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By Joshua Maloni
GM/Managing Editor
In 2024, we learned celebrities have many jobs: They are models, salespeople, influencers, cooks, sports team owners and even political pundits.
For the sake of this annual year-end list, however, they are, above all else, entertainers.
Good thing, too, because that is where they really excel.
Whether on screen, in our ears, or as champion chefs, these performers kept us on the edge of our seats, with hands held high, and more than a bit hungry.
When it comes to interviewing, I have three simple rules when chatting with entertainers: no bright lights; don't get them wet; and never, ever feed them after midnight – no matter how much they beg.
Wait, no; those requirements are for another batch of characters.
Actually, it’s even simpler: A performer’s not interesting just because they’re famous.
They must be adept at their craft; leave audiences wanting more of their talent; and, oftentimes, it helps if they have a Western New York connection – like a concert at Artpark, for example.
In short, the people selected here aren't just "celebrities." They are artists and masters of their medium.
With that, here is my year in Q&A.
Toya Turner as Kiana Cook, Jason Beghe as Sgt. Hank Voight, and Benjamin Levy Aguilar as Dante Torres (NBC photo by Elizabeth Sisson)
From the article on Jason: On “Chicago P.D.,” the intelligence unit’s newest case is hitting home for Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), who has taken a personal interest in a troubled victim.
Sitting at a local pub and looking to erase the stress of the day, Voight is given a photo of his troubled son, Justin (Josh Segarra), who tended bar before being murdered. Not long after, he leaves and, on his way home, finds blood and evidence of a kidnapping.
From the article on LaRoyce: For 12 seasons, “Chicago P.D.” intelligence unit officer Kevin Atwater has been the model for good police work, community advocacy and family togetherness. A real pillar of human virtue.
So, why is his creator desperate to take this character in another direction?
From the article on Benjamin: One of the side effects of success on a television show is that, the longer a series runs, the more cast members will depart.
On NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” – now in its 11th season – myriad stories have been written about the exits of former stars Sophia Bush, Elias Koteas, Jon Seda and, most recently, Jesse Lee Soffer. Each actor was key in making the show a success (any series that eclipses 10 seasons is in rarified air), and each character is sorely missed.
But legendary creator Dick Wolf (“Law & Order,” “FBI”) and his team of producers have met this challenge and overcome it by finding worthy cast additions.
From the article on Toya: Toya Turner’s “Shotgun” Mary beat the hell out of demons on the Netflix series “Warrior Nun.”
Fans might’ve expected the same strike-first sensibility when Turner recently debuted on season 12 of NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” While her character, Kiana Cook, has held her own in a cavalcade of physical obstacles, villains and supernatural-type challenges, this crimefighter has put smarts above smashes – and earned a place on the coveted intelligence unit in the process.
LaRoyce said: “I don't want to create a story that feels right, nor do I want to create a story that feels wrong. I want to create a story that feels relatable, that feels real, that feels understandable, either way.”
Kristin Kreuk as Cassandra in "Murder in a Small Town" on FOX (Photo by James Dimmock/ FOX // ©2024 Fox Media LLC)
From the article: In much the same way her character, Lana Lang, stole the heart of one Clark Kent, Kristin Kreuk stole TV viewers’ hearts when she starred on the much-loved “Smallville.”
It’s less ironic, then, that, just as the fictionalized girl next door grew up, developed powers and set out to conquer the world (or, at least its villains), so, too, the Canadian actress would evolve, master her craft, and triumph over her dominion (or, at least its pilot seasons).
Kristin said: “It's called ‘Murder in a Small Town’ for a reason: There is a murder almost every episode – but not every episode. It is mostly whodunit, although there are some whydunit aspects to it, as well. We're always looking into the psychology of these characters. …
“There's a love story at its heart. And I think people can expect to come in and become really familiar with this cast of characters and grow to like them a lot, and also get excitement from solving crimes and learning about why people are doing these crimes.
“And every episode, on the whole, we have a wonderful guest star, or multiple guest stars, from people like James Cromwell and Stana Katic to Noah Reid, who is a brilliant actor, and Erica Durance. There's so many wonderful things for people to tune into.”
Jocelyn Hudon as Madeline and Dan Jeannotte as Mike in “Falling in Love in Niagara" (©Hallmark Media // courtesy: Johnson Production Group)
From the article: The Hallmark Channel creates movies in picturesque locations around the world, treating viewers to magnificent bodies of water, sprawling beaches, lush green space, massive mountains, striking foliage – and, just recently, Niagara Falls.
