Dearie Awards 2009: Stage Show of the Year - SHREK

The 2009 street flavour boasted shows loaded with GLBT sensibilities: tap-dancing nation boys, naked flower children, and, yes, even mothers throwing silverware and singing most existence bipolar. However, the prizewinning of the prizewinning was Shrek The Musical. It touts one of the cleverest, funniest and most inventive scores to come along in a great while. Shrek shines as a beacon, not just for the GLBT community, but also for anyone anywhere who has ever been prefabricated to feel inferior than they are simply because they're different.

The book and lyrics by king Lindsay-Abaire (a wordsmith to keep an eye on) remind children of every ages that “what makes us special makes a strong” in the set “Freak Flag”, a strain which soars to the take of a pride anthem in which Pinocchio (John Tartaglia) cries “I'm wood, I'm good, get used to it!” Jeanine Tesori's singable reason is inspired and runs a gamut of singable genres, with stellar orchestrations by Danny Troob and vocal arrangements by Tesori and Tim Viel. The cast does full justice to the bright undignified material, with a breakout action by Brian D'arcy saint in the title role. Sutton Foster sparkles as Princess Fiona, especially in the strain “I Know It's Today” in which she sings an inspired trio with her “younger selves.” And Christopher Sieber is a comical joy as Lord Farquaad. In an ever-increasing line of movie-to-musical shows, Shrek delivers the goods time and again and should stand as a model for the genre.

Honorable “Dearie” mentions go to the Tony Award winning revival of the surprisingly enduring hipster singable Hair and to the highly entertaining and sorely underrated 9 to 5 The Musical. Though not as lustrous as Shrek, Dolly Parton's underclassman singable building reason boasts rattling singable and well-crafted songs, which bode well for her next planned foray into singable theater: a show supported on her life story. Parton is anticipative that street diva (and Movie Dearest favorite) Kristin Chenoweth, will play the lead in the show.

National tours are planned for both Shrek and 9 to 5 and hopefully will be coming soon to a municipality near you. In the meantime, both shows' Original Cast Recordingsare available on CD. So, on your next road activate (possibly to some pride festival far-far away) hit a great sing-along with one of these highly enjoyable newborn recordings and maybe even let your own freak alarum fly!

By saint Jaeger, Los Angeles supported actor and resident broadcasting critic of Movie Dearest.

The Actor Factor: The Witches Are Out

Bewitched celebrated its 45th year on television this past September. After its premiere in 1964 it became ABC's biggest comedy hit up to that time, finishing at an impressive number two in the Nielsens that year. It is one of a select few shows that hasn't been off the air since its premiere, and now the entire series is available on DVD.

One of my favorite shows as a kid, I think every child of the seventies has fond memories of staying home sick from school (or just playing hooky) and watching reruns of Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. As an adult, though, I discovered the seldom-seen-in-reruns black and white episodes of Bewitched on Nick at Nite, and it has since become one of my favorite shows of all time.


Most people remember Bewitched as a silly supernatural show of the sixties and early seventies, but it is far more than that. It tackled issues of prejudice and intolerance long before it was commonplace or even acceptable on television. I have collected every season on DVD, after arduously saving them to VHS over the years, and after re-watching episodes for the umpteenth time, I have put together a list of the five episodes of Bewitched that every member of the GLBT community MUST see. Yes, I said “MUST” and all in capital letters. The shows are all from the first two seasons, and two of them are, timely enough, Halloween episodes.

“The Witches Are Out” from season one is the first episode where witches are presented as a minority group. They are referred to as such in the episode in which one of Darrin' clients (portrayed by Shelley Berman) wants his Halloween candy represented by a wart-nosed, broom-riding witch. Meanwhile, Samantha and her witch committee are trying to actively combat the negative images associated with witches during Halloween.


When Samantha stumbles upon Darrin's illustrations of a stereotypical witch, she is hurt and incensed. Darrin doesn't quite understand, but immediately supports Samantha, and instead comes up with a campaign portraying a sexy witch. The client shoots down the idea, but he is Dickensian-ally visited in the night by protest-sign-carrying witches who convince him of the error of his ways. This episode also marks the first appearance of Marion Lorne as Aunt Clara.

