Celebrity Extra: Amanda Schull
By Dana Jackson
Q: I saw that there's going to be a holiday special about the Waltons family. Are any of the cast members from the original series starring in it? -M.C.
A: "The Waltons" was a classic series that aired for nine seasons beginning in 1972 set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. It was told through the eyes of John-Boy, the eldest son, played by Richard Thomas. Ralph Waite and Michael Learned played the patriarch and matriarch, respectively, of the large Walton family, which included six additional children besides John-Boy.
Last fall, the CW network revived the franchise with "The Waltons' Homecoming," a TV movie featuring an all-new cast set during the winter of 1933. Thomas returned to narrate the story and will do the same for the upcoming "The Waltons' Thanksgiving." Logan Shroyer ("This Is Us") will play John-Boy, and Teddy Sears ("Chicago Fire") will star as John Walton Sr.
According to Deadline.com, the latest special is set in 1934 "as the Walton family eagerly prepares for the annual Harvest Festival Fair in town ... and a young boy arrives that will dramatically change the Waltons' lives in ways that they could have never imagined."
"The Waltons' Thanksgiving" will air on the CW on Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. ET.
Amanda Schull ("9-1-1: Lone Stars" and "Suits") Photo Credit: Depositphotos
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Q: Is "9-1-1: Lone Star" ever returning? I thought it was a big hit because of its ratings, so I was surprised that it didn't premiere with the other network dramas this fall. -M.M.
A: More than 14 million viewers tuned in to the season one premiere of "9-1-1: Lone Star," but the show has hovered around a still-impressive 8 million viewers in subsequent seasons. Despite being a hit, its fourth season has been pushed back to a mid-season debut, with a target date of Jan. 2, 2023, for the first of its new episodes.
According to the "9-1-1" fandom website, "TK and Carlos' wedding will be shown," and "a storyline involving an extremist group planning an attack" will be investigated by a new character, special agent Rose Casey, played by Amanda Schull ("Suits"). Also, look for Neal McDonough ("Yellowstone") and D.B. Woodside ("Lucifer") as additional new cast members.
"9-1-1: Lone Star" is in good company with its late start. Other scripted dramas not premiering until, at least, January include "The Blacklist," "The Flash," "Nancy Drew" and "Fantasy Island." "Magnum P.I." was canceled by CBS, then saved by NBC, and started filming new episodes this past September.
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Q: I was sad to hear about Loretta Lynn's passing, but what an amazing, long life she had. Who was the actress who played her in a movie decades ago? Also, who did the vocals for the movie? -Y.I.
A: Country music legend Loretta Lynn passed away at age 90 at her ranch, Hurricane Mills, on Oct. 4. Sissy Spacek won an Oscar for her performance and used her own vocals in the 1980 film "Coal Miner's Daughter" about Lynn's rise to fame. The movie's soundtrack also won a CMA Award for Album of the Year. Beverly D'Angelo, who played Patsy Cline in the film, also performed her own vocals.
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