The Envelope - LA Times - Contender Q&A

Sharon Gless, from 'Cagney and Lacey' to 'Nip/Tuck'

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Emmy Award-winning star is busier than ever.

Sharon Gless may have turned 65 this year and qualified for Medicare, but she's not looking to retire any time soon. In fact, the Emmy Award-winning star of "Cagney and Lacey" and "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill" is busier than ever. She has a kicky supporting role as the neurotic but loving mother of spy Jeffrey Donovan on USA's action comedy hit "Burn Notice" and is the recipient of an Emmy nomination in a guest starring role for her creepy turn as a stalker who makes life hell for Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) on FX's "Nip/Tuck." Her performance as the domineering, disturbed and murderous agent -- and stuffed bear maker -- Colleen Rose, was startling, complex and even, at times, sympathetic.

John Slattery rides to Emmy approval on 'Mad Men'

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

After roles on 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Sex and the City,' the actor scores a supporting nom as ad exec Roger Sterling.

You probably remember that devilishly handsome face, and that great shock of white hair, from his role as Eva Longoria's suitor on " Desperate Housewives." Or his turn on "Sex and the City" as a kinky politician who wanted Carrie Bradshaw to, er, shower with him, sort of. But it's in his latest role as Roger Sterling, a partner at " Mad Men's" 1960s ad agency, that John Slattery really gets to shine. He and his advertising colleagues take full advantage of their place on top of the food chain, using the women under them, stabbing one another in the back, and consuming endless cocktails and cigarettes.

Is Jon Hamm Emmy's main man?

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Secrets of smoking ad man Don Draper revealed.

Matinee-idol handsome Jon Hamm, 37, has been a working actor for the last eight years appearing on TV series such as "Providence," "The Division" and "The Unit" and in such films as "Kissing Jessica Stein" and "We Were Soldiers."

What was Kim Cattrall doing in Rudyard Kipling's bathtub?

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Best known as a man-eater in 'Sex and the City,' the actress was virtually unrecognizable in the Masterpiece Theatre drama 'My Boy Jack.'

Though Kim Cattrall is best known as Carrie Bradshaw's man-eating friend Samantha Jones in the HBO comedy series "Sex and the City" and in this summer's hit movie based on the show, the English-born Canadian-raised 51-year-old actress has a strong background in theater.

Kristin Chenoweth pushing for an Emmy?

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Kristin Chenoweth, 39, is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy star, best known for originating the role of Glinda in the Broadway blockbuster "Wicked." The diminutive actress also has made her mark in movies -- she plays Reese Witherspoon's sister in the upcoming holiday film "Four Christmases" -- as well as on TV, most notably on "The West Wing."

Sean Combs' 'Raisin' d'etre

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Emmy talk brightens ABC's "A Raisin in the Sun."

Sean Combs , a.k.a. Diddy, P. Diddy, Puff Daddy and Puffy, has conquered the worlds of rap music, record producing and clothing design.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers: Creating a king for 'The Tudors'

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Meyers gives King Henry VIII chiseled good looks and an intensity to boot.

BY NOW, it's hard not to think of Henry VIII as the smoldering monarch.

Susan Sarandon on small screen in eccentric love story

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The "Bernard and Doris" star has been fortunate in her onscreen playmates.

SUSAN SARANDON is so well known for so many roles that she's recognized for different movies depending on what part of the country she finds herself in. Presently shooting a film in Iowa, fans mention "Stepmom," "Bull Durham" and "Speed Racer." But her recent portrayal of Doris Duke in "Bernard and Doris" has its admirers as well.

Jon Cryer has reason to laugh

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Though his 'Two and a Half Men' character has it rough, Jon Cryer has got it made.

SOME might paint Jon Cryer, 43, a perpetual romantic loser given his two most iconic roles -- lovelorn Duckie in the teen angst favorite "Pretty in Pink" (1986) and awkward single dad Alan Harper on "Two and a Half Men." But Cryer beat "Iron Man" himself ( Robert Downey Jr.) for the Duckie role, stole the movie and comes close to doing the same on "Men." Some achievement given he's on screen with Charlie Sheen and child actor Angus T. Jones. Cryer, though, is a multi-hyphenated talent (actor-writer-director-producer) who won Broadway acclaim at 18 and later a fortuitous pairing with Sheen in the movie comedy "Hot Shots!" (1991). Unemployed and weeks from losing his home, Cryer badgered his agent to get him seen for the role of Harper. A nominee the last two years for supporting actor, this still comparatively unsung comedy player could score a hat trick.

Kevin Spacey: I started stuffing envelopes for Jimmy Carter in 1976

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The star may appeal to Emmy voters for his turn in HBO's "Recount."

Kevin Spacey's got the acting chops, alright.