Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Anthony Ventimiglia  Born 8 July 1977  Actor Producer

Another special request which I finally got to!

He was born in Anaheim, California.  His father, Peter served in the Vietnam War and is of Sicilian descent.  His mother, Carol, has Scottish and English ancestry.  He is the youngest of the family (like me) and has two elder sisters.  He attended El Modena High School, Orange California, where he was student president, acted in high school productions and also wrestled.  After graduating in 1995, he attended the American Conservatory Theater Summer Programme, heading to UCLA where he studied Theatre.

He had a love of acting from an early age, at least since he was eight and when he turned 18 he looked for work professionally. He was in Must Be the Music (1996.) When he graduated UCLA, he got one of his first acting break in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  This led to many guest appearances on well-known shows such as Sabrina The Teenage Witch, CSI, oh yeah recall him in that in the episode, Friends and Lovers, [truth be told, I recall him in everything] where he played the obligatory bad guy.  Other shows included, Saved By The Bell: The New Class, Brooklyn South, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and a wealth of others.  The show that propelled him to fame was Gilmore Girls, where he played Jess, boyfriend of Rory and Dean's rival.  The show that leaves people divided as to whether they're #TeamJess or #TeamDean, with others asking why can't they be both.  Gilmore Girls getting a recent revival with many of the main cast reprising their roles, which is anxiously anticipated.

Milo built up his acting career steadily and sturdily and maybe studly (ha) too.  With his looks and crooked smile, which he attributes to dead nerves on the left side of his face, causing that side to remain immovable, which just adds to his appeal.  His other breakthrough role was as Peter Petrelli in Heroes, which lasted four seasons.  He played a hero who thought he had powers of his own, but much to his chagrin, to a degree, he was merely a sponge who took on other peoples' powers.  This show leading to many worldwide appearances to promote it, as well as many conventions, where fans had the opportunity to meet Milo to their hearts content.  But as Peter he broke many a hearts on and off screen and continues to do so.  Always will!

Being down to earth and a fun guy, he's always obliging to his fans and very gracious, though I wish I could say he recalls meeting me for various reasons, not going into any here (I know he meets plenty of people/fans.)  Always affording them a photographic opportunity (yeah I don't like the word selfie either, sounds very egotistical and selfish to me, but to each his own and let the cliches roll, ha!)  He also is an extremely talented photographer and should showcase those creative talents some more in my opinion.  He could do much for charity when he gets the time using his photos.

He's very dedicated to his craft and is very hard working, as well we know, starring in all sorts and genres of shows and not just sci-fi.  It's good that he hasn't been type cast, also being a bit of a Star Wars/Darth Vader fan himself.  His popularity as an actor stems from his ability to play all roles and each one is always different, whether he plays good or bad. As shown by Gotham, in which he was clearly a killer, but he still managed to capture our hearts and minds in that too.

Other more recent shows included, Chosen, The Whispers, a bit of a supernatural foray and many of us would like to see him make an appearance in Supernatural itself, come on make it happen!  PET Squad Files, Con Man, Relationship Status were just some of his recent roles.  He has also made his mark in feature films, including Devil's Gate (yet to be released.)  Grace of Monaco, Rocky with Sylvester Stallone.  Pathology, The Divide.  Milo is also a producer and has produced lots of films with his partner, at Divide Pictures, Russ Cundiff.  Including, Tell and Static.  It's a wonder he has time to himself!  Considering he was also in Fergie's music video Big Girls Don't Cry unless it's over you Milo!

More recently he's set to appear in NBC's new dramady, This Is Us alongside Mandy Moore, which already got social media buzzing with the trailer NBC released, showing Milo's butt!  Perhaps a reason why it has sooo many views on it on facebook alone.  Was it wrong of me to think of Bruce Greenwood's song, "Two Foot of ButtCrack" when I saw it!  Ha.  Nah it wasn't!

He says he's shy (don't believe that for a minute, I didn't get that impression at all when I met him! Maybe he just hides it well!)  And prefers to stay home a lot and cook, he's been a vegetarian since he was little, works tirelessly for US Vets: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

He has a love for motorbikes and dare I say it, dropping the f-bomb aplenty!  He loves to read.  (But mot my stuff!)  He's very active on Twitter and gets through an abundance of tweets to fans. @MiloVentimiglia and I'm waitin' for him to tweet me and call me "darlin!"

Words of wisdom: "I'm just a person, I'm not larger than life."

