TTO

Totally Tracey Online - Old News

What's New

News

Episode Guides and Reviews
Series
The Tracey Ullman Show (Fox)
Tracey Takes On (HBO) 
Visible Panty Lines (Oxygen)
Three Of A Kind (BBC)
Girls On Top (ITV)
Commentaries on Three Of A Kind and Girls On Top
Specials
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act (ITV)
Tracey Ullman Takes On New York (HBO) (draft)

Other Reviews
Tracey Takes On - the book
Tracey Takes On - the first two videos
TTO Fern & Kay video 
The Big Love (play from 1991) 

Talk Show Appearances

The Music

Video Archive
What I have
What I want

Miscellaneous
including Musings, the guestbook, character tallies, etc.

Other Sites
Official
Tracey Takes On (her own) (inactive)
HBO's TTO site (inactive)
Purple Skirt
Unofficial
Andrew Mitchell's Tracey Ullman "Go Home" Page
Yahoo Group: Totally Tracey Ullman

Last Updated: 04/08/06

This is an archive of news items that had at one time been posted on the News page here.  For the most part, the items will be displayed exactly as they appeared then.  I may add comments to the items, which will be easily distinguishable from the items themselves.

Newer items will appear at the top, older items near the bottom.

Tracey (or her voice, anyway) will be appearing in Tim Burton's Corpse Bride this fall.  She will be part of at least one song on the soundtrack CD. (Aug. 30 2005)

Talk show alert:  Tracey will be appearing on The View on ABC Thursday, December 15 in support of Once Upon A Mattress.  Not only that, Carol Burnett will be there as well. (Dec. 4 2005)

The first season of TTO did not come out on November 22 as originally planned.  No new release date is available at this time.  (Nov. 22 2005)  It's now scheduled for December 26,  which screws up any Christmas gift ideas. (Nov. 25 2005)

Once Upon A Mattress now has an airdate:  Sunday, December 18 at 7 PM Eastern/Pacific on ABC.  And just two days later, you can buy the DVD at your favorite store. (Oct. 25 2005)

Update on the first-season DVD set of TTO:  TVShowsOnDVD.com is now reporting that there will indeed be extras, including the TTO New York special/pilot, four character comedy specials, and commentary tracks from Tracey herself.  Street date is still November 22. (Aug. 30 2005)

The new Once Upon A Mattress starring Tracey and Carol Burnett will be coming to DVD on December 20, says DVD Answers.  It's just in time for a last-minute Christmas stocking stuffer.  Some have interpreted this news to mean that it's going straight to DVD rather than air on ABC, but it could also mean that it'll be coming out within a few days of its being aired. The DVD Answers story has a picture of the artwork. (Aug. 13 2005)  TV Guide has confirmed that it will be airing during the holiday season. (Sept. 17 2005)

TVShowsOnDVD.com is reporting that the first season of Tracey Takes On... (TTO) is coming to DVD on November 22.  Details about the release are not yet available.  It's not yet known if there will be any extras, nor is it known if sketches that had references to Princess Diana removed after her death will be included in their original form. (Aug. 8 2005)

UK fans will be able to get the first season of Three Of A Kind on DVD starting August 15.  No word yet on whether a North American release is forthcoming. (Aug. 8 2005)  Season 2 will be available on October 10. (Aug. 13 2005)

Live and Exposed is coming to DVD September 6, the day after Labor Day.  No word yet on whether or not there will be any bonus items. (June 15 2005)

Clips from Live and Exposed are available at emol.org.  After watching these, I'm prepared to say that this special is going to be GOOD. (May 8 2005)  And it was good; read my review. And check HBO's site for some more promo clips. (May 18 2005)

In the Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith column November 16, Tracey praised the Thanksgiving holiday while comparing Christmas to a "carnage" because of its commerciality.  "It's so great  - no presents, no one trying to sell you things. They can try to sell  you a turkey, that's about it. And we reflect on things we're thankful for."  This year, one of those things was getting to work with Carol Burnett in Once Upon A Mattress. "Carol was one of my inspirations. She's been so generous to me through the years. Early on, she sent me notes saying, 'What you're 
doing is great,' encouraging me. " (Nov. 16 2005)

On the Tonight Show May 6, Tracey revealed that after 21 years of living in the US, she has finally decided to become an American citizen.  To this, I say "Bravo and congratulations!"  No word on whether husband Allan is also becoming a citizen, if he wasn't already one; Mabel and Johnny already are citizens by birth. (May 8 2005)

Purpleskirt.com now appears to be a "dot-goner"; the site has been unavailable for several weeks. (Apr. 18 2005)

While we're waiting for new material from Tracey, those of you who can get BBC America may want to check out The Catherine Tate Show.  The 6-episode sketch comedy series features Catherine portraying many different characters, a la Trace.  In fact, Catherine has been favorably compared to Tracey. (Mar. 9 2005)

Tracey's new Broadway-bound play is now to be called The Original Tracey Ullman, and it's being described as an autobiographical play, to be filled with characters from her life.  It'll first play at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood, where the HBO filming will take place.  I'd love to see it out there, or on Broadway, or wherever! (Jan. 16 2005)

On the 40th Anniversary Edition DVD of Mary Poppins, one of the extras is a new 10-minute short film called The Cat Who Looked At A King.  Tracey provides the voice of the cat. (Dec. 5 2004)

More on a possible return to Broadway:  Daily Variety (via Yahoo!) is reporting that Tracey will indeed return to Broadway late next year in a show called Tracey's Best Bits, no doubt a showcase for her TTO characters.  It will first play a few dates in LA, and one of these will be recorded for HBO.  That will air next summer in an edited format, whetting our appetites for the full show on the Great White Way.  Start planning your LA or New York vacations! (Aug. 31 2004)

Variety is reporting there is trouble behind the scenes with the American production of Jerry Springer: The Opera -- how large of a production should it be, and how much money should be spent?  You can read about it here.  The story also mentioned that Tracey might be returning to Broadway. (Aug. 12 2004)  More trouble behind the scenes in London: Allan has disavowed a libel lawsuit filed against the Daily Mail newspaper by the other producer. (Nov. 3 2004)

Tracey will be celebrity auctioneer at the Arts For ACT auction, which takes place August 21 in Fort Myers, Florida.  The auction will benefit ACT, a non-profit organization helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in southwestern Florida.  Here is a news story about the event. (May 28 2004)  UPDATE:  this has been postponed in the wake of hurricane Charley. (Aug. 20 2004) It's been rescheduled for November 6. (Nov. 3 2004)

Tracey will be one of several stars paying tribute to Meryl Streep as the American Film Institute awards Meryl its Lifetime Achievement Award.  The event takes place in Hollywood June 10; it'll be broadcast on the USA network June 21 at 9 PM ET/PT. (May 28 2004) 

Jerry Springer: The Opera will have its US premiere in February 2005 in San Francisco, and it will open on Broadway in October 2005.  This information comes from several news reports. (April 26 2004)

Twenty years ago this month (October 2003), "They Don't Know" was riding high in the charts in England.  It made it all the way up to number 2 in early October, kept out of the number 1 spot by Culture Club and "Karma Chameleon."  The 20th anniversary of TDK in the US will begin in late February. (Oct. 25 2003)

