Have you heard Joan Van Ark?

You might have heard our own Valene Ewing of "Dallas" and its spinoff "Knots Landing," without even realizing it. She's been doing voiceover work for commercials. Touting products from Nivea skin care, Friskies cat food and more, her silky voice can be heard on a demo tape from her official website, http://www.joanvanark.com. Fun!

Van Ark also has a movie project going on this year. "Channels," directed by, written by and starring Nathanial Christian, is listed as in postproduction. The film features Edward Asner. Plus, Van Ark has been indulging in some theater, performing in Tennessee Williams' "A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur" at the Harftford (Conn.) Stage earlier this year.

Coming up in Archies next week ...

Betty & Veronica Spectacular #75
75th issue anniversary blowout guest-starring the Veronicas!
"Fashion Victims": Ginger comes up with the best Sparkle Magazine Fashion Show theme yet: "Are you a Betty or you a Veronica?" As one famous model after another sports the latest Betty-centric outfit or flashy Veronica couture, the hottest act in pop music, The Veronicas provide the tuneful accompaniment! Script and art: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand September 5
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

Betty & Veronica Double Digest #145
What's better than a digest full of those teen dream queens Betty & Veronica? A double digest full of them! Featuring new stories and classic tales. Script and art: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand September 5
Full-color digest format, $3.69 U.S.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- John Allen Nelson, the original (and hottest) Warren Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," who's now got the starring role in Fox's brand-new drama "Vanished" (did you catch the second episode last night? Nelson's doing a bang-up job), turned 47 yesterday, August 28.
- Russell Curry, who was Lt. Victor Boswell on "SB," also had a birthday yesterday, August 28, though the year is unknown!
- Emma Samms, the second Fallon on "Dynasty" who returned to her role as Holly Sutton Scorpio on ABC's "General Hospital" earlier this year, turned 46 yesterday, August 28.
- Sonny Shroyer, our loving Enos Strate on "The Dukes of Hazzard," is our last BRBTV birthday for yesterday, August 28, turning 71.
- Jim Davis, the legendary Jock Ewing of "Dallas," was born on August 29, 1909 and died on April 26, 1981.
- Don Pedro Colley, the stern Sheriff Little of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 68 tomorrow, August 30.
- Ben Jones, the reliable ole Cooter on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and venerable host of the yearly DukesFest, turns 65 on Thursday, August 31.
- And finally, Leonard Katzman, the mastermind behind the Ewings of "Dallas," was born on September 2, 1927 and died on September 5, 1996.

Spelling: "Nobody did guilty pleasure better"

Last night's Emmy Awards salute to TV kingpin Aaron Spelling was a delight, for sure. Just seeing the three original Charlie's Angels together -- Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and the amazing Farrah Fawcett, all beyond stunning in black -- was alone worth the price of admission. But our own Joan Collins and Heather Locklear of "Dynasty" were there, as well, (and delightful in shimmering beiges) as was Stephen Collins of Spelling's WB show "7th Heaven."

"Nobody did guilty pleasure better than Aaron," Stephen Collins said.

Kate Jackson offered her own words: "Aaron Spelling gave us the gift in a little blue box. For four decades, he gave us something safe and comfortable through his work in television." (Love that Tiff & Co. reference -- ironic because one of the Angels' names actually was Tiffany.)

Check out some photos:
http://tv.msn.com/tv/emmys2006/showgallery?photoidx=3
http://tv.msn.com/tv/emmys2006/showgallery?photoidx=15

E! Online has some good videos from the Emmys, too.

Emmy salutes Spelling

Tune into the Emmy Awards broadcast this weekend to catch a special salute to the megaprolific mastermind behind "Dynasty" -- and so many other TV greats -- Aaron Spelling. Some high-profile guests are expected for the tribute: Joan Collins and Heather Locklear of "Dynasty" are among the names being bandied about:
http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,19838,00.html

Meanwhile, nice salutes to Spelling remain across the Internet, since his death earlier this summer, such as this one from Soap Opera Digest, which even includes a quote from Joan Collins, as well as Lesley-Anne Down, who was Stephanie Rogers on "Dallas" and had a brief role as a nurse on "Dynatsy":
http://soapoperadigest.com/features/special/aaronspelling/

Robin Wright Penn: Lots going on, as usual!