He's very sexy, has a cool voice, doesn't drink or smoke, what else could anyone ask for, oh except the beard, though his hair looks great long or short, I like my men clean shaven!!  Not to say he doesn't look alluring enough with a beard.  He has a sense of style and panache and heck looks good in anything or for the rest of you out there, out of everything too!

Milo is someone who has been places and has so far yet to go, always on the move (no pun) as far     as work goes, he is one cool guy who we'll see for a long time to come, both on and off our screens!

Richard Dean Anderson

Richard Dean Anderson  Born 23 January 1950  Actor  Producer  Composer

Seems timely to write this now, what with the 30th anniversary of MacGyver this year.  Can't believe it's been that long! As they say can't get too much of a good thing!!

Richard, also known as Rick, RDA was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Growing up in Roseville, Minnesota, he attended Alexander Ramsey High School.  His parents: Stuart Jay Anderson, a jazz musician, school teacher and Jocelyn Rhae Carter, who was an artist/sculptor.  So you can see where he gets his creativity from.  It's in the genes!  He is the eldest of four brothers, Jeffrey, Thomas, James.  He is of Scottish, Norwegian, Swedish and Mohawk descent.  The Swedish/Norwegian part is obvious cos of his name, Anderson.

Richard studied acting at Clouds State University, Minnesota and Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. But he left before receiving his degree, feeling tired of it.  When he was 17 he embarked on a bike trip with friends to Alaska (as he recently mentioned at London Film and Comiccon in July 2015.  His ambition was to become a professional hockey player which ended sadly when he broke both his arms.  He has metal pins in them.  Which was a bit timely for us otherwise we'd never have known him.  Not everyone is into sports/hockey!  Maybe that sounds horrible but it isn't meant to be! Far from it!  But it must've been havoc on him when playing such an energetic role as MacGyver.

His interests include music, art and acting which gripped him at an early age and he also had ambitions to become a jazz musician.  It was apparent in his brief stint of playing guitar in MacGyver.  In the season 3 episode The Negotiator.  Quite simply beautiful, would've liked to have seen/heard more.  Especially since he also wrote the piece, entitled Eau d'leo.  As well as singing that song Dinah.  Would like to see his artwork though, out of curiosity and interest! In 1985 he was voted Sexiest Survivalist by People Magazine.

Rick moved to North California and then to Hollywood and had jobs as diverse as a street mime and juggler, mammal handler in a marine show, which would explain his love of nature and animals as well as a musician in a medieval dinner theatre production.  Sold shoes, forklifts, curtains.  Such a varied repertoire, at least he got his hands dirty, so to speak, but dived in and had a go at everything, most people and let's face it, certain actors wouldn't give  a second thought to!  He would have liked to have taught his skills, such as juggling and other circus pursuits to disadvantaged youth.

His first role was as Dr Jeffrey Webber in US soap General Hospital.  Most actors going down the route of starting out in such soaps.  Good publicity and giving the grounding in working such long hours in some prolific productions.  Which would've been ample training for MacGyver since that was gruelling.  It's tough being a lead on such a hit show, cos it's constant screen time.  Even when there are co-stars/guests, he had the responsibility and burden of carrying the show on his shoulders!! No mean feat!  No wonder he is so widely loved around the world  But also cos he is a genuine good guy and caring and compassionate person.

Other roles included Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  He would've been great in the musical!  He also starred in the CBS series Emerald Point NAS, the Dennis 'McCloud' Weaver show where he played Lt Simon Adams.  Seems like playing military men was in his blood too.  As he also played one in the hit movie Ordinary Heroes about an ordinary man drafted to fight in the Vietnam war.  In later years, he was considered for the roles of Jeremy Sisko in Star Trek Deep Space Nine, John McClane in Die Hard, Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice, oh that would've been one to see!! He had the hair for it and the looks!!

The role as we all know which propelled him onto our radar and a household name around the world was  MacGyver.  The ABC hit (which doesn't seem the right word to use, cos it was far more than that!)  A secret agent who was much more than that.  Inventor extraordinaire, ladies man and all round good guy with an enormous heart.  Pretty much Rick himself!! Always there for his friends and strangers alike! Yeah my kinda man, I mean brains, intelligence and looks, who else could think on the spot and sometimes not even on his feet (!) and come up with so many creations!!  Not one!! ha. Also his first name was highly secretive and Angus wasn't revealed until sometime later.  I know it states in season seven, but I'm sure it was mentioned before that.  Will have to check that out!

