Issue Date: February 1, 2004
I don't get why the writers of the new CBS show "Cold Case" gave their female lead a male partner. I thought she was doing fine all by herself.
M. Mau, Las Vegas
To our readers: The editors of USA WEEKEND Magazine would like to apologize for offensive language that inadvertently appeared in an illustration published in some copies of the Jan. 16-18 issue. The illustration accompanied an article on storytelling. The error was corrected when it came to our notice; however, we were unable to correct every edition.
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She was. But despite producers' claims that they wanted a strong woman who was not "just the partner of a male detective," Lilly Rush, played terrifically by Kathryn Morris, has ended up like most female cops on TV: in an ensemble of men. Morris, 35, is OK with it. She tells us she likes that Rush doesn't give up femininity, and "these guys respect her."
What happened to Rob Lowe's new show, "The Lyon's Den?" I find it very disappointing when good shows disappear, particularly when there is so little on TV worth watching.
Gloria Flynn, Moline, Ill.
You're not alone in that feeling. But NBC has no plan to bring "Lyon's Den" back. Even with a good cast, the Sunday legal drama struggled for ratings against ABC's "The Practice, into which James Spader breathed new life this season.
Jodi Marks of HGTV's "Fix It Up!" is sexy even in jeans and a floppy shirt. Has she done any modeling? Is she married?
Ted Marduce, Westland, Mich.
She has modeled and been married. And when we spoke, Marks, 36, was thrilled to have just gotten engaged to her beau of two years, Ken Cliffe, a writer. (No date has been set.) Marks, mom to Hannah, 10, hopes she is encouraging women to break gender barriers in fields like construction: "It's great to be a little link in the big chain of a movement."
I am a big fan of Eliza Dushku of Fox's "Tru Calling." What can you tell me about this charismatic TV star?
Larry Sork, Oakland, Calif.
Dushku, 23, is very believable as the competent, graceful Tru on her Thursday show about a psychic morgue worker who goes back in time to prevent the deaths of her would-be customers. But the real-life Dushku has had some clumsy moments. She "landed" her first acting job at 10 when she fell down the stairs at a casting call. Her unplanned stunt attracted agents, who offered her a commercial. Known for her tough-girl roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Bring It On," the self-described tomboy took cues from three older brothers.
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Brad Meltzer, whose thriller "The Zero Game" came out last month, writes what he knows; what he doesn't know, he finds out. "We're now in the world of 'The Da Vinci Code,'" says Meltzer, 33. "Readers go to fictional novels to get facts on the real world. I want to take people into worlds they've never seen." In Zero Game that includes secret tunnels under the U.S. Capitol and mine shafts 8,000 feet deep. To get the gestalt of a Capitol staffer, Meltzer posed as wife Cori's intern -- she was counsel to the House Judiciary Committee at the time. Recently the couple moved to Florida with son Jonah, 2. Watch out, Carl Hiaasen: Meltzer knows your territory now.
I'm planning a wager with a close friend that Tom Wolfe's book "A Man in Full" will be made into a movie. Should I approach my friend with this bet or wait?
Kevin Bennett, Detroit
Wager on. But cover yourself so TV movies are included. The novel is in "active development" at HBO, which has the film rights well into this year and a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Donald Margulies ready to go. With no director at this point, casting hasn't occurred. Nonetheless, look for the movie on HBO in late 2004 or early 2005.
Is Steven Culp, who plays CIA agent Clayton Webb on JAG, the son of veteran actor Robert Culp of "I Spy" fame?
J. Thomasson, Alton, Ill.
No. But fittingly enough, "JAG"'s Culp, 48, is the son of a Navy man. He was born near San Diego, where his dad was stationed. Culp also has recurring roles in UPN's "Star Trek: Enterprise," as the leader of an assault group, and NBC's "The West Wing," as Republican House Speaker Jeff Haffley. Plus, you'll see him on "ER" as a potential love interest for Alex Kingston's Dr. Elizabeth Corday.
I wonder why actors Eric and Julia Roberts are never promoted as brother and sister.
Lester Richardson, Detroit
Because they've been estranged for years, although neither has publicly explained why.
Is Alec Baldwin still living in America? I recall he said that if George W. Bush became president, he'd leave the country.
Pete Kluesner, Chaffee, Mo.
Baldwin, 45, claims he never said that, and he did not move. But the actor is still a big Bush basher and a supporter of various Democratic candidates, issues and causes.
Contributing: Bridget Byrne, Katie Leach-Kemon, Evelyn Poitevent
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BIRTHDAYS
February 1: Lisa Marie Presley, 36
February 2: Shakira, 27
February 3: Maura Tierney, 39, Nathan Lane, 48
February 4: Clint Black, 42
February 5: Bobby Brown, 35, Laura Linney, 40
February 6: Natalie Cole, 54, Tom Brokaw, 64, Ronald Reagan, 93
February 7: Ashton Kutcher, 26, Chris Rock, 39, Garth Brooks, 42
 Ask Lorrie Lynch a question about a celeb!
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