Professional Stuntman Invitational: Greg Evigan

Since the mid-'70s, Greg Evigan has done everything on TV from starring roles on "B.J. and the Bear" and "My Two Dads" to guest stints on "CSI: Miami," "Touched By an Angel," "Melrose Place" and beyond. And though we were fervent fans of B.J. McKay way back when, there's only thing BRBTV wanted to know when we chatted with Evigan outside the host hotel for this past weekend's Professional Stuntman Invitational.

"What do you remember about your 'Dallas' episode?"

He laughed. "I remember not liking being thrown on the hood of the car at the end of the episode!"

True enough, Bobby Ewing, as played by the hunky Patrick Duffy, was none too fond of Evigan's Willie Gust, who kidnapped Lucy in that episode. By the time Bobby tracked down the hooligan and his semi-reluctant prey, this Ewing uncle was fumin' mad. Evigan, well over 6-foot, also recalls -- with a chuckle -- the difference in height between himself and the diminutive Charlene Tilton. The episode, "Runaway," aired very early in the series, in 1978, not too long before Evigan scored his gig on "B.J. and the Bear."


So what does Evigan (shown above with Will "the Voice Man" Rodgers, emcee of the Invitational) have going on nowadays, besides appearances at events like this one? Producing, actually. He's got a few different projects he's producing now, including a reality show. One particular project, a movie for the Sci Fi Channel called "Phantom Racer," will air this fall and will feature Evigan in front of the camera, as well. He plays J.J. Sawyer in this tale of a racecar driver from beyond the grave. Former "Baywatch" babe Nicole Eggert is also on board.



As you can see, Evigan signed a variety of photos at the Invitational. Directly above, he's chatting with Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry of "The Dukes of Hazzard," second from left.

One special feature of the event was the presence of another star from "B.J. and the Bear," that is, an actual rig used in the show's filming. The truck was reportedly lost for a couple decades then purchased and fixed up. Its owner, a truck driver himself, keeps it in pristine condition, even taking it out now and then. Below, BRBTV caught it just coming off the racetrack after a few laps.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Professional Stuntman Invitational: An overview

Did you ever see -- live and in person -- the "A-Team" van leaping through the air, some racing and wrecking, a couple Confederate generals, Boss Hogg proposing marriage, and the rig from "B.J. and the Bear" doing laps? Well, you did if you were at this past weekend's Professional Stuntman Invitational at the Concord Motorsports Park in North Carolina. The Hazzard County Stunt Team, Mr. Wayne Wooten, and a crew of dedicated professionals sure put on a good show, and this week the BRBTV News Blog has four full days of photos and tidbits from the event for your viewing pleasure.

The event celebrated the work of seasoned stuntmen from shows and movies like "Die Hard," "Rush Hour 3," "Twilight," "The Fall Guy," "Knight Rider," "Sliders" and, of course, "The Dukes of Hazzard." Buzz Bundy, Tom Sarmento, Ted Barba, James Smith, Lee Smith, Russell Solberg ... some of the biggest names in the stunt industry put on the thrills and chills for fans at the Invitational, which ran all day Saturday and Sunday in some rather-brutal heat that soared through the 90s. The stuntmen also signed autographs, and they were joined at the event by several big classic TV actors: Greg Evigan, Sonny Shroyer, Don Pedro Colley, Byron Cherry and Rick Hurst, along with Jerry Rushing, the man who inspired "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Emceed by Will ("The Voice Man") Rodgers, the two days at the track featured racing, vending, rides in star cars, a fabulous stunt show (our favorite part, truth be told!) and a display of collectible autos with everything from the General Lee to Herbie the Love Bug and the notorious Christine. And, just to assure that the event would be remembered, avid Boss Hogg fan Rusty, clad in his lily white suit, proposed to his fiancee there in front of the crowd. The box holding the diamond ring was passed along by the various celebs until Rusty finally laid claim to it, then gingerly laid down a white towel so he could descend to one knee. "I was so nervous," he said later that night. "I don't even remember what I said." Well, we were sure glad that white suit wasn't flannel like Sorrell Booke really wore on "The Dukes"!

Tom Sarmento of the Hazzard County Stunt Team was behind the wheel of this "A-Team" replica van for the stunt show on Saturday night. The van's big jump followed a two-wheel ski stunt by James Smith, and preceded a race that culminated in a truly horrific-looking crash. Below, the crew rushes to get Sarmento out of the van -- but don't worry, he was fine! He's done this before!

