Celebrity Extra: David James Elliot and Catherine Bell
By Dana Jackson
Q: What is the name of the show that preceded “NCIS”? It had a very handsome leading man, but I'm blanking on the show and the star. -- K.L.
A: "JAG," which is a United States military acronym that stands for Judge Advocate General, debuted on NBC in 1995, but the show moved to CBS a year later and lasted another nine seasons. The handsome leading man was played by David James Elliott, who was previously known as one of Elaine's boyfriends on the "Seinfeld" episode titled "The Couch."
"JAG" also starred Catherine Bell, Patrick Labyorteaux and John M. Jackson, all of whom have guest-starred on its very successful spin-off "NCIS." Mark Harmon, Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly launched the original "NCIS" series, which was currently just renewed for its 22nd season.
David James Elliot and Catherine Bell in "JAG”. Photo Credit: Courtesy of CBS
Elliott and Bell have both moved on from the show, working steadily since. Elliott starred alongside Jennifer Finnigan in another legal drama "Close to Home," from 2005 to 2007, and Bell starred in "Army Wives" for seven seasons. She's since acted in several TV movies for Lifetime and Hallmark. Elliott can be seen in the upcoming film "Harvest Moon," written by and starring Paul Bettany ("WandaVision").
"JAG" ultimately led to five "NCIS" series in total, each set in a different city. Unfortunately, "NCIS: Hawai'i" -- the first one with a female headliner (Vanessa Lachey) -- was recently canceled after three seasons. It was axed days before the network was planning to announce its fall schedule. Its series finale will air on May 6.
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Q: I recently read how much money Mark Cuban had to pay in taxes. Is he the richest of the "Shark Tank" investors? -- E.E.
A: According to an article on TVInsider, the main panel members of ABC's "Shark Tank" have collectively invested $200 million into products and investment opportunities featured on the show. Barbara Corcoran has the least net worth at an estimated (gulp) $100 million. However, the top three wealthiest are Daymond John, the CEO of FUBU, who is worth $350 million; Kevin O'Leary (AKA "Mr. Wonderful"), who has an estimated $400 million net worth; and Mark Cuban, the only billionaire in the group, who has about $6.86 billion.
Cuban recently wrote, "After military service, paying your taxes is the most patriotic thing we can do." His contribution to the IRS was said to be $275.9 million.
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Q: I love the new series "Shogun." Is there going to be another season, or is it a limited series? -- Y.F.
A: The new FX series "Shogun" is based on a novel by James Clavell that was published in 1975. Set in the 15th through 17th centuries, it first became a hit miniseries back in 1980, originally starring Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune. Since the newest series tells the entire story of the novel, the writers would have to come up with another chapter for there to be a second season.
According to TV Guide, the series creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks are open to the idea of another season, but they don't know if it's possible, pointing out that even the novelist Clavell moved on to other stories after writing his acclaimed book.
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