TV Guide Author: ben.katner

Gilmore Guy's "Snob Mentality"

Even before making his Gilmore Girls debut last week, Matt Czuchry knew very well how we would react to his character, Yale sophomore Logan. Not only does the smart-mouthed Ivy Leaguer push the buttons of America's sweetheart, Rory (Alexis Bledel), but his snobbery is rivaled only by that of her persnickety grandmother, Emily. "I could tell people were going to hate me on sight," the baby-faced 27-year-old shares with TV Guide Online. "Logan is completely unapologetic. He'll go off in the summer and crash Daddy's yacht into a buoy, and his dad will fly him away in a helicopter so he won't have to deal with any of the consequences. "Obviously, this guy is 180 degrees different from Rory and from her past boyfriends, so how could the audience not be kind of spun out when they see him come on? But," he adds with the snicker of a born pot-stirrer, "that's what we're going for." To make matters worse for the newbie — or, on seco

Tue, Oct 12, 2004

Boston Legal's Brit Wit

After both of her fellow Practice alumni, James Spader and William Shatner, took home Emmys last month, Boston Legal barrister Rhona Mitra could have been forgiven had gold fever turned her green with envy. But instead, she awarded creative Emmys of her own to everyone associated with the whip-smart David E. Kelley spin-off (Sundays, 10 pm/ET on ABC). "I spray-painted a flamingo gold and put it outside the makeup trailer to sort of represent an Emmy for everybody," the 28-year-old London native tells TV Guide Online. "I named [the plastic bird] Emmy, and she laid eggs that were gold, so everyone got their own mini-Emmy." As far as Mitra was concerned, she was already a winner, simply because she was invited to cross over from The Practice to the new legal drama. "I was rightly chuffed. If James was [bound for Boston], I absolutely wanted to be wing man. Mischief seems to go very well with us," she notes, reca

Fri, Oct 8, 2004

Stephen Baldwin Gives Us a Scare

When we heard that Stephen Baldwin was replacing Shannen Doherty as host of Sci Fi Channel's Scare Tactics (starting with the reality hit's third-season premiere tonight at 10 pm/ET), we came down with the giggles, not the jitters. But, as Alec, Billy and Daniel's brother tells TV Guide Online, the job doesn't call for him to be frightening, just himself. "You have to have a certain sick sense of humor to get the show. That's why [I think the producers] called me. They said, 'The show has gotten gnarlier — you'd be a perfect fit [as host]!' "Besides," he adds with a laugh, "there are a whole bunch of people out there who think that I'm very scary!" That said, the 38-year-old actor, whose films have ranged from the sublime (The Usual Suspects, with Kevin Spacey) to the ridiculous (Bio-Dome, with Pauley Shore), may be a more natural fit with Sci Fi than he even realizes. Alread

Wed, Oct 6, 2004

JAG Secrets Revealed!

Now that former Andy Dick Show funnyman Robert Blesse has landed himself a guest gig on tomorrow night's JAG (9 pm/ET on CBS), we finally know someone who can give us the dirt on the squeaky-clean military drama. So, Robert, tell your friends at TV Guide Online: Is it true that David James Elliot hogs all the good junk food at the craft-services table? "Actually, I can't say for sure," the cagey actor replies with a chuckle. Sounds like this up-and-comer is under strict orders to withhold any info about his leading man's gluttonous tendencies. "I didn't get to work with [Elliot], but I'm sure he can have all the Fritos he wants." Just as we suspected! What about major babe Catherine Bell? Does the crew crank up the air conditioning every time the major hottie arrives on the set? "I can't confirm that, either," Blesse says, slyly adding, "I do hear that it's a very happy time, though." From the way that he's talking —

Thu, Sep 30, 2004

Mel Gibson's "Favorite Son"

