Celebrity Extra: Sam Waterston
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is it true that Sam Waterston is leaving “Law & Order”? Who is going to replace him? -- K.J.
A: "Law & Order" was resurrected in February 2022 after an 11-year hiatus. It spawned several successful spin-offs, including "Law & Order: SVU," which has surpassed the original "L&O" in terms of seasons. While he wasn't an original cast member, Sam Waterston left a prestigious film career to play District Attorney Jack McCoy, starting with the show's fifth season. He rejoined the show at the age of 81 when it returned two years ago.
He's since made the decision to exit once again. However, he doesn't appear to be retiring as he recently stated, "There's sadness in leaving, but I'm just too curious about what's next." Tony Goldwyn ("Scandal") has been cast as the new DA.
Sam Waterston ("Law & Order"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
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Q: Who are the new coaches I saw on a commercial for "The Voice"? I don't recognize them. Also, have there been any winners of "The Voice" who have had successful careers on par with "American Idol" winners like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson? -- H.A.
A: The 25th season of the singing competition show "The Voice" premiered on NBC in February with returning judges John Legend, Reba McEntire and Chance the Rapper. Joining them this season is the Grammy-winning country/pop duo Dan + Shay, who met when they moved to Nashville, Tennessee, separately.
Dan + Shay hit it big in 2018 with their single "Tequila" and followed that with the crossover hit song "10,000 Hours," which they recorded with Justin Bieber. The twosome actually isn't new to "The Voice" -- they appeared in season 20 as "battle advisors" for former judge Blake Shelton.
In terms of Billboard rankings, the most successful winners from "The Voice" include Cassadee Pope from season three. She climbed to the top-five spot of the country music chart with the song "Wasting All These Tears." According to TVLine, she's since left the genre to return to her pop-punk roots.
Season nine's Jordan Smith had the most successful debut album of the winners so far and also found success as a songwriter. He penned "Ashes" for the "Deadpool 2" soundtrack, which was recorded by none other than Celine Dion. Last season's winner who goes by one name -- Huntley -- has yet to release a single, but he did sing the National Anthem at an NFL game.
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Q: When are the Oscars this year? I remember when they used to be in February, but they seem to have been pushed back later and later. -- I.E.
A: The 96th(!) Annual Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 10. Jimmy Kimmel will host the ceremony for the second year in a row, and it'll begin an hour earlier than in past years (7 p.m. ET instead of 8 p.m.). There will also be a 30-minute live pre-show on the red carpet.
The earlier time slot is an attempt to boost ratings. With the ceremony expected to end by 10:30 p.m., the network is hoping viewers will stick it out instead of turning off their TVs and other devices before it concludes.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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