BEVERLY HILLS—This week in Hollywoodland, our beloved Betty White continued grabbing headlines and touching the hearts of millions of TV viewers. Betty celebrated her 89th birthday this week and also enjoyed the highly-rated season premiere of her hit TV Land series “Hot in Cleveland.” In Tinseltown, “The Bay” is preparing for a celebration to commemorate their first season, and the executive producer and creator offered me a guest spot in season two. In “American Idol” news, the show debuted with JLO and Steven Tyler. Also, “True Blood” stars were a big hit at Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards, but not the show’s host.
Congratulations to Betty White who not only celebrated another year of success and good health, but who also can add another successful television hit to her growing resume. “Hot in Cleveland” returned on Wednesday, and we all wanted to see what would happen to Elka, who was arrested on the season finale last fall. Betty said at the TV Land premiere, “Regis is retiring in order to give me a hint that it’s time to retire as well. But that is not going to happen. I’m not going anywhere any time soon.” Lucky us.
Betty’s career was revived with her acclaimed role on CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful” just a few years ago. This week “B&B” received three NAACP Image Award nominations. Actors Aaron D. Spears and Rodney Saulsberry have been nominated in the category of Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series and actress Yvette Freeman has been nominated in the category of Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series for the 42ndAnnual NAACP Image Awards for their work on the hit soap. “We are elated by the nominations for all three actors,” said Executive Producer and Head Writer Bradley P. Bell. “They delivered powerful performances in pivotal story arcs. I am proud that they are a part of the ‘B&B’ family.”
The 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards will broadcast live on Friday, March 4, at 8”“10 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
Gregori Martin, who created and produces the hit series “The Bay,” is planning a celebration to honor fans who have supported his show. The series stars Mary Beth Evans, Matthew Ashford, Tristan Rogers and many other great actors. I’m happy to announce that Gregori was gracious enough to offer me a guest starring role for the upcoming second season, which will began filming in the summer and will return for the season two premiere in September.
Fans can attend the Season Finale Fan Event on Saturday, February 19, from 7-9 p.m. at Henry’s Hat Restaurant, which is located at 3413 W. Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood.
Join the cast and crew of the web’s most successful new drama series for a private screening of the season finale. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the show’s cast and win exclusive prizes. Admission is limited and will include a buffet of heavy appetizers. An open bar of wine and beer will also be included from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 and available for purchase at thebaytheseries.com.
“American Idol’s” new season also debuted, with Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler replacing other judges. The show received mixed reviews. Last season the series hired Ellen Degeneres to replace Paula as a judge, but it was not successful.
Ricky Gervais was not a hit at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. His stinging and biting humor often fell flat in the room filled with Hollywood A-list stars who felt they were being made fun of a little too much. HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” one of my favorite shows, took home the gold, and congratulations to Steve Buscemi, who gave the most gracious speech.
As always, the cast of “True Blood” was a real hit at the Golden Globes. The show may not win a lot of awards, but its popularity continues to ascend most other new shows today. Season four returns in June.
Have a great week, and see you next week! XOXO
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Photographs Courtesy: Betty White by Bell Phillip Television Productions True Blood poster by HBO Productions