What else would you expect from the lovely Robin Wright Penn, whose star has shone brightly since she originated the Kelly Capwell role on "Santa Barbara"? Now, she is starring in a short film by Jennifer Aniston film for Glamour magazine's special "Reel Moments" campaign:
http://glamalert.com/reelmoments/

We've reported months ago on the BRBTV News Blog on other movie projects Penn has going on this year. One of them is "Sorry, Haters," and you can check out the film's website here:
http://www.sorryhaters2006.com/. Our gal, who is the star of the movie, is featured on the commentary with the DVD, which came out earlier this month. You can see some nice photos of her at this site.

Penn has also been working on the big-screen epic version of the classic tale "Beowulf," which looks like it will be lots of fun for any fan of the original tale. That film's website is also up, though it will be awhile before the film is actually released:
http://www.beowulfmovie.com/

"The Colbys" on DVD ... ?

In the "We're Not Quite Sure It's Legal But Have You Seen It?" department ... TVDVDPlanet.com is offering the complete series "The Colbys" on DVD, all 49 episodes on nine discs:

http://www.tvdvdplanet.com/movie/comedy/The_Colbys.html?gclid=CNrgoand8YYCFQ1mUAodJB2ZDQ

Now, of course, the series has not been released on DVD or on video officially by the owners of the trademark / property, so you can use your own judgment. ("Dynasty" had never been released, either, until the first season came out on DVD last year.) This set is $99.99 and includes artwork of the show and, evidently, an episode guide, along with each episode in chronological order. And who or what exactly is TVDVDPlanet? "TVDVDPlanet was recently established as a premiere DVD store selling all the best shows from the past," their website says. "We will continue to expand our show lineup and service to meet the growing needs of our customers. We are an independently owned and operated company."

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Barbara Eden, the delightful J.R. Ewing adversary of LeeAnn de la Vega on "Dallas," as well as Larry Hagman's previous costar on "I Dream of Jeannie," turns 72 tomorrow, August 23.
- Frank Runyeon, who was Father Michael on "Santa Barbara," has a birthday tomorrow, August 23, as well, turning 53.
- Wanda DeJesus, another "SB" star as one of the several Santana Andrades, turns 46 on Saturday, August 26.

Happy birthday to all!

Archies: Betty and Veronica learn a lesson in forgiveness

Shipping in November from Archie Comics ...

ARCHIE #571
"Christmas Toy Story": While playing Santa, Archie learns of a child's wish to get an ultra-rare, super-expensive collectible toy for Christmas... a toy so rare, it would take a miracle! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Spoiler": Jinx Malloy is back… and strangely, this time he's brought nothing but GOOD LUCK for Archie and Jughead! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "A Really Special Gift": Archie has just the cure for Betty's holiday blues…and it's more than money can buy! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand on December 12, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #105
"Beaches, Bikinis & Backstabbing": You might be wondering how Katy can frolic on the beach in the middle of winter… it's because she's in the middle of a working vacation in sunny Central America! Things soon go from sweet to sour when spoiled supermodel Mischa Mucha joins the photo shoot. Can Katy de-claw her catty co-star? SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.
"Zen & the Art of Getting to Class": From being chauffeured to different parts of the building to buying into mystical mumbo-jumbo, Archie is willing to try anything to make it to class on time! SCRIPT: Scott Cunningham. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand on November 29, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #222

"Gift Exchange": An argument over who will buy Archie an expensive MP3 player leaves Christmas fairy Sugar Plum teaching Betty and Veronica lessons about forgiveness and giving from the heart, not the wallet! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Party Dogs": You know Dancer, Prancer, Comet and Vixen… and now you'll get to know Hot Dog and all his canine friends as Veronica throws a holiday party for the dogs! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Trip Slip Up!": A slip on the ice keeps Betty off the slopes, but lounging in the ski lodge with her cast and crutches sure attracts all the sympathetic… and cute… guys! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand on November 21, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #16

FEATURING ANOTHER FRESH APPEARANCE FROM MR. WEATHERBEE'S CUTTING EDGE NIECE, DOUBLE W!
"Instant Chemistry": Unaware that her uncle, Principal Weatherbee, continues to scare away all potential suitors, WW remains baffled as to why she can't get a date. Throwing herself into her eclectic interests to take her mind off her situation, she soon learns Dilton is as interested in computers, entomology, and chemistry as she is… and the key word is "chemistry"! It's a match made in micro-chips, but can it last? SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale on newsstand December 5, 2006
Full-color digest format, $2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #176

