What’s story with Jeff Probst?
Q: I am a big fan of the “Survivor” reality series on CBS. I especially like the host, Jeff Probst. Please tell me whatever you can about him. Is he married? How many more “Survivor” shows does he plan on hosting? — Janet J., Sacramento, Calif.
A: Jeff Probst, 42, is a native of Wichita, Kan., and a veteran of many TV shows. Previous to “Survivor,” Probst hosted VH1’s “Rock and Roll Jeopardy” and was a featured correspondent for “Access Hollywood.”
One of People Magazine’s 2001 Most Beautiful People, Probst wrote and directed the indie film “Finder’s Fee,” with James Earl Jones and Robert Forster. The film won Best Picture and Best Director at the Seattle International Film Festival, where it premiered in 2001. While Probst’s five-year marriage to psychotherapist Shelly Wright ended in 2001, he recently disclosed that he has fallen in love with “Survivor: Vanuatu” cast-off Julie Berry.
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Q: I read recently that actress Denise Richards posed for Playboy only a few months after giving birth to her daughter. Is this true, and if so, how did she lose the weight? Also, how did her husband, Charlie Sheen, feel about his wife posing for the magazine? — Matt Z., Denver
A: Richards, 33, did indeed pose for the December issue of Playboy a mere three months after giving birth to daughter Samantha. She credits her sensational post-birth body to lots of exercise and eating right. Her husband, actor Charlie Sheen, is actually the one who encouraged her the most to do the pictorial spread. Now that Richards has had her day in Playboy, it appears to be time for Baby No. 2! Sheen and Richards just recently announced that they are pregnant again with another baby, due in June. Mom and Dad are said to be thrilled.
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Q: Could you please help me with this question? What happened to the actors and actresses from the sci-fi show “Roswell”? Where can I see them now? Thank you for your help. — Marlene C., Rochelle, Ill.
A: Since there were quite a few actors from that show who have become successful in other projects, I’ll have room to focus on only a few of them. Jason Behr (Max Evans) has been busy shooting six films since the series ended in 2002, including “The Shipping News,” “The Grudge” and the 2005 fantasy “D-War.” Colin Hanks (Alex Whitman) has since starred in the films “Orange County” and “Standing Still,” and is currently shooting the latest remake of “King Kong.”
Shiri Appleby (Liz Parker Evans) has starred in “Swimfan” and has been featured in “The Battle of Shaker Heights,” “When Do We Eat” and “Havoc.” If you still have a hankering for “Roswell,” you can catch seasons one and two on DVD.
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Q: I love Hugh Jackman and miss seeing him in romantic, leading-man roles. When will he do another romantic comedy? I hope it’s soon! — Jamie Lynn R., Newport, R.I.
A: I know what you mean, Jamie Lynn. While I thoroughly enjoyed “Van Helsing” and was engrossed by his portrayal of Wolverine in the “X-Men” series, I am now in the mood to see Mr. Jackman, 36, woo a beautiful girl, sweep her off her feet and live happily ever after. While he may not be battling werewolves or being a wolf himself in his current endeavor, “The Fountain,” this sci-fi drama — slated for a 2005 opening — is described by its production team as “a story of love, death, spirituality and the fragility of our existence in this world.”