Celebrity Extra: Christina Applegate
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is it true that Christina Applegate has quit acting due to her health? Does she have any upcoming shows she's already filmed, or was "Dead to Me" her last? -- A.I.
A: Christina Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, while co-starring in the Netflix series "Dead to Me." It was an enormous physical challenge for her to film the final season. She credited the kind cast, crew and bosses on the set for helping her get through her scenes, allowing her to take naps when needed.
In November of last year, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and hinted that she might quit acting. Recently, this month, she made it official, saying that she wouldn't do anymore on-camera acting. Fortunately, she plans to support herself doing voice work, including reprising her role as Kelly Bundy in an upcoming animated series version of "Married with Children."
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Q: Is Arnold Schwarzenegger's new show the first time he's acted in anything since he was the governor of California? Also, did he and Maria ever divorce? -- Q.S.
A: World-famous bodybuilder-turned-movie-star-turned-political-figure ended his two terms as California's governor in 2011. That same year, his wife, Maria Shriver, filed for divorce after it was made public that Schwarzenegger fathered a child with the family's longtime housekeeper. Their divorce was finalized in 2021.
After Schwarzenegger exited the governor's post, he quietly returned to show business in the action film "The Expendables" and its sequel opposite Sylvester Stallone. In 2015, he starred in "Terminator Genisys," and in 2019, he starred in "Terminator: Dark Fate," which also featured Linda Hamilton's return as Sarah Connor. In the past two years, he's exclusively done voice work for animated shows and video games, but this May marked his return to comedy.
In the new Netflix series "FUBAR," he plays a newly returned CIA agent whose lured in for one last job, when he learns someone close to him is also a secret agent. There's plenty of action, but it's also a great vehicle to showcase Schwarzenegger's wit, which was a big hit in movies like "Twins" and "Kindergarten Cop" in the late '80s and early '90s.
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Q: Why did CBS cancel "S.W.A.T.?" I thought it was one of those foolproof hit shows that would be around for a long time. -- B.M.
A: "S.W.A.T." actually lasted six seasons on CBS, so it was definitely a bonafide hit, but never reached high numbers like "NCIS," "Law & Order" and other network dramas that have spawned spin-off after spin-off.
Star Shemar Moore was outraged by the cancellation of his show, stating in a video he posted on social media that they've been "killing it" in its 8 p.m. Friday night slot for the past two years. He also expressed his disappointment, as they were led to believe there would be "some semblance of a season seven to at least say goodbye, if not continue," but instead, it was announced that this season would be its last.
Moore remains hopeful that the network will have a change of heart, so if you're a fan, keep your fingers crossed.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.