Supporting comedy actor and actress finalists
Here come two more lists of the ten actors and actresses that are finalists for Emmy nominations in the supporting comedy categories. As with the other awards, there are some surprises on the list, and some notable omissions. For the ladies, the headline is that last year’s winner, Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl), didn’t make the cut. Surprise finalists include Conchata Ferrell (Two And A Half Men) and Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live). I don’t mind seeing Conchata on the list because she is consistently funny on the show, but I don’t know that there is enough to her role for her to actually garner a nomination when you consider the competition.
On the other side of the coin, the defending champ, Jeremy Piven (Entourage), is back. None of the boys over at SNL managed to make the leap from Variety to Comedy that Poehler did.
There is one welcome surprise on the list, though. Fred Willard (Back To You) is in the running. Given the fate of the show, I expected it to be mostly forgotten by now, but Willard is always solid, and the acknowledgment of that is nice to see. I would have liked to see Tyler Labine (Reaper) in the running, but The CW, much like WB and UPN before it, might as well not even exist where the Emmys are concerned. The rest of the finalists, after the jump.
Supporting Comedy Actress
- Kristin Chenoweth - Pushing Daisies
- Conchata Ferrell - Two And A Half Men
- Jenna Fischer - The Office
- Jane Krakowski - 30 Rock
- Judith Light - Ugly Betty
- Elizabeth Perkins - Weeds
- Amy Poehler - Saturday Night Live
- Jean Smart - Samantha Who?
- Holland Taylor - Two And A Half Men
- Vanessa Williams - Ugly Betty
Supporting Comedy Actor
- Jon Cryer - Two And A Half Men
- Kevin Dillon - Entourage
- Justin Kirk - Weeds
- Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother
- John Krasinski - The Office
- Jack McBrayer - 30 Rock
- Tracy Morgan - 30 Rock
- Jeremy Piven - Entourage
- Fred Willard - Back To You
- Rainn Wilson - The Office
For me, choosing who I would like to see win the actress category is pretty easy. I’ll take Kristin Chenoweth all day. She has a crazy role, on a great show, and she regularly steals scenes. Even when they aren’t dressing her up in red, white, and blue sequined bikini tops. On the men’s side, I’m a little torn. Jack McBrayer is great on 30 Rock, but it’s hard to go against Neil Patrick Harris. What do you think? Omissions? Favorites?
Who should play Jeannie on the big screen?
The big screen adaptation of I Dream of Jeannie has been years in the making. Now a script writer is attached, so who knows, maybe we’ll see it in theaters in the next few years (IMDB.com lists a release date of 2010). And something tells me we’ll probably see a belly button or two.
Producer Sid Ganis is bringing Rita Hsiao, who scribed Mulan, on board to rewrite the script for a movie based on the 1960s series. Ganis is psyched for Hsiao’s vision of the character — a Jeannie who’s smack in the middle of modern times.
In a Hollywood Reporter story, Ganis said of Hsiao’s meeting with the producers, “She has a terrific, bright, fresh approach to Jeannie’s story, with a twist and turn along the way. She captured all of our imaginations in the telling of it.”
I’m geeked because Hsiao was also brought on board to rewrite 2007’s Enchanted and 2004’s 13 Going on 30, two of my favorite romantic comedies in recent years.
Ganis has no qualms about the movie taking time to evolve, noting that Jeannie is a “beloved and iconic character,” and they want to get it right and stay loyal to the TV series. Once a script is in place, they’ll work on a director and cast.
Hmmm … let’s think about this. Just for kicks, I looked up Barbara Eden, who played Jeannie in the TV series. She’s been working steadily through the years, and recently had gigs on Army Wives, George Lopez, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. I think she’d be great as Jeannie’s mom in the movie. Larry Hagman is still around, too, having done a stint on Nip/Tuck in 2006. Let’s find a role for him in the movie.
As for who should play Jeannie, Kristen Bell of Veronica Mars and Heroes springs to mind. She’s got the sassy thing down cold, her belly button is cute, and she’s already made a successful leap from TV to movies, with Forgetting Sarah Marshall. (At least, I thought it was successful.)
For Major Nelson, that’s a tough one. Maybe Peter Krause? John Krasinski?
Who would you pick to play Jeannie and Major Nelson?
Lost Cast Changes, Hills Coupling Is On and Heroes Plans Shocker!
Hey, kids! It's good to be back on the West Side and back to our usual Monday Q&A fun times. I missed you last week! (Though John Krasinski did ease the sting.) We have quite a few juicy questions to delve into today, so let's dig in…
Wendy in Seattle: Any word on The Hills? I cannot stop watching and obsessing about that show. Please help me!
