John Schneider offers estate items at auction

Kurtzman Square grand piano, anyone? Or perhaps an antique American Federal Double Pedestal sideboard? These might not be the kinds of items we normally associate with our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," Mr. John Schneider, but they're a couple of the items from his estate that are going up at auction in mid-October.

Paragon Estate Sales will oversee the on-location sale in Agoura Hills, California, on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16. Many items being sold will be personally authenticated by Schneider. Visit Paragon's site for the auction to see more (there's a Corvette big-block engine there -- that's more up your alley, right?).

And check out Schneider's latest TV project: "Trick My What" debuts on CMT at 10 p.m. Eastern on Friday, October 7. As CMT says, the show features Schneider on a mission to trick out any vehicle that will help a family make a living. Now that sounds like it's right up his alley!

John Wesley Shipp joins the guest list at GMX

We told you back in June all about how you should make your travel plans for the Geek Media Expo -- GMX for short -- in Nashville in October. Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV is going to be there signing copies of all of the BRBTV reference guides in print: "Destination: Dallas," "Dynasty High" and "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" (Soon to be joined by another title next year -- can ya guess what it will be? Bet not!)

If you're a fan of "Santa Barbara," though, and especially if you're a fan of the '90s "Flash" series, you've got another great reason to attend the show: John Wesley Shipp, whom us "SB" fans know as Martin Ellis, will be there. Shipp joins BRB, "Shazam!" star Jackson Bostwick, '80s pop star Tiffany, and a host of other geek-magnet guests.

Incidentally, Shipp, the GMX site reports, also co-starred with our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," John Schneider, in a feature film shot entirely in Geelong, Austra, called "The Ninja." He played Det. Matthew Reynolds. The film started shooting in early 2009 and wrapped up in May.

Larry Hagman takes a little drive down Memory Lane at Toronto event

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As we mentioned on this very blog, Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden of our beloved "Dallas" appeared at the Fan Expo Canada last weekend, doing a little meeting and greeting with fans. And as these fan cons go, the two had lots of time to reminisce with longtime viewers about not just their "Dallas" days but also that other little show they just happened to do together years earlier, "I Dream of Jeannie." BRB's friends Mike and Krista of Metro Detroit traveled to the event and got a chance to chat with them about something that we're guessing has never come up before at these events ... the story of the blue Pontiac GTO car used for "Jeannie" -- and where it might have ended up.

You see, once upon a time, well, just a couple years ago, a guy named Mel, also from Metro Detroit and a friend of Mike's, purchased his dream car at the famous Barrett-Jackson Car Auction. It was a Monkeemobile, one of the two screen used cars built by designer Dean Jeffries for the '60s TV show, and since that purchase, it's made a lot of rounds at car shows and cons (see our May 19, 2008 post as well as the photo below). But before it went through its creative conversion process to be used on "The Monkees," what was it? Mike thinks he knows.

"They had two of them for Larry," Mike says of the blue "Jeannie" GTO below. "Detective work has led us to believe this was the Monkeemobile -- before becoming the car we now know. Is this 100 percent for sure? No. No car DNA available yet. BUT, with the pre-build pics and the build sheet decoded and those in the know (namely the builder himself) we are 98 percent sure. The two 'Jeannie' GTOs were turned into the two Monkeemobiles. Before Mel's car was restored four years back, they removed the old interior and the blue paint was found."

 

So at the event in Toronto last weekend, Mike and Krista told Hagman the story, and he was very intrigued, indeed. He was kind enough to sign the visor from Mel's Monkeemobile. And Eden signed it, as well. In the top photo, you can see Mike showing a cell-phone photo of the Monkeemobile to Hagman. So fun.

Toronto photos courtesy of Mike; please do not copy without permission

The "Dukes" cast takes to the stage as our Hazzard Homecoming video walk-through concludes

It's clear the cast members of "The Dukes of Hazzard" have a great time with the fans, and August's Hazzard Homecoming near the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains in Sperryville, Virginia, certainly proved that out. The event featured not only host Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones, but also John ("Bo Duke") Schneider, Catherine ("Daisy Duke") Bach, James ("Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane") Best, Sonny ("Enos Strate") Shroyer, and Rick ("Cletus Hogg") Hurst. On the Sunday evening of the event, they all took to the stage, as you'll see in the very last part of our six-part video series ...






Included with the final part are Jones' words about the show, including a mention of this year's departed cast members, Peggy Rea and Christopher Mayer.

