Jerry O'Connell News January 2003 - Crossing Jordan, Kangaroo Jack, Interviews, Photos

SLIDERS DVD NEWS

1/31/03

It sounds like Sliders may be coming to DVD within the next few months. This quote from Jerry was found at sunnews.com:

Of course, there's also his more cultish TV gig - you know, the one on "Sliders" that still has him time traveling on cable and in syndication after a run on Fox.
"I still get a lot of mail from that show," he says. "We even have a DVD of the series coming out in a few weeks. It's funny when you do a science-fiction series because the fan base is simply amazing. It just never stops." - January 2003

A member of the SiFi Sliders Bboard also posted news about an April release date. Although it has not been confirmed as being accurate information, it's worth taking a look at.

BIOGRAPHY MAGAZINE FEB 2003

1/31/03

Biography Magazine has an article about Jerry O'Connell on page 16 of the February 2003 issue (Kevin Spacey on the cover).

CROSSING JORDAN SPIN-OFF NEWS

1/31/03

According to Euroweb.com, actor Leon has signed on to costar in the "Crossing Jordan" Spin-off currently in development at NBC.

LEON GETS HIS ROLE ON: Actor signs on for NBC drama.

(Jan. 28, 2003) *Handsome and, dare we say, egotistical actor Leon has signed on to co-star in the cop drama that NBC is looking to develop as a spinoff of its sophomore series "Crossing Jordan."

Leon is set to guest star opposite Jerry O'Connell in an upcoming episode of "Crossing Jordan" that is designed to set the stage for the spinoff, tentatively titled "Sunset Division," says the Hollywood Reporter.

In that episode, O'Connell's detective character on the Boston-based "Crossing Jordan" is sent to Los Angeles as part of an investigation. Leon will play an LA cop who partners with O'Connell to crack the case.

"Jordan" creator/executive producer Tim Kring is spearheading the development of the spinoff effort. Sources cautioned that O'Connell has yet to commit to the starring in "Sunset" should it move forward as a series.

For the past two years, Leon co-starred on Showtime's critically praised drama "Resurrection Blvd," which was recently canceled.

MORE NEWSPAPER INTERVIEWS

1/31/03

Here are links to a few more online news articles about Kangaroo Jack:

1) THEY COULDN'T USE CGI ANIMALS? - United Press International Showbiz News

2) THAT KID O'CONNELL GROWS UP - Sunnews.com

3) ACTING IS HIS PANACEA FOR HYPERACTIVITY - Standard Times

4) JERRY O'CONNELL HAD A BLAST WITH 'KANGAROO JACK' - Jerry O'Connell's Fan Club (Thanks to 'Shaggy' for typing this up!) Note - the administrator of this web site is not encouraging anyone to try to find Jerry's house.

MY SECRET IDENTITY ARTICLE

1/31/03

An interview from SuperTeen Magazine (1990 or '91) has been added to the Interviews section of the web site. Sixteen year old Jerry talks about his Character "Andrew" in My Secret Identity, growing up, and his plans to attend NYU.

EUROPEAN VACATION PHOTOS FROM 1990

1/30/03

An article from a 1990 (?) issue of SuperTeen Magazine has been added to the Interviews section of the web site. The article is actually a photo scrapbook of Jerry's European vacation with his brother Charlie.

JERRY PRESENTS AT THE ECLIPSE AWARDS

1/27/03

Jerry O'Connell is among the celebrities scheduled to participate in the Eclipse Awards in Beverly Hills Monday January 27th.

STARS WILL BE OUT FOR MONDAY'S ECLIPSE AWARDS
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has announced that Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and 2003 Golden Globe winner Chris Cooper, actors in the upcoming Universal Pictures' film "Seabiscuit," about the legendary racehorse of the same name, will be presenters at the 32nd annual Eclipse Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif., Monday, Jan. 27. Also presenting will be Jerry O'Connell, star of the new hit movie Kangaroo Jack, which topped all movies last week with $21.8 million in box office receipts in its first week in theaters. O'Connell is a longtime racing fan whose screen credits include ("Jerry Maguire" and "Stand by Me").

The Eclipse Awards will be Televised on ESPN 2 on Sunday February 2nd. Check your local listings for show times.

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TV GUIDE INTERVIEW

1/27/03

Jerry is featured in the January 25th, 2003 TV Guide on page 8. Thanks to DMK for sharing the news!

