Just Because: Courtney Cox Arquette

'Friends' like most really successful tv shows often gets dismissed. When a show is a HUGE hit, some diminish the brilliance of the writing, the stories, the acting. I have been recently rewatching some early seasons of Friends and am enjoying more now than I did on the first run. Firstly because watching anything on DVD is better than on a network. The ability to watch as many or as few episodes as you want enhances the viewing pleasure.



Although I love all the Friends, when watching the first time my favorites were Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry. (I still morn the loss of 'The Comeback') In rewatching I have discovered the truly amazing work done by Courtney Cox Arquette. Courtney and 'Monica' really were core to the success of Friends. Courtney who I found somewhat annoying on 'Family Ties' grew over the 10 years of Friends into a great actress. Monica's storylines in the second viewing are my favorites. Courtney walked a fine line between Monica's neurosis and vulnerabilities. Never a one note character, Monica could be the strong stable and at the same time goofy and obsessive. Her romance with Chandler was a great way to move Monica from her hunt for love to a longing for family and children. Just wanted to throw a shout out to the talented Courtney. Jennifer gets the media attention, not to mention the EMMY, but the true actress of the Friends cast to me is Courtney Cox Arquette.

Special Birthday Wishes today to: Betty White

I am not sure there is anybody more beloved in show business than Betty White. It is hard to imagine why someone would not love Betty. I was 10 years old when 'The Golden Girls' came on tv. I have such wonderful memories of sitting down with my parents watching this show. I am sure many of you can relate to the experience of enjoying the show, not just for the watching of the show itself, but my loving to watch my mother watch it. There is something about watching a parent enjoying something, laughing that is so memorable to a kid. I think my eyes were as much on her as the show itself. I thank Betty for this, and all the women on the show. I have tried to watch GG again on DVD, and although I see the greatness, I simply do not enjoy it as much as when I was a kid watching with my parents.



Betty White loves to work and loves her fans. She has no issue with appearing in feature films, tv guest spots, game shows and soap operas. Her work ethic, her talent, her work with animals, her humanity are all reasons I love her. I also sense a deep sadness in Betty over the years, a lonliness since the death of her husband that makes her ability to bring such joy all the more significant. Happy Birthday Betty who today turns 87 years young!

Favorite TV Star of the Day: Melissa Peterman

Ok, I am little late on the bandwagon with this one as Reba is no longer on the air with new episodes. But I have always liked Reba McEntire, so purchased seasons 1 and 2 of the show at an after Christmas sale. Well, I really like the show, but was amazed at how I not heard how wonderful actress Melissa Peterman is. Reba is great as always and I always enjoy Chris Rich, not to mention cutie Steve Howey, but Melissa steals every scene she is in. The dynamic of Reba and Barbara Jean is hilarious and Melissa joins my long list of tv actress's who richly deserved an Emmy. My only complaint about the DVD's were I wish the actors under 20 years old were left off the DVD commentary. They were a bit annoying, but that is a small thing. I am looking forward to future seasons of Reba and Barbara Jean.






Whats a 'Reba' Post without a little shirtless Steve Howey.

Favorite Classic TV Star for Nov 25th DELTA BURKE

Delta Burke Rocked on Designing Women. Her character made me laugh out loud like no other tv character. The fact Suzanne Sugarbaker had a pig as a pet was icing on the cake. It was shame behind the scenes issues took her off the show as the show then slumped through two painful years without the comic center of Suzanne. The entire cast was great, but none came close to Delta. Bonus for Delta for also playing Mary Cheery's mother on Popular.

Favorite TV Star for the Day: Kelly Bishop

Kelly Bishop is a Broadway star (Winning a Tony for A Chorus Line) Who stole the show as Emily Gilmore. Why this talented woman did not win an EMMY is beyond me. Hopefully she will be back on the tube soon. A Toast to the great Kelly Bishop!

Favorite Classic TV Star for Nov 17th Jennifer Savidge

Who is Jennifer Savidge? Well she has made the rounds of many tv shows, most recently CSI, Without a Trace, and as a regular on JAG. I fell in love with Jennifer when she played Nurse Lucy Papandrao on the MTM eighties show St. Elsewhere. Lucy was a highlight on this brillant show, outspoken, loud and hilarious. Here is a look back at Jennifer and the men of St. Elsewhere.

Favorite Classic TV Star for Nov 1st ERICA GIMPEL from FAME

Erica Gimpel took over for Irene Cara as Coco when Fame moved from the big screen to TV. Erica was one of the most talented actors on the show. She led most of the shows best music numbers. Erica went on to appear in The North and South mini serie's as well as Profiler. (Last two pics are from that era.) Erica deserved to be a huge star and hopefully will still find a role to push her past the role of Coco.

Erica Gimpel in FAME

Erica with Debbie Allen and Gene Anthony Ray




Erica singing in Fame. It always amazed me that Erica was not a huge star like Janet Jackson who also spent a couple of years on Fame. Erica certainly sang and danced the pants of Janet on the show.

Favorite Classic TV Star: Oct 29th Debralee Scott

Debralee Scott was all over the boob tube in the late 70's and early 80's. From TV Shows like Angie and Mary Hartman Mary Hartman through frequent quest spots on the Love Boat and Game shows. She was also a regular on Welcome Back Kotter for awhile. Later Debralee was part of the Police Academy Movies. What ever she was in she brought a smile to my face. Debralee died tragically in 2005 sadly after her fiance, a police officer died during the attacks on September 11th. She and her laugh and overbite will be missed.

Favorite Reason to Watch Dancing with the Stars.

Ok, I admit it, I have never watched a single episode of Dancing with the stars until this season. I thought I would check it out as Cameron Mathison was going to be on. I had never seen Cameron on All My Children, only knew his good looks from magazines and the web, thought he would be hot to watch. Well...he is hot, but to me he is one of those actors hotter in character and in pictures than in person. In person he seems somewhat goofy and not as hot as the frequent wet torso pics that graced the net. I am enjoying it for another reason though, Marie Osmond. I love 70's variety shows and Donny and Marie was great (they will get their own post in the future). Marie Osmond is an interesting media figure these days, on one hand a show business survivor, on the other the doll queen is somewhat of a train wreck, her fainting spell last week a good example. But, all that being said, she makes good TV and it great to see a 70's teen idol holding her own on the show. Not sure she will make it to the finals, but it is fun watching her try to get there.

Marie with brother Donny on the Donny and Marie Show.

Favorite Classic Television Star: Oct 19th Laurette Spang

Laurette Spang is best known for playing the socialator, Cassiopia romancing Starbuck (Dirk Benedict) in the sci fi show from the late 70's Battlestar Galactica. Call me crazy but I prefered Battlestar over Star Wars as a kid (although that changed since growing into an adult). One of the reasons might be my childhood crush on Laurette Spang. Laurette has not acted much lately, but was a fixture on network tv in the late 70's and early 80's showing up in the usual places like Charlie's Angels and the Love Boat. Laurette married John McCook (the Bold and the Beautiful) and has raised their three children. Recently it looks like Laurette might be returning to acting. Laurette is the first person I sent a fan letter to, and she was the first to reply, many times with notes and pictures.






Laurette's Offical Website Here: