Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

Emmy nomination ballots are due in today (6/21), and "The Closer" star Kyra Sedgwick's name is certainly among those being bandied about by awards pundits. For instance, ABC News' website prominently featured Reuters scribe Janelle Tipton's commentary calling it "a crime" that Sedgwick hasn't won an Emmy for her portrayal of Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson as yet — despite having been nominated each of the seasons the hit TNT series has been on.

"I love that, that's so nice," responds a smiling Sedgwick. "It's really amazing to get nominated — and the fact the show has had consistent nominations is really, really great acknowledgement for all the hard work, and we're so appreciative of that. But I have to admit, it would be nice to hear my name called."

A factor in her favor is that Season 5 of "The Closer" was "really an emotional season, starting with the death of Brenda's cat — this creature that she didn't want, that showed up on her doorstep, that she took in begrudgingly, but then connected to despite herself. There was her dad having a heart attack; her relationship with her niece, Charlie; the death of the boy in the second-to-last episode, 'Maternal Instincts.' Every time she let someone into her heart, something happened and it's devastating."

Now Sedgwick is six episodes into shooting of Season 6, which debuts July 12.

Leaving her family — husband Kevin Bacon and their son and daughter — behind in New York while she was shooting the series in L.A. filled her with mixed emotions in the past. "But it's easier this year because my daughter — our last kid — has graduated from high school. Everyone is off to fly the nest and as horrific as that makes me feel — it makes me want to cry just saying it out loud — my people on the East Coast don't need me so much."

Being college bound, daughter Sosie won't be returning to "The Closer" this season to reprise her role as Sedgwick's wayward niece. And Kevin, who has directed episodes of the show in the past, is sitting out this season because "he's busy with a lot of his own things going on," says Sedgwick.

OUR TIMES: Get ready for a Wayans family TV show about a family moving bravely forward as they tough out the tough economy — with the father quitting his job rather than doing something that requires him to go against his moral code. The pilot is called "The Walkers," a frequently used Wayans name, and Keenen, Shawn, Kim, Dante and Craig are involved.

Fascinating project Mario Van Peebles is preparing.

Called "Where the Party At?" it's described as a "feel good docudrama" that has to do with the first African-American generation to come of age during the Obama years. Jerk dancing is the milieu. Forces on the project have been looking for real jerk-dance crews for Van Peebles to turn his lenses on.

MAKING TIME: Supermodel-turned-lifestyle-design-mogul Kathy Ireland has a jammed schedule in the next few weeks, including a mission trip to Honduras, flights to New York for business and a family trek to Portland, Ore. — but she's making time to front a campaign for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, along with champion ballroom dancer Chelsie Hightower and style guide Bobbie Thomas. The Allergan company, makers of Latisse eyelash-growing solution, is offering matching funds for donations under each of the ladies' team banners. (See https://www.latissewisheschallenge.com.)

"In this economy, all the nonprofits are being impacted. Every time a business folds, there's a ripple effect," Ireland points out. "So to see a company like Latisse put their money where their mouth is, it's really inspiring."

Among the names who've been inspired to support Ireland's Make-a-Wish drive are Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Jackson, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr. and Tony Dovolani, the "Dancing With the Stars" pro who partnered with Ireland a couple of seasons back.

The philanthropy-minded Ireland has been involved for 16 years with the organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening ailments, and remains friendly with the family of the first Make-a-Wish kid she ever got to know — a boy she's happy to report is still around today "and just awesome." She adds, "For a child, being able to have a wish fulfilled during their most difficult time can be more important than people can imagine."

Ireland's $1.4 billion design empire includes some 15,000 products, from flooring and furniture to ceiling fans and florals, online greeting cards, jewelry and skin care. She admits, "I probably don't sleep as much as I should, and I don't recommend that." She recently released her "Real Solutions for Busy Moms" book, in which she talked about shedding 25 pounds of excess weight that had crept onto her body as she was carrying on an overworked, overwhelmed lifestyle. Has she been able to keep off the weight?

"My goal is to be healthy," is her answer. "That's my motivation, not to fit into a certain size. I'm not exercising as much as I did during my brief twirl on 'Dancing with the Stars,' but I am still exercising. I have three kids, and life is busy. It's tough to find time, but it's important. I don't deprive myself of foods. I'm too rebellious for that and it makes me cranky," she laughs. She looks amazing, by the way.

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 2010 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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