TV Q&A -- `Kung Fu' Canceled, But You Can Still See Potter

Q: I'm so disappointed to hear Chris Potter will no longer be playing David Carradine's son on "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues." I heard he'll be on "Silk Stalkings" instead. What's the real story behind his leaving the show? Any chance he'll return?

A: The real story is that "Kung Fu: TLC" has been canceled. Although new episodes of the final season began airing the week of Sept. 30 in some areas , the series has ceased production. The remaining shows will air through Dec. 2. Chris Potter, who played Peter Caine on "Kung Fu: TLC," has joined USA's "Silk Stalkings" series as Sgt. Tom Ryan.

Q: I heard my favorite actor, Malcolm McDowell, was going to be in a sitcom this fall. How can I write to him?

A: The British actor ("A Clockwork Orange," "O Lucky Man!," "Star Trek: Generations") joins Rhea Perlman of "Cheers" fame in "Pearl," a new comedy on CBS. He plays pompous college professor Stephen Pynchon. Write to him at CBS, 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Q: While watching Nick at Nite's "Happy Days" reruns, my son-in-law and I were discussing Anson Williams. I said he plays the role of Potsie and was 39 years old at the time. My son-in-law doesn't think he was that old. What do you say?

A: Anson Williams was 25 years old when "Happy Days" began its nine-year run in 1974. The actor, who now has turned to directing, celebrated his 47th birthday Sept. 25.

Q: Which show has been on the air longer: "Law & Order" or "NYPD

Blue"? A: "NYPD Blue" debuted Sept. 21, 1993. But "Law & Order," now in its seventh season, is the senior series. NBC's "Law & Order" first aired Sept. 13, 1990.

Q: I am a big fan of actor Anthony LaPaglia. I am extremely happy that I will be able to see him each week on ABC's "Murder One." I was wondering if you could give me a rundown on his life and career, and an address to write to him.

A: The actor makes his TV series debut as defense attorney James Wyler when "Murder One" returns for a second season Thursday. He's had a string of successes on the New York stage in such works as Tennessee Williams' "The Rose Tattoo," the Joseph Papp production of "On the Open Road" and David Rabe's "Those the River Keeps." LaPaglia's film and TV movie work includes "Betsy's Wedding," "One Good Cop," "29th Street," "Keeper of the City" and last spring's "Never Give Up: The Jimmy V. Story." His next big-screen appearance is "Commandments," with Courteney Cox and Aidan Quinn. Meanwhile, Anthony's brother, Jonathan LaPaglia, has joined the cast of "New York Undercover" this fall. Write to Anthony LaPaglia at ABC, 2040 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, Calif. 90067.

Q: My family really enjoyed watching "Due South." I have seen no mention of this show during the fall previews. I certainly hope it has not been canceled.

A: CBS held on to the quirky crime drama for two years, but did not return it for the 1996-97 season. "Due South" creator Paul Haggis is back this season, though, with the new, darker cop show "EZ Streets," starring Ken Olin ("thirtysomething"), Jason Gedrick ("Murder One") and Debrah Farentino ("Earth 2"). Send your questions about TV to: the Dallas Morning News, Communications Center, P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265. Sorry, no personal replies.