Q: What is Mary Frann doing now? She starred with Bob Newhart on his sitcom in the '80s. - L.S., Arcadia, Fla.

A: Mary, who was best known as Bob Newhart's wife, Joanne Loudon, on "Newhart," passed away in 1998 of an undiagnosed condition called lipomatosis, combined with a scarring of the heart tissue (fibrosis), which resulted in heart failure. Even now, almost 10 years later, it makes me just as sad and shocked as when I first found out that this talented actress had died at the young age of 55.

Mary's first major role in television was playing Amanda Howard on the daytime soap opera "Days of Our Lives" from 1974-79. In the late '70s and early '80s, she made guest appearances on many popular television shows. Mary, who was very actively involved in various charities, had been working steadily in television up until her untimely death.

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Q: Have you heard if they are making a sequel to the movie "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"? - Betty W., Magnolia, Del.

A: Yes, they certainly are. "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," the sequel to the 2005 box-office blockbuster, is currently shooting and is scheduled for a May 16, 2008, release date. All of the actors who played the Pevensie children are returning for the sequel, and Liam Neeson once again is lending his voice to the character of Aslan the lion. Relative newcomer Ben Barnes is playing the titular character, Prince Caspian. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," the third movie in the series, is currently in preproduction.

Hasselbeck *** Q: When Elizabeth Hasselbeck goes on maternity leave, whom will "The View" get to take her place? - A Reader in Connecticut

A: Elizabeth is expecting her second child with husband (and former pro football quarterback) Tim Hasselbeck in early November. She is expected to work pretty much up until her due date, and while she is gone, a revolving door of celebrity guest-hosts is expected to take her place. The cute couple, who have a 2- year-old daughter named Grace, have said that they do not know the sex of their unborn child and prefer to wait until Elizabeth gives birth.

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Q: I would like to know if actress Marta DuBois on the "McBride" series with John Larroquette is the same actress who appeared as Tom Selleck's Vietnamese wife on "Magnum, P.I." in the '80s? - Patricia B., Mingus, Texas

A: You have a very good eye, Patricia, as well as a great memory! Marta does indeed portray Sgt. Roberta Hansen in the "McBride" movies, which air on the Hallmark Channel. She also played Michelle Hue on "Magnum, P.I." Marta, born Dec. 15, 1952, has a prolific acting background, guest-starring in popular television series and movies such as "Riptide," "The A-Team," "Matlock,"

"Martin" "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "The King of Queens."

Have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com, or write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.