Celebrity Extra: Paper Moon
By Dana Jackson
Q: I was sorry to hear about the death of Ryan O'Neal. “Paper Moon” is one of my all-time favorite movies. How is his daughter Tatum doing? -- H.G.
A: Tatum O'Neal wrote in her 2004 autobiography, "A Paper Life," that she and her father did not speak for two decades. According to Entertainment Weekly, they started to repair their relationship in the months before his longtime love, Farrah Fawcett, died after her cancer battle in 2009. The father and daughter duo, who starred in the classic film "Paper Moon," reunited on-screen in 2011 for their own reality show, "Ryan & Tatum: The O'Neals."
Their bond continued to grow until his passing on Dec. 8 at the age of 82. In a statement to People magazine, Tatum stated that her dad "meant the world to me. ... I'll miss him forever, and I feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms."
Ryan and Tatum O'Neal in "Paper Moon" (1973). Photo Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
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Q: I know most of the new shows are starting later this season, but when is my favorite, "Station 19," returning? -- K.L.
A: "Station 19" is a spin-off of "Grey's Anatomy," one of the longest-lasting drama series ever, but unfortunately "Station's" time is coming to an end, as ABC recently announced that the upcoming seventh season will be its last. The show boasts six cast members who have been there since the beginning -- Jaina Lee Ortiz (Andy), Jason George (Ben), Grey Damon (Jack), Barrett Doss (Vic), Jay Hayden (Travis) and Danielle Savre (Maya).
Due to the writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood, which have fortunately ended, the fall TV season was pushed to 2024 and will air much fewer episodes. "Station 19" will premiere its final season on March 14 at 10 p.m. ET., the first of just 10 episodes.
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Q: What happened to the show "Big Sky"? A friend told me it was canceled. This surprises me. I thought it was great and was looking forward to more. -- B.F.
A: "Big Sky" was a very promising series created by David E. Kelley. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Kelley has created and/or produced many highly successful shows like "L.A. Law," "Ally McBeal," "The Practice," "Big Little Lies" and "The Lincoln Lawyer." In between these notable hits have been some misses ("Big Shot" for one). "Big Sky," however, probably sits somewhere in the middle. It lasted only three seasons, but with its beautiful scenery (set in Montana) and compelling storyline, it seemed to have the makings of a hit.
It starred Katheryn Winnick ("Vikings"), Kylie Bunbury ("Pitch") and Dedee Pfeiffer ("Cybill"). Pfeiffer is actually the sister of Kelley's wife, actress Michelle Pfeiffer. When the show wasn't generating its desired ratings, the name of it was changed to "Big Sky: Deadly Trails," and two stars were added to the cast -- Reba McEntire ("The Voice") and Jensen Ackles ("Supernatural"). Alas, it wasn't enough, and the series was canceled back in May.
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