Here's another van that took a beating, below ... Might know better next time not to be in the way when the No. 32 car goes a little out of control after a big race ...




Sonny Shroyer, our beloved Enos Strate of "The Dukes," hams it up for a young fan at the beginning of his signing on Sunday. Strate had a variety of memorabilia and photos with him ...

Rick Hurst, who was Cletus Hogg on the show, chats with fans, as well.

Tune in tomorrow as our coverage continues with a classic star we got to meet for the first time ...

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Vincent Irizarry joins third Soap Cruise

Hey, "Santa Barbara" fans, ever wonder what it would be like to go on a cruise with Dr. Scott Clark? Well, he's not Scott Clark these days -- he's Dr. David Hayward on ABC's "All My Children," but the sentiment is there nonetheless! Irizarry is part of a yummy slate of soap stars embarking on the third voyage of the Soap Cruise.

Leaving Miami on Thursday, January 28, 2010, and returning on the following Monday, February 1, Soap Cruise is one long weekend we're betting you'd never forget. (BRBTV is tempted to go, just to hang with "GH's" Spinelli!) You've gotta book now, though, because the first 150 people get a special VIP breakfast with the stars.

Catch all the details at SoapCruise.com.

That's not the only appearance on Irizarry's schedule for the coming months. He'll also be at the Connecticut Women's Expo in Hartford, on Saturday, September 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Get the details at http://www.ctexpos.com/cwe.

Terri Garber: Plum soap roles, on top of a great career

Our BRBTV interviews with stars of the classic '80s soap "Santa Barbara" continue, and this time we've got a double-shot: The lovely Terri Garber was not only Suzanne Collier in the latter days of "SB," she also was the incredibly memorable Leslie Carrington on our beloved "Dynasty."

Years before that, however, Garber had what many would consider her kingpin role, that of the feisty Ashton Main on the wildly popular "North and South" miniseries of the '80s. It's that role, a role she seemed downright born to play, that most fans remember her by. We had to ask her, when we spoke with her earlier this month, if she had any concerns about being forever labeled a "bad girl."

"I wasn’t concerned about being typecast," she replied. “'Bad girls' are the most fun to play."

Well, on "Dynasty," she was a mixture of good and bad, truth be told. Though Leslie initially played a bit wicked, there were elements of her character that showed a softer side. Take her daughter-like relationship with her Uncle Blake, for instance.

"I never really think of any of my characters as 'bad girls,'" she says. "I try to think of legitimate reasons why they do the things they do. I don’t think a person that does bad things ever really thinks of themselves as a bad person. They feel justified in what they are doing. I think the wavering was because the writers couldn’t decide how they wanted to portray Leslie. At the time I had just completed 'North and South,' and Ashton wasn’t the sweet girl next door (ha-ha) and that’s what the audience liked about my acting ... So the writers were having some issues on how to bring that into a character that started out sweet and searching for her father. Leslie did soften with Blake. How could you not? What a wonderful actor to work with. He brought the vulnerability out of Leslie where no one else could. I guess the father figure she was searching for was in Blake."

Perhaps a bigger challenge for the writers, however, was in Garber's entrance onto daytime soap "SB." It was 1991, and fan-fave Marcy Walker, as Eden Capwell, had just left the show. Eden was suspected to be dead, then was really alive and disguised as her friend Suzanne Collier, then she up and left the love of her life, Cruz Castillo, and her family! How much trauma can a fan endure? Enter Garber as (gasp!) the real Suzanne Collier ...

"Yes, it was very difficult to step into that show, and the character was never accepted, so off she went," Garber says. "The fans were rabid for Cruz and Eden and didn’t want anyone else coming in there. I got some vicious fan mail."

(BRBTV has no trouble believing that!) But the work on "SB" was not all drudgery, thankfully.

"I loved working with A Martinez," she says. "He was a joy. He really worked hard, came prepared and was a complete professional. I like that from someone I’m working with because I try to do the same. Everyone was really nice on that show. There really wasn’t anyone that I didn’t enjoy working with."

Beyond "SB," Garber took roles here and there on various TV shows, then landed another soap role, Iris Dumbrowski on "As the World Turns," from 2005-2007. New York-based these days, Garber enjoys volunteer work and a whole lotta baking -- she graduated recently from what she calls an "intensive pastry class."

