Billie Rae Bates's Blog, page 84
January 16, 2014
Russell Johnson gone at age 89
Condolences to the family and friends of Russell Johnson, who we remember fondly as Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty," and Roger Wainwright on "Santa Barbara." He even starred on an episode of "Wonder Woman" -- "Disco Devil." Oh yes, and then there was "Gilligan's Island," where this author always considered him the hot one. (See, geekiness could be hot, even way back then.) He was handsome, and he was good at what he did.
Johnson was an accomplished actor whose career did not stop when the castaways got rescued. He kept doing great roles for years and years. And even before he made his name on "Gilligan's Island," his resume was robust and varied. He was on a lot of our favorites: "The Outer Limits," "Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and so much more. He started this whole thing back in 1950.
Read more about Johnson's career at the IMDb and Hollywood Reporter.
Johnson was an accomplished actor whose career did not stop when the castaways got rescued. He kept doing great roles for years and years. And even before he made his name on "Gilligan's Island," his resume was robust and varied. He was on a lot of our favorites: "The Outer Limits," "Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and so much more. He started this whole thing back in 1950.
Read more about Johnson's career at the IMDb and Hollywood Reporter.
January 13, 2014
Artist takes his love of "Dynasty" to the canvas
Wow, we sure talk to some creative folks in the process of writing about the classic TV shows we love. Just in the past few months, we've talked to a couple "Dukes" fans who've created wonderful art inspired by the show, and we've talked to a "Dynasty" fan who has a splendid collection of costumes and other items from the show. Now we're talking to a talented artist who creates works inspired by "Dynasty" ...
Meet Jeffrey Trull, who has created the simply lovely paintings below, which you can purchase prints of at Society6.
"I first saw 'Dynasty' as a very young child in 1981," he tells BRBTV. "I was up past my bedtime when I went into the living room to find a great commotion on the TV screen. There, in a courtroom full of shocked faces, sat Nancy Drew, Audra Barkley from 'The Big Valley,' and Charlie himself from 'Charlie’s Angels.' But who was this mysterious, veiled woman sweeping melodramatically onto the scene? We would have to wait an entire summer to find out. I was officially hooked on a glamorous rollercoaster that would not only run for a decade, but would shape the very future of television history."
He continues: "Flash forward to 2000 when I created the fan site 'Dynasty: The Collection,' basing it on my own personal collection of 'Dynasty' memorabilia. Running through 2004, it featured a popular forum which I named The Carrington Colby Boardroom, where I was blessed to meet countless 'Dynasty' fans from all over the world. I made some close friendships, many of which continue today."
But Jeffrey hasn't just gotten the chance to meet fans of the show. He's met cast members, too!
"I was beyond thrilled to meet both Linda Evans and Joan Collins in 2007 during the tour of their play 'Legends.' Our encounters remain some of the most cherished highlights of my life and I am proud to say that my two original paintings that I presented them with, 'Heavenly Evans' and 'La Collins' respectively, are now housed in each of the ladies’ private collections. Prints of these are available in my online store via my website www.jeffreytrull.com. The signed ones are, of course, displayed lovingly in my home. I am currently at work on my 'Dynasty' art book, full of my illustrations, paintings and graphic design inspired by the most fabulous TV show of all time."
That's a shot of Jeffrey meeting Ms. Evans directly above. And above that, of course, are the "Heavenly Evans" and "La Collins" works he mentions. Beautiful! Learn more about Jeffrey and his work at JeffreyTrull.com. He's available for commission!
Images courtesy of Jeffrey Trull; please do not copy without permission.
Meet Jeffrey Trull, who has created the simply lovely paintings below, which you can purchase prints of at Society6.
"I first saw 'Dynasty' as a very young child in 1981," he tells BRBTV. "I was up past my bedtime when I went into the living room to find a great commotion on the TV screen. There, in a courtroom full of shocked faces, sat Nancy Drew, Audra Barkley from 'The Big Valley,' and Charlie himself from 'Charlie’s Angels.' But who was this mysterious, veiled woman sweeping melodramatically onto the scene? We would have to wait an entire summer to find out. I was officially hooked on a glamorous rollercoaster that would not only run for a decade, but would shape the very future of television history."