"Shopping 101": Budget cuts force Riverdale High to subsidize by leasing and selling school property to all of Veronica's favorite stores!
"Santa's Little Helper": Veronica secretly takes a "Santa's helper" position to be closer to department store Santa Archie… who unbeknownst to Veronica has left early for the day! "You're Cooked!": Betty and Veronica decide to bake this year's Christmas tree ornaments. Can they keep Jughead from "un-decorating" the tree? SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand on December 5, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

Mark McCoy's preference is behind the scenes these days

In the last year or so of our beloved daytime soap, "Santa Barbara," Mark McCoy was the sinister Ken Mathis, the one who enticed Sophia Wayne Armonti Capwell Capwell (and so forth) into a relationship, and even into marriage. He was a wife-killing golddigger with a penchant for chemicals, of course. We all saw it coming, now didn't we? Well, nowadays, more than 13 years later, McCoy is still making a living in showbiz, but his interests and talents lie behind the scenes. He's done some producing, but his real role is as a post-production coordinator for films. He's got three projects coming up in the next year.

"Employee of the Month" stars Jessica Simpson and is directed and written by Greg Coolidge. "Pride" lifts up Tom Arnold (and where's he been, anyway?), with Terrence Howard thrown in for good measure (he's also producing). And "Rogue," scheduled for 2007 release, is an action film directed by Phillip G. Atwell and starring Jet Li.

On another "SB" note, by the way, take the time to visit the IMDb's page on the show and you'll see some fun photos of Robin Wright as Kelly Capwell in the early days of the show. She's there with Stephen Meadows as Peter (now that's really the early days), and in the dress she wore for her wedding to Joe Perkins (Mark Arnold). The IMDb has been adding a lot of photos to its pages, and these particular shots are courtesy of MPTV.net.

Victoria Principal appears on QVC this month

Tomorrow morning, to be exact ... Victoria Principal, our own Pamela Barnes Ewing of "Dallas," who has written many beauty books and created many beauty products in more recent years, will be featured in QVC segments. "The Principal Secret With Victoria Principal" airs several times tomorrow, August 18, beginning at 1 a.m. EST, then repeating at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. If you don't have QVC, you can do a live stream from their website.

It's the 15th anniversary of Principal's show with this shopping network. QVC describes tomorrow's segment: "Principal Secret delivers the latest in skin care technology, Reclaim with Argireline, proven to deliver results for beautiful, younger-looking skin."

You can visit Principal's QVC shop at http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?class=4950&qic=y.

"Archie" editor answers your questions

As part of the new podcast program of www.ArchieComics.com, Victor Gorelick, managing editor, will be answering questions submitted by you, the fans of Archie Comics.

According to the Archie press release, Victor Gorelick is a 48-year veteran of the comic industry. He joined Archie Comics as an art assistant, and has served as production coordinator, art director and now as managing editor. He has done everything from writing to coloring in the comics realm. He also is a moving force on the Comic Magazine Association of America’s Code Authority Guidelines Committee, a member of the Board of Advisors of the Joe Kubert School where many of today’s comic artists first learned their craft, and he has taught cartooning as an instructor at the Kingsborough Community College in New York City.

Gorelick is taking questions on anything you want to know about Archie and the Riverdale Gang, Archie Comics in general or the history of the company (maybe even about the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" TV show or comic title!). Send your questions today to questions@archiecomics.com.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Just one BRBTV birthday this week: Jonathan Frakes, who played Jamie Lee Hogg and fell for Daisy Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," and who also, of course, went on to shine as Number 1 on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," turns 54 on Saturday, August 19.

See Tom Wopat in a cozy setting

Only 175 people will get seats for the Redstone Room at River Music Experience in Davenport, Iowa, on October 18. That's where (and when) Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," will be appearing.

The show is a benefit for public television in Iowa's Quad Cities area, and tickets are $50 each. Tickets go on sale to the general public on August 30 and will be available by calling WQPT, Quad Cities PBS at (309) 796-2424 or (800) 747-2430.

October 18 is on a Wednesday, and the event starts at 7 p.m. The Redstone Room @ River Music Experience is located at 131 W. Second in Davenport, Iowa. It's about an hour and a half from Peoria, Illinois, or three hours from Chicago or Des Moines.

Thanks to Sheri, the webgirl at TomWopat.com, for passing this item along ...

Final "Dukes" DVD: December 5

It's a cozy family scene on the cover this time around, for the seventh and final DVD in "The Dukes of Hazzard" series. Our three favorite cousins and their Uncle Jesse, Cooter and even Flash (she sure knows what's what and who's who, don't she?). TVShowsonDVD.com has posted the press release for the DVD release, scheduled for December 5, 2006: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6224

It's a six-disc set that will run ya $39.98. Besides the 17 final episodes of the series (sob, sob), the DVD set includes a tribute to balladeer Waylon Jennings and a music video starring John Schneider, Tom Wopat and Catherine Bach.