John Schneider thrills the fans as our tour of Hazzard Homecoming continues ...

BRBTV had a great time at this month's Hazzard Homecoming in Sperryville, Virginia, hosted by Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and his wife, Alma Viator. And we captured a bunch of those fun "Dukes" moments so you could experience them, too! Continuing on with the six-part video series from our walk through the event, here are Parts 3 and 4 ...



Part 3 concludes Day 1 of the event, including a chat with Miss Jo of Covington, Georgia, whose flower shop provided Boss Hogg's boutonnieres in the show's first five episodes in the late '70s. Jo gives an update on the "Dukes" display that for years was a tourist attraction at the A Touch of Country shop on the Square, as well as what's filming in Covington these days.




Part 4 takes you to Day 2 of the event, including the addition of John ("Bo Duke") Schneider to the signing tables. What happens when a fan asks if she can kiss our beloved Bo Duke? His wife, Elly, has an answer or two ... Later on this warm August day, John takes to the stage to sing "Country Girls," and when he takes off his overshirt ... there's a reaction!

Stay tuned for Parts 5 and 6 later this week ...

Walk through the Hazzard Homecoming with BRBTV video series

If you didn't get to Sperryville, Virginia, a couple weekends back for the Hazzard Homecoming, don't you worry none. BRBTV was there, and we did plenty of walkin' around! And since we just happened to have a camera attached while we were a-walkin', now you can get a view of the event, too!

This week we're highlighting our new six-part video series full of fun images of the event, just posted to the BRBTV YouTube channel. Today, it's Parts 1 and 2.



Part 1 includes:
- A look at some of the cars on display
- A peek at the signing tables of cast members Ben Jones and Rick Hurst
- A little chatting here and there with friends such as Rusty (aka "Boss Hogg"!), and Paul of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club
- Stunt BMX biking




Part 2 includes:
- A peek at the signing tables of cast members Catherine Bach and Sonny Shroyer
- A visit to the merchandise table (love that moonshine jar!)
- A moment at author Jon Holland's table as he signs a copy of his latest book, "A Moonrunner's Tale"
- The view from atop the "01" bus
- Stella Parton on stage and at her table


Tune in later this week as the video series continues ...

Missing Barbara Eden in Toronto this weekend? Think New Jersey in October!

Woo-hoo! While BRB's buds Will and Andrea and Mike and Krista are meeting Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden at Fan Expo Canada today (and hopefully getting a nice shot for the next Kindle edition of the BRBTV fact book "Destination: Dallas"!), fans who missed the chance can plan for another opportunity coming up, at least where Eden is concerned. The star of the latter seasons of our beloved "Dallas" will be coming to the Garden State in October.

The Garden State Comic Con happens October 8-9 and will feature not only Ms. Eden but also Jonathan Frakes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" fame, who also appeared in a great episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard" when he was a young pup, playing a well-regarded character named Jamie Lee Hogg. Jackson Bostwick, the original star of the '70s live-action "Shazam!" who has been interviewed on this very blog, will be meeting and greeting there, as well.

Check out the rest of the guest list for the event; it's pretty good.

Timothy Gibbs stars in "11-11-11"

It's nice to see Timothy Gibbs, the onetime Dash Nichols of our beloved "Santa Barbara," so front-and-center in a new flick. He's ready to roll in high-profile form in "11-11-11," which releases -- you guessed it -- on November 11.

You can catch Gibbs -- still so hunky, and really only in his mid-40s -- in the movie's trailer on the official site. This supernatural thriller comes from Darren Lynn Bousman, the director of some of the "Saw" movies, and plays with the concept of the number 11:11 being repeatedly seen in random places, like clocks, license plates, price tags. Folks have been sharing their own 11:11 stories on the site's message board.

Filmed in Spain, the movie concerns "an entity from another world that enters the earthly realm through Heaven's 11th gate," the IMDb says. Michael Landes, that darling ole Jimmy Olsen on the '90s "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," shares the screen with Gibbs for this one.

Gibbs seems to be splashing out with a few new projects this year, after several years away no doubt concentrating on his construction company, as we've reported on in this blog. You can catch our BRBTV interview with Gibbs in the "Send Me to Santa Barbara" fact book.

(And frankly, we don't see 11:11 -- but we sure have been seeing 444 constantly for several years! Look that one up!)

