Celebrity Extra: Alison Sweeney
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is Alison Sweeney going to be starring in anymore of those cookie mystery movies on Hallmark? I read all the books, so I know there's a possibility of more movies. -- H.S.
A:Apparently, there are 30 Hannah Swensen Mystery novels written by Joanne Fluke, and Alison Sweeney ("Days of Our Lives") has starred in nine adaptations of them for Hallmark. "One Bad Apple," her most recent movie, holds a special place in Sweeney's heart because she also adapted the screenplay from Fluke's book "Apple Turnover Murder." She told TVLine that she watched YouTube videos, read about how authors allocate their time and dedicated herself to writing 10 pages a day.
Alison Sweeney in "The Wedding Veil Journey". Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hallmark
There was also the matter of replacing her frequent co-star Cameron Mathison ("All My Children"), who had recently inked a multipicture deal with Hallmark's competitor, Great American Media. In comes Victor Webster -- with whom Sweeney has worked before on another Hallmark movie, "The Wedding Veil Journey" -- to play a new character, prosecutor Chad Norton.
"One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery" premiered on the Hallmark Mystery channel on April 5.
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Q: Is it true that they're making a movie -- not a documentary -- about Michael Jackson? Who is playing him? -- K.K.
A:Yes, there is a movie in the works about the late King of Pop called "Michael," which is being directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as M.J.'s father, Joe Jackson. Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, has been cast in the role of his late uncle. The all-star cast also includes Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer John Branca, Nia Long as matriarch Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the film will follow the life and career of Michael Jackson from his "early days as a member of family group the Jackson 5 through to his successes as a solo artist." It will also trace his "triumphs and tragedies as it examines both his personal struggles and his most iconic performances."
Fuqua said that he's been "blown away" by Jaafar's resemblance to his uncle: "Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It's really uncanny."
"Michael" has a projected release date of April 2025.
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Q: When is "The Real Housewives of Orange County" returning, and is Vicki Gunvalson coming back? -- N.N.
A:Original cast member Vicki Gunvalson won't be returning to the main squad for the 18th season of "RHOC" this summer. But she reportedly accepted an offer to return in the limited "guest" capacity status, like she agreed to last season.
There will be another "friend" returning who is also a familiar face. Alexis Bellino, who was a regular cast member from seasons five through eight, was seen filming with a couple of the ladies a few months ago. She'll bring plenty of drama to the show, since she's now dating Shannon Beador's ex-beau, John Janssen.
Since filming of "RHOC" is still continuing into April, the new season isn't expected to premiere until much later in 2024. You can check BravoTV.com for all the latest news.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.