Celebrity Extra: Joel McHale
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is “Animal Control” with Joel McHale returning soon, or did it get canceled? Also, what's the latest on the “Community” movie? -F.L.
A: Joel McHale has had no trouble finding employment since he first appeared on screens two decades ago to host the weekly TV clip show "The Soup" on E! He's easily alternated between hosting duties, acting in sitcoms, and appearing as a judge on competitive reality shows. His quick wit has served him well, especially in his latest comedy series "Animal Control," which returns to Fox for its second season on March 6.
"Community," the critically acclaimed series created by Dan Harmon, introduced "Soup" fans to McHale, the actor. Never a big ratings hit, it was wildly original and amassed a cult following. A movie was in the preproduction stage before the writers' and actors' strikes, but now Harmon is worried that they won't be able to coordinate all of the actors' schedules. If and when it does happen, "Community" the movie will air on the Peacock streaming service, although a short run at local theaters isn't out of the question.
Joel McHale ("Animal Control" and "Community"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
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Q: Whatever happened to Michael Bolton? I haven't heard any new music from him in years. Did he retire? -K.W.
A: Michael Bolton had two No. 1 Billboard singles in the early 1990s -"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" and "When a Man Loves a Woman." Those two big power ballads, along with five other Top 10 hits, made him a household name, but he hasn't topped the charts in quite some time. However, he had been touring as recently as last year, until he had to suspend future dates due to a health issue.
At the age of 70, Bolton recently underwent surgery for a brain tumor, but has been alert and posting on social media, assuring his fans that he's recovering. He wrote in an Instagram post: "Just before the holidays, it was discovered that I had a brain tumor, which required immediate surgery." He added that he's working hard to accelerate his recovery and get back to performing soon.
Last July, he released "Spark of Light," his first album of original songs in 14 years, and also appeared on "The Masked Singer."
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Q: Is Snoop Dogg really going to be one of the commentators for the Summer Olympics? Will his friend Martha Stewart join him? -S.S.
A: I don't know about Martha Stewart, but Calvin Broadus Jr., best known as Snoop Dogg, will be providing commentary alongside Mike Tirico during primetime on NBC, as well as on Peacock. He'll also tour historic landmarks and talk with the athletes.
You might remember that Snoop Dogg and movie star Kevin Hart teamed up during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo to provide hilarious commentary for Peacock. According to USA Today, the two "generated tens of millions of views" with their highlights, no doubt leading to the decision from NBC to bring Snoop Dogg on in a bigger role this summer. The opening ceremony kicks off on Friday, July 26.
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