You can read the complete BRBTV interview with Ms. Garber in the next edition of the reference guide "Send Me to Santa Barbara," as well as in the next e-book version of "Dynasty High."

Photo courtesy of Terri Garber; copy at your own risk

Create your own classic '80s TV scene -- and win some cash

We've got to admit, it sounded like an intriguing concept, when we got the email for the '80s Mania Video Contest. Create a scene from your favorite 1980s TV show or film. Our imagination ran wild. A catfight between Alexis and Krystle on "Dynasty"? (And which one? There were so many!) Luke Duke skidding across the hood in "The Dukes of Hazzard," and the boys speeding off, pursued by Rosco? J.R. Ewing pushing Cliff Barnes into the Southfork deal, or cutting that deal behind his daddy or bro's back, on "Dallas"? Mason and C.C. Capwell trapped in the wine cellar, drunkenly singing and joking together, on "Santa Barbara"?

The choices are endless, and GotCast.com has your opportunity:
http://www.gotcast.com/casting-calls/80s-Mania-Video-Contest/54282

After you and your costars have filmed this great treasure, you upload your video to YouTube and tag it with the word "GotCast." Then you link the video to your GotCast account and assign it to the '80s Mania Contest.

So hey ... let us know how you do!

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #598
"The Volunteer": Archie volunteers to spend time with an elderly man at the seniors' home, and learns he's not the only one caught in the middle of an eternal love triangle!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
SCRIPTS: Stan Goldberg
"Tree's Company": Archie enjoys the tree in his backyard... until Reggie reminds him how much work it will bring come fall!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 24, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 7, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #132
"One Nation, Under Archie, Part 1 of 2": Archie and his friends head for Washington, D.C. to take part in a living history festival - where everyone dons costumes of their favorite historical figures! Does Archie have what it takes to portray a Revolutionary War hero? Will Betty and Veronica fight over who will wear the Medieval Princess gown? Can Jughead rustle up some grub as a wild west cowboy? What kind of scoundrel will Reggie dress as? It's a trip through history filled with laughter and learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver!
SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan
ART: Pat Kennedy
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 10, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 23, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #255
"Double ‘W' Date": When Mr. Weatherbee's away, the boys will play...and their game of choice is "who will ask Wendy Weatherbee out first?!"
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz
"Wave Rave": Archie rides the waves on a surftastic day...but will he keep his eyes on the foamy waves or wavy forms of the bikini babes watching?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 24, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 7, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #242
"Fashion Detectives": When big-name designers seek someone to help them expose counterfeit merchandise in stores, they turn to a true expert: Veronica! She's recruited both Betty and Nancy to help her, but what they uncover is more than faux fashion! Don't miss the high-fashion fun and intrigue!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Scenery": The story that proves one person's (Mr. Lodge's) idea of a private, peaceful beach is another's (Veronica's) idea of an isolated, boring beach!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Pets Rule": The beach has gone to the dogs - literally - as the girls convince the town to reserve a special area of the beach for people's pooches!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #195
"Betty in Wonderland": Betty reads "Alice in Wonderland" to the kids she's babysitting and realizes the characters are just like her friends in Riverdale. Deciding to tell the story from her point of view, she casts Veronica as "The Queen of Hearts" and offers Archie readers a chance to watch the whole Archie gang "through the looking glass!"
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
"Growing Pains": Betty and Veronica reminisce about how Veronica just had to have all the best, most expensive toys as a child...so what's changed?! Features "Little Archie" flashbacks from fan-favorite Bob Bolling.
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #172
"My Father's Betrayal, Part 3": The latest "New Look" saga has rocked Riverdale, with Veronica and her friends facing off against Mr. Lodge and his constituents as the teens try to keep a beloved nature preserve from becoming an industrial park! This issue, the debate rages on. Factory or forest? New jobs and low taxes or clear streams and tall trees? Now the protest hits the pavement as both sides hit the streets to march and counter-march. What will happen when both sides meet in front of Lodge industries? It's the story you just can't afford to miss, served up in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble," Jughead's "Matchmakers," and Moose and Midge's "Breakup Blues" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Famous superhero art team and Eisner Award nominees Rick Burchett and Terry Austin lend their formidable penciling and inking talents to this intriguing tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan.
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #33
"The Screen Test": Bow wows mean big box office, so when a film crew scouts Riverdale for pooches with personality, Jughead and Hot Dog make the "scene"...and plan to stay as long as craft services keeps dishing out yummy chow!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"A Reel Pain": When a "reality" show crew comes to Riverdale, the gang learns that things aren't always as "real" as they look!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Fernando Ruiz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #151
"The Big Meltdown": Jughead pretends to date Ethel to keep himself stuffed with her delicious homemade cookies, but he's mortified when photos of Ethel feeding him spread across the internet. Will his pride lead to a "breakup," or are his cravings for sweets too strong?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Flip is a Flop": When Archie asks Jughead how to choose between Betty and Veronica, Jughead suggests he flip a coin...and flip some burgers in exchange for the advice!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
"Fish Food": Jughead and his dad go on a fishing trip, and manage to catch a lot of snack food along the way!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #132
"The Collectors": Dust off that knick-knack shelf - the gang is "collecting" their thoughts on the things they like to collect!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Test of Characters": Chuck and Nancy set out on a nice, peaceful stroll where they can be all alone...if only their friends didn't turn up around every corner!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Pop Goes the Ringtone": Frankie, Maria and Brigitte record a catchy jingle for Pop's Chocklit Shoppe...and the burger biz has never been better!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 10, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 23, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #103
"Finders Keepers, Part Three": THE SALEM SAGA CONTINUES! Things have gone from bad to worse for young Salem and his scruffy Uncle Mort. The wizard Todicus has been restored, but that spells even more trouble for our heroes! It's a race against time as Salem and Mort try to escape the Lizarmyn army. The question is - does everyone make it out? The answer may surprise you!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
ART: Chad Thomas
Massively magical cover by Chad Thomas!
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

