Celebrity Extra: Antonio Sabato Jr.
By Dana Jackson
Q: Whatever happened to Antonio Sabato Jr.? I saw that his character is back on “General Hospital,” but being played by a different actor. -- K.W.
A: Antonio Sabato Jr. recently expressed his disappointment on social media about not being asked to return to the daytime soap "General Hospital" in the 30 years since he departed it. He theorizes that his conservative political views aren't in alignment with Hollywood's and that he's been blacklisted from the ABC soap.
For whatever undisclosed reason, the soap recently recast the role he originated -- John "Jagger" Cates -- with actor Adam J. Harrington.
Antonio Sabato Jr. ("General Hospital"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
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Q: How is Wendy Williams doing since her talk show was canceled? Is she in good health? -- K.J.
A: Wendy Williams was fired from her own syndicated weekday talk show in 2022 and replaced with Sherri Shepherd. Executives reportedly made the decision after not hearing from Williams for months and having 16 different hosts on rotation to fill her chair before ultimately choosing Shepherd. Toward the end of Williams' very successful career, first in radio and then in television, she was reportedly battling addiction and entered rehab. She was also appointed a guardian by a judge.
Recently, Williams produced a two-part documentary about her recent struggles, which will premiere on Lifetime on Feb. 24. In a preview, she talks about her health issues, but a relative is also shown confronting her for possibly downing a bottle of vodka in one day.
There are also hints of other health issues besides alcohol abuse, such a known thyroid disorder called Graves disease. One of her family members tells the camera that Williams is "losing [her] memory" and "anyone can look at her and tell this is not just alcohol; there's something more going on."
Since the film is produced by Williams and features those who love her, it's probably not the most objective documentary, but it will at least give fans a glimpse into her life and how she's been faring. She still has a huge fanbase who cares for her, but her future in show business remains uncertain.
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Q: Is Catherine O'Hara going to be in a new show or movie anytime soon? I loved her in "Schitt's Creek" and still watch the reruns. -- B.B.
A: While Catherine O'Hara has been making audiences roar with laughter since her "Second City Television" sketch-comedy days almost 50 years ago, she reached the pinnacle of her fame playing Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek." The Canadian comedy series gained a huge following when it arrived on Netflix, and now at the age of almost 70, O'Hara is busier than ever.
She's currently in the movie "Argylle," starring Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard, and you can still catch her in the Netflix film "Pain Hustlers" with Emily Blunt and Chris Evans. However, it's her upcoming role in the highly anticipated second season of HBO's "The Last of Us" that has people talking. No further details have been announced about her role. Production for the new season is set to begin this spring, but the series likely won't air on HBO and Max until 2025.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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