There's not much happening for the 30th anniversary of MacGyver since the show aired on 29th September 1985 and ran for seven successful seasons!! Yeah seven being one of those influential numbers!  Didn't even realize this big 30 until recently otherwise I'd have written plenty on the show and Rick, maybe I can still get that done!!??!! But more cos of the charismatic lead. Well credit where credit is due.  Also Henry 'the Fonz' Winkler was executive producer.

Rick did make for a sexy hero, but he was is in real life too!! Or should I say on screen!  That hair and that jacket!! Wonder if he got to keep the tan coloured jacket from the show, looked good on him, but then anything looked good on him!  He really had a dress dense very stylish on and off screen!! Especially those collarless shirts and the colourful patterned ones too!! Yeah, he carried off that look where none could!  Also later riding a bike on the show, demonstrating his love of motorbikes.

I still say that Ziva's "18 ways to kill with a paperclip" in NCIS, was an homage to MacGyver and his trusty paperclip!! Not to mention Dean using one in Supernatural to release himself from his cuffs!! Hmm, Rick in handcuffs...Okay I won't go there, but admit, I put the image in your head and you can't get rid of it now!! ha.

Rick later said that playing MacGyver was "...seven years of being in virtually every frame that was shot and having absolutely no life at all.
He would get up at 5am and go to bed at midnight.  He is known for doing his own stunts, such as climbing, driving, jumping.  In 1987 he injured his back after a fall, so couldn't do that much, and also stated he, "is getting a little older so I don't do as many as I used to."  Case in point the helicopter scene in season 1.2 The Golden Triangle was Rick who jumped onto it.  He used to have a Harley Davidson motorbike and a CJ-7 jeep. A bit like MacGyver, not sure if he still has those, even just for memento purposes!

The show advocated the avoidance of using guns and was more about taking down the villain in other, inventive ways.  In part due to MacGyver's own experience with a gun when he was a teen and his friend was killed by one.  Though he has handled guns on the show, he hasn't used one.  Yet he came close to using one in the ep The Challenge in season 4.12, not to fire but on an abhorrent racist murderer who killed his friend, Booker, founder of the Challenger's Club for boys and girls, to keep them off the streets and away from drugs and crime.  The Club is a real charity.  This ep was directed by his co-star the late Dana Elcar (Pete Thornton on the show) and brought out some of his finest emotional acting on screen, when he discovers his friend, brutally killed!  At least in my opinion it was and showed how close MacGyver came to using violence himself!

[I have this signed photo]
Perhaps the message from this show about the dangers of guns needs to be highlighted and brought back today with the number of violent gun deaths and crime in the USA.
Rick also said, "the show is starting to make some contributions that are important.  There is subject matter that people need to be aware of.  "  This would primarily have been conservation, the environment and animal welfare.  Season 3 concerned many eps relating to poaching wild animals, pollution.

He said he is like MacGyver in many ways, "the producers were intrigued enough by my personality quirks that they developed some attitudes.  We are both 6' 2".

His message for the 100th ep of MacGyver:
"MY FRIENDS
WE MADE IT WORK!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR
PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE, UNDERSTANDING,
FAITH & SUPPORT -
YOU ARE THE BEST!
RICHARD DEAN"

Said John Pike, President of Paramount's Network Television Division. "While very few leading men are able to carry action-adventure shows, Anderson had the potential to be a television star."

Henry Winkler: "I think it translates well internationally because of Ricky Dean.  He has a personality on the screen that translates across with a vulnerability. He is quiet when he has to be. And his thoughtfulness is international because those are all silent communications. You don't have to understand a particular American idiom in order to go with MacGyver. You can actually watch and understand his vulnerability and cleverness. And...he's extraordinarily good-looking."  Swoon!!

Though he did have quite a romantic off screen life too, being associated with names such as Teri Hatcher, Sela Ward (who was great in CSI:NY) Katerina Witt.  He always wanted marriage and a family.  Although he didn't marry, he got his wish and his daughter Wylie Quinn Annarose Anderson was born in 1998. And he is every bit the devoted and doting ada!  Ahh and he talks of her every chance he gets! "Being a father, well, I don't know if this is a change, but it makes me want to get out of here faster.  get off the clock.  Just 'cause the baby is my reason for living, my reason for coming to work."  Which he said when he was on Stargate.

MacGyver was briefly 'revived' in an Mastercard ad for the 2006 Superbowl XL.  As well as in web episodes, MacGyver and the New Citan in 2012.

