DEAR STACY: I used to watch a Tony Randall show called "Love, Sidney." It was a spin-off of the movie. Is the movie available on DVD? — Cindy C., Rock Creek, Ohio

DEAR CINDY: No, which comes as somewhat of a surprise, considering its interest as precursor to the show considered the first to have a gay lead character. The movie was NBC's 1980 "Sidney Shorr: A Girl's Best Friend," with Randall as commercial artist Sidney and Lorna Patterson as the young actress he befriends — later serving as a daddy figure for her daughter. Swoosie Kurtz took over that role in the series that pretty much kept Sidney in the closet.

DEAR STACY: Whatever happened to Elizabeth Berkley who played Jessie on "Saved By the Bell"? — Jack K, Arkville, N.Y.

DEAR JACK: The beautiful blond actress/dancer is starring in an inspiring comeback story — her own. After she starred in the embarrassing 1995 flop movie "Showgirls," many thought her career was wrecked. But she persevered through TV guestings, parts in films like Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday" and stage work (including "Sly Fox" on Broadway and "Hurlyburly" off-Broadway). This past spring found her playing the mother of David Caruso's son on "CSI: Miami" — a role she's continuing this coming season — and hosting Bravo's "Step It Up and Dance" show, in addition to starring in a Lifetime movie, "Dark Beauty." Ahead she has a multi-episode arc in the final season of "The L Word." And she has an MTV reality show in the works, spinning off from her Ask-Elizabeth.com website. Berkley, who is married to artist/actor Greg Lauren (nephew of Ralph) has made helping guide tween and teen girls a life's mission, having given workshops for "thousands and thousands" of young women across the country. She chats online with girls "in the spirit of a slumber party with your big sister." She says, "I found that other girls can be supportive and give advice on certain themes … It's not about me, it's about girls empowering each other."

DEAR STACY: What has happened to the actor who played Ed on "Northern Exposure"? I always loved that character. — Marci S., Cleveland, Ohio

DEAR MARCI: Darren E. Burrows, 41, married to French chef Melinda Delgado and a father of four, has continued to work, though he hasn't gained the attention some of his work has deserved. He has compiled film credits including "Amistad," "The Hi-Lo Country," and "Naked in the Cold Sun." He's also guested on shows such as "X-Files" and "NYPD Blue."

DEAR STACY: The funny and talented "Dancing With the Stars" and "Hairspray" personality Marissa Jaret Winokur was expecting her first child. A boy, a girl, weight? — all the particulars please. She has a smile to light up a room. — Virginia B., N.Y.C.

DEAR VIRGINIA: The 35-year-old performer and her husband, comedy writer Judah Miller, became parents of son Zev Isaac Miller (8 lbs., 7 oz.) on July 22. The baby was born via a surrogate mother, with whom Marissa says she became close friends. Winokur had a hysterectomy during her successful battle with cervical cancer, which was diagnosed back when "Hairspray" was being developed. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy without telling anyone but her immediate family in order to keep her job, and wound up winning the 2003 Tony award for her performance.

DEAR STACY: I just want to know if the reruns of "Alf" are going to be returning to TV? I love it. — Flo, Jersey City, N.J.

DEAR FLO: Episodes of the 1986-1990 comedy are available for viewing on the Internet and all four seasons have been put out on DVD. It doesn't appear likely to return to a regular TV berth — but other vintage fare that's been sold, repackaged, shown and shown again has continued to pop up in reruns, so I'd never say never.

DEAR STACY: How old is Mickey Rooney, how many times married, how many Oscars? — April M., Cleveland, Ohio

DEAR APRIL: The Hollywood icon, who turns 88 next month, recently celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary to 8th wife Jan Chamberlain ("the one marriage that took," as he describes it). Rooney has two special Academy Awards — one for his juvenile emoting, and one for lifetime achievement.

DEAR STACY: I'd like to know how many of Marie Osmond's children are adopted. — Joyce G., Brooklyn

DEAR JOYCE. Five. She had son Stephen with first husband Stephen Craig in 1983. She had son and daughter Matthew and Abigail with second husband, record producer Brian Blosil, in 1999 and 2002, respectively. She and Blosil also adopted daughters Jessica, Rachael and Brianna (in 1987, 1989 and 1998) and sons Michael and Brandon (in 1991 and 1997). They divorced last year.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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