Ricky Schroder is now at his peak in his craft.  After his "NYPD Blue" role, I thought, this man cannot get any better.  Wrong, he has gotten only better by the day.   His role in Fox's "24" is the best work he's ever done.  Proving me wrong that all child stars become twisted and screwed up.  Only Ricky, Shirley Temple and Kirk Cameron have so far proved me wrong in that assessment.   Back to his role, the series which I love but find a bit too sullen at times needed him to add the spark that only a seasoned performer who loves being an actor can portray.  I think Keifer Sutherland is good, but Schroeder is excellent and just the shot in the arm, the series needed.  I remember growing up with Ricky in his NBC series, "Silver Spoon."  Ok, maybe I was a bit more grown up than he was while the show was on the air.  But I have stopped counting candles.  I think the only progression this actor can make is giving him his own series again.  Proving he's a leading man to contend with, hopefully he'll be arriving on the silver screen in the future.  And this man loves his wife and kids to boot.  Ricky gives all the new wannabe stars an example to live by.  Work on your craft and have a private life outside of this town.

Maybe it's just me but Courtney Cox is doing a great job as producer and star of her hit FX Series "Dirt."  Seeing her turn the tables on the tabloid world, which has hunted her and her many famous FRIENDS for years.  Courtney's always had a great wit and intelligence so seeing the crisp, shocking and yet somewhat realistic writing is great.  But she's such a wonderful actress that she's found her own niche in this comedic yet dramatic role.  The show only needs one more thing.   Bring on Matthew Perry in a role.  She's had her friend Jennifer Aniston appear and Jen and Courtney shared a shocking but much criticized kiss on air.  The critics just don't get it.  This was not about redoing the  Britney Spears Madonna shocker, this was about acting.  I think the ladies did a great job working together, and kissing aside, Cox is really a brilliant actor.

USA Network's "4400" will feature one of our favorite performers Constance Towers in the new season's Sunday, July 1 episode.  Not to give too much away, but he lady has a spiritual side, which was important to Towers.  "I have always had deep spiritual beliefs and this role gave me an opportunity to bring to the character what I believe myself."  Towers enjoyed working in Canada with the cast and crew.   Look for her exclusive interview in an upcoming TV Guide piece with the legendary Michael Logan about the show and the great experience she had working with such a professional team.

Word is that our beloved icon Mr. Charlton Heston is not doing so well.  The man who we all loved in "Ben Hur," "The Ten Commandments" and then got to know all over again in "The Planet of the Apes" has given a brave and forceful fight against a brain disease.  Mr. Heston should not be counted out however until it's time.   We may not see him again on the big screen or the small screen in any upcoming projects, but he's certainly given us a great legacy of brilliant and entertaining work.   So say a prayer for him and send him your best wishes. 

Also, best wishes to my dear friend Beverly Garland for a speedy recovery.   Get well Regis.

Pray for our Troops performing their patriotic duty in over forty countries across the globe. Remember them.  America owes them a lot. 

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