Spotted: Jerry Rushing

OK, so ... There we are the other night, all enraptured watching Johnny Cash play the tough rural Georgia sheriff Lamar Potts in 1948, in fervent pursuit of Andy Griffith's evil mobster boss John Wallace in "Murder in Coweta County" (that's ki-eta, by the way -- the name doesn't moo). Tall, handsome, hardened Johnny Cash ... Ahhhhh ... We loved the man and everything he stood for. Anyway ... Griffith is in a car chase, and who's driving his car but ... Jerry Rushing? Well, it sure looks like him!

We check the IMDb (aka, "the oracle," according to our bro), and sure enough, that's our man behind "The Dukes of Hazzard" who's behind the wheel in that scene of the 1983 TV movie, based on a true story. It seems rather appropriate, since Griffith's Wallace makes a reference to "revenuers" a few scenes before. Rushing's character, Herring Sevill, ends up in the cell right next to Wallace's, and Herring gets increasingly nervous about his obligations to the sinister country mobster.

It's out-of-the-way Meriwether and Carrollton, Georgia, where this action takes place. So wonderful to see homespun Andy Griffith showing his range with a evil turn, and so wonderful to see Jerry Rushing in one of his roles, just a few years after he helped create "The Dukes" and guest-starred in the 1979 "Dukes" episode "Repo Men."

Hazzard Homecoming hits the high notes

Well, they went and threw a little "Dukes" shindig, and a few people done showed up. OK, more than a few. Make that thousands. "Dukes of Hazzard" fans from all over the country and even other countries (that's you, Paul and Zealand!) made it out to Sperryville, Virginia, today for the first day of the Hazzard Homecoming at the Thorton Hill Hounds Raceway. Guess us fans were just craving a big "Dukes" event -- it's been a while. And rain? Yea, there was a little rain. In fact, it lightly rained for a half-hour or so. Did anybody notice? Maybe. Did anybody stop what they were doing? Not even a little.

The spacious, hilly grounds off Highway 522, with the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains rising up in the distance, provided the perfect setting for Hazzard's fans to come "home" to this city where the very first Dukesfest occurred back in 2001. Everything from General Lees to Hazzard County sheriff's cars to Boss' big long white convertible to Cooter's tow trucks and more covered the landscape. Stella Parton, who guested on one episode of the original series, took to the stage in the afternoon, even doing a little "church" with "This Little Light of Mine." And Cooter's Garage Band performed later on.

Much of the original "Dukes" cast was there: Sonny Shroyer, Catherine Bach, host Ben Jones, James Best and Rick Hurst. Stella Parton signed autographs as well as her new book, "Tell It Sister, Tell It: Memories, Music and Miracles," just released a couple months ago and with proceeds supporting domestic violence shelters.

Lines were loooooong -- one lady told us she waited in Bach's line for five and a half hours! Tomorrow, John Schneider is scheduled to arrive for the meetin' and greetin,' and we can only imagine how long his lines will be.

It was nice and warm (not as deadly hot as it has been up here in the greater D.C. area) with a strong, cooling breeze a-blowin'. And BRBTV got to chat with a lot of good folks we only see every so often, like Miss Jo McLaney, below, who traveled all the way from our beloved Covington, Georgia, to say hello to her "Dukes" pals.

Weary, grimy, a little sunburned and definitely wind-blown beyond recognition, we didn't stick around for the fireworks tonight, but we're going back tomorrow! We'll be posting more photos to Facebook, and look for full video coverage of the event on the BRBTV YouTube channel in the next week or two.

Yeeee-haaaaaa!!!!

Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV 

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Couple cancellation notes for John Schneider's schedule

Please note, as you're planning your road trips: These two appearances on the schedule of John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," have been canceled:

November 19 at the Hollywood Show in Las Vegas

December 10 at the Frank and Son Collectible Show in Rowland Heights, California.

Come home to Hazzard this weekend

It may not be the Hazzard County, but it's a place that's near and dear to diehard fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard." It's Sperryville, Virginia, the former site of one of the Cooter's Place establishments, and the site of the very first Dukesfest in 2001. And now, this weekend's Hazzard Homecoming will bring "Dukes" fans back to that site with two days of blazin'-orange fun.

Much of the surviving "Dukes" cast will be there to meet and greet fans and sign autographs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day: Catherine ("Daisy Duke") Bach, John ("Bo Duke") Schneider (Sunday only), James ("Rosco P. Coltrane") Best, Sonny ("Enos Strate") Shroyer, Rick ("Cletus Hogg") Hurst, and the host of the festivities, as he was back in 2001, Mr. Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones. In between all of that, and all through it really (!), will be live music, stunt shows, plenty of fun activities for the kids, and oh yes, lots of General Lees to behold.