I'm currently working with the scientists at Cal Tech to develop medication or shock therapy for this ailment, as I have it, too. I'll keep you posted. Not sure if this should technically be in the spoiler section, but sources close to the show tell me that Lauren Conrad and Stephen Colletti (also seen on One Tree Hill) are "heating up" in their "rekindled romance!" Holla! And get this: Word is, Stephen may actually be moving to Los Angeles to live with Lauren this summer during One Tree Hill's hiatus. Juicy, no? Says the source: "They're doing really well together."
Marcus in New York: Will everyone be back on Lost next year?
No, they won't. Obviously I can't spoil who, but I will give you a few more details in the spoiler section, if you keep reading.
Tonya in Kansas City, Kan.: How cute were Michael Scott and Holly Flax (Amy Ryan). I mean, come on. Finally, someone who gets Michael's jokes. Is Amy going to be back for more episodes next season?
It was love at first Yoda impersonation! For me, anyway. Plus, Holly and "Special K" Kevin were freaking priceless! I checked on this for you, and the official word from the NBC rep and Amy's rep is that nothing's been decided for sure about her status next season…Still, an inside source who works on the show tells me, "Oh yeah, we have to see her again next season. She'll be there for sure." Awesome, yes? (P.S. I luuuhhhved that finale, despite the Jam letdown. You?!)
JBV in Escondido, Calif.: Any word on The Office spinoff?
I still can't shake this feeling that it could be Jim and Pam in the big city…Bonkers, right? But she's going to art school, and if Ryan does happen to return and hear that message Jim left, he could be packing up his desk. Argh! But I'm sure that's a ludicrous idea, 'cause the OG Office needs them. I also know the initial plan was to bring in a new person (i.e. Rashida Jones) to Dunder Mifflin Scranton and then spin off that person, but because of the strike it didn't pan out. I'm also told by a source, "The rumors that it's definitely Dwight or it's definitely Andy are false. But it is someone who will be taking a big risk." (Duh on that second part. Though I do trust Greg Daniels and Mike Schur, the producers of the spinoff, fully.) Anyway, I might die if someone doesn't tell me soon, so weigh in with any theories in the comments below, OK?
Lindsay in Atlanta: I am a little miffed at you, Mrs. Dos Santos. When it comes to TV watching, you are my go-to girl. If you tell me to watch it, I do. So, I'm miffed that now that Moonlight is gone, and I'm hooked. You have given us nothing to sooth our broken hearts. Where is your gritty (but always polite) interview with those evil CBS bosses? Give us something please!
I did talk to CBS president Nina Tassler last week at the CBS upfront about the cancellation of Moonlight, a show so many fans loved passionately, and she defended the decision, saying, "Once we got back up on the air it was about the numbers and the ratings, and we were just struggling a little bit. I loved the show. I personally love the show. I love working with Alex O'Loughlin and Joel Silver, and I just think we had to make some very tough decisions. It was hard." Not half as hard as it is for the fans who went to great lengths to save this series, Nina! Just sayin'! I'm also working on getting an exit interview with one of the stars or producers for later this week, so stand by.
Kayla in Albany, Ore.: I am freaking out. Can you please verify that Eric Kripke was kidding around about Jensen Ackles leaving Supernatural and being replaced with Chad Michael Murray? I love Supernatural with every fiber of my being, and I don't want to see it in the fall without Jensen!
He was totally kidding. Our beloved Jensen will definitely be back on Supernatural. CMM will be thousands of miles away in North Carolina. Promise.
Sam in Tel Aviv, Israel: Is Laura Vandervoort really out of Smallville next season, or is it still up in the air? I really like her, and they could have done so much more with her!
I'm told she isn't going to be a regular, but they're hoping she'll be able to return and guest star in an episode or two. Meanwhile, if you're a Laura Vandervoort fan, hang in there for Into the Blue 2. Audrina from The Hills, who has a small part in the movie, is getting all the press, but Laura's the lead!
Holly in Pilesgrove, N.J.: First of all, I want to say how much I love your page and all the work that you do! You keep us TV fans so informed! I was curious about the status of Notes from the Underbelly? Is it returning, or has it had its last curtain call?
Sadly, there was no sign of it at ABC's upfront, so it's gone for good.
Talia in Surrey, British Columbia: Now that the upfronts are over, can you make a big list of the shows that are getting a new season and a list of the ones that were canceled? Even if you just did one of the shows canceled that would rock. At this point I am very confused. Thanks!
You got it! Check back later.
Sonia in Madison, Wis.: After hearing you rave about the show Dexter and always trusting your wonderful taste, my husband and I finally got around to renting it, and let me tell you: We watched eight episodes in two days. Wow! If this show gets canceled I will die. Just die! Does it have a solid viewership? I hope so! Anyway…thank you so much for the tip.