“A is for Aardvark”, also from the first season, does not have a particularly gay sensibility, but it is arguably the best episode of the entire series and my personal favorite. In it, Darrin sprains his ankle and Samantha, through witchcraft, makes the house obey his every wish. It is Darrin's first real taste of the power at a witch's command, and he quickly falls victim to the overwhelming lure of witchcraft. Through the experience, Darrin and Sam both learn the value of the unconventional love they share. Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York turn in extraordinary performances. Notably, the episode is directed by film star Ida Lupino.


“There's No Witch Like an Old Witch” (again from season one) portrays a depressed and aging Aunt Clara finding value and purpose as a babysitter for mortal children. Although her young charges are delighted with her magical tricks and stories of flying from rooftop to rooftop, some parents are uncomfortable with Aunt Clara's eccentricities.

Aunt Clara ends up before a judge to plead her capability and value as a babysitter. The show tackles ageism and parental fear of that which is different as all the while Clara attempts to pull a rabbit from her pocket book, delightfully bungling the spell each and every time. Lorne would go on to posthumously win an Emmy for her role.


“The Joker is a Card” from season two marks the first appearance of Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur. Need I say more? I don't, but I will. This is possibly the funniest episode of Bewitched ever. Endora's practical-joke-playing younger brother, Arthur, is introduced and delightful havoc ensues. Arthur convinces Darrin he can combat Endora's meddling with magic of his own, complete with duck calls and cowbells. "Yaga-zuzzie, yaga-zuzzie, yaga-zuzzie-zem!"

“Trick or Treat” is the second season's Halloween episode in which Endora wants Samantha to go away with her to the “Sacred Volcano” to escape the disturbing (to witches at least) revelries of Halloween. Darrin refuses, and Endora (in the guise of a gypsy girl portrayed by a very young Maureen “Marcia Brady” McCormick) turns Darrin into a werewolf. Dick York's transformation is both hysterical and ridiculous, but the resolution, in which Samantha challenges Endora to confront her own prejudices, is some of the most thought-provoking television ever produced. No — really!


The preceding episodes are but a sample of Bewitched's finest, especially from a GLBT perspective. Honorable mentions also go to “Witches and Warlocks Are My Favorite Things,” (season three) in which a coven of witches questions the suitability of Tabitha being raised in a mixed marriage, and “Samantha's Power Failure” (season five) in which the Witches' Council strips Sam, Serena, Uncle Arthur and Tabitha of their powers (this is also a personal favorite of my partner Chris — that reverend who does movie reviews around here). Oh, and “Samantha and the Loch Ness Monster” (season eight) just makes me laugh ridiculously. Serena as a mermaid! Do I need to say more? I could, but I won't.

All eight seasons of Bewitched are now availableon DVD, and there is talk of releasing the entire series in a boxed set. The earlier seasons, especially the first two, are must-sees for classic TV fans and new viewers alike.


The last three seasons with Dick Sargent (a gay icon in his own right) lack the originality of the earlier episodes and draw on many “remade” scripts from the first few seasons, but they remain entertaining and make the perfect viewing option when you are home sick from work ... or when you're just playing hooky.

"Calling Doctor Bombay! Emergency! Come right away!"

The Actor Factor: A View from Both Sides of the Camera is by James Jaeger, Los Angeles based actor and resident television critic of Movie Dearest.

The Actor Factor: Desperate Hours

It’s five years later, and everything on Wisteria Lane has changed. Well, maybe not everything, but there is definitely some thing fresh and reinvigorated about Desperate Housewives ... and no, I’m not talking about rumored Botox injections in any of the lead actresses’ foreheads. The DH season four finale saw the action jarringly and unexpectedly jump five years into the future, and that is where the fifth season (available on DVDthis week) picks up.

Bree is now a catering dynamo with a book deal. Katherine is her unsung partner. Lynette and Tom are working overtime to keep Scavo’s Pizzeria running and their kids in line. Edie has returned to town after a five-year absence with her creepy new husband. Gabby, overweight and out of shape, and Carlos, still blind, are struggling to make ends meet while raising two daughters. And the couple of couples, Mike and Susan, are no longer a couple.


