With news that Ted Danson of “Cheers” and “Becker” fame will appear in yet another sitcom this fall–playing a therapist in “Help Me, Help You,” on ABC–RedEye couldn’t help but reflect on sitcom stars who just won’t retire.
– Kelsey Grammer
One of Danson’s co-stars on “Cheers,” Grammer later managed to spin his character, the uptight Dr. Frasier Crane, into an 11-year run with “Frasier.” Though Grammer more recently is known for embodying the blue-furred “Beast/Dr. Hank McCoy” in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back on the boob tube.
– Alyson Hannigan
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star Hannigan went from being a mild-mannered witch to a sex-obsessed band camper in the “American Pie” films. But Hannigan is now back on TV as featured player Lily Aldrin in the comedy “How I Met Your Mother.”
– Henry Winkler
After galvanizing the public with his two-thumb salutes and leather jacket, Henry “The Fonz” Winkler wasn’t satisfied with retiring as a “Happy Days” icon. The actor starred in the now-canceled CBS show, “Out of Practice” in 2005 and has also appeared in episodes of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Third Watch” and made a splash on cult favorite “Arrested Development.”
– Holly Robinson Peete
So cute as an undercover cop in “21 Jump Street,” perky Peete has appeared in several sitcoms, including the now defunct family comedy “For Your Love,” and the more singles-savvy but also recently canceled “Love, Inc.” where she starred as a dating expert. And let’s not forget “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.”
– Steve Harvey
Bernie Mac might appear to be the most commercially successful member of the Original Kingz of Comedy, but Steve Harvey is winning the clash of the TV titans. After making his mark as the host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” Harvey spent six years starring as an exasperated music teacher on “The Steve Harvey Show.” His latest stint: USA’s “Steve Harvey’s Big Time.”
– Colin Ferguson
Ferguson represents the new guard of plucky performers on TV. The actor, coming off a major misstep as a co-star on the failed U.S. version of “Coupling,” will appear on new SciFi series “Eureka.” Already, he’s building buzz as a handsome U.S. marshal who ends up in a mysterious town populated by government scientists.
JT dishes on Spears
Looks like Justin Timberlake hasn’t gotten enough of talking up his former flame, Britney Spears. Timberlake, currently coupled with Cameron Diaz, dished on his ex in the upcoming issue of GQ magazine, telling the mag that he was totally infatuated with her at first sight, according to people.com.
He had some more nice words for Spears, according people.com, noting that Spears has been a tabloid target:
“I wish her well, and I want to see her win,” he reportedly told GQ. “I don’t think you can ever count somebody like her out. Because she may appear one way, but she’s very clever.”
But old JT couldn’t resist at least one dig, dubbing his current relationship with Diaz “adult” while categorizing his tryst with Spears as “just so high school.”
Hayek behind “Ugly Betty”
No, the sexy Salma Hayek is not starring in the American version of the hit Columbian telenova “Yo Soy Betty La Fea,” but she’s one of six executive producers for the U.S. show, now titled “Ugly Betty” set to debut on Sept. 22 on ABC, according to the Associated Press. America Ferrera–of “Real Women Have Curves,” and “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Fame,” –will be a pudgy, uncool assistant to a fashion magazine publisher. Hayek said the show’s upfront “ugly” title will not alienate viewers, telling AP: “It’s sarcastic. Anybody who isn’t super skinny and really tall, some people think they’re really ugly. We’re making fun of it. We’re not really calling her ugly.” For her part, Ferrerra–who leveraged her plus size in “Real Women Have Curves”–said she never considered herself fat.
Country singer cleared of DUI
But don’t start cheering for singer Mindy McCready just yet. The singer, apprehended last May for allegedly driving under the influence, was found guilty of driving with a suspended license, according to the Associated Press. McReady who scored a hit with “Guys Do it All the Time” back in 1996, had refused to take a breath test after being stopped while driving a friend’s car. McReady, who told AP she is happy to have this behind her, said she might write a song about the incident.
Super stamps
As if there aren’t enough superheroes–X-Men, Spider Man, Super Man, Batman–on the silver screen. Now, they’ll be appearing on envelopes. On Friday, the Postal Service will begin selling 39-cent stamps and 24-cent postal cards featuring comic book superheroes. Featured characters will include Wonder Woman, Plastic Man, Aquaman, Superman, Supergirl, Hawkman and Green Arrow. The Flash also will be along for the ride, but our question is who snubbed Superfriends, The Wonder Twins? Is it because you’d get two stamps for the price of one?
Baldwin brother crash
Daniel Baldwin is facing charges–including reckless driving–after he crashed his car on a busy Los Angeles street, according to the Associated Press. The actor, who has appeared on television shows including “Homicide: Life on the Street” was hospitalized after the incident, complaining of injuries to his neck and back, L.A. police spokesman Jason Lee told the AP.
