tim.williams

The Beverly Hillbillies' Max Baer Jr. on Being Jethro

The Beverly Hillbillies' Jethro Bodine would fall somewhere between Barney Fife and Kramer on any list of great TV sidekicks. Part buffoon and part beautiful dreamer, Jethro was a childlike mind plopped into the body of a backwoods Hercules. These days, the man who played the slack-jawed Jethro, Max Baer Jr, is pleased people still love the Hillbillies and that TV Land is running an all-you-can-watch Jethro marathon on, appropriately, April Fools' Day. Baer, however, is not a foolish man — he made millions with his own brand of country-fried entertainment in the '70s (Macon County Line and Ode to Billy Joe), and is currently working on a dream project: a hotel and casino based on The Beverly Hillbillies that he hopes to open in Nevada in 2010. We chatted with him about his famous character and the latest on h

Tue, Apr 1, 2008

The Beverly Hillbillies' Max Baer Jr. on Being Jethro

Barry Manilow Brings the '70s Back to Life

When he burst onto the music scene with "Mandy" in '74, Barry Manilow invented the power ballad and in the process changed prom songs forever. The rest of the Me Decade would prove the singer unstoppable (even by critics) as he produced a string of hits and created a loyal following of fans who found in his lush music an escape from the hard rock of the times. These days the Brooklyn boy is still making good, with a new CD for the holidays, In the Swing of Christmas (available at Hallmark stores), and a TV special, Barry Manilow: Songs from the Seventies (premiering Dec. 3 on PBS, check TV Guide listings), proving that much like the power ballad, Manilow will never go out of style. TVGuide.com: It seem like you're busier than ever.Barry Manilow: Just when I think I'm done it explodes again, I'm just amazed. I g

Mon, Dec 3, 2007

Barry Manilow Brings the '70s Back to Life

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Stars Reflect on Their Superspy Days

It was the series that brought a bit of Bond into the American living room. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. was the hip spy show long before Jennifer Garner put on a wig or Chuck got embedded. Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and his mop-topped Russian compadre, Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum), beat up villains, heated up vixens and captured a nation of crazed teenage fans in the swinging '60s. But the series would go out on a fizzle rather than a bang as its fourth season ended early due to lackluster scripts and changing times (it was replaced in the lineup by Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In). There was one TV reunion movie that gained high ratings, but no sequel. Today both actors enjoy ongoing success: Vaughn in his AMC series Hustle and McCallum with NCIS.

Tue, Nov 27, 2007

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Stars Reflect on Their Superspy Days

Captain and Tennille: Love (and DVDs) Will Keep Them Together

In the '70s the Captain and Tennille reigned supreme in the world of pop music with high-sheen tunes like "Love Will Keep Us Together" and "Muskrat Love." The quirky husband-and-wife team of Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille were even positioned to be the next Sonny and Cher with a wacky variety series in '76, but after squabbling with ABC about the direction of the show (C&T wanted more music, execs wanted more comedy), the two decided to sail away after one season and leave the lowbrow yuks to Donny & Marie. The couple would soon return to TV with specials that had

Tue, Oct 9, 2007

Captain and Tennille: Love (and DVDs) Will Keep Them Together

Ooh-ooh-ooh! "Horshack" Talks Up the Kotter DVD

From Mr. Peepers to Mr. Cooper, classrooms and comedy comprise a favorite TV pairing, but no show combined the two with its era better than Welcome Back, Kotter. From floppy hats and bell-bottoms to the slightly stoned-out look on the students' faces, Kotter became the 1970s for most kids. Products such as lunch boxes, board games and dolls (including a perfectly coifed John Travolta) solidified the iconic stature of the series and its cast. Ron Palillo, who played lovable schnook Horshack, took some time to raise his hand (with a quick, "Ooh-ooh-ooh!") and answer a few questions about Kotter's new Season 1 DVD (available now;

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Ooh-ooh-ooh! "Horshack" Talks Up the Kotter DVD