As always, the cast is fantastic. Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman never fail to deliver. Nicollette Sheridan plays the deadpan-sexpot-pragmatist, Edie, to perfection. Dana Delany is classy and understated, but a little underused for an actress of her talents. This, however, allows well-deserved camera time for the Emmy-winning Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey, who turns sleuth and tackles this season’s mystery arc. Eva Longoria Parker is particularly strong this season as a frumpy, down-and-out Gaby, who spends nearly the entire season clawing her way back to the top.

Season five, however, truly belongs to Teri Hatcher. Her storylines this year have been their strongest ever, and Hatcher rises to every moment. Episode after episode, she runs the gamut from light comedy to heart-felt pathos and ridiculous, screwball situations to heavy drama — often played all in one scene. The girl can turn on a dime and make you believe every minute of it.

The ‘Desperate Husbands’ also have particularly good plotlines and scripts this season, especially Doug Savant as Tom Scavo. His midlife crisis meltdowns are hysterical and downright ludicrous at times. However, he never fails to grow up and rise to the occasion when Lynette and the kids truly need him to be strong. Neal McDonough, as Edie’s new husband, Dave Williams, performs effectively with Machiavellian menace, and he remains creepily sexy despite his strange, albino crew-fro.

The children of our desperate housewives and husbands (The ‘Desperate Offspring,’ as I like to call them) have always played a strong part in the show, and this season is no exception. However, many characters have been recast in the five-year jump. Madison de la Garza, as Gaby’s eldest daughter, Juanita, is the standout. There is wonderful chemistry between her and Longoria, as the controversial “New Game” scene in the opening episode will attest. Juanita often functions as Gabrielle’s main foil and sometimes confidant, and it is an interesting dynamic to watch.

The only continually returning ‘D-Offspring’ actor is Shawn Pyfrom as Bree’s son, Andrew. He is still gay and now engaged to a hot young doctor. Said doctor has an interesting past, about which gay neighbors Bob (Tuc Watkins) and Lee (Kevin Rahm) know a little too much. To see four recurring gay male characters, each with different and distinct personalities, is a delight rarely seen in any media. Add to this Edie’s gay ex-husband, Lily Tomlin as McCluskey’s sister (and detective sidekick) and Queer as Folk’s Gale Harold as Susan’s new love interest, and I say we have DH’s gayest season ever!

It is also the show’s best season since season one. There are several standout episodes. “Mirror, Mirror” has some of the finest editing and direction seen on broadcast television. The 100th episode, “The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened,” guest stars Beau Bridges, who was justly Emmy nominated for his turn as Eli Scruggs, a handyman who touches the lives, both past and present, of all the women of Wisteria Lane, including that of pre-suicidal Mary Alice Young. “Look Into Their Eyes and See What They Know,” the episode in which the housewives say goodbye to a long-time friend, however, is particularly moving, but I cried at the wedding episode of The Nanny, so I am a bit of a pushover.

The season finale does what DH does best: brings everything to an exiting conclusion without demonizing the villains or sanctifying the heroes. The cliffhangers are less sensational than usual but are still clever, and they will keep you desperate to know what happens next.

The “extras” on the DVD release (I received “The Red Hot Edition”) are a mixed batch. The blooper reel, consisting of little more than some flubbed lines, is somewhat disappointing. The deleted scenes don’t add much, though Lynette’s drunken chemo session is priceless. However, the 100th episode retrospective is a nice touch, as is the mini-tribute to Teri Hatcher.

The best “extra” is the behind-the-scenes look at the table read of the weekly script, showing just how much work goes into crafting such quality television week after week and year after year. There is also excellent and informative commentary by series creator Marc Cherry and weekly narrator Brenda Strong on the 100th episode.


