Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Interview: Weight/As The World Turns's Trent Dawson Takes on Two Roles Tonight in CBS's NCIS

Treht Dawson to Appear on NCIS
Trent Dawson, most well-known for his role as Henry Coleman on As The World Turns (1998-2010)  will be guest-starring in tonight's episode of CBS' NCIS (titled "Grounded")  airing November 25th, 2014. Trent has also appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife and Homeland since his days at ATWT. 

Suzee asked Trent what it was like working like on the set of this hit show. "This was so much fun!", he said. "First, they were planning to cast two different actors for these parts but they ended up letting me play both, which is a gift. The make-up and wardrobe teams did a great job making the distinction." 

Friday, November 21, 2014

Careers in Entertainment: So You Want to Be A TV Writer or Producer? Interview with Lisa Melamed of Party of Five, Sisters and Other Hit TV Shows

Hey Dude Celebrated it's 25th anniversary this past June
at the ATX Festival in Austin. Pictured: Lisa Melamed (second from left)\
is flanked by cast members Chistine Taylor, Jonathan Galkin and
David Lascher.                                             Photo Courtesy Lisa Melamed
      Ever wonder how a TV writer gets to be a writer? Does it take education, talent and luck, or all of these? Read on as I interview Lisa Melamed, whose resume as a television writer and producer spans not just several decades but a plethora of popular shows we've all probably watched.

I met Lisa on a shoot in LA recently for a new show and she was kind enough to let me probe her mind to satisfy my curiosity. Find out how she made it and what any aspiring writer still needs to do.

Suzee:  You have worked on so many popular shows, I don't know where to start. So I will ask you,  how did you get started? Tell me about your road to Hollywood from Brooklyn.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Hey NJ, Watch What Happens Live When Andy Cohen Comes to Town - BRAVO! to Andy on His New Book The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year

In the busy yet quiet downtown of suburban Ridgewood, NJ, there's always something cookin' at the local bookstore, called Bookends. From The Situation to Hillary Clinton to Michelle Phan to Danny Aiello A'listers of pop culture, sports, Youtube and the world of politics somehow find their way into this tree-lined town.

And so goes Andy Cohen, leaving his  Watch What Happens Live! studio in NYC and travelling into the suburbs to sign copies of his new book, The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at  A Shallow Year on November 12th at 7pm. Here in Bergen County, Andy has entered the haven of his real housewives.

I am wondering what will happen live there? Will he entertain us with a few stories before he starts signing the book? Will he have the crowd roaring with laughter? Will he ask his fans pointed questions? Will there be a Word of the Day???

I can only imagine that fans will get their fill of this colorful, creative, consummate host when they meet him at Bookends.

If you're a fan of BRAVO and especially the housewives, it looks like this new book is sure to spill some savory secrets of the super sexy and silly superheroes of the channel we know as BRAVO.

Friday, November 7, 2014

RHONJ's Amber Marchese: The Real Cancer Story Behind This Real Housewife - "I Looked Like a Turnip" - How She Would Like to Save a Life with Her Story

Editor's Note: In this candid interview, RHONJ Amber Marchese opens up about her bout with breast cancer, detailing everything from when she first found it to the way her chemo made her feel to how her husband was there for her the whole time. Read about the doctor that saved her life, how she dealt with the pain, and get some words of wisdom.


Though her story is her own, Amber's story is typical in many respects of many women's struggle with breast cancer. Though there is still so much more needed to be discovered about this disease, her story mirrors the story of hundreds of thousands of other women, women who can proudly call themselves survivors.

Breast cancer is for real, Amber's breast cancer was for real. Though people may question why she brings it up on her show, it really brings true meaning to the title "Real Housewife". Amber will carry this badge of honor throughout her life,  her struggle was as real as it gets and hopefully other women who have been through what she has been through or have just received this life-changing news will see hope in it that all things shall pass and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I don't think that Amber ever thought, while sitting in a chemo chair, that five years later she would be on a TV show donating her locks of hair for other breast cancer patients. Her message, Dream Big.

And Amber, thanks so much for this interview and your honesty. - Suzee

So Young

Suzee: Breast cancer awareness is always in the news. Before I start talking about you, I noticed Joan Lunden has been so many interviews and talking frankly about her struggle with breast cancer.

Amber Marchese: You know, I didn't even know she had breast cancer, I just saw it - it's all over the magazines and thought Oh my God, I had no idea, she is unbelievable. She's super gorgeous.

Suzee: Yes, she is older than you though, more of the typical age for getting breast cancer. Your story is different, you experienced it as a twenty-something, a different generation. 

Amber Marchese: Yes, absolutely, and this is one of the things that I had a hard time with. I was quite young, there was no one that was waking my walk,  you know it was awesome that there were so many people that were offering their help and their insight but they were 45 and 50, and though I loved an appreciated it, I did't feel like I could always relate to it.

Suzee: I've had friends that have had it, most were in their 40's. Who knows what is actually causing this?