He continues: "Flash forward to 2000 when I created the fan site 'Dynasty: The Collection,' basing it on my own personal collection of 'Dynasty' memorabilia. Running through 2004, it featured a popular forum which I named The Carrington Colby Boardroom, where I was blessed to meet countless 'Dynasty' fans from all over the world. I made some close friendships, many of which continue today."
But Jeffrey hasn't just gotten the chance to meet fans of the show. He's met cast members, too!
"I was beyond thrilled to meet both Linda Evans and Joan Collins in 2007 during the tour of their play 'Legends.' Our encounters remain some of the most cherished highlights of my life and I am proud to say that my two original paintings that I presented them with, 'Heavenly Evans' and 'La Collins' respectively, are now housed in each of the ladies’ private collections. Prints of these are available in my online store via my website www.jeffreytrull.com. The signed ones are, of course, displayed lovingly in my home. I am currently at work on my 'Dynasty' art book, full of my illustrations, paintings and graphic design inspired by the most fabulous TV show of all time."
That's a shot of Jeffrey meeting Ms. Evans directly above. And above that, of course, are the "Heavenly Evans" and "La Collins" works he mentions. Beautiful! Learn more about Jeffrey and his work at JeffreyTrull.com. He's available for commission!
Images courtesy of Jeffrey Trull; please do not copy without permission.
January 10, 2014
Spotted: Howard Keel
Howard Keel as Farrah Fawcett's dad? Yep, it happened, on a now-quite-obscure '90s sitcom called "Good Sports." Remember that one? Fawcett's obvious showcase with her honey Ryan O'Neal? Co-anchors on the all-sports channel of a cable network to rival Ted Turner's empire (and Turner is certainly referenced during the series, which only lasted a season)? Farrah and Ryan come dancing into the musical intro, all flirty and funlike, her little black dress so trademark '90s and matched to his tux? Yea, that one.
The episode we're talking here is "Bobby and Gayle Go on a Date" from June 1991. Keel, known to us "Dallas" fans as Clayton Farlow, guest-stars as Sonny Gordon, the rather commanding but kind father to Fawcett's Gayle. He observes the unrequited affection O'Neal's Bobby has for his daughter and convinces Gayle to go out with the poor schmuck. Well, OK, he doesn't't say it like that; he's in Bobby 's court, for sure.
Keel shows up in another episode of the series, the following month when Gayle's ex-boyfriend Nick -- played by William Katt of "The Greatest American Hero" --turns all demented and returns for revenge for their breakup.
Are we glad we watched the complete series on DVD (thanks, Tracy)? Well, yea, we really can't turn down Farrah any day of the week, even if the series doesn't age well. But Farrah sure did. Gayle is 40, and Fawcett is stunning at about that same age. And we loved that in one ep she is shown reading the book, "The Burning Bed," a nod to one of her biggest roles.
The episode we're talking here is "Bobby and Gayle Go on a Date" from June 1991. Keel, known to us "Dallas" fans as Clayton Farlow, guest-stars as Sonny Gordon, the rather commanding but kind father to Fawcett's Gayle. He observes the unrequited affection O'Neal's Bobby has for his daughter and convinces Gayle to go out with the poor schmuck. Well, OK, he doesn't't say it like that; he's in Bobby 's court, for sure.
Keel shows up in another episode of the series, the following month when Gayle's ex-boyfriend Nick -- played by William Katt of "The Greatest American Hero" --turns all demented and returns for revenge for their breakup.
Are we glad we watched the complete series on DVD (thanks, Tracy)? Well, yea, we really can't turn down Farrah any day of the week, even if the series doesn't age well. But Farrah sure did. Gayle is 40, and Fawcett is stunning at about that same age. And we loved that in one ep she is shown reading the book, "The Burning Bed," a nod to one of her biggest roles.
January 7, 2014
An update on Tom Wopat's 2014 schedule
It's the latest from Tom (Luke Duke ) Wopat's website crew ...
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that the new year is starting off right!
In 2014, Tom is going to be focusing a lot on making more music and playing as many shows as possible! Check out the list of shows below and stay tuned for many more updates.
AND - we've been posting a few performances from his show with John Schneider in Niagara Falls last year. You can watch them on Youtube by clicking the song titles below, and you might just see some more collaborations between the two of them this year... Enjoy!
