One caring cowpoke

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Q: Whatever happened to actor Will Hutchins? He was popular during the 1960s and had several roles in the Elvis movies. — J.J.B., Peoria, Ill.

A: Will Hutchins entered the world on May 5, 1932. Perhaps his best-known role is that of Tom Brewster, a young, naive, sarsaparilla-drinking lawyer on the Western TV series “Sugarfoot” (1957 to 1961). His kindhearted character would assist needy strangers with the mail-order legal textbooks he carried in his saddlebags. After “Sugarfoot,” he starred in two more TV series and made numerous guest appearances on other shows. His movie credits include two films with Elvis Presley. He is also an accomplished stage actor. He spent several years traveling with the circus as a clown and a ringmaster. His former wife, Chrissie, is the sister of actress/comedienne Carol Burnett.

Q: I watched a wonderful movie on the Family Channel, “A Walk to Remember,” starring Shane West. What can you tell me about this talented actor? — E.S., East Bridgewater, Mass.

A: Born June 10, 1978, in Baton Rouge, La., Shane West began his acting career as a teenager and received his big break in 1999, portraying a sensitive teen in the critically acclaimed TV series “Once and Again.” He has appeared in dozens of TV shows, including 70 episodes of “ER,” and a number of movies. Apart from acting, West is also an accomplished musician; he performs in a punk-rock band called Jonny Was, which plays in Southern California clubs.

Q: When I was a teenager in the mid-1940s, I saw a movie called “Keep Your Powder Dry,” with Susan Peters. What can you tell me about her? Whatever happened to her? -- R.J., Punxsutawney, Pa.

A: Born Suzanne Carnahan on July 3, 1921, in Spokane, Wash., Susan Peters began working for a Hollywood studio right after high school and was cast in her first film in 1940. She married actor Richard Quine in 1943; two years later, a hunting accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She continued her acting career, but had little success. Divorced in 1948, Peters experienced deteriorating health until her death in 1952, at the age of 31.

Q: I enjoyed the TV series “Combat!” Is it available on DVD? Where can I get it? — I.K., Hartford, Ark.

A: Airing from 1962 to 1967, the WWII drama can be found on DVD. Where can you get it? At any store that sells movies (and some rental stores). If not in stock, it can be ordered.

Q: Was Liberace engaged to ice skater Sonja Henie at one time? — C.D., Sarasota, Fla.

A: Born Wladzui Valentino Liberace on May 16, 1919, Liberace claimed he nearly married actress Joanne Rio; he dated Sonja Henie, Mae West and others. Many believe his public friendships and romantic links were merely a cover for his true sexuality. A victim of AIDS, he died in 1987, at the age of 67.

Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at AskMrKIA@gmail.com or c/o United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016.

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