Ask American Profile 6/07/2009

Traylor Howard, Bitty Schram, ALF, Gardner McKay, Cassidy Freeman

Q Tell me more about Traylor Howard on TV's Monk, who plays the assistant, Natalie. What happened to the actress she replaced, Bitty Schram, who played Sharona?
-Ralph Morocco, Latrobe, Pa.

Howard, who turns 43 on June 14, was born in Orlando, Fla., and began her career with a Juicy Fruit commercial when in high school. Following graduation from Florida State University with a degree in communications and advertising, she launched her acting career. Before landing the role of Natalie, she starred in several TV series, including Boston Common and Bram and Alice. Twice divorced, she has a 2½-year-old son. As for Schram, 40, she will be making a guest appearance in an episode of the upcoming eighth and final season of the series. "We couldn't think of a better way to help wrap up the series than with the return of Bitty's character," says Tony Shalhoub, who stars as Monk. "Bringing some closure to Sharona is long overdue."


Q In the TV series ALF, who played ALF?
-Bill Koenig, Dublin, Texas

ALF, the loveable "Alien Life Form" star of the popular 1980s sitcom, was a puppet created-and controlled-by Paul Fusco, who was typically assisted by two other puppeteers to make ALF's hand, arm and facial-features movements. For "full-body" scenes requiring ALF to walk, run or stand, 2-foot-9-inch Hungarian actor Michu Meszaros-who once toured with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as "The Shortest Man in the World"-donned a costume.


Q What can you tell me about actor Gardner McKay, who starred in the early 1960s TV series Adventures in Paradise as a man with a sailboat?
-Helen Gilmer, Kinchelow, Mich.

Adventures in Paradise aired from 1959 to 1962 and starred Hollywood heartthrob McKay as Capt. Adam Troy, a Korean War vet who bought a schooner, the Tiki, and found adventure in the Pacific. After the show was over, McKay was weary of the celebrity spotlight and left Hollywood to roam the world. He explored the Amazon, rode camels across Egypt and crewed yachts in the Caribbean. He finally settled down and became a writer, penning several books and plays before his death in 2001 at age 69. Adventures in Paradise is available on DVD and video.


Q I love the clothing style that Cassidy Freeman wears as Tess Mercer on Smallville. Can you tell me who supplies her wardrobe?
-Rachel C., Birmingham, Ala.

Freeman's wardrobe is a mix of labels, including Bebe, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, Tahari, Theory, Tory Burch, Banana Republic and Modern Vintage. "Tess is incredibly professional, which wardrobe-wise means a lot of fitted pencil skirts and, to my dismay, heels-because I am not the most graceful person in heels," says the 27-year-old actress. "I am already 5 feet, 10 inches, so adding more inches is dangerous." In her personal life, the Chicago-born actress is much more likely to be found in jeans and a sweater. "I was raised with two older brothers, so I tend to be tomboyish."

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