“Extras” are always nice, but it is the episodes themselves that truly matter, and this fifth season is the cream of the crop. If you have never seen DH, season five is a great place to start. If you left DH after the first season (and shame on you), this is a great season to come back. If you are like me, and have been desperate for the last five years, it is well worth watching this season all over again. So — get the DVD setand pour a glass of chardonnay, or perhaps a ‘Desperate Daiquiri,’ and sit back and enjoy the show. Every night is Sunday night, and the gals of Wisteria Lane and all their desperate escapades are just a remote click away.

The Actor Factor: A View from Both Sides of the Camera is by James Jaeger, Los Angeles based actor and resident television critic of Movie Dearest.

The Actor Factor: A Design So Fine

Designing Women first appeared to me as a tiny little blurb in TV Guide. Now, when I was a kid, there was something magical about the “special fall preview” edition of TV Guide. The magazine was just a digest then, and it looked like a shiny little bible containing shoulder pads and ten-gallon hats instead of arks and abominations. The fall preview would include sneak peeks at upcoming new shows, and previews of returning favorites. Seeing the Designing Women blurb, I remember thinking that it looked like a Golden Girls knockoff, with younger, sexier female protagonists. Still, I decided to give the new sitcom a shot. As we all know, Designing Women proved to be anything but a Golden Girls rip-off, and went on to become one of the best written and topical sitcoms in television history.

The cast was made up of seasoned television actresses, and their sparkling chemistry was immediately apparent. Linda Bloodworth-Thompson, the show’s creator and most prolific writer, was a TV veteran herself who had previously written for several well-known shows, including M*A*S*H. Thompson’s sassy and satirical dialogue sprang to life and gave voice to the Modern Southern Woman, making us rethink the classic stereotypes of the “Southern Belle.” America was a bit slow to catch on, though, as the show was bounced from timeslot to timeslot. However, one of the few successful fan-based letter-writing campaigns in television history brought the show back from cancellation for a second season (now available on DVDfor the first time).

The show’s sophomore season proved to be one of its strongest, tackling many controversial issues with a classy and often sophisticated southern humor. One episode revolves around Charlene (Jean Smart) at odds with her pastor over his refusal to allow women to preach. Another episode finds Julia (Dixie Carter) and Suzanne (Delta Burke) debating the merits of joining a country club that maintains exclusivity clauses. However, the most poignant episode of the season, especially to the LGBT community, is the episode entitled “Killing all the Right People.” I remember seeing this episode when it first aired. As a closeted gay teen at the height of the AIDS scare, it was one of the most powerful things I had ever seen on television. And it was in a sitcom no less!

A young gay man, portrayed by Tony Goldwyn (Ghost), asks the women of Sugarbakers to “design his funeral.” We learn that he has been diagnosed with AIDS, and what follows is an episode deftly written and frankly informative, especially for the time. The episode title comes from a guest character stating that this seemingly selective disease is “killing all the right people.” This statement is shot down in one of Julia’s brilliantly written and delivered diatribes, pointing out that: “If God was giving out sexually transmitted diseases to people as a punishment for sinning, then you would be at the free clinic all the time!”

Thompson’s own mother had died of AIDS, and this episode was written, in part, to inform and educate the public about the disease. The episode culminates with a PTA debate concerning sex education and the use of condoms among teenagers in which Mary Jo (Annie Potts) raises the point that in whatever sexual activity teens may or may not engage, they shouldn’t have to die as a consequence. Pope Benedict XVI could learn a lot from this episode.


Of course, what really matters in a sitcom is the laughs, and this season abounds with them. Many of the laughs can be attributed to the delightful Alice Ghostly (Esmeralda on Bewitched). Her portrayal of Bernice Clifton abounds with southern flavored dementia and an on again off again arterial flow which always hits a perfectly timed comedic mark.

After an initial strong run in syndication, Designing Women is finding less airplay on television. The release of entire seasons on DVD, after a “Best of” release (don’t you hate those) is a welcome gift for fans. Here’s hoping we get the entire series, or at least the first six seasons released on DVD. It has been a long time since we’ve seen such a well-written and topical sitcom on network television (or anywhere for that matter). The show is in a class all its own.

Long after the final notes of the ending credits have played, Georgia and its Designing Women are still on our mind.