Although his boyish good looks guarantee he'll be the breakout brother from Mel Gibson's testosterone-fueled family sitcom Complete Savages (premiering tonight at 8:30 pm/ET), Erik Von Detten wants us to know that he's more than just another pretty face. "How could you not take [being cast as 'the hot one'] as a compliment, right?" he jokes with TV Guide Online. "But my character is also gullible... and he's very dim-witted. At the same time, he thinks he's so smart that it gets him into trouble. I take more pride in playing [those qualities]." Got it. In any case, we've known for some time that the almost-22-year-old was destined to be more than Celebrity Mole material. (Anybody else get chills remembering his portrayal of a preppie murderer on Law & Order: SVU?) However, as versatile as Von Detten is, even he came down with a case of the jitters auditioning for Savages' Oscar-winning executive producer (who also dire

Fri, Sep 24, 2004

Roswell Alum the New Buffy?

Ever since UPN staked Buffy the Vampire Slayer, we've been waiting for a new Chosen One to emerge and kick some bogeyman butt. With the premiere of Darklight this Saturday (9 pm/ET on Sci Fi), our patience finally pays off: Roswell ingenue Shiri Appleby comes out swingin' as Lilith, an age-old demon reprogrammed to fight the forces of evil. Sound good? It did to Miss Appleby, too. "When you see a strong heroine like that in a script, I think it would be silly not to jump at the opportunity [to take the part]," the 25-year-old California girl tells TV Guide Online. "I knew it would be interesting, and it was. It's very odd looking in the mirror and seeing your face covered in purple [makeup] — definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!" Or maybe, just maybe, twice in a lifetime. The creature feature's ending leaves open the door to a sequel (if not a series). However, Appleby says that no one's come knocking... yet. "I haven't hea

Fri, Sep 17, 2004

Alex Boyd: The New Elvis?

The tabloids won't have to dig too deep to come up with dirt on velvet-voiced Alex Boyd, whose debut single, "In Your Eyes," drops today: The Fame grad is the first to admit that he has a split personality, at least where his music is concerned. That's why his album, The Hip Side and the Flip Side (due out this fall), comprises two discs, the first a collection of au courant R&B tracks; the second, classic cuts given a modern edge. "I've pretty much grown up on old music," the heartthrob-in-the-making explains to TV Guide Online. "I've been influenced by Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., the Beatles.... Hell, even Handel and Bach! On the other hand, I've also had a lot of pop influence. For instance, I think Justin Timberlake's solo record was phenomenal." So, naturally, in shaping his premier CD, the 19-year-old set two goals for himself. First, he wanted to blaze his own trail up the char

Tue, Aug 31, 2004

Last Comic's Next Move

A whole week after John Heffron won the coveted Last Comic Standing title, success still hasn't spoiled the manic funnyman. But make no mistake — he's ready for a diva trip! As his tongue-in-cheek interview with TV Guide Online suggests, he could get mighty comfortable sitting in the lap of luxury — provided that a certain competitor isn't around to, ahem, bug him.TV Guide Online: You're a bundle of energy on stage. Can that possibly be good for the health of someone as laid-back as you are?John Heffron: Well, I don't have a lot of time to run or do the Stairmaster, so this is my way of getting my heart rate up for 20 minutes a day. TVGO: Speaking of things that are good for your heart... Tammy Pescatelli called you "a walking Everybody Loves Raymond." Guess she's guaranteed to be the first LCS alum on your sitcom.Heffron: [Laughs] Yeah. Sometimes I get compared [to Ray Romano], but in

Thu, Aug 19, 2004

Comic Tammy: Too Stereotypical?

Forget everything you think you know about Last Comic Standing runner-up Tammy Pescatelli. Although the funny lady appeared to be the joke-off's shrewdest manipulator and most gleeful backstabber, she's really a down-to-earth sweetheart who'd sooner dish out lasagna than insults. Or so she insisted when TV Guide Online recently caught up with her. We're inclined to believe her, too; the straight shooter wouldn't even cop to the competitor for whom she's rooting in tonight's finale (airing at 9 pm/ET on NBC). Um, there are also those Mafia ties at which she's always hinting. TV Guide Online: Since being eliminated, have you met any interesting new fans?Tammy Pescatelli: Yeah, Garry Marshall [the Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride director]. I mean, you just go, "You've got to be kidding me. I grew up on your shows [like Happy Days and The Odd Couple]! Everything you've ever touched, I enjoyed." So that's huge for me. I was i