"Let It Roll"
"Luckenbach, Texas"
"Johnny It's Cold Outside"
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
Jan 7 - 54 Below - New York, NY
Jan 9 - Feinstein's at Hotel Nikko - San Francisco, CA
Jan 10 - Rockwell Table & Stage - Los Angeles, CA - NEW SHOW!
Jan 17 - Charlotte Performing Arts Center - Charlotte, MI
Jan 18 - River Raisin Centre - Monroe, MI
Mar 18 - Mar 22 - The Colony at Palm Beach - Palm Beach, FL
Apr 12 - Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts - Orange Park, FL
Apr 19 - Curtis Theatre - Brea, CA
May 17 - Ram's Head On Stage - Annapolis, MD - NEW SHOW
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that the new year is starting off right!
In 2014, Tom is going to be focusing a lot on making more music and playing as many shows as possible! Check out the list of shows below and stay tuned for many more updates.
AND - we've been posting a few performances from his show with John Schneider in Niagara Falls last year. You can watch them on Youtube by clicking the song titles below, and you might just see some more collaborations between the two of them this year... Enjoy!
"Let It Roll"
"Luckenbach, Texas"
"Johnny It's Cold Outside"
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
Jan 7 - 54 Below - New York, NY
Jan 9 - Feinstein's at Hotel Nikko - San Francisco, CA
Jan 10 - Rockwell Table & Stage - Los Angeles, CA - NEW SHOW!
Jan 17 - Charlotte Performing Arts Center - Charlotte, MI
Jan 18 - River Raisin Centre - Monroe, MI
Mar 18 - Mar 22 - The Colony at Palm Beach - Palm Beach, FL
Apr 12 - Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts - Orange Park, FL
Apr 19 - Curtis Theatre - Brea, CA
May 17 - Ram's Head On Stage - Annapolis, MD - NEW SHOW
December 31, 2013
Spotlight on: "The Atlanta Child Murders"
The cast is simply dynamite: Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones, Rip Torn, Jason Robards, Ruby Dee, Martin Sheen, Gary Graham, Bill Paxton, and more. It's "The Atlanta Child Murders" we're talking about, and we enjoyed it the other night, courtesy of our bud Tracy and that fab box of DVDs she mailed us this Christmas!
The 1985 miniseries did not disappoint for serving up some of our favorite classic TV stars. It, of course, chronicled the real-life case in Atlanta in the late 1970s, a serial killing of children and even a few adults. We love the true-life crime stories; it's why we have "48 Hours" and "Dateline" DVR'd right now. In this one, we delighted to see the aforementioned Graham (who we remember so fondly from "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Alien Nation") take the stand in the trial against Wayne Williams as a character named Ken Lawson, with a real fine Southern accent. Seriously, we would never have recognized his voice. Came so natural to him. Then there was Mark Arnold, in the midst of his role as the second Joe Perkins in "Santa Barbara," playing David Dingle here.
Kenneth Kimmins of "Dynasty" and "Dallas" (Thornton McLeish) was there, as well as Michael Alldredge of "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Arnold has a 2014 project going on, by the way, "The Gunrunner Billy Kane."
The 1985 miniseries did not disappoint for serving up some of our favorite classic TV stars. It, of course, chronicled the real-life case in Atlanta in the late 1970s, a serial killing of children and even a few adults. We love the true-life crime stories; it's why we have "48 Hours" and "Dateline" DVR'd right now. In this one, we delighted to see the aforementioned Graham (who we remember so fondly from "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Alien Nation") take the stand in the trial against Wayne Williams as a character named Ken Lawson, with a real fine Southern accent. Seriously, we would never have recognized his voice. Came so natural to him. Then there was Mark Arnold, in the midst of his role as the second Joe Perkins in "Santa Barbara," playing David Dingle here.
Kenneth Kimmins of "Dynasty" and "Dallas" (Thornton McLeish) was there, as well as Michael Alldredge of "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Arnold has a 2014 project going on, by the way, "The Gunrunner Billy Kane."
December 28, 2013
John Schneider set for second season of "The Haves and the Have Nots"
Thanks again to Phyllis for the heads-up that John ("Bo Duke") Schneider of "The Dukes of Hazzard" will again star as Judge Jim Cryer in the new season of Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots." This new season premieres on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on Tuesday, January 7 at 9 p.m. Eastern. If you missed part of the first season or just want to watch it again, there is going to be a marathon of Season 1 episodes on OWN on December 30 and December 31 beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern.