How Ben Affleck "Suited Up" as Hollywoodland's Superman

Recently, Ben Affleck seemed to be better known for his romantic involvements than his talents on screen. But with Hollywoodland (available now on DVD), the actor is changing all that. The fact-based flick, detailing the mysterious death of ‘50s Superman George Reeves, earned Affleck great reviews and a Golden Globe nod (for best supporting actor). More importantly, this dark Tinseltown tale reminds audiences that Affleck was delivering fine performances — in films such as Chasing Amy and Good Will Hunting — long before

Tue, Feb 6, 2007

How Ben Affleck "Suited Up" as Hollywoodland's Superman

George Takei Takes on Star Trek's Sulu, Howard Stern and Other Heroes

William Shatner may get more attention for his exploits as a nutty attorney and a gyrating game-show host, but these days the hippest Star Trek vet is, inarguably, George Takei. The former helmsman of the USS Enterprise has gone boldly where no man has gone before as the "official" announcer of Howard Stern's uncensored Sirius Satellite Radio show. There, as a guest, he fields some good-natured jokes relating to his recent coming out of the closet. But the actor often turns the table on the shock jock by moving the chat to loftier concerns like gay rights, the war in Iraq or modern architecture. Star Trek fans, of course, want more of Takei as Sulu, and they got it this week with the DVD release of Star Trek: The Animated Series. This '70s c

Wed, Nov 22, 2006

George Takei Takes on Star Trek's Sulu, Howard Stern and Other Heroes

Mr. T Gets Real in TV Land's I Pity the Fool

Unlike Monchhichis, acid-wash jeans or New Coke, Mr. T survived the '80s and even emerged as an iconic figure to those who thrilled to his outrageous adventure series, The A-Team. The hard man with a soft side returns to the tube with TV Land's I Pity the Fool (premiering tonight at 10 pm/ET), a reality show that has the former bouncer dropping knowledge on average folks in need of guidance in today's mixed-up world. Think of it as Dr. Phil with a Mohawk, fatigue pants and a lot less jibber-jabber. TVGuide.com: This is a reality show with a very sweet side.Mr. T: Thank you. In this "Reali-T" show, as we like to call it, I want to entertain and also get a meaningful message across. We're really trying to inspire people and motivate

Wed, Oct 11, 2006

Mr. T Gets Real in TV Land's I Pity the Fool

Frenchy's Guide to the New Grease DVD!

As kids head back to school, it seems fitting that the class of Rydell High returns with a newly remastered, extras-packed and "leather"-clad DVD release of Grease, out this week. The over-the-top ‘70s musical that waxed nostalgic for the cool ‘50s only grows in popularity, especially with younger viewers who go giddy for the catchy tunes and colorful costumes but who take little note of the hormone-fueled humor. TVGuide.com got a chance to chat with Didi Conn, who plays the pinkest Pink Lady and "Beauty School Dropout," Frenchy, about summer lovin' on the set, why she's hopelessly devoted to John Travolta and

Tue, Sep 19, 2006

We Have the 411 on Reno 911!

From Barney Fife to Barney Miller, cops and comedy have made hysterical bedfellows. Comedy Central's cult hit Reno 911! is proof that the bumbling-police shtick remains in fine hands. The mostly improvised series plays its Cops-like parody for plenty of white-trash gags and silly sexual innuendos. Comic Carlos Alazraqui, who plays dim-witted deputy James Garcia, took a few moments away from World Cup action to lay down the law with TVGuide.com about his screwy series arriving on DVD this week, what the new season promises, and what's up with these modern Keystone Kops hitting movie screens. TVGuide.com: So, Reno 911! — The Complete Third Season is here on DVD.Carlos Alazraqui: Yeah, and fans will love the

Tue, Jul 11, 2006

Robert Conrad Was Born to Be Wild

With a cool mix of sex appeal and tough-guy bravado, Robert Conrad is the quintessential TV hunk. From his early days sporting swim trunks on Hawaiian Eye to his macho military commander on Baa Baa Black Sheep, the actor has created the kind of characters that men want to hang with and women want a romp with. Conrad sealed his TV-icon legacy as sly spy James West on the