After MacGyver ended Rick starred and produced the show Legend, which only ran for 12 eps in 1995.  This was under his own production company, Gekko Film Corporation along with Michael Greenburg.  Wondered why he didn't do much with that company. He played Ernest Pratt/Nicodemus Legend, a womanizer in his own words and who was initially a dime novelist.  Which Rick described as one of his best roles.  Also to critical acclaim, especially that of NY Times writer John Connor.

In 1997-2005 Rick appeared in the TV show Stargate SG-1 and played another beloved character in the role of Col Jack O'Neill.  He agreed to the part on the proviso he could have more comedic input than the original character in the Stargate movie.  The late Don S Davis (who appeared in two eps of MacGyver as did as a lot of other co-stars/guests in SG-1) later advised him to get O'Neill promoted to commander of the team and so spend less time on screen.  This also allowed him to spend more time with his newly born daughter, and in the end it was Rick's decision to leave the show, so he could do this full time!  Well he didn't leave so early considering the show didn't run that many years after he left and he did make appearances in spin-offs Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe.  As well as in Stargate: Continuum in 2008.

In 2004, Rick was made honorary Airforce Brigadier Commander for showing the Airforce in such a positive light.  He also got to voice MacGyver in The Simpsons in the ep, Kiss Kiss Bang Bangalore, after expressing his fondness for the show and as we know, Patty and Selma being longtime fans of his.

Other films/TV shows he's starred in include:  In the Eyes of a Stranger, Through The Eyes of a Killer which marked notable departures from his clean cut good guy image and his foray into the dark side of his characters. Beyond Betrayal, Past The Bleachers,  Pandoras' Clock, where he played a pilot, Capt James Holland or in my bad joke referring to him as 'the Flying Dutchman' you know, Der fliegende Holländer,  cos of his last name Holland, Dutchman, okay it may sound lame!  Oh never mind!  Firehouse, Fairly Legal in 2010 for 5 eps.  As well as the shows, The Love Boat, Raisin' Hope, Don't Trust The Bi**h in Apartment 23.

He should carry on with composing now.  Also I said he and Bruce Greenwood should get together to make some sweet, soulful music together on their trusty guitars!! Demonstrating their love of music too and they're both so talented!  Rick's band in the '70's was called Ricky Dean and the Dante, where he sang and played guitar.

His charitable pursuits include being a supporter of Waterkeeper Alliance, In 1995 he was recipient of the Celebrity Award from the make A Wish Foundation and he is part of the Special Olympics. He is on the Board of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, amongst others.

Let me leave you with a most apt quote: Jewel from Foolish Games: "...you were always the mysterious one with dark eyes and careless hair..."  Sweeet and poetic!!

http://mila255.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/richard-dean-anderson-talk-saturday.html

Juan Pablo Di Pace

Juan Pablo Di Pace  Born 25 July 1979  Actor Singer Director

Juan was born in Buenos Aires and is of Argentinian descent.  Moving to Spain when he was 12, he was awarded a scholarship from the United World College of the Adriatic in Trieste, Italy when he was 17.  He also lived in London, UK for 10 years, studying Theatre in London at the London Studio Centre, where he was awarded a scholarship on the day he was meant to return to leave, thus beginning his acting career in London and in Spain.
                                              

He was in the lead role in the production of Chicago in London and was Danny Zuko in the musical Grease in Trieste, which was also directed by him in part.  My fave musical.  Hey Juan was born in the same year, 1979, when the film of Grease was released in the UK.  Now would you call that ironic or was he fated to play that role!  I would call it Kismet, since he also played Danny in a school production. He was in the Spanish production of Saturday Night Fever  from 2009-2010, in which he played the lead character, Tony Manero, won him critical acclaim across Europe.  On his role in Chicago he said, "I suppose doing that show was my proof that I could dance , so I had to move onwards to my real passion, acting."

On directing Juan said, "when you direct you get to create the mood and point of view, it's an amazing experience."  Sometimes he finds it a little difficult to memorize lines, especially if he has to change his accent, understandable, as in Dallas, I could detect his hint of a Spanish dialect, but then he was meant to be Mexican, so that would've helped too.  However he is fluent in Spanish, Italian and English.