VERONICA #195
"Archie or Archie": Veronica jets off to Paris on a month-long trip and is reunited with Lady Smitty, a family friend who accompanied Veronica on several trips over the years. It isn't long before Veronica meets Lady Smitty's nephew who just happens to be a hunk named Archie! The French Archie shows Veronica all the sights - the shops along the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge, the Louvre museum and more! But what will happen when the Archie back in the U.S. finds out about Veronica's new friend? It's a tale of international love and adventure as only Veronica can get into, and the perfect lead-in to this month's VERONICA'S PASSPORT trade paperback collection spotlighting Veronica's most famous trips with her friend Lady Smitty!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

VERONICA'S PASSPORT VOLUME ONE
Pack your bags and renew your passport - it's time to take a trip with Veronica! Several, in fact! Traveling is a way of life for this jet-setting rich girl, and now you can relive some of Veronica's most memorable journeys in this trade paperback collection. Just make sure you're ready for anything - in addition to seeing all the great historical sites and tourist attractions, Veronica's been known to get involved with mysteries and adventures...not to mention a local boy or two! It's worldwide romance and intrigue with Veronica, Mr. Lodge, family friend Lady Smitty and special guest stars. Thrill to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum in France! Marvel at the Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome! Tour a Bollywood studio and the city of Bombay in India! Scale the heights of the Empire State Building and cross the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City! These are just a few of the marvelous landmarks you'll learn about as you share hilarious travels with Veronica! Includes fabulous pin-ups of fashions from each destination!
SCRIPTS: Hal Smith, George Gladir, Kathleen Webb, Chris Allan and Mark Waid
ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 24, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 7, 2009
96-page, full-color trade paperback
$9.95 U.S.

Lane Davies' next Shakespearean role opens soon in Tennessee

We've mentioned the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival before on this blog, and this year BRBTV will have the pleasure of attending the festival and seeing firsthand the performance of Lane Davies, our own (original) Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara." (Look for a photo or two in latter July!)

If you're considering going to the show yourself, and even if you're not, you might enjoy the overview by The Murfreesboro Post on "The Bard in Bell Buckle." The first show, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," gets underway in just over a week. Thanks to Tracy for passing along this link!

This month, relive history with Archie and his friends

From Archie Comics

Archie and his friends are reliving history … and little do they know that reenacting history has a long history itself! Over the centuries, many historical events have been recreated by people acting out roles with faithful costumes and language. Such reenactments have included:

• The Roman restaging of famous battles as public spectacle
• Middle Age tournaments with historical themes from ancient cultures
• 19th century reenactments in Britain.
• 20th century commemorations of famous Russian military conquests
• Pageants celebrating great American events like the founding of St. Louis

To this day, historical reenactments, or “living history,” live on. Whether it’s a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, a Renaissance Faire, or one of many Civil War reenactments that occur each year, history is more alive than ever, thanks to the faithful role-players who don the costumes and mannerisms of their predecessors.