The Towson (Maryland) Times recently ran an article about the naming of Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University.  The article started with a recollection of the TTUS sketch "The Baltimore Stoops" from the fourth season, in which Tracey and Michael Tucker (a Baltimore native) played a father and daughter.  Quoting: "Poking lighthearted fun at Charm City, Ullman and Tucker's dialogue - in perfect Balmorese - rambled on about one of them, "goin'' down Johnny Unitas Boolwavard," in order to get to "Johnny Unitas Stadium." (Oct. 20 2003)

I just learned of this review and commentary on Tracey and her career, thanks to a guestbook entry by its author. (Aug. 10 2003)

Tracey has a reason to attend this year's Emmy Awards.  She received a nomination for Best Individual Performance in a Variety Or Music Program for her roles in Trailer Tales.  The program also picked up nominations for Best Hairstyling for a Miniseries, Movie or Special, Best Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or Special (non-prosthetic), and Best Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or Special (prosthetic).  Tracey's competition in the Individual Performance category includes Billy Crystal, Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Maher and Elaine Stritch.  Note that all of the nominees except for Billy Crystal were nominated for HBO shows. (July 15 2004)  Unfortunately, Trailer Tales did not win any of the creative awards (makeup and hairstyling) for which it had been nominated. (Sept. 13 2004)  Tracey didn't win, either.  Neither did she show up; too busy shooting Once Upon A Mattress, no doubt. (Oct. 3 2004)

Trailer Tales recently won an award from the Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild.  It was for Best Makeup in a movie of the week or miniseries. (Jan. 20 2004)

Jerry Springer - The Opera, of which Tracey's husband Allan is one of the producers, is up for several Olivier Awards in London, including Best New Musical, Best Actor (two nominations), Best Actress and Best Director.  Winners will be announced on February 22.  Congratulations! (Jan. 15 2004)

I've been on vacation recently, which is why I didn't announce that Tracey appeared on the Tonight Show Friday, May 6.  But I am able to announce in advance that she'll also be on the Today Show Wednesday, May 11 and on the Daily Show Thursday, May 12. (May 8 2005)

Tracey's new HBO special has had yet another name change, this time to Tracey Ullman: Live and Exposed.  It also has an airdate:  May 14, 9:30 PM Eastern and Pacific time. (Apr. 18 2005)

Newsgroup postings are reporting that Once Upon A Mattress has been pushed back to next season, probably in December, which will make it a holiday special.  Awaiting confirmation.... (Mar. 9 2005)  It's been confirmed by Carol Burnett. (Apr. 16 2005)

The new HBO special is still on, but it seems the name has changed to The Original Tracey Ullman. (Jan. 16 2005)

Indications are that the new version of Once Upon A Mattress will air on ABC in February. (Dec. 13 2004)  Other reports have said "spring". (Jan. 16 2005)

See the Music and Miscellaneous News section below for more on Tracey's next HBO special in 2005:  Tracey's Best Bits. (Aug. 31 2004)

Several sources are reporting that Tracey will star in a remake of Once Upon A Mattress for ABC this upcoming season, playing the role of Princess Winnifred, originated by Carol Burnett on Broadway and in two previous TV specials.  Carol will also star, but this time playing the evil queen Aggravain.  As she said to Daily Variety, "It all fell together when I said, 'We've got to get Tracey,' and everyone agreed... And who's funnier than Tracey Ullman? I can't wait to get into the sandbox with her and play."  Sounds like it shoud be fun. (July 27 2004)  This project will air as part of the Wonderful World of Disney.  Perhaps it's penance for doing A Dirty Shame :) (July 31 2004)

Reports of an imminent DVD release for TTO proved to be not entirely accurate.  But I wouldn't be surprised to see something in the next few months.  (July 5 2004)  Neither would the folks at TVShowsOnDVD.com. (July 9 2004)

If you get the Independent Film Channel, you're in luck, for you'll be able to watch Tracey in Dinner For Five on Friday, May 28 at 10 PM Eastern and Pacific.  Joining Tracey and host Jon Favreau are Alec Baldwin, Peter Dinklage and Carrie Fisher. (May 12 2004)

Apparently that episode of Will & Grace will air on Thursday, February 19.  Dave Foley is also scheduled to appear. (Feb. 3 2004)

tvguide.com is reporting that Tracey will be guesting on an episode of Will & Grace in February.  In the episode, she will be playing a chef teaching a cooking class whose students include Will and Jack.  Airdate is not confirmed yet; tvguide.com is reporting February 10, but other sources show a different episode guest-starring Dave Foley.  Thanks to several members of the TotallyTraceyUllmanClub on Yahoo Groups for alerting me to this. (Jan. 31 2004)

Tracey appeared on the December 16, 2003 installment of V Graham Norton on Channel 4 in Britain.  There is no US airdate as of yet for this, so if you're reading this in Britain and you have a copy, please contact me. (Dec. 22 2003)  A clip from the show was posted on the show's Website, and a summary of that clip is available in the Talk Show Appearances section. (Jan. 15 2004)

When A Dirty Shame came out on video, Best Buy and Borders were carrying the NC-17 version; Target was only carrying the R-rated, or "neuter" version. (June 15 2005)

A Dirty Shame is coming out on DVD June 14 in the US.  It will be available in two versions, the theatrical NC-17 release and an R-rated version for companies that would not handle the NC-17 disc (Blockbuster Video, Wal-Mart, etc.).  There will be extras on the NC-17 version, including a commentary from John Waters and a behind-the-scenes featurette. (Apr. 16 2005)

Another potential role for Tracey: former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown in a movie based on the memoirs of Toby Young, contributing editor to the magazine.  So reports the Sunday Times. (Oct. 3 2004)

Pointer to reviews for A Dirty Shame at Rottentomatoes.com (Aug. 12 2004) The first review is from Slant Magazine, and it's a good one. (Aug. 12 2004)

The official site for A Dirty Shame is up and running.  You'll find the trailer for the film there (you can also find it at Movie-List), as well as some stills. (Aug. 3 2004)

Tracey's next movie project will seem like a cast reunion from "I Love You To Death", for she will be starring alongside Kevin Kline and Joan Plowright in an Ivan Reitman film "The Brothers Stanhope".  It'll be shooting this July in Vancouver. (May 29 2004)  Haven't heard too much about this lately. (July 27 2004)  Still haven't heard anything about it; perhaps it fell through. (Apr. 18 2005)

It seems that A Dirty Shame is living up to its title -- Reuters is reporting that the MPAA has given an NC-17 rating to the film.  Based on the spoilers I've read, I can certainly understand why. (May 13 2004)

John Waters recently said that A Dirty Shame is now scheduled to premiere in September. (Apr. 22 2004)  But I've seen other reports that it might come out in July.  We shall see... (May 13 2004)

The Yahoo Movies' page on A Dirty Shame has added links to some early comments and spoilers at the Ain't It Cool site, based on a preview of a very rough cut.  I shall not mention them here, for some of them are really raunchy.  In her recent interview with Graham Norton, Tracey said she had to do some rather shocking things for the film; one of those things is mentioned in the spoilers. (Feb. 22 2004)

