By Cindy Elavsky
Q: I really like actress Rena Sofer. I started following her career when she was on the soap opera “General Hospital,” and I watched her on “24” and “Heroes.” What is she up to now? — Jessica L. in South Carolina
A: Rena has been busy guest-starring on various shows, like “Ghost Whisperer,” “Two and a Half Men” and “Monk,” as well as taking care of her two daughters. As Rena gears up for pilot season, she told me that she loves the fact that she’s had such a varied career. She explains: “I’ve done so much comedy, and I’ve also spent years doing drama. But in this business, you are only known by your most recent role. You are always in the position of proving yourself, and I am up for the challenge.” The latest challenge Rena has tackled is the Hallmark Channel original movie “Always & Forever,” which premieres the weekend of Oct. 24.
* * *
Q: I am a big fan of Chris Noth of “Sex and the City” fame. Can you tell me a little about him? Is he married? Does he have children? — Barbara D., via e-mail
A: Chris Noth, who will turn 55 in November, recently announced that he and longtime love, actress Tara Wilson, are engaged. In January 2008, their son, Orion Christopher, was born. Chris currently stars in “The Good Wife,” airing Tuesdays on CBS.
* * *
Q: I was in the Navy aboard the carrier USS Philippine Sea. In 1957 John Wayne and others made some of the movie “The Wings of Eagles” aboard the carrier. Was it based on a true story? — Gene G., Granite Falls, Minn.
A: Frank Wead was a U.S. Navy aviator-turned-screenwriter upon whose experiences “The Wings of Eagles” is based. He set numerous seaplane records during his time with the Navy; however, his career was cut short because of an accident at home. One evening in 1926, he was resting upstairs when he heard one of his daughters scream out for him downstairs. In his rush to get to her, he tripped and fell down the stairs, breaking his neck. This resulted in his subsequent paralysis.
While he was convalescing, friends suggested he take up writing, which he did. He passed away in 1947, after having received two Academy Award nominations and being featured in various prestigious publications in the previous two decades. His friendship with director John Ford is what led to their collaboration for “The Wings of Eagles,” with John Wayne playing the role of Frank Wead.
* * *
Q: Are the rumors true: Is Quentin Tarantino planning another installment of his “Kill Bill” series? — Isme, via e-mail
A: Quentin himself announced that he is planning to make “Kill Bill: Vol. 3,” which is scheduled to be released in 2014. He said he wanted to give Uma Thurman’s character a bit of a break from her bloody revenge mission.
Have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at [email protected], or write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. For more news, gossip and interviews, visit her Web site at www.celebrityextraonline.com. twitter.com/Celebrity_Extra
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.