DEAR STACY: What is Simon Baker of "The Mentalist" doing lately? — Maura P., Las Vegas, Nevada

DEAR MAURA: The Aussie star recently finished directing his first feature film, "Breath," based on Tim Winton's best-selling novel that's set in mid-70s Australia. He plays the adventurer who pushes two teenage boys to take risks in the tale that also stars Elizabeth Debicki, Richard Roxburgh and Rachael Blake. No release date set as yet. And he's done some appearances as Givenchy's fragrance ambassador — including a trip to Dubai earlier this month to promote a scent called Absolute.

DEAR STACY: The actor who played Biff in the "Back the Future" movies was great. Whatever happened to him? — Joy7

DEAR JOY7: Though his many, varied other roles may not be as indelible as bully Biff, actor and comedian Tom Wilson works all the time. He's guested on numerous shows, and appeared as a recurring character on "Ed," "Freaks and Geeks," "Titus" and "Fired Up," to name a few. He was in the cable flick, "The Last Ride," and does voice work in features and TV shows such as the "SpongeBob SquarePants" movie. Wilson's also a lover of the stage, and his theatrical outings range from Richard III to a one-man show called Cowboy Tommy.

DEAR STACY: Please settle a bet. Who was married more times, Larry King or the late Elizabeth Taylor? — George B., Fresno, California

DEAR GEORGE: They're tied. Taylor had seven husbands and eight marriages in all, having wed Richard Burton, divorced him and remarried him later. King has had seven wives, including current spouse Shawn Southwick, and eight marriages.

DEAR STACY: I was sorry to hear that the actress who played Vera on "Alice" passed away last year. Please give the cause of death and her age? And why did it take so long to come out? — A Fan, Newark, New Jersey

DEAR A FAN: Beth Howland died of lung cancer on Dec. 31, but her death was not disclosed until last month. Her husband, actor Charles Kimbrough, simply said that the lack of announcement or funeral service was "her choice." She was 74.

Photo credit: Perry Quan