The Baltimore Sun recently ran an article about the shoot for A Dirty Shame. (Dec. 13 2003)

Check out Yahoo Movies' page devoted to A Dirty Shame.  Current word is that it may premiere at Cannes in May 2004. (Nov. 5 2003)

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Tracey has signed to star in John Waters' latest film, A Dirty Shame, which will start filming later this year.  In it, she plays a convenience-store owner who suffers a concussion and becomes a sex maniac with wild urges.  Chris Isaak plays her husband.  Sounds like fun. (Aug. 22 2003)

For news about the documentary Searching For Debra Winger, look in the TV News section. (Aug. 3 2003)

I Love You To Death is coming to DVD in North America on July 29.  There are no extras on the disc, to my knowledge.  (May 23 2003)

I'll Do Anything is coming to DVD in North America on February 18.  It's not yet known if there are any extras on the disc -- specifically, the musical numbers that were deleted from the film. (Jan. 8 2003)  According to the Amazon.com entry on the disc, those numbers are not included among the extras. (Feb. 10 2003)

Tracey will appear on the new Sharon Osbourne show Monday, September 22.  It's a syndicated show, so check your local listings for air times. (Sept. 20 2003)

One more appearance to promote Trailer Tales:  The Daily Show on Comedy Central Thursday, August 7. (Aug. 5 2003)

Tracey will be appearing in the feature-length documentary Searching For Debra Winger, which will be premiering on Showtime on Monday, August 18 at 8 PM ET/PT.  Quoting from the press release, "this feature-length documentary is a wry and sometimes moving look at the real lives of some of Hollwyood's top actresses. These women, of all ages, dig deep into their personal histories to speak candidly about their lives, careers and families and the pressures they face working in the entertainment industry.... Among the many other actresses sharing their thoughts are Sharon Stone, Patricia Arquette, Laura Dern, Whoopi Goldberg, Frances McDormand, Holly Hunter, Vanessa Redgrave, Salma Hayek and Robin Wright Penn." (Aug. 3 2003)

Tracey is scheduled to appear on The View Tuesday, August 5 to promote Trailer Tales. (July 27 2003)  Before that, she'll be on the Today show Monday, August 4. (July 28 2003)

HBO has finally announced an airdate for Trailer Tales.  It will first air on Saturday, August 9 at 8 PT Eastern and Pacific times, then at several additional times on HBO and HBO2.  No word yet on if it will be in HDTV. (July 2 2003)  According to the HBO site, it will not be available in HDTV. (July 25 2003)

One of the new shows on ABC's fall schedule, "It's All Relative" (working title), has a character whose background will sound very familiar to Tracey fans.  The plot concerns a young couple who plan to marry, and their families don't get along.  She was raised by two gay men (sounds like a character we all remember fondly -- Francesca) ... which makes me wish for seeing Franny again. (May 17 2003)

The Internet Movie Database has an entry for Ruby Romaine Trailer Tales (changed from Trailer Trash).  In addition to playing Ruby (and possibly another character), Tracey is listed as a writer, director and executive producer (along with husband Allan).  Former TTUS co-star Sam McMurray has a role, while Joe Malone is behind the camera as choreographer.  There are many familiar names in the credits from Tracey's previous projects.  Still no word of an airdate yet from HBO... Thanks to "Rubyfan1" for alerting me to this. (April 6 2003)

For a behind-the-scenes look at the new Ruby Romaine special, visit Ken McLaughlin's SyncOrSwim site.  Ken is a sound mixer who has worked with Tracey on both TTO and VPL and is doing so again on the new special.  Some of these pictures show Tracey as a young Ruby -- whoa! (Feb. 28 2003)

The Girls On Top DVD sets are out, and together, they contain all 13 episodes of the series.  Tracey only appeared in the first 7 episodes, but you'll need to get both sets to get all of those episodes, for they don't appear in chronological order.  Your best bet will likely be to order them off the Web, as I have not seen the discs on store shelves in Detroit. (Feb. 10 2003)

While at the food court at a suburban Detroit shopping mall, I heard the original version of "Bad Motorcycle," which Tracey recorded on her second album.  The original was done by the Storey Sisters, and it wasn't a hit.  The two versions sound very similar to one another. (July 25 2003)

Those of you in Chicago will get a treat in August:  you'll get to see Tracey appear at the big Glamorama affair at the Chicago Theater on August 8. (June 2 2003)  And I believe she was in Minneapolis at their Glamorama on August 1.  Sadly, Field's other big market -- Detroit -- will not have a Glamorama. (August 1 2003)

Tracey's been doing more ads for Marshall Field's -- I've seen two of them promoting their weeklong Field Days sale.  In one of them, she's in character as Fern.  In the other, she's in the store at closing time and has to evade clerks who want her to leave; they carry her off at the end.  Even better is the music for the ad: her version of "Breakaway."  It's a good thing I'm living in Detroit and can see these ads.  (May 31 2003)

A band called Pale has recently released a cover version of "They Don't Know."  Listen to it on their site. (May 17 2003)

Tracey's recently done a couple of commercials for Marshall Field's promoting their 13-Hour Sale.  The ads have aired in Chicago, though I have yet to see them in Detroit. (May 9 2003)

Get ready for Jerry Springer: The Opera.  It's opening soon at the National Theatre in London and was recently featured in a story in the Guardian.  Now what does this have to do with Tracey?  Her husband, Allan McKeown, is one of the producers. (Mar. 18 2003)

Now for an item that's slightly off-topic (but only slightly):  the family of Kirsty MacColl have started a Justice for Kirsty e-mail campaign, the intent of which is to seek justice and bring to account those responsible for her death in December 2000.  Send an e-mail to support@justiceforkirsty.org to become involved.  For more information, visit Freeworld, the Kirsty MacColl Website.  Remember, it was because of Kirsty and "They Don't Know" that we North American fans of Tracey discovered her... (Oct. 8 2002)

The Kirsty MacColl tribute concert was absolutely wonderful, and so were Tracey's renditions of "They Don't Know" and "There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis".  The concert is available at the BBC 6Music site, but you can read what Tracey had to say here. (Sept. 25 2002)

The UK's Ananova news service is reporting that Tracey will star along with Kim Basinger in a modern retelling of the Edgar Allen Poe classic The Raven. Ron Howard is the director, and Greg Kinnear, Linda Hunt and Richard E. Grant are also reported to be appearing. It appears to be a remake of the 1963 Roger Corman film, but it will be set in present-day Los Angeles and will feature "two women using their mystical powers to make a TV producer fall in love with them. Don't look for it at a theater near you anytime soon, though; it's not scheduled to begin shooting until the summer of 2002. (Dec. 9 2001) I haven't heard or seen anything else on this; I wonder if it was on the level? (Aug. 6 2002)

Tracey is one of the actresses featured in a new documentary by Rosanna Arquette, Searching For Debra Winger. It consists of interviews with several of Hollywood's top actresses, in which they discusses the pressures and limits they face, especially after they turn 40. It recently premiered at Cannes. (May 21 2002)