KANGAROO JERRY - Maybe white men can jump

Jerry O'Connell has certain animal magnetism. He put that prowess to the test by costarring with a marsupial for the on-the-run comedy "Kangaroo Jack." "In the outback, kangaroos are like actors in L.A.," says O'Connell. "You can't move without bumping into one." The New York City native, 28, has become familiar with the Los Angeles scene since making his movie debut at 12 in "Stand By Me." He's also been in "Scream 2," "Jerry Maguire" and the sci-fi series Sliders. Now he plays Det. Woody Hoyt on Crossing Jordan (NBC, Mondays, 10 PM/ET). Here, O'Connell sounds off about how his career is hopping along. - Paul S. Katz

Any truth to the rumors of off-screen tension between you and the kangaroo?
Nope, I wouldn't risk messing with him. Even after training with Mike Tyson for a year, I wouldn't stand a chance. There's this glint in his eye that says, "Don't even try it."

Has the public finally come to accept you as a leading man?
People still say, "Hey, you're the fat kid from 'stand by me'?" When I'm collecting social security, they'll probably still scream that.

Ever see "Stand" cast mate Corey Feldman?

His band was playing at a club, and I stopped in - a spur-of-the-moment thing. We've both changed a lot. He's rockin' out, and I'm skinny!

INTERVIEWS

1/27/03

Here are links to some of the most recent online newspaper interviews with Jerry O'Connell.

1) JERRY'S KIDDING - Chicago Sun Times

Chicago Sun Times Cindy Pearlman
January 27, 2003

JERRY'S KIDDING: JERRY O'CONNELL insists that the scariest part of filming "Kangaroo Jack" wasn't necessarily the big furry animal with a pouch.
"I worked with Christopher Walken and he was really frightening at first. Then, I realized the guy knows his lines, he's a joy ... but he's still sort of creepy." As for his other co-star, comic Anthony Anderson, O'Connell reports, "Anthony is definitely the most fun I've ever had shooting a movie. He helped me deal with roughing it, too. Frankly, I'm used to a Hollywood lifestyle where you have a commissary. We were in the Outback and didn't have trailers. ...One day, a huge chicken came running up to me. Well, not a chicken. Maybe an ostrich or an emu. I don't know. It's a huge bird and I was scared out of my mind."
Meanwhile, O'Connell returns to his cushy job on TV's "Crossing Jordan." "They're spinning my character off next season for his own show. So I'm really excited."

2) O'Connell leapt at chance to be in 'Kangaroo Jack' - Chicago Sun Times

3) KANGAROO' STARS TEASE PRODUCER BING - UPI Entertainment Today

KANGAROO' STARS TEASE PRODUCER BING
Actors Anthony Anderson and Jerry O'Connell admit they mercilessly teased writer/producer Stephen Bing on the set of their hit comedy, "Kangaroo Jack."
Bing recently made headlines when he disputed model/actress Elizabeth Hurley's claims he fathered her 9-month-old son, Damian, soon after her split with long-time beau, Hugh Grant.
"Stephen Bing is the richest man in the world who can't afford a condom," O'Connell quipped to reporters in New York recently, prompting a publicist in the room to clear her throat in warning.

4) Two of a kind - San Francisco Examiner

5) O'Connell stands by his choice to keep on acting - Knoxnews.com

6) Kangaroo Jack : An Interview with Anthony Anderson & Jerry O'Connell - blackfilm.com

OUT AND ABOUT AT THE SUPER BOWL

1/27/03

Jerry O'Connell attended several Super Bowl events over the weekend including the "Maxim Magazine Heats Up" party, the "Cadillac Super Bowl Grand Prix", and the "Pony, Girls Gone Wild, Sportsbook.com Super Bowl Celebration." View photos from the events at wireimage.com and Sportsbook.com.

JERRY MAKES AN APPEARANCE ON TRL SUPER BOWL KICK-OFF SPECIAL

1/25/03

According to the preview for MTV's TRL Super Bowl Kick-off and Tailgate Party, Jerry is scheduled to make an appearance. You can catch the TRL Super Bowl Kick-off and Tailgate Party Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th. Check your local listings for show times at GIST.com or TVGUIDE.com.

JERRY PARTICIPATES IN FIRST GRADE READING PROGRAM

1/25/03

Jerry was featured on the KTLA News on January 22nd for his participation in an elementary school reading program. Yyan was nice enough to post screen captures and audio of Jerry reading to the first graders at Jerry O'Connell Online. Thanks Yyan!

CHARLES IN CHARGE

1/22/03

According to TVGuide.com Jerry's episode of Charles in Charge titled "Organization Man" is scheduled to air on Nickelodeon Tuesday February 4th.

JERRY IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE

1/19/03

An interview and a full page photo of Jerry O'Connell is featured in the January 27th issue of People Magazine on page 61 (Olsen Twins on the Cover). You can read the interview and see the photos here.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES (*UPDATED)

1/19/03

Jerry is scheduled to appear on several TV talk shows in the upcoming weeks. Check your local listings for time and channel (dates can vary for syndicated shows like Caroline Rhea). Thanks to Shari Lynn, DMK759, and Temporal Flux for passing the news along.

