William H. Macy is not related to Bill Macy
Q: Although he is not a big box-office moneymaker or a Hollywood hunk, we often see actor William H. Macy. Years ago, an actor who played husband to Maude (Bea Arthur) was named Bill Macy. Any relationship there?
A: None. The younger Macy uses the name William H. to avoid confusion with the 1970s actor, familiar to Maude fans as husband Walter Findlay. William H. (for Hall) Macy may not be considered a hunk, but he stays pretty busy in some of Hollywood's most high-profile films, including "Fargo," "Air Force One," "A Civil Action" and "Magnolia." TV fans will remember him on "ER" as the haggis-eating Dr. Morgenstern and, this season, opposite real-life wife Felicity Huffman on "Sports Night."
Q: I have been watching reruns of "Matt Houston" starring Lee Horsley. I have not seen him in any TV shows or movies in a long time. Is he still in the business?
A: The Muleshoe, Texas, native hasn't had a hit since the 1980s action series "Matt Houston," now in reruns on TNN. Horsley's last outing was the disastrous 1998 series "Wind on Water" with Bo Derek. It was yanked after two weeks.
Q: I believe that Ted McGinnity had a full-time role on "The Love Boat." My wife and family disagree with me. Could you please let me know if I'm correct.
A: Maybe the confusion is in the name. Actor Ted McGinley ("Married . . . With Children," "Happy Days," "Dynasty") sailed on "The Love Boat" from 1984 to 1986 as ship photographer Ashley "Ace" Covington.
Q: With the upcoming Olympic Games, I'm wondering whether the 1970 TV movie "The Games" will be shown on TV. It was a very interesting movie about the Olympics and starred a young Ryan O'Neal, as well as "Michael Crawford of Phantom of the Opera" fame and the great French singer Charles Aznavour. I have tried in vain to find a video of the movie.
A: "The Games," the story of four Olympic marathon hopefuls, is not currently in video release. There is a new online service called My Movies available on the Internet Movie Database site (www.us.imdb.com). This free service helps you keep track of when the movie you are searching for will be on television or available on video. Check it out.
Q: Can you tell me who sings the theme song for the TV series "In the Heat of the Night"? It doesn't sound like Ray Charles, who sang the song for the movie.
A: The song is sung by blues and rock singer Bill Champlin, who has played with the rock group Chicago. A full-length version of the TV theme song is available on Champlin's 1995 CD "Through It All."
Send your questions about TV to: TV Week, The Dallas Morning News, Communications Center, P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265. Sorry, no personal replies. E-mail: tvq&adallasnews.com