Who is the longest-running cast member of Saturday Night Live?
Q. How would you rate the past American Idol winners? —Alesia Hardin, Knoxville, Tenn. A. As with the 2007 competition, which ends this week, we rate the gals higher than the guys. Our picks, from best to worst: 1) Carrie Underwood and 2) Kelly Clarkson, who have both scored big hits and a fistful of awards; 3) Fantasia Barrino; 4) Ruben Studdard; and 5) Taylor Hicks. Q. As a fan of 24, I’m curious: Why was James Cromwell tapped to play Kiefer Sutherland’s dad instead of his real father, Donald? —Sarah Hirst Smith, Seattle, Wash. A. Kiefer, 40, wanted to work with his dad, and Donald, 71, was considered for the role, but scheduling conflicts were insurmountable. Fox won’t say if Cromwell survives Monday’s season finale. As for Kiefer, he’s in Romania filming Mirrors, a supernatural thriller. Q. Is it true that Mark Wahlberg is a former convict? —Douglas Green, North Wales, Pa. A. Yes. Mark, 35, served 45 days at Massachusetts’ Deer Island House of Correction in 1988 for assaulting two
