Celebrity Extra: Michelle Pfeiffer
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is it true that Michelle Pfeiffer is doing a TV series soon? Is it a comedy or a drama? I always thought she was really great at comedy. -- W.M.
A: According to Entertainment Weekly, "there's no shortage of 'Yellowstone' spin-offs in the works," and an upcoming one has lured three-time Academy-Award-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer out of semiretirement. "The Madison," which is the name of the series, has already filmed its premiere season but hasn't aired the episodes yet. Paramount+ has already greenlit a second season, which is expected to start filming in Texas in September.
Michelle Pfeiffer (Upcoming in "The Madison'). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
"Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan certainly has a lot on his plate. In addition to "The Madison," two other upcoming "Yellowstone" sequel series, "Y: Marshals" and "Dutton Ranch," are set to release soon.
"The Madison" will be set in the Madison River Valley of Montana, and it won't be historical. It will take place in current times. Joining Pfeiffer is an impressive cast that includes Matthew Fox ("Lost"), Patrick J. Adams ("Suits"), and Beau Garrett ("The Good Doctor").
According to its IMDb page, the series takes place after a "New York family's life unravels after a tragedy," and they process their grief while vacationing in rural Montana. Pfeiffer will also serve as an executive producer of the series in addition to being in front of the camera.
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Q: When is "Chicago Med" returning with new episodes? It's my mom's favorite show, and she's been asking. -- D.E.
A: Oct. 1 is the premiere date for the 11th season of "Chicago Med" and its two sister shows. "Chicago Med" will kick off the NBC lineup at 8 p.m. ET, followed by "Chicago Fire" at 9 p.m. and "Chicago PD" at 10 p.m. However, there will be some casting changes. Original cast member Marlyne Barrett, who played nurse Maggie Lockwood, isn't returning this season, but the door has been left open for her return.
Also absent from the cast are John Earl Jelks as Dr. Dennis Washington and Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut as Dr. Naomi Howard. But a familiar face in the form of actor Nick Gehlfuss will be returning as Dr. Will Halstead in a guest-starring capacity. S. Epatha Merkerson and Oliver Platt are the only original cast members of "Chicago Med" who will be back this season.
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Q: Is it true that Karina Smirnoff is returning to "Dancing with the Stars"? Also, is she part of the family who owns Smirnoff vodka? -- S.T.
A: Ukranian-born pro dancer Karina Smirnoff is not related to Peter Smirnov (original spelling), a Russian slave who launched Smirnoff vodka after his freedom. She's also not returning to "Dancing with the Stars" for this upcoming season, but fans have been clamoring for her return for years.
The 47-year-old Smirnoff left "DWTS" about a decade ago and gave birth to her son in 2020. She's won one Mirrorball trophy (in season 13 with soap actor J.R. Martinez), but in recent years, she's been busy judging dance competitions and coaching at camps.
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