BRB will be there wandering the grounds with the BRBTV camcorder, to capture some fun stuff for our YouTube channel. And we just saw the email the other day that Jimmie Best is bringing some new original artwork on a Hazzard Homecoming theme. Ben and Alma sent out an email to attendees yesterday, reminding them to bring their sunscreen, plenty of water, folding chairs and/or blankets for the festival seating, and some patience to deal with any parking issues that may arise.

With nearly 4,500 folks RSVP'd as attending on the Facebook page alone, this looks to be the "Dukes" event of this year. And no wonder, the locale itself -- Sperryville -- hearkens back to the days when "Dukes" fans first started gathering and these were quieter affairs, more like family affairs, with much greater access to the cast members. So a big yeeeee-haaaaaa on that!

Linda Evans hangs out in the kitchen -- and at a bookstore near you

Linda Evans, our own Krystle Carrington of "Dynasty," is embarking on a book tour this fall for her new release, "Recipes for Life." Thanks to our buddy James, a photographer here in D.C., for the tipoff on this one. Evans has the info splashed all over the news page of her official site:

Thursday, October 13 at 7 p.m.

Barnes and Noble / Upper East Side
New York
Talk, Q and A and Book Signing

Saturday, October 15 at 1 p.m.

Bookends
New Jersey
Talk and Book Signing

Monday, October 17 at 7 p.m.

Third Place Books
Seattle
Book Signing and Q and A

Thursday, October 20 at 7 p.m.

Barnes and Noble the Grove at Farmers Market
Los Angeles
Book Signing and Q and A

Friday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Yorba Linda Library
Los Angeles
Book Signing and Q and A

Byron Cherry speaks more about Christopher Mayer's death -- and life

BRBTV has been keeping mum about many of the details we've learned about the death of Christopher Mayer in the past week, since we announced the news on this blog last Tuesday. We figured those who were closest to the actor could lead the way. And indeed they have. Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry, who co-starred with Mayer on "The Dukes of Hazzard," did a fresh interview with Entertainment Weekly yesterday afternoon, published on EW.com last night, where he sheds more light on Mayer's passing, and just what this longtime friend meant to him over the years:

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/01/byron-cherry-christopher-mayer-dukes-of-hazzard/

It's a great story, and BRBTV applauds writer Grady Smith for drawing some sweet and interesting details out of Cherry while still remaining respectful to the life of a treasured actor.

Spotted: Barbara Carrera, Karen Carlson, A Martinez, Morgan Woodward and more

In 1978 it was a rather grand, sweeping spectacle, far larger than the average miniseries, and really, one of the first in this concept of the miniseries, though it ran for basically a whole TV season, October 1978 to February 1979. It was "Centennial," based on the work of well-regarded novelist James Michener, and it was 24 hours of rich, historical fiction set in the 1800s, peppered with rustic settings and enough human element to please any soaps fan, and loaded with fine stars of classic TV, some not-so famous then but definitely known to us now.

Take Barbara Carrera, for instance. In the mid-1980s, we saw her as Angelica Nero in the infamous Dream Season of "Dallas." In 1978, though, she was very young and just three years into the business, as she explains in the "Centennial" DVD extras. Her role as Indian squaw Clay Basket, so sweet and naive and girlish at the beginning, then maturing through adulthood and quiet dignity in the ensuing episodes, is the favorite in her career, she says. She calls it a very good experience.

"They made sure that everything was absolutely as authentic as they could make it," she says of "Centennial," which BRBTV must note reflects some good production values for its time. In her DVD interview, she  comments on what it was like to work with Robert Conrad, also interviewed in the set for his kingpin role as brusque French-Canadian trapper Pasquinel, and others in this megawatt cast.

"I wasn't very experienced," Carrera says. "I relied on many things for help. But when I worked with Richard Chamberlain (Alexander McKeag, whom Clay Basket eventually marries) he was so much the part, that he made it so easy for me to work with him. It was a wonderful kind of chemistry."

As Clay Basket aged in the series, Carrera had to endure lengthy applications of facial prosthetics, which she also discusses in the interview. Ironically, she's shown in modern times in the extras looking so much more stunning than her character did as projected to her age in the series.

