Celebrity Extra: Michael Landon
By Dana Jackson
Q: I recently saw an old black-and-white episode of "Tales of Wells Fargo" from 1957. In it, Michael Landon had his six-shooter in his right hand and also had his holster on the right. A year later, he's a star on "Bonzana" and a complete lefty. What happened? Was he ambidextrous? -- D.M.
A: Michael Landon, best known for shows like "Bonanza" and "Little House on the Prairie," was, indeed, left-handed. For whatever reason, they asked him to shoot right-handed when he appeared on "Tales of Wells Fargo." But fortunately, during his entire 14-year run on "Bonanza," they let him do what came naturally -- shooting off his left hip.
Michael Landon in "Bonzana". Photo Credit: Courtesy of NBC
Apparently it was common practice in production and staging to film an actor firing with his right hand. The reason is thought to be because traditional blocking of a scene places the camera to the right of the actor as they face it. If they then hold the pistol with their right hand, they can point their weapon across their body and still keep their face fully in view of the camera.
Some famous lefties include Bruce Willis, who shot with his dominant hand in the "Die Hard" movies, and Paul Newman, who was perfect to play Billy the Kid in "The Left Handed Gun." Keanu Reeves, a lefty who actually trains with both hands for his action movies, is able to shoot with either hand on command.
***
Q: I saw an ad pop up on my smart TV for what looked like a show or movie called "Tony & Ziva," but I don't get the channel it's on. Is it based on the characters of the same name from "NCIS"? -- K.J.
A: "NCIS: Tony & Ziva" is the full title of a new show on Paramount+ featuring actors Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, who are reprising their characters from the original CBS procedural "NCIS." Tony and Ziva, former agents who fell in love, are now a couple on the run in Europe after Tony's security company is attacked. They're also parents, so they're trying to protect their daughter from danger.
"Tony & Ziva" is airing exclusively on Paramount+. It premiered three episodes on Sept. 4 and will roll out a new episode every Thursday until its 10-episode conclusion on Oct. 23.
***
Q: Is that Boz from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" hosting a new show with Jimmy Fallon? -- D.E.
A: Yes, that is Bozoma Saint John, nicknamed "Boz," who landed a co-hosting gig with Jimmy Fallon ("The Tonight Show") on NBC's upcoming competition reality show "On Brand with Jimmy Fallon."
Before Saint John landed on Bravo's "RHOBH" last season, she had built up quite an impressive career heading up the marketing departments at Netflix, Uber and PepsiCo. According to TVInsider, each week on "On Brand," contestants will create and present a marketing campaign to real-life executives of companies like Southwest Airlines and Dunkin'.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.