The Actor Factor: A View from Both Sides of the Camera is by James Jaeger, Los Angeles based actor and resident television critic of Movie Dearest.

The Actor Factor: Here’s ... The Lucy Show on DVD!

Thirteen years before One Day at a Time’s Anne Romano and over twenty years before Kate & Allie, there were Lucy and Viv. Sporadically shown in syndication and on Nick at Nite, the first season of The Lucy Show finally receives the complete DVD releaseit has long deserved.

Nearly two years after the demise of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (the hour-long episodes of I Love Lucy that replaced the groundbreaking half-hour series) and a short, though notable stint on Broadway in Cy Coleman’s Wildcat, Lucille Ball returned to network television with The Lucille Ball Show … later shortened to The Lucy Show. With her, she brought the writers from I Love Lucy, executive producer Desi Arnaz, and (perhaps most importantly) Vivian Vance. Bonnie Franklin’s Anne Romano of One Day at a Time has long been credited as network television’s first lead female divorcée, but that credit truly goes to Vance’s portrayal of Vivian Bagley on The Lucy Show.


Premiering in 1962 and based on Irene Kampen’s novel Life without George, The Lucy Show revolves around the misadventures of Lucy Carmichael and Vivian Bagley, a widow and a divorcée who move in together to share expenses and raise their families. Though perhaps not quite as memorable as I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show is still grounded in credible family reality, raised to almost operatically ludicrous heights of hilarity. Stand out episodes include Lucy and Viv installing a TV antenna, the culture clash of two families trying to agree on the proper celebration of Christmas, and of course, the classic scene where Lucy and Viv install a shower. Just sit back and watch two pros go to work.

Though this series may be seen as a continuation of I Love Lucy without the men, the dynamic between Ball and Vance, though so familiar, is colored with a true feeling of equality that was not seen in I Love Lucy. Lucy and Viv are contemporaries in this series, roughly the same age, as opposed to the May/December Lucy/Ethel characters.


Front and center, though, is the importance of family and friendship. Also front and center is the brilliance of Lucille Ball as an actress of sublime truth and physicality. There is simply no one better. Watch Lucy Carmichael as she attempts to take on a part time job to afford a bicycle for her son, hide an illegal candy corn production line from the police or take on the role of Charlie Chaplin to entertain at her daughter’s New Year’s Eve party. For every episode that falls short and appears dated or corny, there are far more which stand the test of time.

Absent from this first season is the brilliant Gale Gordon, who would go on to play Mr. Mooney in subsequent seasons. In his place is the stoic Mr. Barnsdahl, played by Charles Lane, veteran of countless classic TV shows including Bewitched, All in the Family and Soap and who appeared in many I Love Lucy episodes and as an extra and in bit parts in several Lucille Ball movies. Lucy always provided work for old RKO and MGM pals.


The lack of the dynamic Gayle Gordon, however, lets the family situation comedy prevail, as later years of the series would write out the entire supporting cast, leaving only Ball and Gordon and an endless parade of celebrity guest stars (including Joan Crawford) stumbling through more and more surreal situations. Also appearing in the first season is Dick Martin, of Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.

This first season is The Lucy Show at its best: two years before it would be deserted by Vivian Vance and its best writers, who would go on to write for All in the Family. The Lucy Show, which has long languished in obscurity, is well deserving of a second look, both for its non-traditional family dynamic and the always brilliant teaming of Ball and Vance.

The Lucy Show: The Official First Season DVD collectionincludes new interviews with Lucie Arnaz, series regular Jimmy Garrett, and many other DVD bonuses. Also available next month for the first time on DVDis the first season of Here’s Lucy ... but that is for another article; please stay tuned!

The Actor Factor: A View from Both Sides of the Camera is by James Jaeger, Los Angeles based actor and resident television critic of Movie Dearest.

