Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

DEAR STACY: On "Californication," there is an actress named Embeth Davidtz. What kind of name is that and does it have a meaning in another language? — Rae P., Cedar Rapids, Iowa

DEAR RAE: Davidtz, who was born in the U.S.A. but moved to her parents' native South Africa as a child, answers your question: "My grandmothers were Emily and Elizabeth. My dad put them together. It's a bit hard, sometimes, with my last name and my accent, trying to get my name across. 'What did you say, Ma'am? I cannot understand you.' So I try to moderate it into an American accent."

DEAR STACY: I was wondering if "Everybody Loves Raymond" has anything available on outtakes or bloopers on the series. Being such a hilarious show, I can imagine the bloopers. — Bonnie, Elmwood Park, N.J.

DEAR BONNIE: There are bloopers included in the bonus features on "Everybody Loves Raymond" DVD releases. Quite a few of them have also found their way onto YouTube.

DEAR STACY: Can you tell me something about Bridget Regan of "Legend of the Seeker"? What other films has she appeared in? — Gary K., Ossining, N.Y.

DEAR GARY: The 27-year-old actress hails from, Carlsbad, Calif., near San Diego. Her film credits include "Sex and the City: The Movie" and "The Babysitters." On TV, she's been seen on "The Black Donnellys," "New Amsterdam" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." After studying at the University of North Carolina School for the Arts, Regan moved to New York to pursue her acting career. Her stage credits include the Mark Twain comedy "Is He Dead?" on Broadway.

DEAR STACY: On the T-Mobile myTouch 3G commercial with Chevy Chase, I recognize Molly Shannon and Dana Carvey, but who is the fourth guy? — D.D., Brooklyn, N.Y.

DEAR D.D.: Darrell Hammond.

DEAR STACY: I enjoy the show "Castle" and I would like to know about beautiful Stana Katic, who plays Kate Beckett.

What is her nationality? — Roger B., Fresh Meadows, N.Y.

DEAR ROGER: The daughter of Croatian parents who immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Stana moved from Hamilton to Aurora, Ill., with her family as a youngster. The 31-year-old, 5-foot-9-inches-tall actress speaks Italian, French and Croatian in addition to English, is a mezzo soprano, likes archery, karate, flamenco dancing and is interested in clothing design and astrophysics. She studied at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. "Heroes" fans will remember her as Hana Gitelman, and "24" watchers as Collette Stenger. She was featured in cable's "The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice." Her big-screen credits include the 007 flick "Quantum of Solace" the Morgan Freeman film "Feast of Love" and the cult comic book movie "The Spirit" with Samuel L. Jackson.

DEAR STACY: Are China Anne McClain and the woman who played her mother on "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" really mother and daughter? What is China Anne up to nowadays? — C.T.G., Bronx, N.Y.

DEAR C.T.G.: China Anne's parents are vocalist/songwriter Shontell McClain and music producer/vocalist/writer/sound engineer Michael McClain. She's not related to Demetria McKinney, who played her mother, Janine. Since being written out of the show at the end of Season 4, China Anne has been seen as one of Rocky Carroll's daughters on "NCIS" and worked in the forthcoming films "Hurricane Season" and "Grown Ups." She's also part of the singing group 3McClaingirls with her two older sisters, Sierra and Lauryn.

DEAR STACY: Please settle an argument in our office. Is it, or is it not, Ed Harris' voice we hear in the Home Depot commercials? — P.L., Reno, Nev.

DEAR P.L.: It is.

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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