By Cindy Elavsky
Q: I am bummed that “Glee” is on hiatus, and I can’t wait for it to return! Can you give us a scoop about potential guest stars in the spring? — Stephanie P., Ocala, Fla.
A: The divine Jane Lynch (who plays Sue Sylvester) recently revealed that none other than Olivia Newton-John will guest-star when the Fox series returns in April. Jane told E! online: “I’m so excited, I can’t see straight! Olivia provided the soundtrack for my tortured adolescence. Her charitable work and commitment to making others’ lives and the life of the planet better is so inspiring.” Word is that Olivia and Jane will sing a duet. The song: “Let’s Get Physical.”
Also, when “Glee” returns for its second season in the fall, there will be three new cast members. Fox has put out an open casting call for actors between the ages of 16 and 26. If interested, you can find info and updates at fox.com/glee.
* * *
Q: Is it true that Kathy Bates is coming to “The Office”? If so, that’s quite a casting coup! — Callie K., via e-mail
A: Casting coup, indeed! “The Office” seems to be the small-screen place for Oscar winners (Kathy) and nominees (Amy Adams and Amy Ryan) to hang their hat for a while. “Office” star Rainn Wilson recently tweeted: “So excited to be working again with Kathy Bates! She’s on board with the whole ’Office’ crew as the new boss. Brilliant!”
* * *
Q: I am really enjoying TNT’s new show “Men of a Certain Age.” Has it been picked up for a second season? — Jeffrey G., Decatur, Ga.
A: I have great news for you: TNT has renewed “Men” for a second season. The wry drama stars Ray Romano, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula as friends who are dealing with all the things life throws at them as they approach midlife. The show focuses on Joe (Romano), a 40-something, recently separated father of two who had dreams of being a professional golfer, but instead owns and runs a party store. He has two best friends: Owen (Braugher), who is a car salesman at his dad’s dealership, and Terry (Bakula), a handsome, still-struggling-to-make-it actor.
* * *
Q: I keep hearing rumors about a new “Jurassic Park” movie in the works. Is it true? — Henry H., via e-mail
A: This is one rumor that is “triple” true. Joe Johnston, who directed the third installment, recently revealed that there is not only a fourth movie coming out, but it will be followed closely by two more. He told boxoffice.com: “’Jurassic Park IV’ breaks away from the first three — it’s essentially the beginning of the second ’Jurassic Park’ trilogy. It’s going to be done in a completely different way. If you think of the first three (movies) as a trilogy, No. 4 would be the beginning of a second trilogy.”
Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at [email protected]. For more news and extended interviews, visit www.celebrityextraonline.com and twitter.com/Celebrity_Extra.
© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.