You're so very welcome, and if it helps, I talked to David Zayas (Angel Batista) at EW's upfront party, and he told me that production on season three of Dexter begins next month. Yay!
Malik in Bangkok: I love Lost! Is anyone going to die in the season finale?
I can tell you that a series regular who has been on the series since the first season will not be back next season (season five). According to inside sources, this person's contract has been put into a holding deal and the plan at this point is to have him or her return for season six. Guesses? (OK, I'll spare you the frantic emails: It is not Jack or Sawyer. It's a she.)
Wendell in Santa Fe, N.M.: Lost, girl! Spill! What can you tell me about the very end of this season?
Remember how I told you that time traveling and teleporting is most definitely happening?(Duh) Well, let's just say that it's going to be happening on a much larger scale in the coming seasons. And if I tell you any more about that twist, I will break the heart of this sweet guy who's name rhymes with "Hey, mon" and karma will see to it that I return in the next life as grasshopper poo.
Yessie in New Orleans: Heroes! Give me something!
Gladly! I will give you a bevy of video interviews with our favorites (Masi, Milo, Zach, Adrian, Sendhil, etc.) this week for a Heroes Week extravaganza, so keep checking back. In the meantime, I can tell you this doozy of a spoiler: Sylar slices open the head of the person you may consider the show's biggest star! That happens within the first two episodes and we also learn exactly what he does once Sy-baby pops the lid on our heroic pals, so let's just say that there is plenty to look forward to early on in season three. They are putting some big plot points and answers in motion, from what I hear.
Caro in Hamburg, Germany: I'm still shocked about the ER finale even though we all knew what was gonna happen…I bet it's Pratt that was in the ambulance, all he said in this episode ("Things fall into place," and that stuff) kind of hinted at him. When things are the best, that's when characters die, right?
All I can say is that Linda Cardellini—the other character who might have been in the ambulance—was out and about at NBC's Summer Press Day a couple weeks ago, promoting season 15 of the show. And Mekhi Phifer just signed on to do a movie. I'm not mathematician, but if I had an abacus I could probably figure this one out.
Blaire in Birmingham, Ala.: Do you have any Bones scoop on the season finale or season four? Please tell me Booth is OK!
Booth is OK. As for season four, according to Emily Deschanel, as far as she knows the season premiere is just going to be Booth and Bones together in London, with the squints back at the Jeffersonian doing research.
Nelson in Miami: Gossip Girl! Spill it. You know you want to! XOXO!
Newsflash: I'm ridiculously excited for tonight's finale in which Rufus and Lily do the nasty. Lily walks down the aisle with Bart, and they both say Yes. (Scandaloso!) And Georgina will get her comeuppance, which makes me so happy you'd think I actually know the (fake) girl. Speaking of G, I can tell you that the plan has changed and that at this point, at least according to Michelle T and a CW source, there aren't any plans to bring her back. I don't know whether to laugh or cry 'cause I so love Michelle and love to hate Georgina.
Megan in Wilmington, N.C.: I was reading the spoiler chat and thought I'd let you know that they filmed the "hit by a car" scene from One Tree Hill outside my apartment a couple of weeks ago. I don't watch the show, so I'm not positive who the character is, but it was definitely a guy!
I sure hope it isn't anyone waiting for an organ transplant! But if it is, it would sure be a ringing endorsement for karma, right? Hey, kids! Don't kill your brother! And that's one to grow on…
Anna in Salt Lake City: I need some Ugly Betty scoop. I am personally a huge fan of a Betty-Gio hookup. Any hints as to when or if that is going to happen?
I can tell you that Ugly Betty is taking the Henry-Betty-Gio triangle down to the wire. One of the boys proposes in the finale, and the other one invites her to travel with him. In true TV fashion, at the end of the episode, we have no idea whom she leaves with, and we'll have to wait until next season to find out. Also, big stuff coming for Daniel in the UB finale. He'll lose something very important to him, and in a cosmic, karmic exchange, rediscover a part of his life he never knew he had.
Rachel in Arkansas.: Funny story. I'm sitting here in NYC at the Mansfield Hotel guest computer, and I think I stumbled upon an article you wrote about the ABC upfronts last week. Someone saved it on the desktop! I was hoping to find some superspecial inside scoop in there that didn't make the editorial cut, but no dice. Anyhoo—got any scoop on my boy Chuck? Are he and Sarah going to be hookin' it up anytime soon?