Awards Watch: Emmy Nominations 2009

The nominations for the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced early this morning. Some of our favorites that were recognized include:

- The Big Bang Theory: The best sitcom now on TV earned acting nods for lead Jim Parsons (yeah!) and guest star Christine Baranski.
- Brothers & Sisters: Sally Field once more.
- Dancing With the Stars: 10, count 'em, 10 nominations for this guilty pleasure, including nods for Best Reality Competition Program and host Tom Bergeron.
- Desperate Housewives: Not much love here (only two nominations), but happy to see Beau Bridges recognized for his memorable guest turn.
- Grey Gardens: The HBO remake of the cult classic documentary (new on DVDthis week) picked up 17 nominations, including Best Made for TV Movie and acting nods for Drew Barrymore, Jessica Lange, Ken Howard and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
- Grey's Anatomy: A trio of acting nods for stars Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson and guest Sharon Lawrence.
- The 81st Annual Academy Awards: The Oscars got 10 Emmy nominations for this year's revitalized broadcast, including one for the "Hugh Jackman Opening Number".
- Lost: Five nods for the past Emmy winner, including Best Drama Series and a supporting nod for the evil Ben, Michael Emerson.
- The New Adventures of Old Christine: The always-hilarious Julia Louis-Dreyfus picked up another nod for her already Emmy winning performance.
- Prayers for Bobby: This moving Lifetime drama was justly recognized as Best Made for TV Movie along with its star Sigourney Weaver.
- Pushing Daisies: The late, lamented Movie Dearest fave got five nominations, led by a supporting nod for Kristin Chenoweth.
- True Blood: Three nominations for a new favorite around here, including one for its spooky opening credits.
- Ugly Betty: Only two nods for our Betty, but at least one was for the fabulous Vanessa Williams.

The Emmy Awards (hosted by How I Met Your Mother nominee Neil Patrick Harris) will air Sunday September 20 on CBS.

Women We Love: Delta Burke

This is the fourth in a four-part salute to the Designing Women We Love, the first season of which finally makes its DVD debutMay 26:

Object of our affection: Delta Burke, actress.

- The former beauty queen-turned-actress landed the perfect role when she was cast as former beauty queen-turned-Designing Woman Suzanne Sugarbaker. Her performance of the outspoken, eccentric Southern diva earned her two Emmy Award nominations, the only leading actress from the show to be so honored. She also met her future husband, Gerald McRaney, while on the series; he played one of Suzanne's many ex-husbands.

- In a much-publicized falling out with the makers of Designing Women, she left the show after its fifth season and went on to star in the short-lived sitcoms Delta, DAG and Women of the House. In the latter, she reprised her role as Suzanne after reconciling with Women creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason.

- Prior to her time at Sugarbakers, she was also a regular on Filthy Rich and 1st & Ten. Her many television guest spots include appearances on Simon & Simon (opposite her husband McRaney), Popular, Boston Legal, Any Day Now and Family Law (the latter two with her Designing co-stars Annie Potts and Dixie Carter, respectively).

- Her stage performances have included Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie (a role also played by her Designing sister Carter) and Truvy in Steel Magnolias, both on Broadway.

- On the big screen, she has co-starred in such movies as What Women Want and Del Shores' Sordid Lives. Her next film will also be with Shores: an adaptation of his play Southern Baptist Sissies.

Out in Film: Marc Cherry

Idol worship: Marc Cherry, writer/producer.

- He broke into show biz working as Dixie Carter's assistant on Designing Women.

- His first job as writer and producer was for another classic TV comedy, The Golden Girls, as well as its spin-off, The Golden Palace.

- Afterward, he created the short-lived sitcoms The 5 Mrs. Buchanans, The Crew and Some of My Best Friends (based on the movie Kiss Me, Guido).

- But his greatest success came with Desperate Housewives, the hit hybrid of soap opera melodrama and suburban satire that concludes its fifth season this Sunday. The series has won many awards, including two Golden Globes for Best Comedy Series and, most recently, a GLAAD Media Award.

- A longtime fan of musical theater composer Stephen Sondheim, he has titled almost every episode of Desperate Housewives after a Sondheim song or lyric.

Women We Love: Annie Potts

This is the third in a four-part salute to the Designing Women We Love, the first season of which finally makes its DVD debutMay 26:

Object of our affection: Annie Potts, actress.

