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Is it true that pop star Jessica Simpson is a former Christian music singer?
—Jolene D., Texas

Simpson, 20, first developed her singing skills in a Baptist church where her father, a psychologist, served as a youth minister. Then, while attending church camp, Simpson delivered an a cappella version of Amazing Grace for a camp guest who owned a gospel music label. Simpson signed with the label, but it soon folded. She then hit the Christian Youth Conference circuit, singing inspirational, upbeat songs. News of the Texan soon began to filter into the pop music realm. “I was determined that I be able to stay who I am if I signed to a non-Christian music label,” Simpson says. Her second album, Irresistible, was released in June.

What happened to Avery Brooks, the actor who played Hawk on Spencer: For Hire? I think he’s a great actor and loved him in that role.
—Betty W., Virginia

Following his stint as Hawk on Spenser: For Hire and its spin-off, A Man Called Hawk, Avery Brooks, 52, appeared as Capt. Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Brooks shares his love of acting with students at New Jersey’s Rutgers University, where he is a part-time tenured theater professor. In fact, he was the first African-American to graduate from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts with a master of fine arts degree in acting and directing. Growing up in Evansville and later Gary, Ind., Brooks was surrounded by a musical family and is an accomplished singer and musician. He received a Cable ACE nomination for his portrayal of Uncle Tom in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. His film roles include The Big Hit, American History X, and most recently, 15 Minutes with Robert De Niro. Brooks and his wife have one daughter and two sons.

We wondered what’s up with baseball shortstop Jeff Blauser, who was with the Atlanta Braves and then the Chicago Cubs. We haven’t heard much from him this year.
—Eva H., Missouri

Jeff Blauser, 35, retired from baseball after the 1999 season and lives outside of Atlanta with his wife and daughter. Born in Los Gatos, Calif., he played for the Atlanta Braves from 1987 to 1997 and then spent two seasons in Chicago. For several years, he had been plagued with injuries, including one that required elbow surgery two years ago. His career highlights include a .262 batting average, 122 home runs, and 513 runs batted in. The 6-foot-1-inch, 190-pound infielder played in two All-Star games.

Please tell me something about fitness guru Denise Austin. She never seems to age.
—John W., Iowa

Denise Austin, 44, continues to thrill fans with her enthusiastic workouts. The 5-foot-4-inch, 112-pound fitness motivator grew up in San Pedro, Calif., and started gymnastics at age 12. She earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona and graduated in 1979 with a degree specializing in exercise physiology. She then began teaching aerobic classes in the Los Angeles area and appeared in her own local television program. Today show fans will remember her as a former resident fitness expert. Her show, Getting Fit, aired on ESPN from 1987-97. Then Denise Austin’s Daily Workout began airing on Lifetime TV. Austin has made more than 30 exercise videos. She is married to sports attorney Jeff Austin and has two daughters, Kelly and Katie.

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