DEAR STACY: The actress who played Bunny Swan on "Madtv" is a virtuoso performer. What happened to her? They should put whoever took her off that show in jail. — D.S., Bronx, N.Y.

DEAR D.S.: Actress/writer/producer Alex Borstein left "Madtv" in 2002 after five years, explaining, "My contract was up, so I thought I'd go for it, because I think you can get stuck." She's a writer-producer and voice talent (Lois Griffin on "Family Guy.") Her latest enterprise is a hit stage show called "Freakin' Sweet! An Evening of Music and Comedy" with her "Family Guy" colleague Seth MacFarlane — an eclectic revue that sold out shows at Carnegie Hall and on May 10 was slated for L.A.'s Ahmanson Theater. Borstein's career includes films ("Good Night, and Good Luck," "Catwoman") comedy concerts ("Drop Dead Gorgeous") and television shows (she recurred on "Gilmore Girls"). She's married to actor and writer Jackson Douglas, who's directed her in an upcoming comedy movie called "For Christ's Sake."

DEAR STACY: We were wondering what happened to Johnny Crawford, who played the son of Chuck Connors on "The Rifleman." Also, is Mr. Connors still alive? — John and Janet B., Canton, Ohio

DEAR JOHN AND JANET: Chuck Connors passed away at 71 in 1992 due to lung cancer. Crawford, who comes from a musical family and who had several pop hit records back in the '60s, has devoted himself to singing with and conducting his own orchestra — they play big band, jazz and dance music — since 1990. Besides playing gigs across the country, The Johnny Crawford Dance Orchestra provides authentic period music for films and special events. Check out crawfordmusic.com for more information.

DEAR STACY: Henry Simmons of "Shark" is very tall, I believe. Is James Woods also? — A.S., Cleveland, Ohio

DEAR A.S.: Simmons is 6 feet 4 inches, and Woods' height is usually reported as 6 feet.

DEAR STACY: There's a $10 bet riding on this one.

I say that when Jack Nicholson was an unknown just starting in the business, he appeared in not one, but two episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show." In one he played a juror. I can't remember what he played in the other, but I KNOW I'm right. Right? — Lee, N.Y.C.

DEAR LEE: Right. Nicholson played the baby's father in the season seven episode called "Opie Finds a Baby" (1966) and the accused thief saved by Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) in "Aunt Bee the Juror" in season eight.

DEAR STACY: My family and I enjoy watching the reruns of "Mama's Family." We were wondering whatever happened to Allan Kayser, who played Bubba. Did he continue in the business? — Betty M., New York

DEAR BETTY: Yes. As Kayser declares on his website, "I am still out here; livin' the life, tryin' to get away with it. So you can remove me from whatever 'Where are they now?' list and rest assured I won't show up in prime-time sharing a bungalow with has-beens eating bugs to survive." He thanks fans of "Mama's Family" for continuing to write to him and follow his career, which includes the September release of independent family film "All Roads Lead Home," about a 12-year-old girl coping with life after the loss of her mother in a car accident.

DEAR STACY: Regarding the Hallmark movie "Love Comes Softly" with Dale Midkiff and Katherine Heigl, I'd like to know the name of the hymn that Dale sings sitting alone on top of a hill. — Elizabeth L., Red Hook, N.Y.

DEAR ELIZABETH: It's "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." It's been covered by such recording artists as Jars of Clay and Matthew Smith in recent years, though it's a real oldie — composed in the 18th century by Methodist pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson.

DEAR STACY: Please tell how many brothers and sisters Miley Cyrus has. Older or younger? — D.A., Springfield, Mass.

DEAR D.A.: She has two older half-brothers, Christopher and Trace; an older half-sister, Brandi; a younger sister, Noah; and younger brother, Braison Chance.

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 2008 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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