Tue, Jun 6, 2006

Paula Abdul Relives Idol's Best and Worst

With a career turn as the positive pixie who sits between fellow judges Randy and Simon on American Idol, Paula Abdul is one of the few totally '80s artists who won't have to make a demeaning appearance on Hit Me Baby One More Time. The former Lakers girl became an MTV staple with videos like "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract," but now hands out advice to hopeful pop wannabes on Fox's talent-show phenomenon. With the new DVD The Best & Worst of American Idol (now in stores), fans can relive the highs and lows from all four seasons with Abdul, who chatted with TV Guide about all things Idol. TV Guide: Why will people want to watch this Idol DVD?Paula Abdul:

Mon, Nov 28, 2005

Paula Abdul Relives Idol's Best and Worst

Office Space Courts Cult of Popularity

When Mike Judge unleashed his animated bad boys Beavis and Butt-Head on an unsuspecting MTV audience in the early ‘90s, he found that some people were missing the satire and just filing the show under “lowbrow humor.” But with his 1995 hip comedy, Office Space, about slackers forced into the rat race, Judge made it known that he had more on his mind than flatulence jokes. The 43-year-old comedic auteur keeps a low profile by spending much of his time at home with his family in Texas, but a new release of Office Space — subtitled the Special Edition with Flair — and a cool Judge-picked Beavis collection got the man (who still voices Hank on King of the Hill, which, did we forget to men

Tue, Nov 1, 2005

Racer Girl Feels the Need for Speed

Milka Duno is a gal who likes life in the fast lane. The 33-year-old Venezuelan began her professional racing career back in 1998 and was soon piloting some of the fastest cars in the world. A four-part documentary Racer Girls (airing Thursdays at 10 pm/ET on the Biography Channel) follows Duno and other girls gone wildly fast as they work to be taken seriously in this high-octane sport. TVGuide.com got Duno to slow down just a bit and give us answers to some fast and furious questions.  TVGuide.com: Do you ever get nervous driving at such high speeds?Milka Duno: Not really, but I don't like to talk about how dangerous it is or about the accidents. This is a sport and you have to play it safely — you can't think about something bad happening. You need to have confidence in your team and believe that everything is wor

Thu, Sep 22, 2005

Kevin Smith Loves His 'Rats Pack

Director Kevin Smith always gives his fans a bit more than they expected (OK, and sometimes wanted) with his fully loaded DVD releases. His ’95 flick Mallrats (out today on DVD) has Smith showing his indie spirit by presenting a brand-new cut of the comedy. Here the sly director relaxes with TVGuide.com to riff about the 'rats, a new Clerks and why he’s not buzzing around The Green Hornet. TVGuide.com: Mallrats didn’t set the box office on fire when it came out in theaters. Why do this extended DVD?Kevin Smith: I thought after Mallrats came out and wasn’t well received that no one would ever talk about it again, other than in film class as, "Never do this!" At the time it came out I felt like I was hav

Tue, Sep 20, 2005

New Orleans' Music Will Survive

While New Orleans struggles to overcome the tragic effects of Hurricane Katrina, one wonders if we’ll ever hear the joyous sounds of Mardi Gras again. The new documentary Make It Funky! (opening today in select cities) presents a history of the town and the music born in its streets. Filmmaker (and N'Awlins native) Michael Murphy chatted with TVGuide.com about the sounds of the Big Easy and why he knows  his city will rise again. TVGuide.com: What makes the music of New Orleans so special?Michael Murphy: Well, everyone knows New Orleans for its jazz, but it has 200 years of rich musical influences: rhythm and blues, blues, Mardi Gras Indians, marching brass bands.... It really makes for a great gumbo of traditions. It also has a uniquely funky beat. TVGuide.com: A lot of people were worried about Fats Domino

Fri, Sep 9, 2005

Don Imus Gets the Blues

Delbert McClinton is sure to get the joint jumping when he brings some roadhouse blues to Imus on MSNBC tomorrow morning at 6 am/ET. The Texas singer-songwriter, whose tunes have been covered by everyone from Emmylou Harris to the Blues Brothers, stops in on the political show to serve up a heaping slab of countrified soul. McClinton spoke with TVGuide.com about his new CD, meeting the Beatles, and why he and Don Imus are still singing the... well, you know. TVGuide.com: Your new CD, Cost of Living, is hard to define. Is it blues, country, rock...?Delbert McClinton: I hate categories; my whole career has been about mixing things up. To me there are only two kinds of music: the k