Now, Archie and his friends are making history too…but you won’t find it in a textbook. You’ll have to turn to ARCHIE & FRIENDS #132 to learn all about it. In the story “One Nation, Under Archie, Part 1,” Archie and his friends head for Washington, D.C. to take part in a living history festival – where everyone dons costumes of their favorite historical figures! Does Archie have what it takes to portray a Revolutionary War hero? Will Betty and Veronica fight over who will wear the Medieval Princess gown? Can Jughead rustle up some grub as a wild west cowboy? What kind of scoundrel will Reggie dress as? It’s a trip through history filled with laughter and learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver! Don’t miss the first part of this historical…and hysterical…two-part tale!

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #132
"One Nation, Under Archie, Part 1 of 2": Archie and his friends head for Washington, D.C. to take part in a living history festival -- where everyone dons costumes of their favorite historical figures! Does Archie have what it takes to portray a Revolutionary War hero? Will Betty and Veronica fight over who will wear the Medieval Princess gown? Can Jughead rustle up some grub as a wild west cowboy? What kind of scoundrel will Reggie dress as? It's a trip through history filled with laughter and learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver!
SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan
ART: Pat Kennedy
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 10, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 23, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Archie creators hit the road again

Archie Comics creators (from top) Teresa Davidson, Joe Staton, Jim Amash, John Workman and Ian Flynn, will be at the Heroes Convention the weekend of June 19-21. They will be signing books, doing sketches, talking on panels.

HEROES CONVENTION
1957 E. Seventh St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
704-375-7462
http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon.html

Friday, June 19, 2009 : 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20, 2009 : 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 21, 2009 : 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

ADMISSION:
1-day Pass: $15 per person
3-day Pass: $30 per person
Kids 12 & Under get in FREE!

Erin Moore: A Capwell kid who's all grown up

She has some memories of interesting things from the set of our beloved "Santa Barbara," such as being chased around the room by Robin Mattson's Gina! You might only barely recognize her now, but you certainly will remember her antics as a young girl. She's Erin Moore, and with her twin sister Caitlin she shared the role of Samantha Wainwright Capwell, the baby we got to see become a little girl in the latter part of the series. BRBTV had the pleasure of chatting with Erin Moore about "SB" and what she's been up to since her days as the baby-contract kid of Julia and Mason.

Born Erin Elisabeth Moore in Glendale, California, in May 1987, this sweet gal is still into acting, for one thing. She's about to graduate from UCLA with a major of English and a minor in theater.
"I have been active in theatre for the last several years, actually," she tells BRBTV, "and I would love to get back into film and television. Now that I'm about done with school, I'm planning to devote more time to that. I really love what I've been doing with theatre, though, and honestly I'd be happy just doing Shakespeare and musicals!"

(Hmmm ... sounds a bit like her TV daddy, eh?)

Erin's actually been in a different kind of spotlight lately, too, in the recent news about actor James Franco's decision to pull out of his speaking engagement at this week's UCLA commencement ceremonies. Erin started the group that protested Franco's engagement, and she was included in the L.A. Times' coverage of the story. What began as a humble move on her part, simply to make the point that fellow student Franco was a peer, not a role model suitable for the speaking honor, sure got some ink.

Erin's twin Caitlin, meanwhile, just graduated from the University of Rochester with a dual major in Japanese and linguistics. She'll be pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher.

The two girls joined "SB" as babies in 1988, though Erin stayed on a year longer, until the very end of the series in 1993. So from those highly formative years, what exactly does Erin recall?

"There are so many scenes that I vividly remember!" she says. "One in particular was an episode in which I was in the hospital and Mason (Gordon Thomson) got into a fight with a male nurse, who was actually played by my real dad! I was pretty confused as to what to think of my real daddy fighting with my TV daddy. Another scene that stands out is from an episode close to the end of the series, when I fingerpainted on Lilly's wedding dress and Gina chased me around the living room. I was genuinely terrified!"

Indeed. Little Samantha not only sabotaged the dress for Lilly's nuptials to Ted Capwell, a blessed event so highly tended by Lilly's mom Gina, the girl also tucked away the invitations that were supposed to get mailed!

Ahhh ... the joy of youth. ... Youth on a popular soap opera, that is.