Jocelyn said: “I used to run a zipline in Algonquin Park, so those things, to me, are fun. And the jet boat was really cool, too. That was really fun to film in, because we got to go with the crew. So, seeing the DP (cinematographer) get completely, completely soaked; and we had all these little GoPros; and we had to cut in line, in front of like real passengers on the boat, to get our whole crew in the front of the boat to be able to film those shots. That was pretty funny, and definitely like a bonding experience for all of us (laughs).”
Dan said: “It's not often that I get to work on something where I also get, as part of my paid job, I get to go to beautiful places and go on wild adventures. It was amazing to get to be in Niagara; and to get to do all these fun, like daredevilish kind of adventure games was great.”
From the article “Good from the get-go: Jocelyn Hudon impresses in 'Chicago Fire' debut”:
Beyonce’s emergence into country music.
The premiere of “Fallout” on Prime.
Caitlin Clark’s WNBA debut.
Not since Lionel Richie first sang “Hello” have introductions been this hot.
#OneChicago fans can add this kickoff to that checklist: Jocelyn Hudon’s epic first episode on “Chicago Fire.”
Martin Kove as Glenn in "A Taste of Love" on the Hallmark Channel (©Hallmark Media // courtesy: Digital Caviar)
From the article: Martin Kove is really good at being a really bad guy.
The actor has made a career out of playing wicked, corrupt, immoral, depraved, debauched, unscrupulous, ruthless, merciless and cruel characters including, most famously, sensei John Kreese in “The Karate Kid” and “Cobra Kai.”
But Kove wants you to know those on-screen roles are not really representative of who he is – or of his softer side, which is not often seen in film or on streaming.
Martin said: “This specific project was a gas. I mean, not only did I get a chance to work with a producer I loved, that I worked with on westerns – which is what I love to do – but working with my son (Jesse) and working with Erin (Cahill).
“Erin was just brilliant, and she played my daughter. And working with her in the kitchen, it allowed me to feel this comfort zone when, normally in the kitchen, I don't have as much patience. I like cooking. But I don’t have as much patience for the sauces and the seasonings and all of that. I like it, but I just don't have enough patience to do it, because I get hungry.”
"The Way Home": Evan Williams, Sadie LaFlamme-Snow, Chyler Leigh & Andie MacDowell. (Credit: Hallmark Media // photographer: Peter Stranks)
From the article: “Three generations of women embark on an enlightening journey to find their way back to each other and learn important lessons about their family’s past.”
Sounds like a typical Hallmark Channel production, right?
Well, this one has a catch – and it’s a juicy doozy.
Time travel.
Sadie said: “I think there's this exciting opportunity to break the mold, in a way, while also staying really true to what people sit down to watch Hallmark for in the first place, which I think is like these really strong relationships and this strong sense of home, and a strong sense of family, and those things being at the core of the show – while also the twist of involving time travel and this kind of family drama that leans really heavily into the drama side of things.”
Evan said: “When I first heard about the show, what struck me was how out of pocket it was for Hallmark. I love to be a part of something that is trying to flip the script. I think that's really exciting to me as an artist.
“And I think that I wasn't alone in that. I was pleased to find out when I started that, top to bottom – both in front of the camera and behind the camera – the shared mandate among everybody was that we were going to try to do something different than Hallmark had ever seen before. So, it was a big leap, and it paid off.”
Ashley Newbrough as Lottie Morgan in “Operation Nutcracker” (©Hallmark Media // courtesy: Vortex Media)
From the article: Ashley Newbrough’s characters are all about second chances.
But in real life, the in-demand Canadian-American actress can’t help but hold a grudge.
Against hot chocolate.
Ashley said: “I was obsessed with this movie called ‘The Nutcracker Prince,’ the cartoon. I haven't seen it in years and years and years, but I loved it. I absolutely loved it! My siblings and I still try to find it, because we were absolutely obsessed with the movie. So, when I read this script and saw what it was about, I loved the idea of being a part of it, because I think nutcrackers are such a staple for the season.”
Paula Newsome as Maxine Roby on "CSI: Vegas" (Photo by Monty Brinton/CBS // ©CBS Broadcasting Inc.)
From the article: Before Paula Newsome was famous, she famously had a chance encounter with an oh-so-well-known lookalike: Oprah Winfrey.
“Years ago, when her show was in Chicago, she did this episode about what celebrities you look like,” Newsome recalled in a phone interview. “I don't even know how I got on that show. I had one of those awful, asymmetrical haircuts. And I was in the audience. And she came up and she was like, ‘And people tell you, “You look like. …” ’ And she stuck her microphone in my face, and I got up and I did an Oprah impression, which she kind of loved.”
Nowadays, Newsome is well-known, well-traveled, and well-respected for creating her own, one-of-a-kind characters.
Paula said: “I am the kind of actress who sees what's on the page and automatically thinks, ‘What can I do different with this?’ You know what I mean? My feeling about Max, though, was that it was always close to what my vision would be for her. And that, No. 1, being I just liked her.