The 12 meaty, two-hour episodes of "Centennial" also feature:

- Anthony Zerbe, who portrayed Crenshaw on "Dynasty," as the swindling Mervin Wendell, who comes to the town of Centennial, Colorado, to bilk folks with his pretty blond wife.
- Clint Ritchie, longtime daytime soaps star who also appeared as Bud Morgan on "Dallas," as Messmore Garrett, a sheep rancher in Centennial.
- Karen Carlson, Nancy Scotfield on "Dallas," as the lovely, composed, smart Lisette Mercy, daughter of Pasquinel by his "white" family (he has two families in this tale!).
- A Martinez, our hunky Cruz Castillo of "Santa Barbara," who shows up in the final few episodes of the series as Tranquilino Marquez, an energetic young man (with lots of curly hair, we'll add!) who travels from Mexico to Colorado to find work and a better life for his family.
- Clive Reville, the voice of Alfred on "Batman: The Animated Series" as well as Warren Ballard on "Dynasty," as Finlay Perkin, the sharp-eyed accountant.
- Michael Ansara, the voice of Mr. Freeze in the animated Batman series and movies, as the adult Lame Beaver, father to Clay Basket. We knew there was something familiar about his voice!
- Timothy Patrick Murphy, our own young Mickey Trotter of "Dallas," even younger as Christian Zendt, a Mennonite lad (with a proper haircut!) who leaves his Lancaster home for a while to work for his uncle in the new town of Centennial.
- Barney McFadden, who portrayed Bruce Burns on "Dallas," Johnny Navarro on "SB," and Lt. Olsen on "The Colbys," as Abel Tanner.
- Morgan Woodward, our own Punk Anderson of "Dallas," dignified in his dark uniform as General Wade, who must sort out the legal mess of a bloody Army raid on an Indian settlement.
- Bo Brundin, who was  Holgar Kuhn on "Dallas," as Magnes Volkema.
- James Best, our own Rosco P. Coltrane of "The Dukes of Hazzard," who pops up in the very last episode, just as he was debuting on the "Dukes" with a little Rosco-like coo-coo-ca-choo on the witness stand as Hank Garvey.

Add to that a suave Timothy Dalton, an earnest Gregory Harrison, Alex Karras as a big lug with a big heart, cowboy Dennis Weaver, and a beyond-captivating Stephen McHattie as the sinister Jake Pasquinel (seriously, we couldn't take our eyes off him). Plus a few others we cannot continue blathering on about; look it up.

A great series, and a great accompaniment to the John Jakes Bicentennial book series we've been reading.

Tributes abound for Christopher Mayer

This past week has been a rough one for anyone who knew and appreciated actor Christopher "Chip" Mayer, Vance Duke of the classic "The Dukes of Hazzard" and T.J. Daniels of the daytime soap "Santa Barbara." And while BRBTV is still beyond bummed about the death of Mayer, we're heartened by the words of the fans in the wake of the news.

We're also delighted at the news from Mayer's on-screen cuz and longtime personal friend through the years of "The Dukes" and beyond, Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry. He has spoken to Mopar Magazine, and the publication plans to do a tribute issue for Chris. It's scheduled for a September release, and Byron is gathering information for it right now.

Fans have also set up a tribute page on Facebook.

Byron called BRBTV today to chat a bit about the whole thing, and he suggested we share some of those thoughts here. Fans are (naturally) wondering how Chris died. It's uncertain, though some sources have indicated natural causes. He was found in his bed, Byron says, adding that he and his wife Krista received a call after Chris had been found, to let them know the news. Chris' fiancee Catherine, who was rushing home from an out-of-town TV commercial shoot, also called Byron about the news.

Byron was fortunate enough to have seen Chris in those final days, as the two had been close for many years. Byron tells us, for instance, that when his son Byron Jr. was killed in a car crash and he was devastated with grief, it was Chris that he called. Chris was brimming with encouragement -- and verses from Scripture. Now, based on our own chat with him a few weeks back, we can just picture that!

Most of all, Byron wants fans to know that what was important about Chris was his life, not his death. For instance ...

These are just some of the wonderful thoughts we've seen expressed, many of them responses to Byron's Facebook posting this week:

so sorry to hear of his passing, my prayers are with his family. I remember seeing u and him in Florida years ago at the Grand Opening of TOYS R ' US in West Palm Beach when i was a young girl, I still have the autograph pictures of u and Chris.