Thu, Aug 12, 2004

Comic Flirt's Last Chance

Although stand-up guy Corey Holcomb was eliminated from Last Comic Standing seven days ago, he'll have a chance to get back into the competition in tonight's wild-card episode (9 pm/ET on NBC). But for a real cliffhanger, TV Guide Online turns to the self-aggrandizing lady-killer's personal life: Will his significant other give him a chance to get back in her good graces after she sees this interview? Read on, and draw your own conclusions. TV Guide Online: In your final head-to-head with Alonzo and John, you came down pretty hard on the fairer sex. Do you think maybe that cost you the female vote?Corey Holcomb: Nah, I don't think so. On The Apollo Comedy Hour, [the emcee] just walks over [to the contestants] and says, "Clap if you like this guy. Clap if you like that guy." I just think that system works better than [Comic's computerized] voting. It's not like the audience is voting if somebody comes back [after a commercial break] with a v

Tue, Jul 27, 2004

Andy Dick Uncensored!

When Andy Dick's name is mentioned, perhaps you think of his off-the-wall antics on NewsRadio or his old, self-titled MTV show. Or maybe you associate him with the Machiavellian psycho he's playing on his new MTV show, the reality spoof The Assistant (airing Mondays at 10:30 pm/ET), or his scene-stealing as a pencil-necked office grunt on ABC's "late, lamented" workplace laffer, Less than Perfect. Then again, you might know him best as the rogue male who's had so many brushes with the law that Cops could make him a regular. Whatever your impression of the kooky actor is, it doesn't matter; it's going to change once you've read this TV Guide Online article, a Q&A so candid that you may be moved to tears (or something). Heck, by the time we had said our goodbyes, both the funnyman and his interviewer had learned something new. Could be that you will, too. TV Guide Online: Why did you want to do The Assistant? Were you jealous

Mon, Jul 26, 2004

Seven Silly Questions for... Michael Gross

Michael Gross is a master thespian with a Yale Drama School diploma on his wall. His trophy shelf nearly buckles from the weight of his awards (Obie and Drama-Logue prizes, for starters). His r&#233sum&#233 is packed with appearances on high-falutin' series like ER and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. And yet, to us B-movie lovers, the good-humored actor will always be Burt Gummer, the gun-toting survivalist in the Tremors movies. (You know, they're the ones with the giant, man-eating earthworms.) In honor of the fourth flick's Sci Fi Channel debut today at 9 pm/ET, TV Guide Online invited the former Family Ties dad to lock 'n' load, and take aim at seven silly questions. As you are about to read, Mr. Tremors 4 came back at us with both barrels blazing. TV Guide Online: So far, we've seen graboids (the aforementioned human-munching nightcrawlers) that live underground, graboids that fly, graboids that live in the Old West...

Fri, Jul 23, 2004

Overhaulin' Host No "Ride Pimp"

A scarcity of pimps is but one reason that TLC's Overhaulin' (Tuesdays at 9 pm/ET) shouldn't be confused with MTV's Pimp My Ride. "We're not just throwing some parts on a car," Overhaulin' grease monkey Chris Jacobs tells TV Guide Online. "We're really breaking the car down to its core and building it back up to a true work of art. I know they trick the cars out more on Pimp My Ride, but we really try to create a car that's as drivable as it is good-looking." Despite his "in" with the series' vehicular makeover artists, Jacobs has yet to avail himself of their services. "I didn't think my car even needed to be overhauled before I started the show, but now I think both [my '68 Charger and my '68 Plymouth convertible] could use it. I'm sure if I wanted to, I could [get the job done], but I just ordered a new Dodge Magnum, and I'm going to use my string-pulling to customize that. You've got to use your favors