“She feels, to me, like a quiet storm. She feels, to me, like a person you could have a challenging conversation with. And she feels, to me, like a strength that feels grounded in kindness and connectivity.”
Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham & Callum Keith Rennie as Rayner in “Star Trek: Discovery” (Photo: Marni Grossman /Paramount+)
From the article: “Star Trek: Discovery” brought the famed franchise back to the small screen in 2017, and paved the way for the televised (or streaming) return of Spock (here and in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”), Seven of Nine, the Borg, Data and Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (via “Star Trek: Picard”). It expanded the origin story of some of “Star Trek’s” most famous faces, while gifting fans with amazing new characters including Capt. Michael Burnham, Emperor Georgiou, Lt. Cmdr. Stamets, Cleveland “Book” Booker and Mr. Saru.
The series is taking its final spin around space with the crew’s biggest mission yet: to find (and protect) the origin of life.
Callum said: “Rayner? He’s a hard-@ss. … (Laughs) He's from another time and another way of doing things. It’s strange. He's a bit of an authoritarian, dictator-style commander, and a wildcard at the same time. He's trying to fit into a world that he doesn't know after actually getting a demotion, so he's just doing his best.”
Neil Giraldo and Pat Benatar photo by Travis Shinn // courtesy of High Rise PR
From the article: When it comes to having a good time on stage, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have two very different definitions.
“You know, my husband especially loves” performing outdoors, Benatar said, “because he doesn't care if he's sweating. He doesn't care if there's bugs on him – that kind of thing. I mean, he just wants to be outside like a dog! (laughs) I'm looking for a little air conditioning, myself.”
“Well, you know what it is? It's being in the elements. I love that,” Giraldo said. “I love wind. I love sweat. And I love every bit of it. I just always have. I mean, I don't care if it rains and I'm out there. I just like the elements.”
He added, “I know that Patricia don't like the outdoors, because she don't like sweating and her makeup running and all that, but me, I don't have any of that, you see! So, I like it.”
In all seriousness, Benatar said, “It is magical, the night, especially if the moon is out or as the sky is clear and you can see stars. I mean, for us, it's the same as for you all when you're out there. You're looking up and you're seeing everything and it's amazing. And then, sometimes, you get to be in a beautiful rainstorm and you're performing in the rain, and it's just all the elements are making it even more special.”
Giraldo said performing outdoors oftentimes creates a bonding experience with fans.
“Yeah, no question,” he said. “I mean, would they prefer it not rain? Of course. But, if it rains, the ponchos come out, they all are enjoying it.”
Such a shared moment, Giraldo added, is key to playing live: “The connectivity with the audience – that's what you're doing it for. Or else, sit at home and listen to music at home.”
Pat said: “The greatest part about doing this for so long is that you are at a place in your life where it all has to be fun, or there's no point. You know, you've done everything; you don't need any more money. It's not about that. You've done enough playing in your entire life. It's good. So, if you're going to go out there and play, you're going out there for the original reasons you went out – because you love it; and because it's fun – and it's still like that.”
Chris Barron of Spin Doctors (Photo courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services)
Gin Blossoms photo by Shervin Lainez // courtesy of Milestone Publicity
Bush “Loaded” image courtesy of 2b Entertainment
From the article on Chris: Perhaps the only thing more remarkable than Chris Barron making it big in one band is that he almost made it big in two bands.
From the article on Glen: When it comes to making music for the right reasons, it’s hard for Glen Phillips to rely on his good intentions (when his head’s full of things that he can’t mention).
From the article on Gavin: Of all the posts Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale has enjoyed over his stellar career – musician, actor, fashion designer – there is one profession he still pines for: Painter.
Gavin said: “In a sense, this whole tour – this whole process – is about celebration and about where we've been.
“What makes me most happy … is I have a lot of people who were there right from the get-go, but I also have a lot of people who have just come on with us, certain road people who literally weren't even born. They were born in the aughts. The 2000s. So, it's so incredible to have that wide range.
“When I would tour with Institute, my band – my side project – I toured with U2 twice. And what got me was the range of people, young fans to older fans, and that's the mark where you’ve really touched the culture; where you've transcended kind of specific age groups and just made music that people connect to.”
Christian/country artist Anne Wilson (Photo by Robby Klein // courtesy: Universal Music Group Nashville)
From the article: Everything you need to know about Anne Wilson can be found in “Songs About Whiskey.”
As the Kentucky singer proclaims on her new single, it was the Bible – and not the bottle – that brought Wilson solace in the wake of her big brother Jacob’s passing.