See the TV News section for rumors of a film or TV project featuring one of Tracey's characters. (Oct. 3 2002)

Forget these reports about The Emperor's Club: Tracey is definitely not in the film. (Nov. 22 2002)

Scuttlebutt from Santa Monica: there are rumors and rumblings of a project from Tracey featuring one and only one of her many characters. No word yet on if this is a film or TV project. (Oct. 3 2002)

Tracey will be interviewed on Second City Presents ... with Bill Zehme Monday, October 21 at 9 PM ET/PT on Bravo (US). You can read the press release at Bravo's Website. (Oct. 4 2002) And you can read my writeup on the 2002 talk show appearance page. It should be repeating on Monday, Dec. 2. (Nov. 23 2002)

Girls On Top, in which Tracey starred alongside French and Saunders, will be released on DVD in North America on February 4, 2003. Two sets, each containing two discs, will be available. Sorry, episode information is not yet available. (Jan. 6, 2003)

More scuttlebutt from Santa Monica: that rumored project of Tracey's is going to be a special for HBO. Shooting starts Feb. 10, according to Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith's column. It's going to feature Ruby Romaine; in fact, it'll be called Ruby Romaine, Trailer Trash. I'm already looking forward to it... (Jan. 21, 2003) Word is that this special is actually the pilot for a new HBO series. Even better! (Jan. 26 2003)

Music news: Union Square Music in the UK is releasing The Best Of Tracey Ullman on CD. No details are available yet. (Feb. 13 2002) They are now; visit their site for more information. And thanks to Union Square Music for mentioning this site in the liner notes. (April 4 2002)

This item is a few years old, but it only came to my attention recently. Upon the recent death of makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, someone posted to the Net the dedications from his book Making Faces. Among the many names mentioned there is one Ruby Romaine (Tracey's character, who was also a makeup artist). (May 21 2002)

You may recall that The Simpsons got their start on TTUS. You may also recall that Tracey guest-starred (guest-voiced?) on a second-season episode of The Simpsons. That episode will be available as part of the second-season DVD set, due out in the US on Tuesday August 6. (August 3 2002)

More music news: Varèse Sarabande Records plans to release its own Best Of Tracey CD in September. It will be called Tracey Ullman Takes On The Hits. The disc will feature 18 tracks, though one will be hidden. More details as soon as they are available. And there is a new '80s box set out now from Rhino that features "They Don't Know." (Aug. 6 2002) The CD is due out September 10, and the '80s box is very popular on eBay. (Aug. 28 2002) The CD is indeed out; I've seen it at a Best Buy in Dearborn, Michigan. (Sept. 10 2002)

BBC News is reporting that Tracey will take part in a tribute concert to Kirsty MacColl on September 23 at London's Royal Festival Hall. She will be singing on stage for the first time in almost 20 years. Also participating in the concert will be such performers as Johnny Marr (ex-Smiths) and ex-Lemonhead Evan Dando. The article does not mention if it will be recorded or televised. I sure hope so, for it won't be possible for me to go to London for this. But if you can go, here is some ticket information. Freeworld, the Kirsty MacColl website, also has some information, including broadcast information. (Sept. 15 2002)

Sometime in late summer, Tracey will be featured on a Bravo series called Second City Presents, which will feature interviews with a number of comic performers, many of whom are alumni of Second City. (Mar. 16 2002)  This series does not appear on Bravo's schedule through August (July 6 2002). But it is airing in October. (Oct. 8 2002)

The movie that was to be called The Palace Thief is now called The Emperor's Club; it is slated to bow in movie theaters November 22.  The official site is now open; you can view the trailer there, as well as at Apple's Quicktime trailer site.  For our purpose, the question is: is Tracey in this movie?  Reports from February 2001 said so, but the cast list does not include her.  It doesn't include any women, though.  And in the trailer, we do see Kevin Kline's character embrace a woman that looks somewhat like Tracey (though we never see her face).  The question remains unanswered, for now. (July 28 2002)

Good news: Visible Panty Lines has been renewed for a second season on Oxygen.  It will begin Thursday, June 13 at 10:30 PM ET.  Guests this season, according to the press release announcing the renewal, will include Charlize Theron, Angie Dickinson, Christina Applegate, Ariana Huffington, Rosanna Arquette, Amy Alcott, Rick Owens, Julia Fordham and Laila Ali. (April 4 2002)

It's almost time for the Academy Awards, so the odds are good that Tracey will be reviewing them on the Today show the morning after.  She's done it for the last three years.  (Mar. 16 2002)  Unfortunately, she didn't do it this year.  Neither did the Today show. (April 4 2002)

There's word that Tracey will star in a new movie called The Palace Thief, along with Kevin Kline, Alan Rickman and Mira Sorvino.  You may recall that Tracey and Kevin worked together in I Love You To Death. The press release for the film said it would be a cross between Dead Poets' Society and Goodbye Mr. Chips.  (Feb. 13 2001)  Upcomingmovies.com reports that production is taking place in New York and Albany during April and May. (April 29 2001)  There hasn't been any news on this in nearly a year, so who knows what's happening with this.  (April 4 2002)

This past weekend, NBC repeated the Saturday Night Live episode from May 16, 1987 that contained a short film starring Tracey. (Mar. 10 2002)

USA Today reported that Tracey and Katie Couric were at the post-awards parties at the 
Golden Globes, doing interviews for the Today show. One failed interview was with Kevin 
Spacey; the paper said that when they approached with camera in tow, he gave the finger 
with both hands. (Jan. 24 2002)

According to a press release, Tracey will be one of the guest speakers at a course being 
taught at USC, the University of Southern California. The course title is "Developing and 
Producing Talk, News, Game and Reality TV." (Jan. 24 2002)

Tracey's appearance on the BBC's Parkinson talk show from this past February will be airing on BBC America on December 1 at 7 PM ET. (Nov. 8 2001) Unfortunately, it did not air on December 1 after all; it is now scheduled for December 29 at 7 and 11 PM ET. (Dec. 2 2001) The BBC America broadcast was edited slightly from the UK broadcast; you can read what you missed in the Talk Show section. (Jan. 5 2002)

In addition to the Today show, Tracey was also on the Daily Show December 13. I didn't 
find out about this until the next day. Fortunately, I was able to watch a repeat of the episode. Summaries of this and the Today show bit are now available in the Talk Show 
section. (Dec. 16 2001)

Tracey was on the Today show Thursday, December 13, showing off graffiti T-shirts now being sold at Purple Skirt to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Sorry about the lack of notice; I didn't find out she was going to be on until Wednesday morning. (Dec. 13 2001)

The official site for Takes On Productions appears to have closed. Visitors to the site are now directed to visit either Andrew Mitchell's site (the "Go Home" page) or this site. (Mar. 2 2001)  I have heard that it may be revived as Tracey's personal site. (April 26 2001) And as of late  October, it's not reachable at all. (Oct. 25 2001)

Tracey has been unwillingly drawn into the battle for leadership of the Screen Actors Guild.
According to an article at Zap2It.com, her name appeared in an ad supporting Valerie Harper  for SAG president. She repudiated the ad, claiming her name was used without her permission. She also professed neutrality in the race between Harper and Melissa Gilbert. (Oct. 24, 2001)

Reruns of Ally McBeal have started on the FX channel. So if you missed Tracey in any of her five appearances on the show, you can catch them here. (Sept. 25 2001)

Tracey's appearance on The Daily Show on Wednesday Sept. 19 is in question, as the show schedule has been disrupted following the attacks on New York and Washington. (Sept. 17 2001) It was indeed canceled; a new date has not been set. (Sept. 22 2001)

Thursday's airings of VPL have been canceled. The next scheduled airtime is Sunday the
16th at 9:30 PM ET. (Sept. 13 2001) VPL did air on the 16th after all.