- She received a Golden Globe nomination for her film debut in Corvette Summer, followed by performances in King of the Gypsies, Crimes of Passion, Pretty in Pink, Jumpin' Jack Flash and Texasville.

- Her two most famous film roles are sassy secretary Janine Melnitz in the Ghostbusters movies and the voice of Little Bo Peep in the Toy Story trilogy.

- But she is best known as the down-to-earth Mary Jo Shively of Designing Women fame, a role she played for the series entire seven season run.

- Afterward, she went on to an Emmy nominated performance in Love & War and two Screen Actors Guild nominations for Any Day Now, plus the television version of Dangerous Minds.

- More recently, she has guest starred on such shows as Joan of Arcadia, Men in Trees, Ugly Betty, Boston Legal and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Women We Love: Jean Smart

This is the second in a four-part salute to the Designing Women We Love, the first season of which finally makes its DVD debutMay 26:

Object of our affection: Jean Smart, actress.

- Following guest stints on such series as The Facts of Life, Alice and Remington Steele, she hit it big as the big-hearted "donkey girl scout" Charlene Frazier on Designing Women. The series brought her not only a loyal fan base, but also a husband: she is married to Richard Gilliland, who played J.D. Shackelford, the boyfriend of Annie Potts' Mary Jo Shively.

- After leaving Sugarbaker's following its fifth season, she went on to star in several TV movies (most memorably as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story) and the short-lived Ab Fab-esque sitcom High Society.

- On the big screen, she has had small but memorable roles in The Brady Bunch Movie and Garden State, and received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Guinevere. Her other films include The Odd Couple II, Sweet Home Alabama and Bringing Down the House.

- She made her Broadway debut portraying Marlene Dietrich in Piaf and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in The Man Who Came to Dinner; both plays were filmed for television.

- Her award success finally came when she returned to television, first with two Emmy wins in a row for her recurring role on Frasier, then two more Emmy nominations for her dramatic turn as the First Lady of the United States on 24. A third Emmy came her way just last year for her hilarious performance as Christina Applegate's mom in Samantha Who?

Women We Love: Dixie Carter

This is the first in a four-part salute to the Designing Women We Love, the first season of which finally makes its DVD debutMay 26:

Object of our affection: Dixie Carter, actress.

- Her career began in New York, on the Broadway stage with the musicals Sextet and Pal Joey and on the daytime soap operas One Life to Live and The Edge of Night.

- Primetime called, and she answered by co-starring in such sitcoms as Diff'rent Strokes and Filthy Rich; the latter was created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, which led to Carter's most famous role, that of the strong-willed and outspoken Miss Julia Sugarbaker on our beloved Designing Women.

- Subsequently, she has appeared in the series Ladies Man, Family Law and, in an Emmy Award nominated performance, Desperate Housewives, which was created by Marc Cherry, her former assistant on the set of Designing Women.

- Back on Broadway, she played Maria Callas in Master Class and Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

- Most recently, she co-starred with her husband Hal Holbrook in the film That Evening Sun, which won a special jury prize for its ensemble cast at the SXSW Film Festival.

Awards Watch: GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles

GLAAD (the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) continued their cross-country celebration last night with the Los Angeles presentation of their GLAAD Media Awards. Not surprisingly, Milk won the top prize of the night, for Outstanding Film – Wide Release.

In the television categories, Desperate Housewives stopped Ugly Betty from a three-peat win, earning its first Media Award in the Outstanding Comedy Series category (perhaps turning Betty's transgender character into an attempted murderess wasn't such a good idea after all). Meanwhile, Brothers & Sisters picked up its third Outstanding Drama Series trophy in a row, and The New Adventures of Old Christine was honored for Outstanding Individual Episode for its gay marriage storyline.


Other honorees included gay fave Kathy Griffin, gay icon Reverend V. Gene Robinson and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, for its episode on the wedding of Ellen and Portia. Special Recognition awards were also given to The L Word and Prop 8: The Musical.

The final GLAAD Media Awards ceremony of the year will be held in San Francisco on May 9.