Vincent Schiavelli, whom Vanity Fair named one of America's best character actors in 1997, died of lung cancer at his home in Sicily on Monday, at age 57. Some of Schiavelli's memorable turns came in Ghost (as the angry subway specter), Fast Times at Ridgemont High (as science teacher Mr. Vargas) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (as Frederickson).... Actress Argentina Brunetti, whose credits include the role of Martini's wife in It's a Wonderful Life, died in her sleep on Dec. 20. She was 98.
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Question: With the news that Sherry Stringfield has quit ER, I wanted to add to your view that ER only came alive last season with two great guest stars. I say the other great episode last season was Weaver (beautifully played by Laura Innes) meeting her birth mother. With Innes generally underused last season and Dr. Lewis going, don't you think John Wells and Co. should use a little writing magic to put Weaver firmly back in the ER, where she is so watchable, and give the show a greater dynamic?
Answer: The marginalization and, often, invisibility of Weaver is just one of many boneheaded moves on the part of ER over the last few seasons. Laura Innes has made that character one of the most fascinating love-to-hate-her authority figures since Nurse Ratched of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I know the actress has gone behind the scenes to direct episodes of this and several other series, but I miss her in front of the camera. And so does the show ...
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