There is a chance that the premiere of VPL may be delayed. The Oxygen network has been
airing "backup programming", and now (5 PM ET on Sept. 12) has started showing the NY1 news channel. (Sept. 12 2001)

Tracey is scheduled to be on The Daily Show on Comedy Central Wednesday September 19. (September 3 2001) Before that, she'll be on the Today show on Tuesday the 11th, and VPL  will be featured on the TV Guide Channel on Thursday the 13th. (September 4 2001) Tracey's  visit with Katie Couric occurred some 25 minutes before the attacks on the World Trade  Center, so it did air on the East Coast. It probably did not air elsewhere, though. Daily Show programming has been canceled for this week, though Tracey's appearance next Wednesday  (the 19th) is still on at this time. (September 12 2001)

Update on Visible Panty Lines (VPL): It will air three times on Oxygen on Thursdays, at 
9:30 AM, 5 PM and 10 PM ET. It'll also air Sunday evenings at 9:30 PM ET. (September 6 2001)  The premiere guest will be Cindy Crawford. (Sept. 7 2001)

According to the August 2001 edition of Biography magazine, Tracey's good luck charm is her mother's wedding ring. Every time she's worn it to an award ceremony, she's won. (July 26 2001)

Visible Panty Lines (VPL) will premiere Thursday September 13 at 10 PM ET/PT on Oxygen. If you don't get Oxygen, contact your local cable or satellite provider and request it. If  you're outside of the US, then sit tight, for I'm sure it'll be coming to a channel near
you. (July 17 2001)

Tracey was recently spotted at Wimbledon cheering on her countryman Tim Henman as he was playing in the quarterfinals. The cheering worked; he advanced to the semifinals. (July 4 2001)

Tracey's new series will premiere this September! No, it's not a comedy series on HBO; it's
a style and fashion show on the Oxygen channel! Visible Panty Lines will premiere this
September on the Oxygen channel. For more details, consult the Purple Skirt Website. Quoting  from the site: "Visible Panty Lines will look at how fashion has infiltrated every facet of life from entertainment to politics to rock 'n roll in a humorous and non-intimidating way." (May 31 2001)

Panic is due to be released on VHS and DVD either June 5 or June 19. The VHS tape will
be priced for rental. (May 20 2001)

Things are quiet at the moment.... (Feb. 13 2001)
... in the US. However, Tracey appeared on Parkinson in the UK on February 17. I've obtained a tape of this interview (a pretty good one, by the way) and have summarized it in the Talk  Show section. (Mar. 23 2001) This episode will eventually air on BBC America, though it is not yet scheduled. (April 29 2001) [It first aired in the US in December 2001]

However, she did receive an American Comedy Award nomination for Small Time Crooks. She's up  for funniest lead actress in a motion picture; her competition is Sandra Bullock for Miss  Congeniality and Renee Zellweger for Nurse Betty. The awards will be presented April 22 and  will air April 25 on Comedy Central. (Mar. 1 2001) Unfortunately, she lost to Sandra  Bullock. (April 26 2001)

There is a good chance that Tracey will appear on the Today show Monday, March 26, as part  of an Oscar wrap-up discussion. She has been on the last two years; will she go for number  three? We shall see.... (Mar. 19 2001) She did indeed appear, along with Chris Isaak. Their comments are in the Talk Show section. (April 2, 2001)

Panic has been playing in art houses in major cities (New York and L.A., mainly). It
won't be eligible for an Academy Award because it premiered on Cinemax. (Feb. 13 2001)

Tracey did not receive an Academy Award nomination for Small Time Crooks. (Feb. 13 2001)

Unfortunately, Tracey did not win the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or
Comedy; Renee Zellweger did for "Nurse Betty." (Jan. 21 2001)

Tracey is scheduled to appear on the Tonight Show on Wednesday, January 10, along with
George Clooney and musical guest Outkast. This is, of course, subject to change.
(Jan. 1 2001)

The Golden Globe Nominations have been announced, and Tracey is up for one for Best
Actress, Musical or Comedy, for her role in "Small Time Crooks." Her competition
includes Juliette Binoche, "Chocolat"; Brenda Blethyn, "Saving Grace"; Sandra
Bullock, "Miss Congeniality"; and Renee Zellweger, "Nurse Betty." The awards will be
presented January 21. Congratulations to Tracey and the other nominees. (Dec. 22 2000)

The Purple Empire expands into men's clothing -- Purple Skirt has now been joined by Purple  Pants. (Dec. 4 2000) And we might be seeing Purple Home in the future, according to recent comments by the Purple Mistress herself on the PS site. (Dec. 22 2000)

I will post a review of the Small Time Crooks DVD after the holidays. I have a feeling it
may be waiting for me underneath the Christmas tree this year.... (December 18 2000) It was...

The Daily Telegraph in London recently ran a nice interview with Tracey on the eve of Small Time Crooks premiering in the UK. In it, she had good things to say about living in both the US and the UK, talks about working with Woody Allen, how she met her husband, and more. You can read the interview here. (Dec. 4 2000) [no you can't, the link's long gone]

*** Kirsty MacColl 1959-2000 ***
Singer/songwriter Kirsty MacColl was killed in a boating accident on Monday, December
18. She was closely connected to Tracey's musical career, having written "They Don't
Know", "You Broke My Heart In 17 Places", "Terry" and others. For the latest
news, visit the BBC News website. (Dec. 19 2000)

*** Season's Greetings ***
First of all, have a joyous holiday season, no matter what holiday you're celebrating --
Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or whatever. Second, congratulations to Tracey and Allan
on their upcoming 17th wedding anniversary, and congratulations to Tracey on her 41st
birthday December 30. (Dec. 18 2000)

HBO Comedy is presenting a 14-hour marathon of TTO on Thanksgiving (Nov. 23)
from 6 AM to 8 PM (ET/PT). Following that will be I Love You To Death, starring
Tracey along with Kevin Kline. (Nov. 12 2000)

Tracey is scheduled to appear on at least two talk shows the week of October 29.
She'll be on the Today show on Halloween (the 31st), and she'll be on Rosie O'Donnell
the following Monday (November 6, postponed from the 1st). This may be to promote
the launch of Purple Pants, the men's division of her Purple Skirt online boutique.
(October 30 2000) Reports that she was to appear on the BBC's Parkinson show in the
UK on October 28 proved to be incorrect. (October 30 2000) [She eventually appeared in February 2001]

