#Middlebury
Q: How is Michael J. Fox doing since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease years ago? Will he ever return to television? – R.V.
A: Michael J. Fox became a household name when he played Alex P. Keaton on the hit NBC sitcom “Family Ties” and transitioned into movie-star status with the film “Back to the Future.” At age 29 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that usually strikes in middle to advanced age. Fox didn’t go public with his diagnosis until seven years later, after he felt pressure from the paparazzi.
Fox eventually returned to acting with recurring roles in prime time shows like “Rescue Me,” for which he won an Emmy; “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he played a version of his real-life self; and “The Good Fight” and “The Good Wife,” where he played an attorney who used his Parkinson’s symptoms to his advantage.
He’s written four books, including his most recent memoir, “No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality.” I would imagine that Fox, now 60, is most proud of what The Michael J. Fox Foundation has done for research. Eighty-eight cents of every dollar the organization earns goes to research programs for Parkinson’s disease. You can read more about it – and Michael – at MichaelJFox.org.
Cobie Smulders (Depositphotos photo)
Q: I thought Cobie Smulders was fantastic as Ann Coulter in “American Crime Story: Impeachment.” Does she have any other shows or movies coming out? She’s really good at impressions. – J.J.
A: Cobie Smulders is best known for her starring role on the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” but didn’t really get to show us her range until taking on the role of political pundit Ann Coulter and her unusual cadence. Next up she’ll reprise the role of Marvel’s Maria Hill in the Disney+ series “Secret Invasion.” Smulders is married to former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Taran Killam, who played Paula Jones’ husband, Steve, in “Impeachment.”
Q: I have been a loyal, longtime fan of “Fixer Upper,” but reruns are the only episodes shown since the show changed to another channel. Can you tell me if HGTV will be airing any new episodes? – B.B.
A: In the fall of 2017, Chip and Joanna Gaines announced that “Fixer Upper,” their hit home renovation show on the HGTV network, was ending. They set their sights even higher and teamed up with Discovery to launch their very own network, Magnolia.
If you have the DIY channel on your cable, satellite or live TV streaming app, it’ll be renamed the Magnolia Network beginning Jan. 5, 2022. That evening at 9 p.m. ET, a new episode of “Fixer Upper” will premiere titled “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home.”
The Magnolia Network will include a few former DIY channel shows along with new content, including a new cooking show with Joanna called “Magnolia Table,” “Homegrown,” featuring Atlanta urban farmer Jamila Norman, and “Restoration Road,” where woodworker Chip Harp will take viewers on a tour across the country.
You can learn about all the programs that Magnolia will offer at Magnolia.com/network.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.