I am so sorry, he was so wonderful!! We cried over the passing of our beloved pastor, he hugged me when I cried after my kitty died. Chris, hug Pastor Scott for me. You were a true gem!

Yes indeed, Vance Duke always put a smile on everyone's face...

‎"ARTISTS NEVER DIE" CHRISTOPHER MAYER 1954 - FOR EVER

So sad to hear this....RIP Chris Mayer aka Vance Duke.....you will truly be missed by all

i am so sorry to hear of chris's passing! my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to u. so sad. he will be missed!

I'm so sad to hear this, too, Byron. I remember the first time I met Chris... with you at the Atlanta Airport, and "B" was about 2 yrs old, holding his General Lee toy car! My heart is hurting with and for you now. Love to you and yours ~     

i'm sorry 2 here that bryon, chris was an awesome actor. love the dukes of hazzard and if it wasn't for the dukes the fans would never what a great guy he was. just remember he is in heaven with our savior now.walking and holding hands with jesus. and say dont u worry bryon we will b together soon. 

we all miss him & thanks to all the dukes fans for sharing his memories

So sorry - RIP Chris - a wonderful man - my thoughts and prayers to you and his family. I will light a candle at church for him - from all us Duke fans in the UK

I will miss him too. He and you were my favorite actors from the Dukes of Hazzard I have nothing but respect for ya,
RIP Christopher Mayer. We will miss you.

Byron, I just heard about Christopher today. It was a shock. My deepest sympathies to you, his family, friends, and all of his fans. Loved you both on the Dukes. Hate I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Seeing how highly you speak of him, he seemes like an awesome Guy and a great friend to you. Wonderful news about the magazine, can't wait to see it. It will be a great way to honor him.

I am in shock. I was just complaining the other day that CMT doesn't air the episodes with Coy and Vance anymore, they did the first time they started airing the Dukes again, but now for the second time they have skipped that whole season. Thanks for letting us know. So sad. :(

My heart is breaking. I am so glad I got to spend time with him this year. Even though it's not a shock, I am in shock. RIP Chris.  

I cannot believe this only met him a few times & each time he was so kind-RIP my friend

I'm in shock! I'm so sad. Chris was a great actor and will be missed.

just devistating... but at least he got to feel the fans love for the last few months, and got to know he was appreciated.

This is sadening news, To his Fiance Catherine and the rest of Chris's family my condolences, was lucky to meet him a coule times, he was a great guy, and will be truly missed by so many

prayers go out to his family and fiancee

      
Christopher Mayer, left, with his fiancee Catherine Irvine, and his "Dukes" costar Byron Cherry and his wife Krista, at the Johnny Cash Music Festival in Ventura, California, just last month.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Dubuque of Angel Hawk Productions; please do not copy without permission

Remembering Christopher Mayer

Many thanks to Cheryl Dubuque for these great photos of the last appearance of actor Christopher "Chip" Mayer of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Santa Barbara," who died this past Saturday. These were taken at the Johnny Cash Music Festival in Ventura, California, in mid-June, just a month ago, when Mayer appeared with his "Dukes" cuz Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry. Looks like they had a great time ...

In the second photo, you can see Chris' beautiful fiancee, Catherine Irvine (whom he referred to as his wife in our interview with him), along with Byron and his lovely wife Krista ... Our prayers go out to all of Chris' loved ones ...

(Now there's one of the few General Lee trunk lids that can ever hope to be "complete," featuring Mayer's fresh sig in silver just right of center.)

We just love all of the kind words we've seen posted about Mr. Mayer since the news broke of his death, on our own Facebook page, on other Facebook pages, and on numerous message boards and sites out there. He may have been a "replacement" Duke in the '80s, stepping in to a challenging situation and, in our minds at the time, representing the loss of our two beloved "Dukes" actors. We didn't like that very much, did we? But since then, we know that many "Dukes" fans have gained a whole new appreciation for Chris and Byron. They helped keep the show alive. They will always be a part of "Dukes" culture. And the fact that so many fans will miss out on meeting Chris is a true loss.

Photos courtesy of Cheryl Dubuque of Angel Hawk Productions; please do not copy without permission

Christopher Mayer passes away

BRBTV has just learned from the fiancee of Christopher "Chip" Mayer that the actor died unexpectedly on Saturday evening. Catherine Irvine, whom Mayer was planning to marry next month, had been out of town shooting a new project when she received the news.

