Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 28, 1994 TAG: 9403310274
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By NORMA CAVAZOS DALLAS MORNING NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Paul Shaffer led the ``SNL'' band for several seasons and occasionally appeared in skits. Watch for him in ``SNL'' reruns as rock promoter Don Kirshner or as the piano player in Bill Murray's bad lounge act. Shaffer left ``SNL'' to work on ``Late Night with David Letterman'' and is now on the ``Late Show'' as leader of the CBS Orchestra.
Q: I'm a big fan of Rutger Hauer. Is it true he's going to be in a movie on TNT this summer? - C.K., Salt Lake City, Utah.
A: The Dutch actor (``The Hitcher,'' ``Buffy the Vampire Slayer''), 50, will co-star with Diane Keaton and Bruce Dern in ``Amelia Earhart'' in June.
Q: A friend tells me that Jason Priestley was in a sitcom before ``Beverly Hills, 90210.'' I say ``90210'' was his claim to fame. - T.J., DeSoto, Texas.
A: Really, both of you are correct. Priestley was in a sitcom before ``90210,'' but he owes his stardom to the Fox series. He appeared in ``Sister Kate'' (1989-90) as one of a group of orphans under the care of nun Stephanie Beacham. The series was a flop but, the next season, Priestley went on to claim fame as Brandon Walsh in the teen drama ``Beverly Hills, 90210.''
Q: I was wondering what ever happened to singer Frankie Laine. Is he still living? I know he is in his 80s. - R.B.G., Norfolk.
A: Laine, who turns 81 on March 30, has written his autobiography, ``Lucky Old Son,'' and is involved in charity work for California earthquake victims. The singer hosted his own television variety shows in the '50s (``Frankie Laine Time'' and ``The Frankie Laine Show''). His list of hit songs includes the theme song from ``Rawhide,'' ``Lucky Old Sun'' and ``Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin''' from ``High Noon.''
Q: Our office is having an argument about the age of the actress that plays Erica Kane on ``All My Children.'' - J.D.A., Ames, Iowa.
A: Susan Lucci was born Dec. 23, 1948. She's played Erica on ``AMC'' since 1970.
Q: I just can't convince the people that I work with that Captain Kangaroo is Frank Zappa's father and Art Linkletter is Sharon Tate's father. You are the only one that can convince these people that I am right. - S.K., Kaufman, Texas.
A: You forgot about Phyllis Diller being Susan Lucci's mother. Sorry I can't back you up, but Bob Keeshan (Captain Kangaroo) and Art Linkletter are not related to the late Zappa or Tate. And Diller and Lucci are still denying the longtime rumor that they are mother and daughter.
Q: I'm interested in finding out how I can get a copy of the show ``Ancient Prophecies'' that was shown March 1. - C.B., Sacramento, Calif.
A: NBC got a huge response from viewers about this show concerning prophecies of the year 2000. Orders for videotapes of the show cannot be filled fast enough, so NBC will rebroadcast the special April 10.
Q: I would appreciate it if you would let me know where I can write to one of the actors of ``Catwalk.'' The show is on MTV. - K.S., Henderson, Nev.
A: Write in care of MTV, 1515 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10036. ``Catwalk'' began last year as a syndicated show and has returned for a second season on MTV.
by CNB