ASK STACY BY MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH
DEAR S.R.: Several films in which Nelson had lead roles tanked (such as "From the Hip" and "Blue City") after "The Breakfast Club." He's done quite respectably with roles on "Suddenly Susan," the big-screen "New Jack City" and other movies, but never became the big star many expected. Nelson plays a CDC doctor on an episode of "Psych" this month, and he's had recent roles in such fare as the big-screen "The Boondock Saints: All Saints Day" and TV's "Transformers: Animated" (doing the voice of Rodimus Prime).
DEAR STACY: Who's the actress in the Citracal commercial? -- Christian, E. Hartford, Conn.
DEAR CHRISTIAN: That's Kate Hodge of "Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" fame. The Berkeley, Calif.-born actress's long list of credits also includes a lot of TV work, with guest roles on shows ranging from "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" to "NCIS."
DEAR STACY: Watching "Wheel of Fortune," my husband and I were commenting that Vanna White still looks great. How old is she, and also, has she been with the show from the beginning? -- Kate L., Canton, Ohio
DEAR KATE: Fifty-two-year-old White followed Susan Stafford in the "Wheel" letter-turning job. Stafford's "turnure" went from 1975 to 1982.
DEAR STACY: My friends have laughed at me repeatedly for this: I swear the late, great Gene Roddenberry once wrote/produced a horror TV movie, something about a demon named Asmedeus? And his cult following. I believe Robert Culp starred in it. Am I right? -- William P., Hampton Bays, N.Y.
DEAR WILLIAM: The "Star Trek" creator did indeed co-write and produce an NBC horror flick called "Spectre" starring Culp and Gig Young in a Holmes-and-Watson-style relationship, as a criminologist and his doctor sidekick, specializing in occult-related cases. The movie, directed by Clive Donner, centered on a satanic cult with a demon known as Asmodeus. It was intended to launch a series, but was never picked up. An extended version that includes nudity was released as a feature in the U.K.
DEAR STACY: Did Peter Billingsley continue acting after he made "A Christmas Movie"? -- Ronnie, Staten Island, N.Y.
DEAR RONNIE: Yes; however, as an adult, his biggest credits are as an executive producer of films including "Iron Man," "The Break-Up" and "Four Christmases" -- and as a director ("Couples Retreat"). He frequently collaborates with Jon Favreau and his close pal Vince Vaughn. Billingsley does have a slew of post-"Christmas Movie" acting credits, including roles in "Iron Man," "The Break-Up," "Elf" and the 1993 film "Arcade." He starred in the latter sci fi/horror flick with Megan Ward, playing teens trapped inside a video game.
DEAR STACY: Can you tell me if and when "Breaking Bad" will return? Excellent show. -- Pat M., Sparks, Nev.
DEAR PAT: The gritty show that won Bryan Cranston back-to-back Emmys for his portrayal of a high school science teacher turned meth cooker returns to the tube March 7.
DEAR STACY: Whatever happened to the actors who played Aunt Esther and Lamont Sanford? I think their names are LaWanda and Desmond. -- Mauva B., Bronx, N.Y.
DEAR MAUVA: Standup comic/actress LaWanda Page died at age 81 in 2002 of diabetes. Demond Wilson, now 63, became an ordained minister in 1984. He founded in 1995 Restoration House, a center that helps rehabilitate ex-convicts. Married since 1974 and the father of six, he's also continued acting and currently has a movie project called "Faith Ties" in the works. He's authored several Christian books and children's books, and his "Second Banana" memoir came out last year.
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