DEAR STACY: What's become of Cote de Pablo since leaving "NCIS"? Loved her on the show. Why did she leave? — W.A., Chattanooga, Tennessee

DEAR W.A.: The popular Chilean actress will star in "The Dovekeepers," a CBS four-hour miniseries from Mark Burnett and Roma Downey ("The Bible"). Due next year, it's from Alice Hoffman's historical novel of the same title, about four women whose lives intersect at the siege of Masada in ancient Israel. As for her departure from "NCIS," there were reports that a salary disagreement was at the root of it; her contract renegotiation stalled. But that has not been confirmed and she makes clear she won't talk about it.

DEAR STACY: Please give an update on Joshua Jackson, who I fell a little in love with in "Dawson's Creek" days. Did he ever marry that actress he's been dating? — Lori B., Huntington, West Virginia

DEAR LORI: Jackson is not married, but still very much a couple with his partner of eight years, "The Bridge's" Diane Kruger, who recently talked about their plans to start a family. He is one of the four leads in Showtime's "The Affair" beginning Oct. 19. It's the story of an extramarital affair between a married waitress and a teacher visiting Montauk with his family for the summer, told from different vantage points, "Rashomon" style. Jackson is the waitress' (Ruth Wilson) husband, and the other couple is played by Dominick West and Maura Tierney. It does get steamy, but the focus is a psychological exploration and from what I could tell from the first two parts, very well done.

DEAR STACY: I remember reading that a movie version of the old "The Big Valley" series was going to be made with Jessica Lange, Ryan Phillipe, Bruce Dern and, I believe, Lee Majors. I would like to know if that ever happened or if it is still on the drawing board? — Jeff T., Warren, Ohio

DEAR JEFF: Disappointingly for "Big Valley" fans, the plans died amid legal problems — that is, filmmaker Daniel Adams' indictment for fraud in 2012 and lawsuits against him by "Big Valley" investors.

DEAR STACY: Whatever became of Rue McClanahan? Is she still with us, or is Betty White the only remaining one of the "Golden Girls"? — Nancy L., Tacoma, Washington

DEAR NANCY: McClanahan passed away of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 76 in 2010, leaving Betty — the oldest of the cast — the only surviving "Golden Girl." I asked the 92-year-old national treasure her secret to a long and happy life a couple of years ago, and she said, "I really do believe the positive approach beats the negative. Everyone has something good they can hang onto. You have to focus on the good stuff, and celebrate the good times."