That Was Michael Easton On `Ally Mcbeal' Episode

Q: The Jan. 5 episode of "Ally McBeal" featured an actor who played a nude model and, later, was Ally's date. Who was he? My husband insists he was on "Days of Our Lives." I think he looks like a Baldwin brother.

A: That was no Baldwin, it was Michael Easton who guest-starred in the "Cro-Magnon" episode of Fox's "Ally McBeal" series. Easton was Tanner Scofield on "DOOL" from 1990-92, and also on the series "VR.5.," "Two" and "413 Hope St."

Q: I often wonder why we have seen no more of two very gifted actors - Henry Winkler of "Happy Days," who had a drama degree from Yale, and Chad Lowe, Jesse on "Life Goes On."

A: Winkler (who holds a master's degree in drama from Yale) spent a decade playing Fonzie on "Happy Days" (1974-84). Now he's mostly in the producing end of the TV business ("MacGyver" and" Sightings," "Dead Man's Gun"). On screen, Winkler appeared in the teen thriller "Scream," in an uncredited cameo as Principal Himbry. Lowe, younger brother of Rob, has worked steadily since "Life Goes On" ended in 1993. Last year, he played Carter Gallagen on "Melrose Place." Next, he'll appear in the movie "Suicide: The Comedy" with Alison Eastwood ("Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil").

Q: Dale Midkiff plays Buck in the new series "The Magnificent Seven." What series was he in previously?

A: Although he's done plenty of TV, Midkiff's still no household name or face. Here are a few of his career highlights: He portrayed the young Jock Ewing in "Dallas: The Early Years" (1983). In 1988 he was Elvis to Susan Walters' Priscilla in "Elvis & Me." More recently, he starred in the sci-fi series "Time Trax," and he plays Det. Steve Carella in the Ed McBain TV movies. Midkiff turned 39 Jan. 7 and has two children.

Q: Are any local stations going to rerun the old Sonny & Cher series? I'd really love to see them all. I wish more of Sonny's funeral had been shown. There are a lot of us who cared for him.

A: The "Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour" is on seven days a week, on TV Land. You may have missed the E! channel's live coverage of the Sonny Bono funeral Jan. 9. Bono was also remembered on A&E's "Biography," VH1's "Behind the Music" special, and with a six-hour "Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour" marathon on TV Land.

Q: I am fascinated with the hand, head and body movements of the actor who portrays Da'an on "Earth: Final Conflict." He does a very convincing portrayal. I go around the house trying to simulate his hand movements. Continued success to this wonderful actor.

A: Da'an, the exotic alien ambassador on the Gene Roddenberry-inspired sci-fi series, is played by Leni Parker, a 31-year-old actress from New Brunswick, Canada. Parker studied drama at Concordia University in Montreal, then spent 10 years touring with the Pigeon International Theatre company, traveling to Italy, Scotland, Portugal and across Canada. She's done TV and film work as well as theater, but says, "Da'an is the most beautiful character I've ever played." She brings the androgynous Taelon creature to life through five layers of costuming, prosthetics and contact lenses. The Taelon language she speaks was created for the series by linguist Christian Bok. Send your questions about TV to: The Dallas Morning News, Communications Center, P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265. Sorry, no personal replies.