The Daily Star - Stay Tuned
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The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, March 16, 2012 2 coverstory Safe and sound 'Stars' lineup takes show back to the basics By Dee Wright TV Media more than 150 different ce- lebrities strut their stuff on the dance floor as they try to learn professional-level rou- tines and impress the judges. Season 14 of the popular se- ries premieres Monday, March 19, on ABC. The past couple of seasons have proven to be more con- troversial than expected, so producers are likely hoping for good dancing with little chance of scandal or contro- versy. That way, all of the at- tention will be on the dancers and performances them- selves. O When last season's cast was announced, some people were upset that a transgen- der individual, Chaz Bono, had been picked for the line- up. Religious groups called for a boycott of the series, claim- ing that it was inappropriate for children and families to be exposed to his lifestyle. Last season also suffered a "wardrobe malfunction," when Nancy Grace's dress ex- posed part of her breast while doing the quickstep. Also, a live performance by Chris Brown during the results show was ill received because Brown had recently been con- victed of domestic abuse against girlfriend Rihanna. With all of those problems last season, hopefully this year's group will help the se- ries regain ground. Instead of drawing in audiences with potential of arguments or problems, the new cast will revert the series to being about dancing, and dancing alone. The new crew was an- nounced on Feb. 28 during ABC's morning show, "Good ver the past 13 sea- sons, "Dancing With the Stars" has had promote it. This is brand- spanking-new for me." Shepherd is best known for her hosting gig on ABC's "The View." She's sat at the table since 2007, and she also has a Lifetime sitcom, "Sherri," which is based on her life. Gilbert starred as Laura In- Tom Bergeron hosts "Dancing With the Stars" Morning, America." The line- up consists of Gladys Knight, Jaleel White, Sherri Shepherd, Melissa Gilbert, Martina Navratilova, Jack Wagner, Donald Driver, Maria Menou- nos, Gavin DeGraw, Roshon Fegan, William Levy and Kath- erine Jenkins. Knight is an icon in the world of soul music and R&B and rose to fame in the 1960s. Even though her Pips will not be on the stage with her, Knight will prove to be stiff competition for the others be- cause of her ability to connect with music. White is more recognizable with suspenders, thick glass- es, hiked-up pants and a high- pitched voice asking "Did I do that?" That's right -- Steve Urkel. The "Family Matters" character became a symbol of 1990s television and was named one of the 50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time by TV Guide, nestled nicely be- tween Roseanne Conner ("Roseanne") and Ted Baxter ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show"). Recently, White ap- peared on Fox's "House" as House's cellmate. "I don't know what to ex- pect, I really don't," White tells Zap2it. "I have zero idea. When I step onto a stage as an actor, I know who the oth- er stars are and I have an idea of how the studio wants to galls Wilder on the '70s series, "Little House on the Prairie." The series ran for nine sea- sons on NBC, but Gilbert also rejoined the storyline as Ma Ingalls during the stage pro- duction of "Little House on the Prairie" in 2008. She also helmed the Screen Actors Guild as president for four years. Navratilova is a tennis champion who has broken and set records around the world. Even tennis legend Bil- lie Jean King has commented on Navratilova's talent. "She's the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who's ever lived," King told ESPN when Navratilova retired in 2006. Wagner's claim to fame was his role on "Melrose Place" in the 1990s, where he met and fell in love with fel- low star Heather Locklear. The couple is still together today. Wagner was also half of an on-screen supercouple on "General Hospital," playing Frisco Jones for several years. He currently stars as Nick Ma- rone on "The Bold and the Beautiful" Green Bay Packers wide re- ceiver Driver will spend his off-season doing the cha-cha instead of working out on the gridiron. Driver won the Pack- ers MVP trophy in 2002 and played in the Pro Bowl four times. He also holds the re- cord for most all-time recep- tions for a Packer. Menounos starred in CW's hit series "One Tree Hill" as a formerly abused teen who re- sorted to con jobs to pay for her medical bills. She also starred in "Kickin' It Old Sk- ool" (2007) with Jamie Ken- nedy. DeGraw also rose to fame because of "One Tree Hill," but his recognition came from writing the theme song, "I Don't Wanna Be." He has also appeared on soundtracks for "Tristan and Isolde" (2006) and "Laws of Attraction" (2004). He also provided the wedding song for "Bachelor" couple Jason and Molly. Fegan isn't too far out of his comfort zone on "Dancing With the Stars." He starred as Sander in Disney's "Camp Rock" (2008) and its 2010 se- quel, as well as a main role on "Shake It Up." Levy is a new face to Amer- ican viewers, but he is quite popular in Spanish television. He started his career as an underwear model, and he has appeared in Mexican series and Cuban telefilms. Singer Jenkins also comes from outside of the U.S. -- she comes from across the pond, in fact. The Welsh-born opera singer has found great suc- cess by tying her opera voice with pop and country songs. Chirstopher's Coins 2 x 2 hollywoodQ&A By Adam Thomlison TV Media Q: I saw "In Bruges" in 2008 after it was nominated for an Oscar (I'm a bit of an Oscar buff and try to see all the nominated films before the ceremony) and loved it -- I thought it should have won. Has the film- maker done anything else? A: Don't shed too many tears for Martin McDonagh's mantle -- it already has an Oscar on it. The Irish writer-director won the Best Short Film Oscar in 2006 for "Six Shooter." The short starred Brendan Gleeson, who would work with McDonagh again on "In Bruges" in 2008 (which was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, but lost to "Milk"). That's been it so far, though he's hard at work on his sec- ond feature. Again he's working with a familiar face -- this time it's "In Bruges" star Colin Farrell. Again falling into the bleak-action-comedy category, "Seven Psychopaths" is due out this fall. A truly dedicated McDonagh fan might want to seek out some of his plays. He was an award-winning playwright be- fore turning to film, and many of his titles (such as "The Beauty Queen of Linane" and "The Cripple of Inishmaan") are available in paperback. You could also check out 2011's "The Guard," a film by his brother John Michael McDonagh. The film was produced by Martin McDonagh and also starred Gleeson. A/Krazy Tom's 2 x 3 Have a question? Email us at questions@tvtabloid.com.