According to upcomingmovies.com, Small Time Crooks is scheduled to be released on
home video in the US on December 19, 2000 (delayed from November 21). (October 30 2000)

Canada's CPAC channel recently carried a 30-minute interview with Tracey, taped at
the Banff TV Festival in June, where she was presented with the Sir Peter Ustinov
Comedy Network Award. Although CPAC is not carried in the US, I was able to watch
it via their Web site. The excellent interview covered many aspects of her life and
career, from imitating the old woman who used to live across the street to realizing
her knack for comedy while developing an improvised play to working with Woody Allen
on "Small Time Crooks." She mentioned that she'll be directing and editing her new
HBO series, in which she'll portray only one or two characters. In some intriguing
news, she talked about perhaps doing some of her characters in a live setting someday.
A full summary is now in the talk show listings for 2000. (July 28 2000) The award
presentation itself was carried on CBC television in September, in which she took
Jerry Lewis to task for his disparaging comments about women comedians. (October 25 2000)

I don't think we'll be seeing Tracey on Ally McBeal again any time soon. In the
fourth season premiere, Ally learns that her therapist has moved her practice to
Foxboro. (October 24 2000)

A moment of silence for Tracey's dog Eloise, who was run over in L.A. recently. She once 
described Eloise as looking an awful lot like Kate Moss. (Oct. 10 2000)

According to the Washington Post (via the Bergen Record), Panic will not be released theatrically after all but will instead air on the Bravo cable channel in the US later this year. You can read the article in the Bergen Record (it will appear in a new window). (June 25 2000) UPDATE: Its first airing will actually be on the Cinemax movie channel on Sunday, August 27. (August 26 2000)

Panic will air on Cinemax on August 27 and 30, as well as two times in mid-September.
(August 26 2000)

Tracey will appear in the premiere episode of Influences, the new Bravo (US) series
profiling major TV actors, directors, writers and comedians and describing and
showing the influences upon their work. She'll talk about two of her influences, Lily
Tomlin and Gilda Radner. The episode will debut on Sunday, August 6. (July 29 2000)

When the Emmy nominations were recently announced, Tracey's name was prominent by its
absence. Since there were no new TTO episodes this year, the only TV appearance she
had was another guest stint on Ally McBeal. She won an Emmy for that last year but
won't repeat this year. (July 26 2000)

The as-yet-unnamed new HBO series is still in the works. Word is that writing will
begin this August with production in the spring -- that is, if the writer's and
actor's guilds don't go on strike first. (July 26 2000)

There's word that a new HBO series is in the works, with production slated to begin
in 2001. No other details available. Until the official title is known, I'll call
it TTONG (Tracey Takes On: the Next Generation) <g>. (April 30 2000) More info:
she'll not portray as many characters as in TTO -- two or three at the most. (June 25 2000)

SMALL TIME CROOKS opens May 19. In addition to Tracey, it stars Woody Allen, Hugh Grant, and Jon Lovitz. The coming attractions trailer can be viewed online at www.movie-list.com. (Apr. 23 2000) Reviews have been mixed; many have liked it, many
have not. However, most critics have had nothing but praise for Tracey. (June 25 2000)

Upcoming talk show appearances: Oprah Winfrey on Tuesday May 9; Today, Live with
Regis & Kathie Lee and The Daily Show on Monday May 15; Tonight Show on Thursday
May 18. She is scheduled to be interviewed on Lifetime Live (date unknown) (May 13 2000)

In a recent interview for TV Guide Online, Tracey said she prefers working in TV
to film: "Sometimes making movies is a torture for me." She confirmed the word about
a new season of TTO and repeated her desire to do more directing. Bad news for fans
of her therapist character on Ally McBeal: she says that she probably won't be
appearing again. Note to David Kelley: please reconsider -- your characters need all
the therapy they can get <g>! (May 6 2000)

As the release date for SMALL TIME CROOKS approaches, I expect Tracey to do the talk show rounds in support of the film. Best bets include Today and Tonight and possibly CBS's Early Show. (Apr. 23 2000) One of those talk show appearances will be on Lifetime Live, which airs on the Lifetime cable channel. Airdate is TBD. (Apr. 30 2000)

PANIC still awaits a release date. Here's some news about the movie, which played at
the Sundance Film Festival (info from a Usenet post on alt.radio.talk.dr-laura, of
all places): William H. Macy's character is a hired killer, and Tracey plays his
wife, who's unaware of her husband's line of work. He confides in his therapist
(shades of The Sopranos), who's played by John Ritter, and becomes involved with
a confused young woman (Neve Campbell). It sounds interesting enough. (Apr. 23 2000)

Tracey won an American Comedy Award for her work on TTO, while Dennie Gordon
won a Director's Guild award for directing the "End Of The World" episode of TTO.
Congratulations to both of them! (Apr. 23 2000)

According to UltimateTV.com, Tracey is scheduled to be profiled in an episode of
the new Bravo (U.S.) series Influences, which will profile major TV actors, 
directors, writers and comedians and describe and show the influences upon their
work. The series, to be hosted by Alan Alda, will premiere August 6. (April 13 2000)

The day after the Oscars, Tracey appeared on the Today show along with Jon Stewart
and Christie Brinkley, offering comments on the telecast, the fashions, etc. For
a full description, check out the 2000 talk shows listing. (Mar. 28 2000)

*** Director's Guild Awards ***
The nominations are really flying now -- Dennie Gordon received a Director's Guild
of America award nomination for directing the TTO episode "End of the World." (Feb.
7, 2000) Update: she won the award -- congratulations! (Mar. 26, 2000)

*** SAG Awards ***
Tracey has been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Performance
by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. It's in recognition of her work on TTO (that's short for "Tracey Takes On...", in case you've forgotten). Her competition: Calista Flockhart and Lucy Liu of "Ally McBeal" and Sarah Jessica Parker of "Sex and the City." The awards will be handed out on March 13; TNT will carry the ceremony in the US. (Feb. 3, 2000) Update: Tracey did not win (Mar. 26, 2000)

*** Comedy Awards ***
Once again, Tracey has been nominated for two American Comedy Awards. She's up for
Funniest Female Performer in a TV Series (Leading Role) for her TTO work and for
Funniest Female Guest Appearance in a TV Series for her work on Ally McBeal, both of
which she won last year. Her competition for the leading role award is Debra Messing
of Will and Grace and Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex and the City, while her competition
for the guest role award is Christine Baranski and Bebe Neuwirth, both for Frasier, and
Betty White for Ally McBeal. (Jan. 12, 2000) UPDATE: the awards were handed out on
Feb. 6 (the ceremony will be telecast in March), and Tracey went one for two. She
won the leading role award but lost to Betty White for the guest role award. This
info comes from a post to alt.comedy.standup (Feb. 7, 2000)

*** Film Update ***
Look for "Small Time Crooks", Woody Allen's next film, which stars Woody, Tracey, Hugh
Grant and Jon Lovitz, to open in theaters this spring, most likely on May 19. Still
unknown: the release date for "Panic," which stars Tracey, William H. Macy and Neve
Campbell. (Jan. 12, 2000, updated Mar. 28) 