Juan was in numerous British TV shows whilst living in London which included, The Catherine Tate Show, New Tricks, Aftersun and in the soap River City. As well as many Spanish productions such as, Supercharly, Los Hombros de Paco, Fisica O Quimica.  Other shows include guesting in US series, Camp.  To be seen next year in the NBC mini-series, A.D, playing Jesus!  No, I won't go there with comments!! ha.

He released an album entitled, Primer Acto (Act One).  You may recall him from the video of the Eric Prydz version of Call On Me.  Always showed a snippet of this in the Now That's What I call Music ad here for various releases of songs in album compilation.

Juan made his feature film debut in Survival Island and played Petros in the film Mamma Mia (2008) and got the chance to star alongside Pierce Brosnan (a little jealous here, but only a little! ha. Love Pierce!) and not to mention Mr Darcy too, Colin Firth.  But he did have a presence in that movie and not just for his singing voice alone!!  It's great that he has a stunning voice, as well as his striking Latin American looks.  A veritable Latin Lothario!  No, it's not all about looks, tall, dark and handsome he is, yet he's also a very nice person too.

Thus far he will be best known for and best remembered for Dallas in my opinion anyway.  Though he's young, has a long way to go yet as far as his career will extend.  But bad boy Nicolas Trevino/ Joaquin is one that has put him onto the US radar.  It was a joy to watch him go from so-called gorgeous, good guy to bad, piling up the body count and breaking plenty of hearts on and off screen! And not only cos it was his first role that he landed (no pun) as soon as he literally got off the plane in LA, visiting his sister, Victoria.  Okay it was a week, but what's a week in LA, right?  Particularly since they didn't, well couldn't, cast his character!  A true compliment if ever there was one in terms of not being able to find anyone suited (again no pun, see next line) enough for Nicolas!

That black suit of his brought out his sex appealing features, not surprising since they were especially fitted for him at Neiman Marcus, in Dallas  and this show also had plenty of shirtless moments too with Nicolas! Phew, but I think he looks exceptional in a black waistcoat and white shirt.  There's something stunning about a gorgeous man in a white shirt!!  Hmm, wonder if he has been called a sex symbol yet?  Well never mind if he hasn't cos I just did!  I had to be shallow for just one moment! Yet he's much more than that!  Very talented, intelligent, smart and charming.

Oh his role of Nicolas he said, "it's a very cool role to play, basically because I'm asked to play an actor.  Someone who switches from one situation to the next - from one conversation with a person to another conversation with another person. He sees, in every opportunity something to get.  It's very Dallas."

I feel the song he sings, so perfectly, Immortality is so relevant to Juan and his life.  The line, "fulfil your destiny..." is so much about him as that's exactly what he's done and is still doing.  His destiny to be an actor and a singer.  He may have started out on stage in London and that's an impressive way to begin an acting career, but he's also taking the US by storm.  Which not only shows he's incredibly talented, but that not giving up has a huge part to play in following his heart and his ambition.  Most of all, it's always onwards and upwards!

I was so sad that he was in London all these years but that I didn't get a chance to see him in Chicago or to meet him!!  The phrase and oft used cliche that comes to my mind is, "ships that pass in the night." Makes me think of the number of times I must've passed him on the street and not known who he was, especially the early years!  Then that's just me, I'm so sentimental like that!  Hoping he can come back and do another musical (or non-musical, I'm not fussy! ha) on the West End stage or just tread the boards again in a theatre production, would be great to see him on stage.  That's the thing about acting, until you've been on the London theatre stage, you're missing out a lot!  It is almost every actor's dream to do this, but Juan already managed this before moving on.

Returning to Immortality, "I'll make them all remember me," is immensely profound too.  Cos that's what I'll do, don't know about anyone else:remember him in everything he's done in the past and everything he will do in the future!  He's made his mark on me and yes, dare I say he has captured my heart forever!
Also may be alienating many a Celine Dion fan here, but I think his version of  Immortality is even better.  It's very emotional and at the same time, it's also extremely moving.

"We don't say goodbye!..."