You can catch BRBTV's whole interview with Erin Moore in the next edition of the reference guide "Send Me to Santa Barbara." And look for an excerpt from another "SB" cast interview on this very blog in the next week or two ...

Photo courtesy of Erin Moore; copy at your own risk.

Archie Comics go digital with apps for iPhone

From Archie Comics

For the past 65 years you’ve only been able to read Archie Comics one way – on paper. Now that's changed. Archie Comics and iVerse Media have announced that Archie has gone digital and the first Archie Comics iPhone Apps are now available for download.

Experience Archie Andrews’ very first day of school at Riverdale High as he deals with bullies, best friends, and a love triangle that even 10th-grade geometry can’t solve! Now you can download the first issue of ARCHIE Freshman Year through the iTunes App Store — for free!

“Archie is one of the characters that define comics. When people think of comic books they typically think of superheroes and Archie. We’re very excited to bring such a great, family-friendly line of comics to the iPhone,” iVerse Media CEO Michael Murphey said. “What has impressed us the most is how forward-thinking the team at Archie Comics have been. The Digital Age of Comics is here, and Archie is leading the way.”

Originally published in Archie #587, FRESHMAN YEAR #1 is the first in a five-issue story arc and is a good starting point for new Archie fans. Also available is ARCHIE FRESHMAN YEAR #2 (Archie #588) for a 99-cent download to iPhone or iPod Touch. And keep your eyes peeled for the next three issues of ARCHIE Freshman Year coming soon!

"This is a great opportunity for getting our comics out to the millions of Archie fans worldwide. Michael Murphey and his team at iVerse are doing a tremendous job. iVerse is the perfect partner to bring Archie into the digital age," Jon Goldwater, CEO of Archie Comics, said. "We feel that with iVerse, Archie will attract new readers like never before, while offering a new and exciting way for our longtime fans to enjoy our comics. So whether you roll up your Archie comic in your back pocket or take it with you on your iPod, everything's Archie!"

More downloads will follow of Archie books like Little Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Young Salem, and Katy Keene. Find out more at www.iversecomics.com/archie

BRBTV birthdays for June

- Robin Mattson, the second and perhaps liveliest Gina DeMott-Capwell-And-On-And-On on "Santa Barbara," turns 53 on June 1.
- David Haskell, the long-suffering Nick Hartley on "SB," was born on June 4, 1948 and died on August 30, 2000.
- Colleen Camp, the original Kristin Shepard on "Dallas," who also turned up as Bonnie Lane in the "Dukes of Hazzard" episode "Trouble at Cooter's," turns 56 on June 7.
- Alexis Smith, such a scene-eater as Lady Jessica Montford on "Dallas," was born on June 8, 1921 and died on the day after her birthday, 1993.
- Andrew Stevens, that young upstart Casey Denault on "Dallas," turns 54 on June 10.
- Sherman Howard, who was the voice of villain Derek Powers on "Batman Beyond," turns 60 on June 11.
- Adrienne Barbeau, the sultry voice of Catwoman on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 64 on June 11.
- Jenilee Harrison, the slightly ditzy Jamie Ewing on "Dallas," turns 50 on June 12.
- Waylon Jennings, our "Dukes of Hazzard" balladeer, was born on June 15, 1937 and died on February 13, 2002.
- Eileen Davidson, the last Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 50 on June 15.
- Aron Kincaid, the creepy Killer Croc on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 69 on June 15.
- Joan Van Ark, Lucy's mom Valene Ewing on "Dallas" and its spinoff "Knots Landing," turns 66 on June 16.
- Nedra Volz, our bright and feisty Miz Tisdale on "Dukes," was born on June 18, 1908 and died on January 20, 2003.
- Leigh McCloskey, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Mitch Cooper on "Dallas" and both Zack Kelton and Ethan Asher on "Santa Barbara," turns 54 on June 21.
- Monte Markham, who played Clint Ogden on "Dallas," turns 74 on June 21.
- Paula Irvine, who played the second Lilly Light Blake on "SB," was born the same year as BRB and turns a neat 41 on June 22.
- Ted Shackelford, who was Gary Ewing on "Dallas" and its spinoff, "Knots Landing," turns 63 on June 23.
- John McIntire, who was Sen. Sam Culver on "Dallas," was born on June 27, 1907 and died January 30, 1991.
- Pamela Bellwood, whom we saw flip that lightswitch on "Dynasty" more times than we care to count, turns 58 on June 26.

Happy birthday to all!!