Here's some news about "Panic", which played at the Sundance Film Festival (info from
a Usenet post on alt.radio.talk.dr-laura, of all places): William H. Macy's character
is a hired killer, and Tracey plays his wife, who's unaware of her husband's line of
work. He confides in his therapist (shades of The Sopranos), who's played by John
Ritter, and becomes involved with a confused young woman (Neve Campbell). It sounds
interesting enough. (Jan. 25, 2000)

*** Congrats ***
I probably won't be updating the site much over the holidays, so I'll take this
opportunity to wish Tracey a happy "39th" birthday for the second time <g>.... (Dec. 9, 1999)
*** Season 5 of TTO: ??? ***

Will there be a fifth season of TTO in January 2000? If so, it'll probably be
composed of episodes spotlighting various characters, with the only new material
being Tracey's introductions to the sketches (see the official Takes On site for
info on these character specials). In an interview published in the Nov. 9 Los
Angeles Times, she said she's taking a break from acting and writing to concentrate
on the launch of her new online fashion boutique, Purple Skirt (see below). Here's
hoping for a successful launch and a short break. (Nov. 14, 1999)

*** Boutique ***
Coming soon to a browser near you: Purple Skirt, Tracey's new online boutique.
According to the press release announcing its opening, it "will take a human approach
to the overwhelming world of fashion" and will focus on individuality in fashion
encouraging women to create their own look" (Oct. 23, 1999)

*** TTO in Canada ***
Good news for you Canadian fans of Tracey and TTO: the WTN cable channel is now
(as of Oct. 13, 1999) airing TTO.

*** Emmy News ***
After the creative arts ceremonies on August 28, TTO has received one Emmy award, for
Hairstyling for a Series (Audree Futterman-Stern for, appropriately enough, the "Hair"
episode). And Tracey has received her 7th Emmy (if I recall correctly) for her guest
appearances on Ally McBeal. Will she add numbers 8 and 9 to that total? We'll find
out on September 12. Congratulations to Audree and Tracey! Update: TTO and Tracey
were shut out in the remaining awards. Bummer. (from 1999)

TTO received eight 1999 Emmy nominations, and Tracey got one for her guest appearances
on Ally McBeal -- see my 1999 Emmy page for the details.

*** Congratulations ***
This isn't directly Tracey-related, but... congratulations to Andrew Mitchell, webmaster
of the Tracey Ullman "Go Home" Page, on his upcoming marriage to his fiancée Janet.
The lucky couple will tie the knot on September 25 and will honeymoon across the
pond in ol' Blighty. Here's to the happy couple!

*** Got Milk? ***
Tracey is now being featured in a "Got Milk?" advertisement. In it, she appears as
herself and as Kay, Hope and Linda, all sporting fresh milk mustaches. She says in
the ad that there's one part she won't play: a woman with osteoporosis. The ad appears
in the July 23rd issue of Entertainment Weekly and will be appearing elsewhere in the
future.

*** Film News ***
Look for Tracey to be in Woody Allen's next film project, scheduled to begin
production this summer. Someone recently (July 7 1999) posted on alt.fan.woody-allen
that he saw her filming a scene with Rupert Everett in front of Sotheby's in New York.
Also starring are Michael Rappaport, Hugh Grant, Jon Lovitz and Woody himself. The
elease date is projected to be in 2000. Before then, we'll see her in the independent
ilm Panic, along with William H. Macy and Neve Campbell. The release date is projected
to be late 1999 or early 2000.

In a recent interview with E! Online, Hugh Grant describes the Woody Allen film as "very
broad comedy ... out-and-out funny." He plays a sophisticated New Yorker hired by a
Brooklyn "vulgar, nouveau riche couple" (Woody and Tracey) to teach them about the finer
things in life. Sounds interesting....

*** Future TV Film? ***
Might there be a TV film in the works in Britain or the US or wherever for Tracey? I
saw a posting in the alt.gossip.celebrities newsgroup from a guy who says he saw her
recently (late May 1999) tending bar in a pub in Haworth (near Leeds), researching the
role of a Yorkshire barmaid who goes to Hollywood and becomes a star. Stay tuned....

*** New HBO Comedy Channel ***
HBO has just (May 1999) started a new channel called HBO Comedy. Naturally, it'll
show comedic films and comedy series. Currently, it is showing TTO every weeknight
at 10:30 PM (ET), beginning with season one and heading forward. If you get HBO
Comedy (I don't), then here's your chance to catch up on any TTO episodes you missed.

Edited out July 1999:

*** Profile ***
CNN and Entertainment Weekly's Newsstand program finally aired an oft-delayed
profile of Tracey on May 20. It was originally scheduled to air on April 1, but
special reports on the bombings in Yugoslavia pre-empted the program for several
weeks. You can read about it at
http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/newsstand/9904/16/newsstand.producer.ullman/index.html.

*** Award Update ***
The TTO episode "Religion" from season 3 won an award for outstanding television
(individual episode) at the 10th annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
(GLAAD) Media Awards April 17 in Los Angeles. As you may recall, one of the main
sketches in that episode featured Birdie kidnapping her niece Chris and bringing
her to a camp where she would be converted into a heterosexual.

Congratulations to Tracey for winning the Screen Actors Guild award for best female
actor in a TV comedy series! Her competition: Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal), Lisa
Kudrow (Friends), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld) and Amy Pietz (Caroline in the City).
The awards were televised on TNT (US cable) March 7.

Double congratulations to Tracey for her two nominations for American Comedy
Awards, one for her TTO work and one for her appearances on Ally McBeal. The
awards will be handed out Feb. 7, but the ceremony will not be televised until
March 15. Update (Feb. 9): Double those congratulations again! Those two nominations
have become two wins! Whoa!

*** TTUS on DVD? ***
Want to see Fox release The Tracey Ullman Show on video? You can vote for it at
http://www.dvdfile.com/request_infoline/poll_booth/fox_n.html.

From May 1999:

*** Tracey and Leeza ***
Tracey appeared on the Leeza show on NBC Monday, Feb. 22.  It'll be summarized
in the Talk Show Appearances section soon.  One of the highlights was the appearance
of Monica Hirschhorn, a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Tracey.   Note that
Leeza Gibbons will appear in the Hype episode of TTO playing herself; in the
episode, Linda Granger's appearing on the Leeza show.

*** The Good Doctor Returns ***
Our favorite smile therapist will be appearing once again on Ally McBeal in an
episode airing Feb. 22 (North America).

*** Film News ***
A news item on the BBC News Web site said that Tracey plans to direct a film that
she says will alter the negative perceptions of older women in cinema.  "There's a
whole market out there of funny, older women that's untapped," she says. Sounds
intriguing...

*** New Video Out ***
Watch for the new video Tracey Takes On... Fern & Kay at your video store starting
January 26th.  Naturally, it will include some of the best sketches of Fern and
Kay and may contain previously unaired material. Update (Jan. 30): the video hasn't
been seen in the stores yet (Suncoast, Media Play, Borders), but Amazon.com has
copies and is shipping them.  The tape does not contain previously unaired material; you
can read the review here.  Update (Feb. 16): the video has been seen at Borders, so
it's likely to be available at other traditional retailers by now.