Patrick Muldoon

Patrick Muldoon   Born 27th September 1968   Actor Musician Producer


William Patrick Muldoon III was born in San Pedro, California.  His father is a personal injury lawyer.  He is Irish on his father's side and Croatian on his mother's side.  He attended Loyola High School and also the University of Southern California.   Patrick's first job was as a Calvin Klein model, though wouldn't really call that a job! If you know what I mean! Ha. As we get to see plenty of him!  But don't mess with him cos he's a blue belt in Krav Maga, oh and he's 6' 2".
                                                         

You may recall him from Saved by the Bell and as Austin Reed on the popular daytime soap, Days of Our Lives for which he won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Male Newcomer in 1994.  But he is more well known for playing scheming Richard Hart on Melrose Place from 1995-1996.  At least that's the first role I saw him in.  Kind of funny having a name Hart as he was far from possessing a heart.  But his evil ways got him in the end, in the funny scenes where he was killed and then they tried to hide his body.  Some would call that a deserved comeuppance if ever there was one. He said "the thing that is cool about soaps is that because you are acting everyday, the writers are kind of watching you from behind the scenes and so you can kind of influence where your character goes.  The writers want to write to your strengths, so if you're funny they'll try and incorporate that. If you're intense, they'll make you emotional.  But it's pretty much what they write is what you do."

Patty's a bit of a mix of everything and can play to our hearts strings as well as being funny and he says he has a "vile sense of humour."  That's always super sexy in any one.

Patrick later went onto to Starship Troopers (1997).  He so needed to be at #LFCC July 2014 (though it was a fiasco) cos his other co-stars from the movie were here!  Or any convention going in London!!  He was chosen as one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.  Well they got that right!  He is also brother-in-law of the famous Zappa family.  Would love to have seen him in Celebrity Ghost Stories, which we didn't get here.  Perhaps we may get it 2018, but I did get to watch it and it was great!

Patrick is the lead singer of rock band, The Sleeping Masses, as well as guitarist.  Love his song, Glowing like Gold, that cello is so haunting and yes he can sing!!  Okay I won't big it up as that much of a shock, but you know not everyone can hold a tune! Ha.  He decided on the band name after he read everything he could get his hands on relating to philosophy; "all the authors and philosophers had the same message about not going through your life asleep.  About this time my partner Neil and I were forming the band and I said, 'I've got the name' and he said it was a cool name for a band.  It kind of came from a philosophical place...it's just a cool rock and roll name.  It makes a good T-shirt. That's all you need."  Yeah you sure do and maybe I should get working on that T-shirt quicksmart for you!  Such a great actor and so talented musically too, as I said.  Yes I gush lyrical when it comes to Patty!

He has starred in many a TV movie and we get to see him in A Boyfriend for Christmas every year, though as I say, if had him as a boyfriend, he'd be for life and not Christmas! ha. His other Christmas films include, Christmas Town,  All About Christmas Eve.  His repertoire of movies include, Deadly Pursuits, Wicked, Black Cat Run, Final Ascent, Broken Angel, K-11 and most recently Fatal Acquittal.  Where I had him pegged as the bad guy from the outset! ha.

Patrick used to be afraid of heights after a fire trapped him in a lift with his grandparents in Palm Springs as a teen.  But he got himself out of that phobia by willing himself to get into a lift cos LA has plenty of those and he went to university there, as well as all those auditions.
Patrick enjoys playing both heartthrob and bad boy roles and he's suited to both, his gorgeous eyes and perfect smile is enough to fool anyone into believing his 'sob' story and hey, luckily he's a nicer than nice guy in real life!

He loves his wasabi! "I'll order a sushi roll or whatever and the roll is just a way for me to eat the wasabi.  It goes in my nasal cavity and the more I sweat the more I like it!"  Okay sweating for the wrong reasons or right!  Ha.  His idea of the perfect holiday: "tropical destinations and tropical drinks [as if LA isn't tropical enough!]  Drinks with umbrellas and pineapple.  I want the drink as tropical as the destination."  So would I!   Hey he's really into his food and drink!

He always looks so stylish and cool in whatever he wears, no wonder he was a model, but he particularly looks more appealing in jumpers!  But a good tie with a great suit doesn't go amiss! Or a towel or two!  Ha. And those gorgeous baby blues don't hurt either!

Eric Szmanda

Eric Kyle Szmanda  Born 24 July 1975   Actor

Eric was born in Mukwonago, Wisconsin and is 6'.  He graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Pasadena California at 19.   Before going into acting he worked for a music distributor.  After roles in such shows as The Net (TV show), Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane, Eric finally found his home in CSI.  He's appeared in the show since 2000.  Said Eric, "I don't think I will ever do a sitcom again, but I think that on CSI because the calibre of the show is so high that it's almost like watching a movie.  I feel like I'm doing a movie a lot of the time that I'm working."