Tue, Aug 16, 2005

Harold Ramis 'Busts Bill Murray

Few have had more influence on the current crop of "guy comedies" than Harold Ramis. The 60-year-old writer/director, whose began his career editing the jokes page at Playboy, is responsible for some of the wildest flicks of the past three decades. Animal House, Caddyshack and Groundhog Day still have dudes quoting lines and debating funniest scenes, but it's the new release of a special slime-covered DVD set of the Ramis-scripted Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II that has the yuk-master giving us the lowdown on his comedy classics, his next project and why

Wed, Aug 3, 2005

NYPD Grad Takes Strong Medicine

Rick Schroder had never worked as a doctor before taking on his role as foxy physician Dylan West on Lifetime's Strong Medicine (Sundays at 9 pm/ET), but the former child star did have some medical experience. After all, he's spent his entire career causing temperatures to rise. "I'll never forget how my sister and I would kiss the TV screen when Rick would come on in Silver Spoons," says his Medicine costar Rosa Blasi. "I told Rick that story when we met, and I think it made him really embarrassed." While the 35-year-old actor's teen-dream past does bring back some self-conscious memories — "I was uncomfortable at that time because I got acne and my voice was changing," he says modestly — Schroder admits to being pleased that his new role has injected some sex appeal into Medicine's sixth season. "There is nothing wrong with being the hot new doc," he says. "It's so much better than the alternative — the fru

Fri, Jul 1, 2005

The Day You Can't Miss on DVD

By the time Doris Day came to television in 1968, her place in entertainment history was as sealed: She was the freckle-faced all-American blonde who had ruled the box office with bubbly musicals (The Pajama Game) and pseudosophisticated bedroom farces (Pillow Talk, for which she was Oscar-nominated). Her CBS sitcom, collected on The Doris Day Show Season 1 (MPI Home Video, $39.98), was wisely built on her bona fide girl-next-door appeal. She played a widowed mother who moves from the big city to the country to raise her boys (Philip Brown and Tod Starke). Critics at the time dismissed the show as poorly written fluff, but audiences spooned it up like a butterscotch parfait, and it ran for five successful seasons. True, the shows' plots make even Everybody Loves Raymond seem multilayered (a noisy clock keeps everyone up; the kids take Mom out to an expen

Mon, Jun 13, 2005

Cybill's "Maddie" for Martha Stewart

Cybill Shepherd was already a star when she hit TV in the smart and sexy Moonlighting (1985-89). Costarring with the then-unknown Bruce Willis — those were his pre-Die Hard days — she was one half of a bickering pair of private eyes who clued us in to an appealing mix of postmodern irony and nostalgic screwball comedy. Since Maddie and David's quirky first season hits DVD this week, TVGuide.com invited Ms. Shepherd to revisit her fabulous '80s. But not without sneaking in a few current queries about Martha Stewart first!TVGuide.com: Your NBC Martha Stewart movie was so popular that you're doing a new one for CBS dealing with her time in prison. Why did you want to do it?Cybill Shepherd: Well, it's an incredible story. It's almost on a Shakespearian level. I have a great admiration for her; I think there was a vendetta against her because she's a woman. TVG: Did you ever meet her?Shepherd: Years ago. I reall

Thu, Jun 2, 2005

Why Phil Collins Hates Idol's Simon

Famous for his catchy pop tunes and mushy ballads, Phil Collins ruled MTV in its early years. Originally a drummer for the British band Genesis, Collins' un-rock-star-ish manner and cheeky videos helped him score solo hits like "Against All Odds," "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Sussudio." Now the diminutive Englishman — who wrapped up the U.S. leg of his farewell tour last year — has released a DVD document of his live show, entitled Finally... The First Final Farewell Tour. We got the native Londoner to chat with us about his long goodbye, the totally awesome '80s and the age of American Idol. TVGuide.com: The DVD depicts your farewell tour, but honestly, will you go back on the road in five years?Phil Collins: I'll be 58 in five years — I don't think I'll want to be touring. We've done America, and I'm getting ready to do the rest of the world from October through December. I'm

Thu, Mar 10, 2005