Q.
We watch Empty Nest and would like to know what breed of dog Dreyfuss is. If our family decides we want our own Bear, we need to know what to look for. – Suzi Troiano, Plantation
A.
You’ll have no problem adopting a dog of the same breed as Bear, who plays Dreyfuss. Every pound is loaded with them. Bear is a mutt, although he does have prominent parents. His father, Boomer, who is part German shepherd/part golden retriever, played Merlin Olsen’s dog in Father Murphy and John Candy’s pet in Summer Rental. Bear’s mother, a St. Bernard named Molly, was in Steel Magnolias.
Q.
Did Loni Anderson ever sing on Lawrence Welk’s show? Can she sing? I know she can’t act. – L.J., Pembroke Pines
A.
Anderson was a high school teacher in Minnesota before she turned to show business. Her biography includes a number of stage musicals, including Can-Can and Fiddler on the Roof, so she probably has sung professionally. However, there is no listing of a Lawrence Welk gig. What do you mean she can’t act? In addition to a couple of Emmy nominations, for a number of years, she convinced America that Burt Reynolds was a swell guy.
Q.
Whatever happened to Kelly Mitchell of WSVN-Ch. 7? – Nancy Winston, Fort Lauderdale
A.
Nothing. You have not been seeing her because she was on vacation, after which she had an assignment in Europe. By the time you read this, it is likely that she will be back.
Q.
I know that you frequently get requests for how to contact a star. I used to work for the Screen Actors Guild in Hollywood. The best way to reach a star is through the Guild, 7065 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood Calif. 90028. Send requests in care of the Agency Department. You should get the name of the agent of anyone in SAG, which covers almost everyone working in TV and movies. Stars can be reached through their agents. – Barry D. Bross, Fort Lauderdale
A.
I don’t do addresses because they are of interest only to the person seeking them and there are fan magazines to serve this purpose. Your letter is greatly appreciated, however. I suggest this be a clip-and-save for the starry-eyed.
Q.
Is Second Chances off the air because Connie Selleca is expecting in real life? – Mrs. F. Kanten, North Lauderdale
A.
Selleca’s pregnancy has nothing to do with it. The Second Chances set was destroyed in the January Northridge earthquake. Supposedly it is being rebuilt and CBS has been promising that Second Chances will live up to its title. However, it doesn’t seem as if this will happen before the fall schedules are set in late May, which is an ominous sign for the future of the soap.
Q.
What ever happened to handkerchiefs, which used to be part of every wardrobe? We sympathize with people who cry on TV but if they are lacking a blotter, they must brush away tears with their fingers and wipe their noses on the back of their hands. Why don’t interviewers carry tissues? – Mary E. Jarry, Fort Lauderdale
A.
I wouldn’t say that you have identified one of TV’s vexing dilemmas. However, a little common courtesy never hurts and TV reporters and news directors do read this column. So, if the next time you see someone blubbering on the air and they are handed a handkerchief or tissue, you can feel that you made your contribution to civilization.
— Send your questions about local television, the networks or cable to Tom Jicha, TV/Radio Writer, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33301-2293. Personal replies are not possible; please do not send self-addressed stamped envelopes.