                                        
Having said that, as Greg the CSI, he still manages to be funny and get those jokes in, to that end his comic timing is perfect, just like him.  As he said, "...now I'm making dumb jokes and learning something," on how CSI helps him learn more science, which he didn't think he'd be doing after school.   It was good that he got out from the lab and into the field as this gave him more of an on screen presence and chance to shine on the show.  As well as for us to get to know him more.  It was also Eric who wanted Greg to get out into the field and was good to see the producers actually taking on board his suggestion and following it.  Which got Greg going through plenty, writing a book, eventually completed, being beaten up, meeting a femme fatale and going through the ringer both for his job and in Greg's personal life and he's still standing, still fighting for the underdogs and bringing justice to the Vics!

Eric loves to hike and surf, has a dog called Dax.  He has a particular love for music and was music directer on the movie, Life As A House, which featured the music of Marilyn Manson, of whom Eric is a friend and a fan.  Also appearing in one of his videos for the song, (s)AINT and Sigur Ros is one of his fave bands.  Being instrumental in getting their music on the show.
                                                     
                                                     

Not only is Eric cuteness personified, but he is so down to earth and kind and is particularly active in the support of the US Campaign for Burma.  Though some have said his face isn't a fit for the show, they couldn't be further from the truth.  Not only does he exude an on air persona which makes you want to watch him more as an actor and not just as a character, he has a way of capturing and drawing you in and not just cos of his gorgeous looks, but his acting ability, so subtle in some scenes and yet charming too .

Eric is on Twitter and is generous to his fans. I recall writing to him when he was first in CSI and he wrote back personally, showing how much time he does take with his fans.  Eric once commented, "I think what happens in Vegas, should stay in Vegas"  CSI put him on the map, but there's plenty more for him to do once CSI runs its course and he has the potential to go so much further and be even more successful. Thus taking his line to a different meaning, since what he's done in Vegas is only the tip of the iceberg.

Words of wisdom, "I've always been a firm believer that if you work, the rest will follow."

                                                  

In a way, guess I'll always remember him for that head dress scene in season 1.15 Table Stakes, so cool and hilarious. And well we can always watch his ever changing hairstyles over the years!

Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor  Actor/Director  Born 7 July 1963

Robert was born in Melbourne, Australia and his parents separated when he was 9, he moved to Western Australia to live wit his aunt and uncle.  His mother had to find work and bring up three children.  He had a varied number of jobs when older, ranging from miner, to bouncer and lifeguard.  He also attended university as well as working on an oil rig in the Indian Ocean when he was 23.  He had an accident on the rig where his ship collided and sank, he hurt his arm and ribs. But as he said in one interview, he's still around.  He then decided he wanted to become an actor after seeing an ad and successfully auditioned for a place at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

                                            
Yeah we surrender too! Ha.  To your charm!
He used to swim marathons, play water polo, Australian Rules Football, competed in surfing and life saving, well Australia is a sporty nation.  He is 6' 3", hey that's a whole foot on me, ha!

His first role was that of Nicholas Walsh in Home and Away, funny where one of the characters in the show described Nicholas as a "wimp."  Funny cos it was far from the truth.  He's  remarkably eye catching in 1989 and was the first time that I got to know who he was.  Haven't missed him in anything since, well maybe a few things!  But happy to say I've been a fan since way back when and not a recent convert after his foray into Longmire.  Yeah I'm one of those people who see certain actors early on and then just stick with them through the years! Ha.  He once said, "I've been working pretty solidly for a long time...not that anyone would notice, you know what I mean."  Ahh, I did!!

Other roles in his native Australia included shows such as, Feds, Blue Healers, Stingers, as well as films such as Storm Warning, Rogue, Coffin Rock.  He is best known especially in the US, for playing Agent Jones in The Matrix and in Vertical Limit.  But he starred in much more than that.  In the UK he is best known as playing Father Vincent Sheahan in Ballykissangel and also as Detective Peter Marenta in short lived Brit detective show, Yellowthread Street from 1989 (See above pic.)  More recently he was also in an ep of Aussie crime series, Mr and Mrs Murder which we only got three eps of here in the UK and was so looking forward to seeing it.
                                                         

Robert landed the role of Sheriff Walt Longmire as producers were looking for someone who isn't that well known but they were so right in their casting choice as Rob fits the role to a tee.  He's got the height, the build, the accent and that cowboy hat and coat is just icing on the cake.  Cos he really puts the rugged in ruggedly handsome.  Not that he doesn't look great in a suit, but the casual jeans look just suits him more, ha no pun or anything sure I could've found a more apt and fitting word than suits, speaking of attire. Hmm wonder if I can find him in any purple, ha.