Wednesday January 15 - Total Request Live MTV
Wednesday January 15 - E! News Live
Friday January 17 - The View
Friday January 17 - Caroline Rhea
Saturday January 18 and Sunday January 19 - Hot Ticket
Wednesday January 22 - Last Call with Carson Daly
Thursday January 23 (24, 25, 26, 29, Feb 1) - MTV Cribs
*Thursday January 23 - The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
*January 25th(filmed January 9th) MAD TV
Monday January 27 - The Wayne Brady Show
*Saturday February 1st - Entertainers

CROSSING JORDAN - STRANGLED

1/19/03

Jerry will be guest starring in Crossing Jordan - Strangled on February 3rd. Check your local listings for time and channel.

CROSSING JORDAN
STRANGLED
02-03-2003 10:00PM

FLASHBACK -- THE MORGUE STAFF STEPS BACK IN TIME TO FIND THE BOSTON STRANGLER - In an annual Cavanaugh tradition, Jordan (Jill Hennessy) along with Woody (guest star Jerry O'Connell) and the rest of the morgue staff examine an unsolved homicide from Max's (Ken Howard) days as a rookie detective, which coincided with the killing spree of the famed Boston Strangler. Stepping back in time to 1964, they each assume the identity of someone involved in the homicide investigation, hoping to unearth some new shred of evidence to solve this case and possibly even discover the true identity of the strangler. Miguel Ferrer, Ravi Kapoor, Steve Valentine and Kathryn Hahn also star..

KANGAROO JACK #1 AT THE BOX OFFICE

1/19/03

Entertainment - E! Online
"Kangaroo" Hijacks Box Office
Sun Jan 19, 2:55 PM ET
By Bridget Byrne

Kangaroo Jack hopped in as the new number one movie, pocketing a bonzer $17.6 million, according to preliminary studio estimates Sunday. Even National Security couldn't prevent the hijack.

Jack, a PG-rated Warner Bros. caper about Brooklyn mobsters Down Under starring Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson in pursuit of a thieving CGI-animated marsupial, ducked the boomerang of critical slams to average an estimated $6,272 per screen at 2,818 sites over the first three days of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

KANGAROO JACK ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

1/16/03

With the upcoming release of Kangaroo Jack, there are quite a few online articles and interviews with the cast. Here are links to a few:

"O'Connell to Land 'Crossing Jordan Spin-off' " - Zap-2-it
"Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson Get Upstaged by a Kangaroo" - Zap-2-it
"MEANS: Two Good Guys Hit the Road to Promote Their Bad Movie" - Salt Lake Tribune
"Kangaroo stars apologise in advance ... but it's not bad" - Daily Telegraph
"Kangaroos leave O'Connell Jumpy" - Chicago Sun Times
'Roo the right thing Estella Warren finds kids' movie to her liking - Canoe
Going swimmingly Estella Warren doing fine since she left the pool - Toronto Star

FROM "O'CONNELL TO LAND CROSSING JORDAN SPIN-OFF"
During a recent interview with Zap2it, O’Connell reveals that Detective Woody Hoyt, his recurring character on NBC’s "Crossing Jordan," will be spun-off into his own series.

"Yeah, it’s going to happen. We’re going to shoot it next week," O’Connell confirms.

He also reveals some of the details of the show.

"My character, who is Detective Woody Hoyt, goes out to L.A. to avenge the murder of a sheriff from his home town ... and he gets roped up with these people called the Sunset Division out here, which is sort of like an elite force. Sort of like 'Miami Vice' meets, you know, my character."

FROM "UPSTAGED BY A KANGAROO"
I’ll tell you exactly when I knew it was going to happen," O’Connell says. "There’s a scene at the end of the movie where I walk up to Jackie Legs and I take his coat off. Now we couldn’t do it with a real kangaroo, because—"

"They’re crazy," declares Anderson.

"Kangaroo’s are just crazy," agrees O’Connell, "and they won’t stand there, and they’re like deer, but they’re like deer on crack—"

"We called them 'Whitney-roos,'" jokes Anderson, breaking in deep peals of laughter.

O’Connell fights back his own laughter and continues. "So I have this scene where I have to go up [to the kangaroo] and be like, 'Hey, what’s up, buddy?' And I have grass, and I feed it grass and then I take its jacket off."

"And when I was doing that scene, I was like, 'This is going to be like the last scene of 'E.T.,' when Eliot is talking to E.T., you know?' I was like, 'Watch this movie be about this kangaroo.' I was like, 'You gotta feature this kangaroo, 'cause this is the 'E.T.' moment.’"

"But I didn’t think it was gonna get the poster," he whines in feigned outrage.

FROM "TWO GUYS HIT THE ROAD"
Jerry - "Most fun I ever had working on a movie," O'Connell said. "I'm not worried about insulting anybody, but I have never worked with anybody before and wanted to hang out with them after work. When you spend 12-to-15 hours with a person on set, you really don't want to see them after that -- you want to do your own thing. It wasn't a question of whether Anthony and I were going to get together after working all day on 'Kangaroo Jack.' The question was: What were we going to do after work?"

