Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 3, 1993 TAG: 9306030023
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETTELOU PETERSON KNIGHT-RIDDER/TRIBUNE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Dixon, now 36, was born in Alexandria, Va:, tried modeling after college and made TV commercials that landed her in "Bosom Buddies" in 1980. Her only other TV series was "Berrengers" in 1985. She's done TV movies and features including "Spies Like Us" with her husband, Dan Aykroyd. The Aykroyds have a young daughter.
Q: I'm an admirer of Perry King of "Almost Home." I'd like to know some stuff about him.
A: King was born in Alliance, Ohio, April 30, 1948, studied at Yale and Julliard and got his first break in 1974's "Lords of Flatbush" with Henry Winkler and Sly Stallone. For a time he was king of the TV minis, including "Captains and Kings," "Aspen" and "The Last Convertible." He's done two other series including "The Quest" and "Riptide." He's been married twice, has a child from each.
Q: There were two detective series on TV: "Mr. Lucky" and "Peter Gunn." What years were they on TV? Who were the stars and are they still living?
A: John Vivyan starred as "Mr. Lucky," 1959-60. He died in 1983. Craig Stevens was "Peter Gunn," 1958-61. He is still alive and was last seen on TV in "Dallas."
Q: Give some information on Tony Shalhoub on "Wings." How can I write to him?
A: Shalhoub is a native of Green Bay, Wis., studied at Yale School of Drama, did regional theater and the New York Shakespeare Festival and received a Tony nomination for "Conversations with My Father." He made his feature debut in "Longtime Companion." He's also been seen in the features "Quick Change" and "Barton Fink." Try: NBC-TV, 3000 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, Calif. 91523.
Q: I'm wondering about Gale Gordon, that delightful character actor who plays Mr. Mooney on "The Lucy Show." Is he still around?
A: He's 87, and lives at his desert ranch 175 miles from Los Angeles. Gordon's real name is Gaylord Aldrich. He built a career in radio and theater before TV. He did three series with Lucy. He was first choice to play Fred Mertz in "I Love Lucy" but was committed to "Our Miss Brooks" at the time.
Q: Tell me about Dixie Carter, of "Designing Women." Where can I write her?
A: Carter was born in McLemoresville, Tenn., May 25, 1939. She studied music in college, branched into acting and moved to New York after graduation. She landed a job with the New York Shakespeare Festival. She did musical theater until she married and retired to raise her two daughters. She came back to the theater, did TV including the soap "The Edge of Night" and sitcoms "On Our Own," "Out of the Blue," Filthy Rich" and "Diff'rent Strokes." She has been doing a successful cabaret act as a singer for several years. She married and divorced actor George Hearn before she married actor Hal Holbrook in 1984. Write: Columbia Pictures Television, 3300 Riverside Dr., Burbank, Calif. 91505.
Q: I'm a fan of "The Wild, Wild West." There was an actor named Michael Dunn who played the evil Dr. Lovelace on the show. Has he done any shows recently? How old is he and where does he live?
A: Dunn's real name was Gary Neil Miller. He was better known for his motion picture work, including an Oscar nomination for "Ship of Fools," his 1965 movie debut. A dwarf, he was able to work in other roles than those which played up his stature. He was 39 when he was found dead in his hotel room in London during the filming of "The Abdication" in 1973.
Q: We think "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" is top notch for children. Where can we write?
A: Write Fred Rogers, Family Communications, 4802 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa: 15213.
by CNB