Hagman relishes his juicy guest stint

Our unstoppable J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman is having a blast in his guest-starring role on the new season of f/X's plastic surgery drama "Nip/Tuck," according to the World Entertainment News Network (WENN). The reason? "Because he was able to speak racy dialogue for the first time in his career," the report says. Hmmmm ... Us "Dallas" fans might have to think on that one for just a bit ... Hagman's role as J.R. was nothing if not juicy, itself, and at times what one would consider "racy" ...

Liking the idea of branching out into more "adult territory," Hagman told U.S. OK! magazine that in "Nip/Tuck," in a multi-episode arc of the new season, he plays a patient who seeks surgery on his private parts. He "has his gonads removed," Hagman is quoted as saying. "They say, 'What size would you like?' And I say, 'Kiwi size.' Forty years on television and I've never been able to say things like that!" But no one has teased him for his squeaky-clean screen past, the WENN story says, going on to quote Hagman as saying, "Everyone's been so nice to me. Of course, I'm an icon and I expect that s**t!" Ummm ... OK ... "squeaky-clean screen past???" This is the same Larry Hagman we know and love?

"Dynasty" divas dish again

"Legends" is on its way, as hard-core "Dynasty" fans have known for months, and while the stage production draws near, the star interviews are popping up ...

"Entertainment Tonight," which has already done features on the reunion of Joan Collins and Linda Evans in the stage remake (along with the "Dynasty" reunion that aired recently on CBS), has hit it up once again with a feature on the two divas dishing about plastic surgery, doing their own stunts and stuff like that: http://et.tv.yahoo.com/tv/14321/. It's fun! This page of the "ET" site also links to the Yahoo! Movies pages for each of the two well-loved actresses, which is rather fun, as well, perhaps borrowing its concept from the IMDb but with a different sort of listing of information.

BRBTV birthdays this week

- Sydney Penny, who played B.J. Walker on "Santa Barbara" and has been doing Hallmark movie fare more recently, turned 35 on Monday, August 7.
- Mel Tillis, who played Burl Tolliver (costarring with James Best's wife Dorothy) on an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," and also performed as himself on a different episode, turned 74 yesterday, August 8.
- Richard Anderson, whom we loved as Oscar Goldman on "Bionic Woman" but who also played Buck Fallmont on "Dynasty," turned 80 yesterday, August 8.
- Kate O’Mara, the Jackie Collins-type character of Caress Morrell, causing trouble for sis Alexis on "Dynasty," turns 67 tomorrow, August 10, 1939.
- George Hamilton, who had a mean gleam as Joel Abrigore on "Dynasty" but just can't get enough of those Old Navy and snack-chip commercials lately, also turns 67 this year, on Saturday, August 12.
- Jeff Altman, the wholly obnoxious Hughie Hogg on "The Dukes," turns 55 on Sunday, August 13.

Happy birthday to all!

All Headline News reports why J.Lo left "Dallas"

All Headline News staff writer Mary K. Brunskill, as quoted on http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/hollywood_gossip.php, is reporting that Jennifer Lopez has allegedly quit the "Dallas" movie because she didn't want to work with John Travolta.

"The actress was set to play J.R. Ewing's troubled wife, Sue Ellen, in the adaptation of the popular TV drama but turned her back on the project last week," the story says. J.Lo's representative, Leslie Sloane Zelnick, confirmed her departure, All Headline News says, but refused to give a reason for her surprise decision: "It has now been claimed that Lopez hated the script and wasn't happy that Travolta had been handed the role of her on-screen husband."

The news outlet's writer Matthew Borghese had filed a story on Friday about the reported departure: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004439523

Original director Robert Luketic quit the project earlier this year due to "creative differences" and was replaced by "Bend It Like Beckham" director Gurinda Chadha.