FROM "GOING SWIMMINGLY"
"Let's cut right to the chase: Peterborough native Estella Warren
happily admits she had a brief romance with her Kangaroo Jack co-star
Jerry O'Connell. "We dated for a while after the movie was finished,
but never during the filming," the actress volunteers in between bites
of salad at the upscale Park Hyatt Hotel. "We are still really good
friends."
How good? Turns out the two young stars ? she's 24, he's 28 ? live on
the same street just north of the world-famous Sunset Strip. "He comes
over all the time and even helped me pick out my Christmas tree," she
shares with a smile.
The friendship began on the set of Kangaroo Jack , where Warren would
challenge former Toronto resident "Jerry O" to friendly games of
Boggle. ("Estella was the champion out of all of us," he concedes.)"

FROM "KANGAROOS LEAVE O'CONNELL JUMPY"
"Kangaroos are like big mammals on crack," says O'Connell. "They're
crazy. They're running at you and jumping like loons. I was like,
'Where is my trailer?' Am I even safe in there?"
He adds, "The most surprising thing I learned about kangaroos is how
many of them there are in Australia--3 million. And we filmed in the
Outback for three months, which was gross because instead of skunks as
roadkill, you see tons of kangaroos dead on the road."
One thing did leave the actor a little jumpy. "I'm filming this movie
about a kangaroo and the first night I'm in Australia, they want to
serve me kangaroo meat," he says. "I was told, 'But Jerry, it's the
other white meat. ...lean, all protein.' I refused to eat it. It's not
like I'd eat Christopher Walken, my other co-star, or Anthony
Anderson. I couldn't eat the kangaroo either."

RICK DEES INTERVIEW

1/16/03

Jerry and Anthony stopped by the Rick Dees show at KIIS FM in Los Angeles on January 10th. View the photos and Listen to the interview here:

Real Audio

B98.7 INTERVIEW

1/16/03

Jerry and Anthony Anderson stopped by the Salt Lake City B98.7 morning show on Wednesday January 8th to promote their new movie "Kangaroo Jack." A few lucky fans like deb (read her story in the Yahoo Jerry O'Connell's Fan Club) were invited to the studio to ask Jerry a few questions. Here are a few mp3 clips from the interview:

Clip 1
Clip 2
Clip 3

KANGAROO JACK PREMIERE

1/13/03

Go to Wireimage.com to view photos from the premiere of Kangaroo Jack held at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood Satuday January 11th.

JERRY ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS AT E! ONLINE

1/13/03

EOnline.com's Star Boards hosted another round of questions and answers with Jerry O'Connell. Fans had until Monday, January 6th to submit questions for Jerry, and the answers are now posted at E!Online.

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ENLARGE

INTERVIEW IN TEEN PEOPLE

1/5/03

This is a short interview with Jerry from page 48 of the February 2003 issue of Teen People.

CHECKING IN WITH JERRY O'CONNELL
The 28-year-old Kangaroo Jack and Crossing Jordan star brings us up to speed on his life.

How'd you like making Kangaroo Jack, your first action flick?
You spend a lot of time in your trailer while your stunt man does the dangerous work. Then you do the fun stuff like kiss [costar] Estella Warren.

What's your love life like?
I'm single. I was in a relationship [with Olympic swimmer Janet Evans] for about five months. Now I work 15 hours a day, so I don't meet anyone.

What's your idea of a great date?
Karaoke. You have to sing and put it all on the table. And the next time you go out, you have a story to tell.

Your Brother, Charlie, is an actor too. Do you see him much?
He lives in the apartment above mine [in LA] - we refer to them as our adult bunk beds. My place is clean, his is not. Girls always say, "Jerry, you're so clean. I love you!"

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ENLARGE

JERRY IN WOMAN'S DAY MAGAZINE

1/2/03

This photo of Jerry appeared in Woman's Day Magazine, Australia 16th December 2002. Thanks to Leanne for passing it along.

THE BLOCKBUSTER HOLLYWOOD SPECTACULAR
Stars a-float

HOLLYWOOD - One million people lined Hollywood Boulevard to watch the two-mile (3.2km) run of the Hollywood Spectacular Parade. Countless celebrities performed, rode on floats or simply marched and waved. Teens' heart-throb Jerry O'Connell went sporty while other stars - like TV presenter Leeza Gibbons and movie legend Mickey Rooney - wrapped up warmly. The parade is Tinseltown's way of showing that there's no lack of Christmas spirit in Hollywood.

MONTHLY TV SCHEDULE

Go to TV NOW to get the current U.S. television schedule for Jerry O'Connell's movies and TV shows.

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