Q: I am a fan of “NCIS,” and I am wondering why Ducky, played by David McCallum, perished. Did he retire or did his contract expire? Also, is Jamie Lee Curtis coming back for the new season? My friends and I think if she comes back and stays, we will go to another program. — Y.Y., Wrightsville, Pa.
A: Jamie Lee Curtis will not be a regular next season. From what little has been disclosed regarding her character, it sounds like her presence will be scarce — if she’s even on the show.
Spoiler alert: David McCallum’s character, Ducky, did not die. He will be back for the new season.
Did you know? Reno, Nev., is farther west than Los Angeles.
Q: I enjoy watching “Little House on the Prairie” reruns. Are Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Jonathan Gilbert, who played Willie Oleson, related? Did the cast continue acting at the end of the series? — R.W., Redfield, Kan.
A: Melissa Gilbert and Jonathan Gilbert are adopted siblings. Their parents are comedian Paul Gilbert and actress/dancer Barbara Crane. Melissa Gilbert continues her career in show business. She appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” earlier this year. Jonathan Gilbert is a stockbroker.
As for other members of the cast, Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls, died July 1, 1991. He was 54. Lindsay Greenbush and Sidney Greenbush shared the role of Carrie Ingalls. The twins lead private lives and occasionally appear on talk shows. Karen Grassle, who played Caroline Ingalls, has continued to be involved with acting and theater. She is now 70 years old. Melissa Sue Anderson played Mary Ingalls. She continues to act, and she wrote an autobiography, “The Way I See It — A Look Back at My Life on Little House.”
Q: I’ve seen ads for DVDs of “The Life of Riley,” staring Jackie Gleason. I don’t remember that series. The one I recall is the series starring William Bendix. I believe Joan Blondell was his wife in the series. When did the programs air? — D.W., Peoria, Ill.
A: “The Life of Riley” starring Jackie Gleason aired for one season in 1949. Rosemary DeCamp was Gleason’s wife, Peg, in the series.
“The Life of Riley” starring William Bendix aired for six seasons, from 1953 to 1958. Marjorie Reynolds played Bendix’s wife.
Super trivia: William Bendix originated the role of Chester A. Riley on radio in 1944, but he was unavailable to star in the first TV series. The producers turned to Jackie Gleason to fill the role.
Q: In 1948, I began a tour of duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton CV-37. What became of the ship? — J.K., Whittier, Calif.
A: The USS Princeton CV-37 has a long and interesting history. It was the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name — a nod to the Revolutionary War Battle of Princeton. The Princeton was commissioned in November 1945, and it was used during the Korean War. The ship earned eight battle stars. It was also used in the Vietnam War.
In May 1969, the USS Princeton CV-37 was the prime recovery ship for the Apollo 10 space mission. In January 1970, it was decommissioned; in 1971, it was sold for scrap.
Q: What is “closed captioning”? — R.W., Peoria, Ill.
A: Closed captioning refers to the process of showing words on a TV or video screen as an interpretation aid. People who are deaf or hard of hearing often find it helpful see what is being said in text form.
The word “closed” is used to indicate that only viewers who want to see the text see it. Open captioning is visible to all viewers.
Q: Who said the famous quote, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”? — J.U., Boise, Idaho
A: A variation of the quote is attributed to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), from “The Twilight of the Idols”: “Out of life’s school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.”
Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at AskMrKIA@gmail.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.