#Middlebury
Q: What happened to the two stars of “Rizzoli & Isles”? That was one of my favorite shows. I wish it would return for at least a movie or something. – D.E.
A: Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon played medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles and Det. Jane Rizzoli, respectively, in the hit TNT series for seven seasons.
During the final seasons of “Rizzoli & Isles,” Alexander moonlighted as Professor Helene Runyon on “Shameless” on Showtime. She’s spent the past five years showing her versatility in various guest-starring roles on series such as “FBI,” “Amazing Stories” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She’s also trying her hand behind the camera, having directed an episode of “You.”
Angie Harmon (Depositphotos photo)
Harmon had taken a break from acting onscreen in recent years, just doing some voice work on the animated series “Voltron: Legendary Defender.” She also got engaged to soap actor Greg Vaughan (Eric, “Days of Our Lives”). She returns to scripted television in the upcoming movie “Buried in Barstow,” which will premiere June 4 on Lifetime. It’s a planned first in a series of movies in which Harmon plays a single mom and former hit woman whose past won’t let her move on.
Q: Why did they change actors for the role of Ashland on “The Young and the Restless?” Also, is the new one the same actor who played Josh on “Guiding Light” for many years? – J.C.
A: Richard Burgi was enjoying playing the role of high-powered businessman Ashland Locke on “Y&R,” but he unfortunately violated the show’s COVID policy. He apologized for returning to the show after quarantining only five days after traveling when the show called for a 10-day isolation. He wrote a thoughtful post on social media wishing his replacement much success with the “great, great cast” of “Y&R.”
Stepping into Ashland’s shoes is none other than soap vet Robert Newman, who played Josh Lewis on CBS’ “Guiding Light” for almost three decades. He told “TV Guide” that playing opposite Eric Braeden’s ruthless Victor Newman is like a “fast-moving speed chess game.”
Q: I heard Disney is redoing “The Little Mermaid” movie. Will it be animated like the original? I loved the original. I wish they’d leave well enough alone. – M.S.
A: It’s not exactly a remake, but “The Little Mermaid” will return to theaters next year in a live-action musical, not another animated version. Halle Bailey (“Grown-ish”) will play Ariel and Melissa McCarthy (“Bridesmaids”) will take on the role of Ursula.
Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), who plays King Triton, recently said that he was surprised he could sing when he played Desi Arnaz in “Ricardos.” He credits the teachers and music supervisors on the set of that film.
Musicals on the big screen are always a big risk. Rob Marshall is directing “The Little Mermaid,” and he’s no stranger to taking this risk. He directed Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones in “Chicago” 20 years ago, for which he was nominated for an Oscar. “The Little Mermaid” is expected to premiere in May 2023.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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