Kate And Allie Strike It Rich (Press, 11 August 1986)

In a recent edition of David Hartnell's column, news from Hollywood highlights the successful pay negotiations of actresses Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin, the stars of the hit sitcom “Kate and Allie.” Both actresses have reportedly secured contracts worth $550,000 each for the show’s 22 episodes, earning them a place among the highest earners in the industry with a weekly salary of $25,000. Their new contracts, extending to September 1988, include a lucrative profit-sharing arrangement. Hartnell expresses his admiration for both actresses, noting their kindness and the show's enjoyable content. In other updates, Joan Rivers is embroiled in a legal threat against a 22-year-old drag queen in Las Vegas who is mimicking her act and using jokes from her current performances. While Rivers is alright with outdated jokes, she objects to the use of her new material. The drag queen, Frank, has an impressive act with a $250,000 wardrobe, and Rivers has even collaborated with his dress designer in the past. John Forsythe, known for his role in “Dynasty,” shares a humorous glimpse into his personal life, revealing that his wife Julie gives him only $20 a week for spending money, a decision based on the current safety concerns in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Meredith Baxter-Birney is set to portray a character suffering from bulimia in an upcoming movie, a storyline that resonates personally with her due to a friend's struggle with the condition. Legendary actress Kim Novak, who has kept a low profile for two decades, is making a comeback at age 53, landing a lead role in “Falcon Crest” as a woman with a dual personality reminiscent of her performance in the classic film “Vertigo.” In a curious integration of Hollywood into the civic process, Raymond Burr's character Perry Mason is featured in a new educational film, "Welcome to Jury Duty," aimed at potential jurors in King County, Washington, showcasing the realities of courtroom procedures. Hartnell also mentions a newly released biography on Joan Collins, authored by Robert Levine, which provides an in-depth look at her rise to fame through “Dynasty.” The book is described as truthful and offers insights for both fans and critics of Collins. Lastly, New Zealand-born costume designer Warden Neil has returned to Auckland and is preparing for a fashion show titled "Hollywood Nights" displaying his Hollywood costume designs, having previously dressed stars like Angie Dickinson and Elizabeth Taylor. Additionally, "Dallas" actor Ken Kercheval is stirring excitement as he expresses a desire for his character to reignite a romance with Sue Ellen, hinting at some intriguing plot developments for the upcoming series.

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