Ask American Profile

Tell me about the young man who plays Jake on the Becker television show. Is he really blind, and what else has he been seen in?
—J. B. Meriwether, Texas

The sighted Alex Desert is the first member of his Haitian family to be born in America. Growing up, he says that M*A*S*H inspired him to be a doctor until his brother informed him they were actors. From that moment on, Desert aspired to perform. His television credits include TV 101, The Flash, and Boy Meets World. His movie credits include PCU and Playing God. In addition to acting, Desert is one of the lead singers in Hepcat, a ska/reggae band that has toured the United States and Europe. The group’s latest album, Push ’n Shove, came out in mid-2000. Desert lives in Los Angeles.

I am curious about Cyndi Lauper. I heard she was ill. How is her health, and will she return to the music scene? Did she ever marry?
—Karen S., Tennessee

Cyndi Lauper is “as healthy as a horse,” according to her publicist, Lisa Barbaris. As for Lauper’s musical plans, the 48-year-old ’80s diva who brought us Girls Just Want To Have Fun and Time After Time has a new 12-song album titled Shine set for release in September on E.A.R. (Edel America Records). Even better for Lauper fans, she plans to tour in support of the album. Her 1984 debut album, She’s So Unusual, sold more than 6 million copies. The Grammy-winning singer won an Emmy in 1995 for a guest-starring role on NBC’s Mad About You. Lauper is married and the mother of a 3-year-old son named Declyn Wallace.

My favorite “survivor” was Gretchen Cordy because she’s so nice. What’s she doing now?
—Tom T., Pennsylvania

Gretchen Cordy, 39, who was on the first Survivor, makes few public appearances. Mostly she’s enjoying being a wife to husband Dale, an Army pilot, and a mom to their two kids. She recently appeared on NBC’s The Weakest Link and co-hosts a local wildlife television show near her home in Clarksville, Tenn. Cordy never hired an agent to help her land television or promotional appearances, and the only thing she’s attached her name to is the Survivor board game. “People have asked me if I would like to endorse products, but it’s important to me that I don’t endorse anything that I don’t believe in,” she says. Cordy says her life mostly has returned to normal. “Any different path you take in your life will have to affect you somehow, but in a Hollywood way, it won’t affect me forever.”

I’m a big fan of Jim Nabors. Is he married? Where does he live?
—Deb D., Indiana

The lifelong bachelor lives in Honolulu, which is a long way from his hometown of Sylacauga, Ala. (pop. 12,576). The man once known as Gomer Pyle now grows macadamia nuts on a ranch he owns on Maui. Nabors, 71, is enjoying the sunshine and appreciating his good health, which he doesn’t take for granted after undergoing a liver transplant seven years ago. He’s still busy with personal appearances and singing engagements. He recently performed a concert with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and makes treks back to the mainland frequently for concerts. Nabors, who first began singing in the church choir and high school glee club, has released nearly 30 albums and earned five gold and one platinum record. He’s performed lengthy engagements at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Reno Hilton and the Las Vegas Hilton, as well as Harrah’s in Reno, Atlantic City, and Lake Tahoe.

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