Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

DEAR STACY: Would love to know what happened to that very nice, very rotund contestant on "Hell's Kitchen" who had to quit the show because he had a heart problem. How about an update? — Kim B., Detroit, Mich.

DEAR KIM: You're talking about Robert Hesse, who was diagnosed with pericarditis — fluid in the lining of the heart — after his departure from the culinary competition show. He's reportedly lost 50 pounds while working out with a trainer, is preparing to have gastric bypass surgery, and said recently that he still can't resist an occasional Twinkie, but is trying to do better.

DEAR STACY: I would like to know the name of the beautiful actress who plays Kristen on "Reaper." Plus some background information on her. — Keith F., Brooklyn, N.Y.

DEAR KEITH: You're referring to Japanese actress-singer Eriko Tamura, who has also been seen on "Heroes" (as Princess Yaeko, Masi Oka's love interest) and as Mai in the big-screen "Dragonball Evolution." She has released 10 albums and 15 singles in her homeland, as well as starring in films and TV shows there.

DEAR STACY: Whatever happened to the Pepsi girl, Hallie Eisenberg? — The last thing I saw her in was the Helen Keller story. — Barbara B., South Amboy, N.J.

DEAR BARBARA: Now a pretty 16-year-old, she continues to act. Recent credits include the 2007 film, "P.J." and Emma Roberts' 2008 "Wild Child." The latter film, which has played around the world, but has yet to see a U.S. release, features the late Natasha Richardson as a school headmistress. It is the actress's last film. Eisenberg is also in the upcoming independent feature "Holy Rollers," in which her older brother Jesse plays an Orthodox Jewish boy lured into becoming an Ecstasy dealer.

DEAR STACY: I miss "Project Runway"! I know it is moving from Bravo to Lifetime, but when? — Gwen W., Cedar Rapids, Iowa

DEAR GWEN: The popular Heidi Klum-hosted reality show's sixth season premieres on Lifetime Aug.

DEAR STACY: Who is Maggie Q? A bet is on over whether she had a small role in Steven Seagal's "Under Siege 2." — William L., Hampton Bays, N.Y.

DEAR WILLIAM: Maggie Q is the international movie actress who first gained fame in Hong Kong action thrillers. She played Zhen in "Mission: Impossible III" and was featured in "Live Free Or Die Hard," "Balls of Fury" and "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon." The 29-year-old Hawaii native, daughter of a Vietnamese mother and an American father of Polish, Irish and French Canadian descent, was not, however, in "Under Siege 2: Dark Territory." At least, she doesn't list it in her credits, nor is she listed in the movie's credits, and she was just 16 when it was made.

DEAR STACY: Can you please explain what happened to Jamey Sheridan on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"? For a while he wore a patch on one eye. Was he injured? I never saw it explained. — Susan B-W, New York, N.Y.

DEAR SUSAN: Sheridan suffers from Bell's Palsy, which the "L&O:CI" producers wrote into his character's storyline. The actor left the show at his own request in 2006, worn out by the commute between his Los Angeles home and New York production. Since then he's been seen on "Eli Stone" and in Jane Seymour's "Dear Prudence" telepic. Recently, he made NBC's "Trauma" medical series pilot with Derek Luke.

DEAR STACY: I liked the show "Dirty Sexy Money" which had some of my favorite actors on it, including Peter Krause, Donald Sutherland, Jill Clayburgh and Blair Underwood. Is it gone for good? — Michael L., Torrance, Calif.

DEAR MICHAEL: Yes and no. It's permanently out of production, but ABC is planning to run four episodes of the series that were not previously shown beginning July 18.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2009 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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