Wed, Jul 21, 2004

Comic Jay London Calling

If you were sorry to see Last Comic Standing finalist Jay London get the hook in the reality contest's most recent episode, you weren't alone. Despite his off-putting appearance — he'd be the first to admit his style could've been swiped from a Neanderthal — London's warm demeanor and quirky delivery made him a real contender. Heck, head-to-head competitor Gary Gulman even got all misty-eyed over his ouster! So while the shaggy, self-deprecating funnyman looks for a way back into the spotlight — and before another of his housemates is banished in tonight's episode (airing at 9 pm/ET on NBC) — TV Guide Online sought him out to give him a great, big hug. Um... we mean, to conduct a serious and completely unbiased interview. TV Guide Online: I've gotta tell you, in all sincerity, I think your act is really unique and funny. I hope being eliminated didn't discourage you.Jay London: I am not discouraged. The more torture I go th

Tue, Jul 20, 2004

Comic Ant Bugs Out!

In last week's episode of Last Comic Standing, flamboyant funnyman Ant's hopes of winning the title were, ahem, squashed. (Cheap humor, yes, but we're on a budget, folks!) Not only that, but the former Unhappily Ever After costar had been portrayed as the most conniving queen bee since Joan Collins doffed her Dynasty shoulder pads. Yet, as TV Guide Online chatted him up just prior to this week's show (airing tonight at 9 pm/ET on NBC), we realized that he was the one Ant with whom we'd prefer to picnic than nitpick. Read on and decide for yourself: Doesn't he seem like the sort of fellow who's less likely to stab you in the back than to pat you on it? TV Guide Online: Ant, to this day, I can't figure out why you were so scheming. Your final set was killer; you've got the goods!Ant: You thought I was scheming? I wouldn't call it scheming. I would call it having a great time and living the reality [TV] experience — the strong sur

Tue, Jul 13, 2004

Smallville Seeks Super Star

Next season on Smallville, the Boy of Steel will encounter a force more powerful than even the Kryptonite that brings him to his knees: true love. Producers have begun scouring Superman's adopted planet for an actress to play his eventual sweetheart, Lois Lane. And, while we may lack Clark Kent's X-ray vision, even we can see that any of these rising starlets could turn Lana Lang green with envy. Michelle Williams: The thinking fan's Katie Holmes has proven in one independent movie after another that she was wasted among the loquacious poseurs of Dawson's Creek. But, while the brainier writing of Smallville would better serve Williams' intellect, even Lex Luthor probably couldn't squeeze a few episodes into her busy film schedule. (Would it help if we begged?) Shelly Cole: We have long looked forward to the pseudo goth chick's every fleeting appearance on Gilmore Girls as Rory's droll Chilton classmate, Madeline, an

Sun, Jul 11, 2004

Smallville Seeks Super Star

Next season on Smallville, the Boy of Steel will encounter a force more powerful than even the Kryptonite that brings him to his knees: true love. Producers have begun scouring Superman's adopted planet for an actress to play his eventual sweetheart, Lois Lane. And, while we may lack Clark Kent's X-ray vision, even we can see that any of these rising starlets could turn Lana Lang green with envy. Michelle Williams: The thinking fan's Katie Holmes has proven in one independent movie after another that she was wasted among the loquacious poseurs of Dawson's Creek. But, while the brainier writing of Smallville would better serve Williams' intellect, even Lex Luthor probably couldn't squeeze a few episodes into her busy film schedule. (Would it help if we begged?) Shelly Cole: We have long looked forward to the pseudo goth chick's every fleeting appearance on Gilmore Girls as Rory's droll Chilton classmate, Madeline, an

Fri, Jul 9, 2004

Smallville Seeks Super Star

Next season on Smallville, the Boy of Steel will encounter a force more powerful than even the Kryptonite that brings him to his knees: true love. Producers have begun scouring Superman's adopted planet for an actress to play his eventual sweetheart, Lois Lane. And, while we may lack Clark Kent's X-ray vision, even we can see that any of these rising starlets could turn Lana Lang green with envy. Michelle Williams: The thinking fan's Katie Holmes has proven in one independent movie after another that she was wasted among the loquacious posers of Dawson's Creek. But, while the brainier writing of Smallville would better serve her intellect, even Lex Luthor probably couldn't squeeze a few episodes into her busy film schedule. (Would it help if we begged?) Shelly Cole: We have long looked forward to the pseudo goth chick's every fleeting appearance on Gilmore Girls as Rory's droll Chilton classmate, Madeline, and here'

Thu, Jul 8, 2004

Did Comic Shatter Todd Glass?