"I will be posting something as soon as I can find words, just wanted you to know," she tells us.

Born George Charles Mayer III on February 21, 1954 in New York City, Mayer became well-known as Vance Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and T.J. Daniels on "Santa Barbara" and had a slew of other roles through the '90s. He was just coming back into the spotlight this year, doing appearances with his "Dukes" cousin Byron ("Coy") Cherry at the recent Johnny Cash Music Festival and the Hollywood Show in Burbank. He was 57.

BRBTV was thankful for the opportunity to speak with Chris a few weeks back about his work on "The Dukes of Hazzard" as well as "Santa Barbara." He was full of exuberance and a desire to get back out there and talk with fans after a long time under the radar. He talked freely about his faith, and we're thankful to know so surely that he is saved by God's grace. We certainly grieve over the untapped potential of his wonderful, joy-filled attitude -- the future experiences missed for both him and the "Dukes" fans -- and we are praying for comfort for his loved ones.

Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill talk about "Arkham City" game

There's a new Batman video game coming out, and our favorite voice of Batman, Mr. Kevin Conroy, was doing the rounds at this past weekend's Comic-Con in San Diego, chatting about "Arkham City." Conroy, of course, is a BRBTV double-shot as not only Batman / Bruce Wayne in "Batman: The Animated Series" and its various offshoots, but also as Bart Fallmont on "Dynasty" way back in the day. IGN interviewed Conroy, as well as Mark Hamill, the voice of Joker ...

More Batman: Arkham City Videos

More Batman: Arkham City Videos

John Schneider adds two more shows in August

Thanks to Phyllis for the word on two additional events on the appearance schedule for our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," Mr. John Schneider ...

Hazzard County Fair '11

August 13 (right before Schneider appears at the Hazzard Homecoming in Sperryville, Virgina)
Franklin Sussex Auto Mall in Sussex, New Jersey
http://www.fsautomall.com

Kustom Auto Southern Nationals

August 27
Arena at the Golden Moon Hotel and Casino in Choctaw, Mississippi
http://www.pearlriverresort.com/data/Car_Show_Flyer_Entry.pdf

Our fave stars of classic TV continue to find new life on web series

We've already reported how Gregori J. Martin's web soap "The Bay," launched last year, has provided something new and fun to do for a few of our "Santa Barbara" stars: Lane Davies, John O'Hurley and Nicolas Coster. And we've also told you about the new web soap of their fellow "SB" alum Signy Coleman, "River Ridge." (See our December 29, June 30 and May 27 posts to catch up.) Well, that whole web-based TV series idea has really blossomed, and for the stars of the classic shows we love, it's been a way to keep on-screen and moving ahead in a TV era that's seeing the death of the traditional network-aired soap.

- Take "Steamboat," for instance. Have you seen this one? If you haven't, it's worth your time. It's billed as "The Office" meets "All My Children," and that's a fair overview. Not only do "SB" vets Kim Zimmer (Jodie Walker) and Justin Deas (Keith Timmons) really dig into their roles as sly production execs at the fictional soap "Steamboat," but the dark humor is savvier than a lot of the more -- homemade, shall we say? -- web series out there. In the world of web TV, it seems to be hard to tread the comedy line without insulting your viewer, and this one squares off pretty well.

- In "Pretty," a beauty-pageant-obsessed family navigates its little girl (played by the adult Stacy McQueen) through the land of tiaras and sashes. The appearance of Joan Van Ark of "Dallas" as the 2065 version of the girl at the very end of the second series is what we watched for. She's all Tammy Faye'd up in her requisite pageant accoutrements, heavy on the eyes, for sure, and her scene is fun. This series is more farcical. And we'll just leave it at that.

It makes you appreciate what an astounding feat Martin has accomplished in "The Bay," assembling the megawatt cast that he has on a low budget, when you look at the other series that are out there (see a list of web-based series at the IMDb). We're thinking that, as with this new age of "journalism" we're in, with both those of us who actually have a degree, training and experience in the field as well as those who have none but figure setting up a blog makes it so, this new era of web television will feature both the professionally done work and the not-so-much-but-kinda-trying. Everyone has a voice on the Internet, after all.

Tom Wopat marks new album with NYC signing, October concert on West Coast

There's some news on the music front for Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard." We've got the word from the Wopat Web Crew ...

