Jon on Ally McBeal - 2002

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Cincinatti Enquirer
Monday, January 14, 2002

Bon Jovi hopes to rock 'Ally' ratings

By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PASADENA, Calif. - Most shows bolster sagging ratings with a baby or a wedding. Producers of quirky Ally McBeal hope to rebuild audience interest with a 10-year-old child and a rockin' boyfriend, Jon Bon Jovi.

The rock star joins the cast for nine episodes, starting today (9 p.m., Channels 19, 45), as the handyman in Ally's (Calista Flockhart) apartment building.

In two weeks, Ally will learn she has a 10-year-old daughter from some eggs she had frozen years ago, according to tabloid magazine reports confirmed by Fox Broadcasting officials.

Jill Clayburgh corroborated the report during the NBC portion of the Television Critics Association press tour. The actress, who plays Ally's mother on the one-hour Fox comedy, told reporters, "I'm going to be a granny" on Ally McBeal.

Pressed for more details by TV critics, Ms. Clayburgh realized she had spilled the beans and refused to elaborate.

"I don't really know the story line. I just read my scene. But anyway, something about a granny," says Ms. Clayburgh, who co-stars on NBC's new Leap of Faith, from Sex and the City writer Jenny Bicks. It premieres at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 (Channels 5, 22).

Mr. Bon Jovi made a brief appearance at the press tour to promote tonight's show.

"I've done a number of movies over the last 10 years. I enjoy (acting) very much, and as an artist, I find it creative as an outlet for me," he says.

But he has no plans to quit music for movies or TV. "Not until it pays as well," he says.

Fox also announced to TV critics Friday that Christina Ricci has been signed for five Ally episodes. Her role was not specified.