Also, Schneider's production company is putting the final touches on the new movie "John Schneider's Smothered," a horror/comedy which will be in theaters in early 2014. Note that this is a horror movie and is not for the squeamish or for children. You can sign up to be kept updated on this movie here, and see the trailer here.
Also, Schneider's production company is putting the final touches on the new movie "John Schneider's Smothered," a horror/comedy which will be in theaters in early 2014. Note that this is a horror movie and is not for the squeamish or for children. You can sign up to be kept updated on this movie here, and see the trailer here.
December 26, 2013
Me-TV brings on "Wonder Woman"
If you're one of the lucky ones who has Me-TV (we don't --wah!), you've got reason to celebrate this weekend. The cable network is rolling out the classic "Wonder Woman" episodes starring Lynda Carter, beginning with the pilot tomorrow night. The show will be part of its Sci-Fi Saturday Night lineup.
Read more about it at the channel's website, and see the complete Me-TV schedule there, too (it's classic TV nirvana). And thanks to Brian for the heads-up!
Read more about it at the channel's website, and see the complete Me-TV schedule there, too (it's classic TV nirvana). And thanks to Brian for the heads-up!
December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas from BRBTV!
BRBTV would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the new year!
From our entire Scooby family to yours (from left): Candy-Doo, Rudy-Doo, Santa-Doo, Santa-Too, (above) Candy-Too, (in back) Dottie-Doo and Scooby-Boo, then Pinky-Doo, Apple-Doo, with Squirty-Doo and My Big Boy against the window, and finally Grampa-Doo on the far right. Not pictured: Antler-Doo, just rescued from a crane game and not quite arrived home yet!
December 22, 2013
CMT rolls out "The Dukes of Hazzard" in January
Some fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard" have been petitioning to get our beloved show back on the air on CMT in regular-like fashion, and the good news is that CMT is rolling out some "Dukes." See the schedule for January 5 and onward. Thanks to our buddy Jim in the Great White North for the heads-up!
December 20, 2013
Spotted: Ernie Hudson
He goes from one extreme to another in the two roles we saw him inadvertently on the same day (yesterday!). In his 1982 "Dukes of Hazzard" episode "Dear Diary," Ernie Hudson is a bad guy named Avery, irked because he's been double-crossed by Boss Hogg and drivin' up a storm after stealing Rosco P. Coltrane's diary with his cohort. He's lean and fairly mean.
In the new movie "Dear Secret Santa," airing last night on Lifetime, he's also Avery -- but Pastor Avery. Seems he's reformed after three decades! Pastor Avery encourages the lead character Jennifer, played by Tatyana Ali, because he knew her deceased mom and knows her ailing father well, too. He's a fatherly figure himself to Jennifer.
We tuned into the movie because we've joyfully been knee-deep in Christmas movies this season, taking basically whatever Lifetime or Hallmark will dole out! So we were delighted to see Ernie Hudson again, after reviewing said "Dukes" episode earlier in the evening for our update of the "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" guide to the show. Does he make a habit of playing characters named Avery? Well, no, that's just the way it worked out!
Ernie Hudson's resume is a mile long, and he has lots of new projects slated for 2014. We hope to talk to him in person sometime soon at one of the many comic cons he does.
In the new movie "Dear Secret Santa," airing last night on Lifetime, he's also Avery -- but Pastor Avery. Seems he's reformed after three decades! Pastor Avery encourages the lead character Jennifer, played by Tatyana Ali, because he knew her deceased mom and knows her ailing father well, too. He's a fatherly figure himself to Jennifer.
We tuned into the movie because we've joyfully been knee-deep in Christmas movies this season, taking basically whatever Lifetime or Hallmark will dole out! So we were delighted to see Ernie Hudson again, after reviewing said "Dukes" episode earlier in the evening for our update of the "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" guide to the show. Does he make a habit of playing characters named Avery? Well, no, that's just the way it worked out!
Ernie Hudson's resume is a mile long, and he has lots of new projects slated for 2014. We hope to talk to him in person sometime soon at one of the many comic cons he does.
