Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

DEAR STACY: I admire Gary Sinise as an actor and for his work with the USO. An acquaintance told me that Sinise is considering going into politics. Is there anything to that? — Greg D., Canton, Ohio

DEAR GREG: No. Rumors to that effect flew after an online opinion piece speculated that the "CSI: NY" star could follow in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan, jump into the political fray, help the Republican Party, even run for president. However, "That's kinda silly. I'm not considering running for president," he answered, when I asked about it recently. As for political office in general? "No, no," he said, then added, "I remember what Bob Hope said about it when they asked him the same question — 'I don't think I'd want to. They don't pay enough and the house is too small.'"

DEAR STACY: What is Scott Porter up to since leaving "Friday Night Lights"? I miss seeing him. — Kathy P., Hurley, N.Y.

DEAR KATHY: The 29-year-old actor planned to take a little breather — but that has hardly been the case as he's been going from one project to another. He has the Aug. 14 release, "Bandslam," a battle of the rock bands comedy-with-music starring Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens and Alyson Michalka (and a cast that also includes Lisa Kudrow and David Bowie). He took intensive guitar training for weeks for his part. "That's something I love about acting," he says. "You get taught what you want to do." He's also in the yet-to-be-released Wall Street comedy "The Good Guy," which was unveiled this past spring at the Tribeca Film Festival. And he has Lasse Hallstrom's "Dear John" feature drama with Channing Tatum due next year. Porter also became part of the cast of "Masterwork," a Fox drama pilot about an FBI agent who tracks down stolen antiquities.

DEAR STACY: What happened to plans to show the last few episodes of "Dirty Sexy Money"? — Tonya C., Long Beach, Calif.

DEAR TONYA: Those plans are still on. Beginning July 18, ABC will begin airing the last four episodes of the Peter Krause series.

DEAR STACY: Can you please tell me if the TV show "Jericho" will be coming back on? I know the reruns are on Sunday nights. — Hugh H., Shelton, Conn.

DEAR HUGH: There are no plans to bring back the twice-cancelled "Jericho" series. However, executive producer Jon Turteltaub and the series' other writer-producers have been developing a "Jericho" feature film.

DEAR STACY: Sam Trammell, Sam of "True Blood," looks very familiar but I can't place him. How about some background? — Rose M., New York

DEAR ROSE: You might know Trammell as the fast-talking Sonny Dupree in Barry Sonnenfeld's "Maximum Bob" series, or from John Wells' "Trinity," or from his movies ("Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem," "Wrestling with Alligators," "Autumn in New York," "Beat," "Undermind") — or from his theater work. The actor, who grew up in Charleston, West Virginia and studied at Brown University and the University of Paris was Tony-nominated in 1998 for "Ah, Wilderness!" He's also starred in off-Broadway fare including "Kit Marlowe" at the Joseph Papp Public Theater.

DEAR STACY: Whatever happened to baby-voiced Georgia Engel of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" fame? — Karen T., Chattanooga, Tenn.

DEAR KAREN: Engel originated the role of Mrs. Tottendale in Broadway's "The Drowsy Chaperone" musical in 2006, and went on to perform the part in Toronto and San Francisco productions. The 60-year-old, never-married actress' stage work has also included roles at St. Louis' Muny Theater in recent years. Engel, who played Ray Barone's mother-in-law on "Everybody Hates Raymond," also does voice work in fare such as the animated "Open Season" and "Open Season 2."

DEAR STACY: I would like to know about Leon, the singer, dancer and actor who portrayed David Ruffin in the movie about The Temptations Motown group. I think that he is very talented and I would like to see him on more TV movies. — Beatrice M., Jersey City, N.J.

DEAR BEATRICE: The 47-year-old native of New York City, born Leon Preston Robinson IV, has a sizeable list of big and small screen credits, including his other portrayal of a legendary recording star, Little Richard, in a 2000 television movie of the same name — for which he was Emmy-nominated. (It's available on DVD.) He had recurring roles on "Oz" and "Resurrection Blvd.," and hosted BET's short-lived "The L-Bow Room" talk show. His films run the gamut from comedy to music, thriller to drama, including "The Five Heartbeats," "Cliffhanger," "Above the Rim," "Waiting to Exhale," "Cool Runnings" and "Cover." Ahead he has the indie comedy, "Capers." Leon also continues his singing career with his musical group, Leon & The Peoples.

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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