Anne said: “I love country music. I love how it's always very storytelling. I love how all the music, especially like Johnny Cash or Dolly Parton, it always had such a story element to it, that I feel like music nowadays lacks a lot of. I love just the heart behind the simple life, you know, in country music, of the simple things like your family and your dogs and your truck, and like all the little things that are so simple, but that's what makes a great life.
“So, I love country music. It makes me feel like home – like brings me back to growing up in Kentucky and listening to it.”
Little Big Town (Photo credit: Blaire Getz Mezibov // courtesy: 2b Entertainment)
From the article: In Little Big Town’s 25th anniversary year, the country music hitmakers took a page from fast-food restaurants, movie theaters and the Mars company in offering combos: Delicious, value-driven, delightfully indulgent pairings sure to satisfy both new and especially tried and true fans.
Kimberly said: “Yesterday, for the first time, we got to see all the content for the screens and everything for the show, and it was absolutely so emotional. This is the biggest production we've ever done – and that was exciting in itself – but then when we saw it all come together, it was absolutely an emotional moment. The four of us stood out and watched it together for the first time. And when things like that happen, it's like almost your life flashes before your eyes, but it's like our career flashed before our eyes, and the 25 years that we've been doing this – every moment, from the very beginning to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows – all of that just came together yesterday as we watched this biggest tour we've ever done kind of come together.”
Rebecca St. James' life & family are depicted in the film "Unsung Hero." (Photo courtesy of Smallbone Management)
From the article: Rebecca St. James has lived a life destined for greatness and bound for the big screen. ...
It’s a story fit for a feature – and that’s what Lionsgate banked on when it gave the greenlight to “Unsung Hero.”
Rebecca said: “I’ve seen it five times, I believe. Last night was the fifth time, and I was actually just bringing friends to our local theater. They're doing like 14 showings of it. The boys and Cubbie were introducing all the different screenings at our theater here; and so, I went with some friends.
“It's wild. I cry every time. I probably will cry every time. And it's not just living through that time – and, I mean, it wasn't super traumatic, I don't think, for me; I think it definitely was for my parents. They both probably find it challenging to watch in their various ways. But I think it's also the themes of just family and marriage and pain. When you're going through these kinds of things in life, asking the questions of how's this all going to work out.
“I think, for everyone who watches it, unless they're super, super stoic, there's some kind of emotional connect that's pretty powerful – and that's definitely the case for me.”
Kevin & Michael Bacon, the Bacon Brothers (Photo by Jacob Blinkenstaff // courtesy: devious planet media)
From the article: How ironic that a band featuring one of the world’s most recognizable people prides itself on being almost unrecognizable when it comes to genre?
Kevin Bacon – the A-list actor seemingly connected to everyone within “Six Degrees” – and Michael Bacon, a multiple-award-winning composer – let their songs do their defining.
Are they folk? Rock? Soul? Country?
Yes.
Kevin said: “I think that it's cohesive in its lack of cohesion, really; because we do have two writers, and because we've never written the songs and then tried to fit them into the sound of the band. It's more like the sound of the band becomes whatever the song is dictating. So, if we've imagined the song as a hardcore song, or if we imagined the song as a country song, or an instrumental, kind of classical jazz piece or heartfelt ballet – you know, whatever it is we've imagined it, that's the way we kind of play it and record it.
“In terms of like the songwriting process, you know, songwriting, to us, is elusive. It happens when it happens. It's something that I don't think either one of us really feel we can force.”
"Tournament of Champions" season four winner Mei Lin (Food Network photo)
“Tournament of Champions” season one winner Brooke Williamson (Food Network photo)
From the article on Brooke: When it comes to food fights, Brooke Williamson has many titles: Competitor, celebrity, champion.
But her preference is chef.
From the article on Mei: Let there be no doubt: “Tournament of Champions” is the wildest, toughest and most prestigious culinary competition on television. ...
Last year, Mei Lin beat a culinary dream team (Crista Luedtke, Tiffany Derry, Shota Nakajima, three-time semifinalist Jet Tila and season two champion Maneet Chauhan) to win the “TOC” title and the $100,000 cash prize.
Mei said: “I mean, first and foremost, I will say that I wouldn't do it if it wasn't fun. I think that, all in all, the camaraderie is fantastic. We're all each other's peers. Every one of us have known each other through some way or another, whether it be doing a previous show or not. We just have a mutual respect for one another. So, just being able to see your friends that you haven't seen in a really long time, and get to cook with them, is fantastic.”
Brooke said: “I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a TV star. I think I'm a chef who found some weird, hidden skill that I'm good at competition cooking. And so, the last – I don't know – 11 years, done it probably more than most people should. Taken several years off of my life! But I've had a lot of fun doing it – and I wouldn't keep doing it if it weren't fun and inspiring and an adrenaline rush that I really enjoy.”
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