TELEVISION Q & amp;A

Q. I read that Kelsey Grammer, as Frasier, has tied James Arness, as Matt Dillon, for longest time playing the same character on TV. Each played their character for 20 years. Is Amanda Blake, as Miss Kitty, also in this group? I believe she was on "Gunsmoke" from the beginning without missing a season. Is there anyone else in this select group? -- T.D., Cincinnati, Ohio
A. Blake spent 19 seasons on "Gunsmoke." She left in 1974, a year before the series ended. That leaves Kelsey Grammer and James Arness tied for the 20-season record of playing the longest-running character in TV history. Grammer also holds the distinction of being the only actor nominated for three Emmys for playing the same character on three different shows: "Cheers," "Frasier" and a guest appearance on "Wings."
Q. What is the name of the oven in Rachel Ray's kitchen on "30 Minute Meals"? -- B.A., Charlestown, R.I.
A. According to a Food Network advisory, the stove is a vintage Chambers oven, circa 1950, model 90C. You'd have to search for one through an antique stove dealer or perhaps an online auction house. The double-door retro refrigerator on the show is made by Elmira Stove Works (elmirastoveworks.com).
Q. Will the series "Soul Food" go into reruns on BET after its Showtime finale? -- G.F., Dallas
A.. Yes. BET plans to air all five seasons of the series, in order, beginning in October. "Soul Food's" final episode is set for May 26 on Showtime.
Q. Has Jerry Orbach ever been recognized for his work on "Law & amp; Order"? Could you give me some personal and professional history on him? -- A Fan, via e-mail
A. The longtime "Law & amp; Order" star has a rich background in musical theater, originating the New York stage roles of El Gallo in "The Fantasticks," Billy Flynn in "Chicago" and Julian Marsh in "42nd Street" during the 1960s and '70s. After years of small roles in movies and TV shows, he became a television star when he joined "Law & amp; Order" in 1992 as Detective Lennie Briscoe. He's been nominated once for an Emmy and several times for a Screen Actors Guild award as part of the "L & amp;O" ensemble cast, but he's never won. Orbach, who turns 69 in October, has announced that he'll end his 12-year run on "L & amp;O" this month and join the cast of the new fall spinoff, "Law & amp; Order: Trial by Jury."
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