Ask American Profile

Please tell me all you can about actress Alyssa Milano.
—Jimmy P., Texas

Milano, 28, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Staten Island, N.Y. The star of The WB’s Charmed, she got her break in show business when her baby sitter, an aspiring dancer, took Milano, then 7, with her to an open audition for the musical Annie. Milano, not the sitter, got a part, joining the touring show as one of the orphans. After 18 months of touring, Milano left the show for work in off-Broadway productions and television commercials. In 1983, she landed the role of Samantha Micelli on the sitcom Who’s the Boss? Milano’s other television credits include two seasons on Melrose Place and Gold Rush, a Wonderful World of Disney movie. Movie credits include Fear, Double Dragon, and Commando. The talented actress also sings and enjoys much success in Asia. She’s released five albums, the first of which went platinum.

My children and I love Glenn Close’s portrayal of Cruella DeVil in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians. What can you tell us about her?
—Amy C., Alabama

Glenn Close is a former aerobics instructor and cast member of the touring group Up With People. She was born in Greenwich, Conn., in 1947 and has two sisters, Tina and Jessie, and a brother, Alexander. She attended boarding schools in Zaire and in Switzerland and holds a bachelor’s degree in drama and anthropology from the College of William and Mary. Close is known around Hollywood for her immense collection of movie costumes. She even had a special clause written into her 101 Dalmatians contract that ensured that she would get to keep DeVil’s clothes after production. Professionally, she has won Obie, Tony, and Emmy awards, and has five Oscar nominations to her credit.

Is it true that comedian Bill Cosby is a high school dropout?
—Nancy D., Iowa

Yes and no. Cosby, 63, left high school to join the Navy, and earned his diploma through correspondence courses. He later went to college on a football scholarship. After college, Cosby started performing his comedy routine and went on to star in the weekly television show I Spy. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the 1970s to study how children learn, and received a doctorate in education. He has remained involved in educational causes, frequently donating large sums to educational institutions. He donated $20 million to Spelman College in Atlanta in 1989. During his career, he has won four Emmy awards, eight Grammy awards, the NAACP Image Award, and is a member of the Hall of Fame of the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences.

What happened to the Later Today show? I haven’t heard or read a word about the show or what happened to it.
—Carol S., New York

In October, Later Today on NBC was replaced with an extended version of the Today show, which now airs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern time. The show’s ratings are so good that it made sense to expand the program, hosted by Katie Couric and Matt Lauer. Later Today featured spontaneous banter at the top of the show, whereas Today features more in-depth coverage of breaking news events, as well as more musical performances by stars such as Ricky Martin and Faith Hill.

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