Ask American Profile

Ralna English and Guy Hovis, Mel Gibson, Any Day Now

My favorite singers on The Lawrence Welk Show were Ralna English and Guy Hovis. I understand they are no longer married, but when I see them on reunion shows, they always sit and sing together. Have they gotten back together, and are they still performing?
—Ruby D., Colorado

Your sentiments are shared by many: The couple was one of the most popular acts on the program. Though divorced since 1984, English and Hovis have an excellent relationship and perform together whenever possible. English lives with their daughter, Julie Hovis, who recently graduated from Arizona State University, in the Scottsdale, Ariz., area. Guy Hovis remarried in February. He lives in Jackson, Miss., where he’s state director for Sen. Trent Lott. With his busy work schedule, it’s difficult for him to get away and perform with English, but he manages to on occasion. English performs regularly across the United States and Canada. Although a successful commercial and night club singer, she rose to fame, along with Hovis, when they landed a regular spot on the Lawrence Welk Show, which ran for 27 years. Repeats and reunion shows are still shown on PBS.

I hear that Mel Gibson is a big family man. Tell me about his family.
—Dorothy B., Kansas

Mel Gibson, 46, is the consummate family man. He has been married to wife Robyn for 22 years and has seven children—the youngest is a toddler, and the oldest is in her early 20s. In fact, Gibson comes from a large family as the sixth of 11 children. He was born in Peekskill, N.Y., and moved with his family to Australia when he was 12 years old. Gibson attended the National Institute of Dramatic Arts at the University of New South Wales in Sydney (his sister submitted an application for him without his knowledge), and has since become one of the world’s biggest box office draws with films such as Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, and Braveheart. The Oscar winner’s most recent film, We Were Soldiers, was released last month. Signs is slated for release this summer.

What on earth happened to the two adorable girls on the show Any Day Now on Lifetime. Why were they replaced? They were the main reason I watched. I am glad Colliar is still there, but those two little girls were so precious.
—Lee H., Florida

The roles of young Rene and young M.E., previously played by Shari Dyon Perry and Mae Middleton, respectively, were recast to be teenagers, so they needed older actresses. Dan Byrd still plays young Colliar because he’s growing and is several inches taller than Olivia Hack, who now plays M.E. Hack, 18, is probably best known for playing Cindy Brady in the Brady Bunch movies. Maya Goodwin, who plays young Rene, made her film debut in Brokedown Palace. Her television credits include Sister, Sister and NYPD Blue. Perry’s next project is a movie titled The Painting, which hasn’t been scheduled for release. The show was Middleton’s first big break. Perry and Middleton each won a Young Artist Award for their roles on Any Day Now. Incidentally, the show’s series finale aired March 18.

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