                                                

He said, "I love the show, I love the people working on it, I love the character...I wanted to get this job so I probably tried a bit harder."  He had been to New Mexico before on a few occasions and one time bought a Hopi Indian belt buckle with a bear claw design, which he's worn ever since and even Longmire sports the same.  He's also averse to technology, preferring an old style mobile phone (can relate to that) and shys away from social media, such as Facebook, where his official page is run by someone else for him.  "I was never comfortable doing all that self promoting.  I'm just happy to be working.  I'm in a great show..I can pay my bills.  I'm lucky."  We're even luckier to watch him on our screens after it all seems like a long absence. Like catching up with an 'old friend' after all these years.  At least to me it does, having seen him since his early days.

It's a shame he isn't very well known for all the work that he's done, he's been around for at least over twenty years, but here's hoping that Longmire will fix that, though Rob does tend to shy away from fame and being well known, but it kind of comes with the territory of being an actor.  Robert of course shares the same name with the late Hollywood actor and it appears not many people had heard of him either.  (Which means not many people know that the late Hollywood actor's real name was Spangler Arlington Brugh.)

I love Rob's wry sense of humour, sarcastic at times, but he maintains his feet firmly on the ground and like most of his fellow Aussie actors hasn't let being in the limelight and fame go to his head.  As modest as ever. A true asset to his profession.

Chris Meloni

Chris Meloni  Actor  Born 2 April 1961

Another special request!

Christopher Peter Meloni was long into the limelight before his iconic role of Det Elliot Stabler in Law and Order: SVU came along.  He was born in Washington DC and also has a brother and a sister.  He was a quarterback at high school as well as at the University of Colorado at Boulder, here he also studied acting. Chris went through the usual jobs whilst breaking into acting,  including a construction worker, bartender, bouncer and a personal trainer.  No wonder he needs no help when it comes to maintaining his athletic physique!  Especially for those shirtless roles of which there have been many.

                                               

Chris said, "I love to act. I need to act.  It's the big itch I need to scratch."  His interests include chess, windsurfing, pinochle (a North American card game.)  He's written some screen pays and "half finished plays."  Well there's my Twitter question answered. Ha. Chris also makes a "real phat batch of chili."

His early work also included playing Julia Robert's fiance, Bob in Runaway Bride.  Know what you're thinking, why would anyone run away from Chris as their fiance!!  For five years he starred in prison drama Oz for HBO, known for its controversial and no holes barred scenes and storylines, including gratuitous sex scenes. Heck - I have friends who have watched that show for those scenes alone! Ha.  Chris isn't one to shy away from all that and reveal all.  He once said, "I'm a nudist at heart."  Which sums it all up really, ha.

In fact he starred in both Oz and L&O:SVU simultaneously when he landed the role of Elliot in 1999 and starred in that role for 12 years.  Sadly he left when unable to negotiate a new contract.  Which was a shame to see him go since he portrayed that part with such passion, emotion and gusto and it was so believable.
                                                      
At the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con event he said how he, "loved the people and I loved that character."  So did we all!  In 2011 he was cast as Roman in True Blood, where he really got his teeth into that role.  His blue eyes, gorgeous smile and easy-going personality has left many a fan swooning, and not just from the parts he's played on screen either.  He was also in People Magazine 2006's Sexiest Men Alive list.  Chris is also an accomplished poker player and has played for charity, coming second after Robin Tunney, in Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown. 

Currently he is starring in Surviving Jack, which takes him back to comedy and where he started out. Showing his adeptness at multiple character roles.  My friend won't talk to me unless I mention his great butt and how there's a poll on for that.  SO vote for Chris's sexy bum, ha!  Underneath that neat shirt and tie lies a mass of tattoos which we've all seen, cos I know many would love to see him bare chested more often, hey can't get enough of him!

Chris is charming, talented and caring and really makes times for others, whether charities or fans. "I never find sincerity offensive...so be sincere."

                                                 
Not only is he missed in his role of Stabler in  Law and Order: SVU but what is exceptional about him is his treatment and acknowledgement of his fans.  Taking time to tweet and to follow, as well as spending a while answering fan questions in his #askChris slot on Twitter.  Yeah I call it a slot, cos it's very regular and extremely kind and generous of him to do so, a great, fun guy.  A celebrity who truly cares about his fans, usually a rarity these days!