DEAR STACY: I always love to see the bubbly Miss Jackee Harry. What is she up to? — Naomi S., Sacramento, Calif.

DEAR NAOMI: The comedic actress of "227" and "Sister, Sister" fame is heading to Broadway as one of the stars of the forthcoming Matilda, the Musical. Based on the same Roald Dahl book as the 1996 feature film "Matilda," about a precocious young girl who loves to read, has unpleasant parents — and telekinetic capabilities — the new musical version won raves and awards on London's West End. It's set to open on Broadway in April, and Jakee is playing Miss Phelps.

DEAR STACY: I'd like to know whatever became of Timmy Hovey who was in movies in the 50s such as "Toy Tiger." — Pam G., Kingman, Ariz.

DEAR PAM: After his hugely successful career as a child actor — with credits including Maureen O'Hara's "Everything But the Truth (1956) and Charlton Heston's "The Private War of Major Benson (1955) — Hovey hooked up with The Grateful Dead. He worked as an engineer and road manager for the band, beginning in the '60s. Hovey died at age 44 in 1989, of a drug overdose. Some reports called it a suicide.

DEAR STACY: When is Holly Madison due to give birth? And what is her Las Vegas show going to do without her? — Jody K., Chattanooga, Tenn.

DEAR JODY: Ice T's own Coco Austin is taking over the totally topless Bo Peep part in the Vegas "Peep show," beginning Dec. 3. Until then, rotating cast members in the show are handling the role. Former "Girls Next Door" and "Holly's World" star Madison is expecting a daughter with boyfriend Pasquale Rotella in March. Rotella, as you may be aware, is in big trouble, facing the possibility of up to 13 years behind bars on charges of bribery, embezzlement, conspiracy and conflict of interest in a case involving parties at L.A.'s Coliseum. He denies any wrongdoing.

DEAR STACY: Did Joanna Moore, Tatum O'Neal's mother, play one of Andy Griffith's courting interests on the classic "Andy Griffith Show?" This topic came up amongst a group of friends and we'd like to know if it's true or not. Also, did she die of a drug overdose? — H.E., Warren, Ohio

DEAR H.E.: Yes, Joanna Moore played Peggy McMillan, a love interest of Sheriff Andy Taylor, in a few episodes of the vintage "Andy Griffith Show." No, she did not die of an overdose, although her tumultuous life included a drug and alcohol-fueled spiral that led to her loss of custody of her children and time in a mental hospital. She died of lung cancer in 1997, at age 63.

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