*** Paperback out ***
The TTO paperback is making its way into a bookstore near you.  I saw a copy
recently (late Dec. 1998), and except for the cover art, the content is unchanged
from the hardback edition.

Edited out 1-26-99:

*** Episode Topics ***
The first three topics of season 4 will be Dating, Drugs and Scandal.

*** Happy Holidays! ***
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I also
want to wish Tracey a happy birthday.

*** Season 4:  January 13 ***
From an HBO press release -- the season premiere of TTO will be
Wednesday, January 13 at 10 PM.  On that night and on Jan. 20, two
episodes will air back-to-back, so the entire season of 12 episodes
will air in 10 weeks.

*** Season 4 (and beyond) of TTO ***
The fourth season of TTO is now in production.  For those of us who
thought 10 episodes weren't enough last season, I have good news:   season
4 will contain 12 episodes, with topics including Hair, Road Rage, Dating, 
Erotica, Hype, Drugs and the End of the World.  Guest stars include Chris
Elliott, Robert Forster, and Tim Matheson, along with semi-regulars Julie Kavner
and Michael Tucker.  We'll see a new character from Tracey: Madame Nadja, who'll
be "lyin' in bed just like Brian Wilson did."  And things look good for the fifth
season, too -- more info at the official Takes On site.

MORE INFO:  The "allstar Daily News" (allstarmag.com) reports that the Jumpin' Jimes
swing band will appear in a TTO episode performing "Jump N' F".  And there may be
another new character from Tracey: a guy who'd recently appeared as an extra on TTO
reported via a Usenet post that he saw her as a character named Marigold.

*** New mailing list ***
Gary Veirs has started a new mailing list devoted to discussing you-know-who.  You
can find it at OneList (http://www.onelist.com/) and searching for "Tracey Ullman"
(naturally).  As of October 22, 1998, the list is accepting subscribers but is not
yet active.  Once the subscriber base reaches a certain size, he'll activate it for
use (as of Dec. 27, 1998, the list is active and has been for some time).  So what
are you waiting for?  Sign up!  It should be fun.

*** Changes at HBO ***
As of October 1, HBO realigned its channel formats.  Of particular interest is the
new HBO Signature, formerly HBO3.  HBO Signature is intended to be a showcase for the
original movies, miniseries and series HBO produces -- including TTO.   For the
remainder of the year, HBO Signature may be your best bet for catching up on
those TTO episodes you missed, while we await the season 4 premiere in January.

Edited out 11-14-98:

*** Emmys! ***
In the non-televised creative arts categories, TTO picked up 2
Emmys out of the 4 for which it was eligible.  Congratulations
to Jane Ruhm (Outstanding Costume Design - Variety or Music Program)
and Audree Futterman (Outstanding Hairstyling - Series).
Unfortunately, the televised awards didn't go very well.  TTO was
shut out in all three of its categories, so I'm a little bummed.
Read the details on the Emmy page.

*** More Smile Therapy ***
Our favorite smile therapist will be making a return appearance
on the second season premiere of  Ally McBeal.  It'll air September
14 in North America.

*** TTO book in paperback ***
Word is that the TTO book will be published in paperback in
February 1999.   Some stores may have it available in late January.
Will it be identical to the hardcover edition, or will there be some
new material?  We shall see....

*** New Name ***
You'll notice that I've finally come up with a new name for the
site.   The "Mini-Page" no longer seemed to be an adequate site
name, for I just keep on adding more and more material.  The new
name also shares its abbreviation with a certain TV series <g>.

Edited out 8-29-98:

*** In case you missed it ***
The second episode of Ally McBeal to feature Tracey as the
unconventional smile therapist will be repeated on Fox on August 17.

*** Rats! ***
The winners of the 1998 Ratty (rec.arts.tv) awards have been
announced. Tracey was nominated for her guest peformance on Ally
McBeal.  Sadly, she finished second in the voting, finishing
behind the winner, Bebe Neuwirth, who reprised her role as Lilith
on Frasier.

*** Back from break ***
I spent most of June overseas (in the UK and Finland), which
explains why I took a break from the Net.  And as luck would have
it, I happened to catch Tracey's appearance on Fantasy World Cup
Live, a comedy series devoted to coverage of the 1998 World Cup in
France.  The lengths to which I'll go to add to my collection <g>....
P.S.:  If anyone has a clean copy of this, please contact me.
My copy (obtained by pointing a camcorder at the TV in my hotel
room) is not of the highest quality.

Edited out 6-5-98:

*** Taking on Ally (again) ***
If you paid attention to the closing credits of the May 4
episode of Ally McBeal, you may have noticed that the choreography
for the "Wedding Bell Blues" number was done by none other than Joe
Malone of TTUS fame.

*** Congratulations ***
... to Alfred Molina (who was the exiled Albanian king in TTO
Royalty) for his Tony Award nomination for his role in "Art."

*** Taking on Canada ***
Canadian fans can look forward to TTO returning to the CBC
airwaves (except in Windsor, ON) starting in June.  

*** Season 3 has ended ***The third season of Tracey Takes On...
(TTO) has ended in the US. The traditional "Best Of" special will
air on June 4 and later dates; check your local listings.  Look below
for links to my reviews of and commentaries on the episodes.

*** Taking on "Ally" (the aftermath) ***
The episodes of Ally McBeal which featured Tracey as the
unconventional therapist Dr. Clark were the two highest rated
episodes for the series to that point in time (Mar. 16, 1998).
Let's hope we haven't seen the last of the good doctor.  And
let's hope that some "Ally" fans decide to check out TTO....

Edited out 4-22-98:

*** Congratulations ***
... to Tracey for her win at this year's American Comedy Awards!
The ceremony will air on Fox (in the US) on March 17.
*** Condolences ***
... to directors Don Scardino and Thomas Schlamme, who were
nominated for but did not win Director's Guild of America
awards for television for their work on TTO (the Vegas and
1976 episodes, respectively).

From 9-97:

*** CONGRATULATIONS!!! ***
Congratulations to Tracey and the crew of "Tracey Takes On..." for their three Emmy wins:
Best Variety, Music or Comedy Series (beating out "the boys" -- Jay Leno, David Letterman, Bill Maher, and Dennis Miller)
Individual Achievement for Costume Design for a Variety or Music Program (for the "1976" episode)
Makeup for a Series (for the "Vegas" episode)
... and now for four CableAce nominations:
Best Variety Series or Special (against The Chris Rock Show, Mr. Show,
"Mr. Vegas..." [featured Drew Carey], and Viva Variety)
Best Actress in a Comedy Series (for Tracey -- against Amanda Bynes from
"All That", Janeane Garofalo on "Larry Sanders", Kerri Kenney on "Viva
Variety", and Sandra Oh on "Arliss")
Best Directing a Comedy Series (for the Vegas episode -- against 3 "Larry
Sanders" episodes and one "Arliss" episode)
Best Makeup (against "George Wallace", "Outer Limits", "Snow White: A
Tale of Terror", and "The Hunchback")