdays.
Q: I loved the TV show “The Americans” about Russian spies. Are the series’ stars going to be in anything new soon? – B.B.
A: Real-life couple Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys starred in the FX drama “The Americans” as KGB officers living in Virginia during the Cold War. The show ended after six seasons, but both have gone on to acquire new projects separately.
Rhys is starring in the new “Perry Mason” series (yes, THAT Perry Mason) on HBO, which takes place during the defense attorney’s career in 1930s Los Angeles. Last year, Rhys starred alongside Tom Hanks in the wonderful “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” film about Mr. Rogers.
As for Russell, she recently appeared in the blockbuster motion picture “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” as Zorii, and in the horror film “Antlers,” alongside Jesse Plemons (“Fargo”).
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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