Celebrity Extra: Jeff Goldblum
By Dana Jackson
Q: What is Jeff Goldblum up to these days? I only see him on commercials for apartments, but not in any movies lately. -- P.T.
A: Despite having what is surely a lucrative gig as the spokesman for Apartments.com, Jeff Goldblum is still very much a beloved and sought-after actor in Hollywood. Originally from Pittsburgh, Goldblum started out as most actors do when they move to California -- landing guest-starring roles on hit primetime shows. He landed small but memorable roles in movies like "Annie Hall," "The Right Stuff" and "The Big Chill."
Jeff Goldblum (Upcoming in "Wicked"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
In 1986, he starred in the sci-fi/horror film "The Fly," but it would be the "Jurassic Park" movies that would bring him his greatest box-office success. He's caught the eye of other big-name directors, including Taika Waititi for "Thor: Ragnarok" and Wes Anderson for "Asteroid City," the latter of which was just released last year. So, yes, Goldblum's acting days are far from over. He even has a role in the highly anticipated film "Wicked," which is based on the hit Broadway musical.
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Q: Is there going to be another season of "The White Lotus" on HBO? If so, where will it take place? I hope they return to Hawaii. -- G.J.
A: There definitely will be a third season of "The White Lotus," but not until sometime in 2025. Once again, the story will be set at a luxury resort, but instead of Hawaii and Italy, it'll be Thailand.
Natasha Rothwell, who played spa manager Belinda in season one, will be returning to the series. Joining her is an impressive cast that includes Carrie Coon ("The Gilded Age"), Parker Posey ("Best in Show"), Jason Isaacs ("Archie"), Walton Goggins ("Justified"), Michelle Monaghan ("True Detective") and Leslie Bibb ("Popular").
"White Lotus" creator Mike White and his cast have been a strong presence at the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for the past two years. The series has also relaunched Jennifer Coolidge's career since she starred in Christopher Guest's satiric film "Best in Show," then later in "Legally Blonde," opposite Reese Witherspoon. Coolidge has won two Critics' Choice Awards, one Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmys for playing ditzy Tanya, so it's no wonder that stars are lining up to work for White.
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Q: I saw a headline that said singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara are distant cousins? Did they just find this out? -- L.B.
A: The two singers aren't related; however, both did appear on the same PBS show "Finding Your Roots." In Ciara's case, she learned that one of her distant cousins is former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. The two actually met almost 10 years ago at the ESPY Awards and were even photographed together, but didn't know that they were related at the time.
Alanis Morissette was informed on "Finding Your Roots" that she also has a famous relative. In fact, her distant cousin is someone she already considered a friend -- actress Claire Danes ("Homeland").
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.