Next week: Veronica just isn't herself

Jughead & Friends Digest #13
"Triple Feature": Once again, Archie has double-booked himself... this time promising to go out with Veronica and go to the movies with Jughead at the same time! Veronica uses everything in her power... including giving him money for refreshments... to get alone time with Archie! Will this scenario have a happy fade-out, or will it get two thumb's down? Script and art: Fernando Ruiz. PLUS: A selection of classic tales by various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand August 15, 2006
UPC #: 62816-46851-0131
132-page, full color digest format, $2.49 US

Veronica #173
"A New Leaf": Veronica just hasn't been herself ... nothing seems to rile or upset her. Until Betty pulls out a ring and announces she's engaged to Archie, that is! Why the sudden change in everyone's favorite rich girl? Script and art: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand August 15, 2006
UPC #: 62816-46758-17311
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 US.

Peter Mark Richman stars in Stallone short

... And no, we don't mean Sly Stallone -- we mean his son, Sage Stallone, who's even played his screen son, Rocky Balboa Jr. Sage Stallone is doing some moviemaking himself, these days, and one of his projects this year is a 30-minute film that features our own Peter Mark Richman, a BRBTV triple shot. You'll remember Richman best as Andrew Laird on "Dynasty," wise counsel to Blake Carrington. He was also Maynard Anderson (not to be confused with Punk Anderson) in the earlier years of "Dallas." AND he was the original C.C. Capwell on "Santa Barbara."

"Vic" is the "tale of a man who, once famous, tasted the bitter truth about unsteadiness of human fascination and memory," according to reviewer Abel Korzeniowski. Written and directed by the younger Stallone, the film also includes Miriam Byrd-Nethery, whom you might remember as Rose Ellen on "The Dukes of Hazzard." Her husband, Clu Gulager, plays the title character. Richman plays Paul Marcus, and you can see him in stills from the movie at its IMDb page.

Philadelphia-born Richman has had a busy and storied TV career, and it's nice to see him keeping up the acting credits. BRBTV has chatted with him a bit over years, and he's shared some fun stories of his days on the set of "Santa Barbara" and "Dynasty."

Ray Wise has a couple movies on the horizon

Ray Wise, who played Blair Sullivan on "Dallas" and Spiros Koralis on "The Colbys" (but is perhaps better known for the sinister role he had as Leland Palmer on '90s cult hit "Twin Peaks") is working on a couple flicks this year. The longtime TV star will play General Matthews in the thriller "Pandemic," now in postproduction. The film, directed by Jason Connery, also stars Alesha Clarke of ABC's "Port Charles."

Also up this year is "7-10 Split," featuring Tara Reid, Robyn Lively (the "Savannah" redhead) and model Rachel Hunter. Wise plays Buddy in the film, directed by Tommy Reid (yes, Tara's brother). The plotline from the IMDb: "An aspiring actor whose career is in the dumps, exploits his amazing bowling skills to take the PBA by storm and becomes rich and famous, only to lose his best girl and best friend."

Shroyer plays a ghost in fall flick

Car-show appearances, a new flick and a drive to get the "Enos" TV series released on DVD are all part of Sonny Shroyer's world lately.

The star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" (Enos, of course) will be at Monster World in Unity, Wisconsin, on Saturday, August 12. If you're going to be in the area and want to know more, go to the Monster World website. On Saturday, September 16, Shroyer will be at the River Fest Car Show in Eden, North Carolina. Then, in October, he'll be at the Stars, Cars and More Show (which seems to be getting bigger every year and which is very heavy on "The Dukes" this year) in Little Rock, Arkansas. See the Stars, Cars and More website for more on that October 13-14 show and its special "Dukes Day" event.

Shroyer also will be appearing in the film "The Price" this fall, says Matt Cucchiara, CEO of Brooklyn Films and an executive producer of the movie. "I have now had the pleasure to meet Sonny in person -- what a wonderful guy!" Cucchiara says on Shroyer's official website. "In this movie, Sonny will play a ghost. As usual, he does a fantastic job. This musical comedy is a low-budget film, and is G-rated, but it has a great cast, great music and a great message. We started shooting in Orlando Florida on May 1. We will complete the shooting phase by the first week in June. Please tell all the Sonny Shroyer fans to talk up this movie. When this movie becomes a success, we will be on our way! We want to use Sonny in all our future films!"

Finally, Shroyer is leading a charge to get his "Dukes" spinoff "Enos" released on DVD. He's inviting fans to cast votes for the show at TVShowsonDVD.com.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Susan Flannery, who played Leslie Stewart on "Dallas," turned 63 yesterday, July 31.
- Lane Davies, the unforgettable original Mason Capwell on "Santa Barbara," also had a birthday yesterday, turning 56.
- Louise Sorel, equally unforgettable as Augusta Lockridge on "SB," turns 66 on Sunday, August 6.

Happy birthday to all!