LOL. Yes! That's where I stayed last week. It's cute, no? Next time I'll plant some secrets there for you. As for Chuck, Yvonne (Sarah) told me that she's quitting the Weinerlicious and will be working somewhere else with an even better outfit! So clearly, it's just a matter of time before Chuck sticks his wi…er…willing hands lovingly on the small of her back and whisks her away for a tango. (Hee.)
Erika in Mexico City, Mexico: ¡Saludos! Please, I need some Chuck news! Do you have any scoop of the new season?
James Bond is joining the cast! OK, not really, but the series will be bringing in a debonair former spy to tutor Chuck in the ways of high-stakes espionage. Post your dream casting in the comments below.
SunB: I can't wait for the return of Prison Break! When can I expect to see the new season? Also…maybe some scoop?
The new season of Prison Break is back Aug. 25, and they're introducing a new nerdy hacker character named Roland Glenn to join the boys for at least six episodes to help them fight the Company. He's a talker, this one, and his big fat mouth is going to get him into trouble…Also, Sara's back! I know you know. I'm just excited is all.
Jake in San Diego: Any scoop on Doomsday from Smallville?
Looks like Davis Bloome aka Doomsday is forming quite an interesting relationship with one Miss Lois Lane! Sources tell me the first time we meet Davis is when he is attempting to pick up Lois at Ace of Clubs. Still, don't expect things to get too steamy between the couple—I'm also hearing that Davis Bloome is something of a Jekyll and Hyde.
Tanya in Kalamazoo, Mich.: Give me some Clois scoop, please!
Could it finally be happening now that Lana is out of the picture?! I'm hearing that during a conversation Lois admits that she is constantly thinking about a man who is described as "confusing, mysterious and oddly sexy." Huh! I don't know about you, but those words definitely scream Clark Kent to me!
Therese from New York: Brothers & Sisters scoop?
Sources tell me that Kitty has begun look for a replacement to take over her job. (Babies! I'm guessing they'll adopt…) Also, look for things to change at the family business when Saul unexpectedly resigns. (As long as Sloane, er, Saul sticks around on the show, I'm alright with that.)
Toni in Hawaii: My Boys is coming back soon! Who is P.J. going to be dating?
Ah yes, the big question that's been on our minds is, Who the heck was on the plane? Though I can't reveal that mystery, I can tell you that Kyle Howard said of Bobby and P.J.: "I'm not going to say that we're never going to hook up again." Ooh! So maybe our filthy rich friend was the one who bumped P.J. up to first class, eh? Also, when guest star Nia Vardalos stops by, she's going to be a [married] love interest for one of the boys.
Nancy in Pasadena, Calif.: Nip/Tuck?
Christian's getting on the operating table, and that's not the shocking part: It's not for sex! Word is, our sexy doc will only be getting a boob job (pectoral implants).
Marie in Sanford, N.C.: Any other scoop on Army Wives season two? I can't wait until June 8; I really love this show.
Just saw the season premiere, and the bar does blow up, and people do die. Two of the dead are significant characters we've come to know well, and one of those deaths actually made me very, very sad. (Sniffle.)
That's it for today. Thanks so much for your fantastic questions.
Oh! And one final note: I wanted to let you all know that there will be no chat next week because of Memorial Day, and also, I'll be out of the country for vacation. It's a trip I planned long ago with a sizable group (college friends and significant others), so in the cruelest twist of ABC scheduling fate ever, I won't be here to watch the Lost finale. Gahhh! Hold me! (Truth told: I seriously considered canceling my trip, but the tickets were nonrefundable.) Anyway, the always fabulous Jennifer Godwin will keep you nice and warm with the Lost Redux and lots of other dish while I'm away, so please play nice and, as always, thank you for reading!
Video Fun Times with Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski and Tina Fey
Greetings from the green carpet!
Right now I'm in between interviews at the CW soiree but had to share these videos with you from the NBC party, 'cause they're, um, awesome.
See Rainn Wilson rock my world with some spicy Office spinoff scoop (Schrute to Kill? Um, can someone pitch this, pronto?), and then watch in awe as he turns the microphone on the one and only Donald Trump.
And please, does it get any cuter/hotter/better than John Krasinski? He's spilling on the future of Jam—and why Jim could be headed to Japan! WTF?! Plus, see why he almost gave me a heart attack on the carpet! (Here's a hint: Bended knee and a ring! Enough said…)
Finally, Tina Fey talks about the big "O." (No, not that, silly!) "O" as in the divine Miss Oprah Winfrey, who offered her screen-time services to 30 Rock when Tina and her gal-pal Amy Poehler recently came her talk show to pump their own big-screen baby, Baby Mama. So what do you think? Is Oprah coming to 30 Rock?
Enjoy!