Dramatic headline, eh? But in a word, the answer is... no. Being booted from the Last Comic Standing madhouse last week didn't start Todd Glass thinking about switching to a career in Ginsu-knife sales. (He'd be good at it, though!) As another joker packs his or her bags in tonight's episode (9 pm/ET on Fox), TV Guide Online catches up with the funnyman who turns out to be — no kidding — as sensitive as he is silly. TV Guide Online: Let's begin with the end — were you glad that in your head-to-head with Tammy Pescatelli, the vote was so close, or were you like, "Damn those five extra people who picked her!"?Todd Glass: I have a joke where I go, "I laughed so hard, I punched you in the uterus." My brother goes, "That probably lost you five women right there; I'm glad you like that joke so much that it was worth losing for!" When you think about it, there's probably some truth to that. But I was happy that it was close. It was better than

Tue, Jul 6, 2004

Money Honey Kisses and Tells

Rule No. 1 of reality-TV dating games: The guy is always going to be a sucker for the girl whom all the other girls hate. Rule No. 2: TV Guide Online is always going to want to dish the dirt with that girl! (Nice chicks may finish first, but they're less likely to gossip than a mime.) And so, gentle readers, it is with great pleasure that we now present our titillating tete-a-tete with For Love or Money mischief-maker Rachel (who, in keeping with her vixenish screen persona, phoned us two hours late!). Our money is on this endearingly forthright 26-year-old flight attendant to emerge from tonight's season finale (9 pm/ET on NBC) with both a huge payday and a big buck by the name of Preston. TV Guide Online: How do you feel about being portrayed as "the villainess" of the show?Rachel: Terrible. Honestly, I'm just really, really upfront, and I just spoke my mind. I really didn't think it was possible for them to make me look as bad as

Mon, Jul 5, 2004

Buffy Star's Mean Feet

After the cancellation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Michelle Trachtenberg thought she was done with the small screen. Hoped she was, even. "I'm definitely happy not to be in TV anymore," the ambitious Eurotrip starlet admits to TV Guide Online. Yet when she was invited to parody pop's tarts on Six Feet Under, she eagerly resurrected her tube career. Who can blame 'er? "Celeste is a combination of all the rumors you've ever heard about Britney, Christina and J. Lo all rolled into one," she says of the vixen she debuted in last weekend's episode. "She's just a bitchy little diva!" Although Trachtenberg's four-episode guest gig has just begun (and continues this Sunday at 9 pm/ET on HBO), she's already back at work on her next feature, Ice Princess, in which she plays a bookworm with secret aspirations to be the next Nancy Kerrigan. "[My character] uses physics to teach people in her community how to skat

Mon, Jul 5, 2004

Buffy Star's Mean Feet

After the cancellation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Michelle Trachtenberg thought she was done with the small screen. Hoped she was, even. "I'm definitely happy not to be in TV anymore," the ambitious Eurotrip starlet admits to TV Guide Online. Yet when she was invited to parody pop's tarts on Six Feet Under, she eagerly resurrected her tube career. Who can blame 'er? "Celeste is a combination of all the rumors you've ever heard about Britney, Christina and J. Lo all rolled into one," she says of the vixen she debuted in last weekend's episode. "She's just a bitchy little diva!" Although Trachtenberg's four-episode guest gig has just begun (and continues this Sunday at 9 pm/ET on HBO), she's already back at work on her next feature, Ice Princess, in which she plays a bookworm with secret aspirations to be the next Nancy Kerrigan. "[My character] uses physics to teach people in her community how to skat

Fri, Jul 2, 2004