Tom Wopat's brand-new jazz album "Consider It Swung" will be released on August 9! The record is a swingin’ collection of standards featuring Wopat and some of the best jazz musicians New York City has to offer, all done in Tom's unmistakable style. You can preorder the album now and get a signed copy in the  Wopat Webstore. If you would prefer a digital copy, the album is already up on iTunes - just click here to download it now.

You can get a free preview of "Consider It Swung." Just click here to download the original song, "Thailand Sea."

Wopat says, "A few years ago I was filming a movie in Thailand, and the production put me up in a gorgeous hotel overlooking the sea. During my free time, I used to sit and look at at the ocean, and the view was just exquisite. The local folks there got around on what were called 'longboards' -- about 20-foot boats with a car engine strapped to them, and they maneuvered with a long prop that extended into the ocean. Sitting there and seeing this completely different way of life in such an outrageously beautiful setting became the basis for writing 'Thailand Sea.'"

To mark the release of the album, Wopat will be appearing at a NYC Barnes and Noble location. Mark your calendars and come out to see Tom perform three songs live, plus do some signing and talking with fans:

Tuesday, August 9

4:30 p.m. EST

Barnes & Noble

150 E. 86th Street (at Lex)

New York, NY

Also, Wopat will be performing with Linda Eder on October 29 and 30 in Southern California. Learn more at the Events page.

You can also follow the comings and goings of our buddy Luke Duke on these channels:
Facebook
Twitter
Official Site

Meet James Best at Mayberry Days and more ...

Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane -- aka, James Best! -- has set a late summer full of fun appearances, including next month's big Hazzard Homecoming event ...

Hazzard Homecoming
Sperryville, Virginia
August 13-14, 2011
Get your tickets early; space limited:
www.cootersplace.com

Right Coast Association/Granite State Nationals
August 20-21, 2011
Sandwich Fairgrounds
Center Sandwich, New Hampshire
603-520-5994
www.rightcoastcars.com/granite-state-nationals-php

Mayberry Days
September 22-25, 2011
Mt Airy, North Carolina
James will perform his one-man show on Thursday, September 22, at 2:30 p.m.
Downtown Cinema
Get your tickets early; space limited:
www.mayberrydays.org

Tennessee Shakespeare Festival: Lane Davies, Part 2!

What's coming up in next year's Tennessee Shakespeare Festival? Director Lane Davies gives BRBTV a word-up, along with a hint as to whether or not he'll star in the production, in the second part of our interview, posted on the BRBTV YouTube channel, rounding out our full week of coverage of this year's festival ...

Tennessee Shakespeare Festival: Jerry Winsett, Part 2!

It's evident as you watch actor Jerry Winsett on stage that he loves what he's doing. And his stage career extends far beyond the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival, where he just wrapped up a summer of shows as Aegeon in "The Comedy of Errors." Winsett also has his own dinner theatre company, Murder Mystery Productions, as well as Unique Entertainment Productions, producing interactive murder mystery shows and such audience delights as "Big Phat Redneck Wedding" at venues throughout the Carolinas.

Winsett began his performing career singing with his own band in Clarksville and Nashville, Tennessee. Before leaving Tennessee, Jerry performed professionally at Nashville Children's Theater, Theatre Nashville, and Opryland USA as well as many other Southern stages in such productions as "1776," "Wind in the Willows," "Man of La Mancha," "The Marriage of Figaro" and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." He has been a guest artist at the Tennessee Arts/Tennessee Artists Festival, where he created the role of Danny (aka Cupid) in the musical "Constellations From the Heart" and as a guest artist at A.P.S.U. in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

Winsett's career also went West, to L.A., where his stage credits included "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Taming of the Shrew" at the Richard Basehart Theatre and "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "The Alchemist" at The Globe. He then trod the boards as Sir Toby Belch in the Nevada Shakespeare Festival's production of "Twelfth Night," performed in the premiere production of "Pssst! Tell 'em Joe Sent Ya" at Back on Broadway Dinner Theatre. Just before leaving L.A., he was seen as Renfield in Dancing Dog Theatre Company's highly praised production of "Dracula" and starred with Lane Davies in the Santa Susana Repertory Company's acclaimed production of "Man of La Mancha." Jerry was also on the board of directors of Dancing Dog Theatre Company, L.A.'s first producing classical repertory Theatre Company as well as being the administrative director of the Santa Susana Repertory Company.

Based in North Carolina now, the actor talks a little more about his stage work, both front-and-center and backstage, in the second half of our BRBTV interview:

Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV; copying with credit is OK -- a link would be grand!