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Last Updated: 28 March 2002
United Kingdom viewers can now watch "24" on BBC / Channel 2 Richard's last episode of "24" aired, March 5th -- "1:00 PM - 2:00 PM" Richard's episode of CBS drama "Judging Amy" aired Tuesday, March 26th European fans, Action to air on Germany's Pro7 in April "The Sentinel" returns to French and German television -- Kabel1 and Premiere SciFi in Germany "Twice in a Lifetime" airing on France's M6 **UPDATE** Richard's work on indie feature film "Wheelmen" finished; movie to open Spring 2002 "The District" in Germany -- airing on VOX Wednesdays at 21:10 Write to Richard through the RBFC "The Sentinel" still on US Sci-Fi Channel hiatus
(Thanks to Sheila and Andi for the UK schedule info) *** Richard's final episode of FOX's critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-winning "24" -- "1:00 PM - 2:00 PM" -- aired March 5th *** Richard's character, Kevin Carroll, went out quite literally with a bang at the hands of the conspirators' new hit man, Alexis Drazen. Kevin and the remains of the team assembled by the ill-fated Ira Gaines are lured to a supposed transfer point. Kevin orders the men to move their equipment into the building while he calls chief conspirator Andre Drazen. Kevin informs Drazen that Gaines' plan was flawed from the start, and offers his continued services as hired assassin. Drazen tells him a backup plan has already been initiated and hangs up. Kevin, smelling a rat, realizes how exposed this supposed hideaway really is and starts scanning the horizon, spotting the new hit-man hiding atop a pile of dirt. Kevin pulls his gun and begins to aim for him; the hit-man is faster and triggers the bomb hidden in the building. Kevin is sent flying and crashes to the ground, stunned. He tries to grab his gun to defend himself, but the hit-man kicks it away. Kevin answers the hit-man's question with a hoarse "go to hell," after which the coup de grace is delivered. To "Sentinel" aficionados, Richard's final scenes of "24" echo several "Sentinel" signature shots -- the exploding shed in "Switchman," which is echoed by the building exploding behind Kevin, and any number of "sense" shots which zoomed in on Richard's face for a tight close-up, as "24" does when Kevin spots the new hit-man. NOTE: The FOX subsidiary FX Network is also encoring "Twenty Four," on Sunday and Monday nights. Richard's episodes
To visit the FOX website and learn more about the current season, go to www.fox.com; for more detailed information on "Twenty Four," visit FOX's page at www.fox.com/24/ (Thanks to Becky for the "24" images)
 [03/28/02] ***
Catch Richard when CBS's "Judging Amy" repeats this summer *** Richard's
episode, "The Justice League of America," aired as scheduled Tuesday,
March 26th at 10:00 pm ET/PT. The episode of the popular
CBS
drama "Judging Amy" was filmed the week of February 11th. Richard
appears in the role of Amy Gray's ex-husband, Michael Cassidy.
(The role has been played in previous seasons by John Slattery,
who was apparently unavailable due to his current commitment to the series
"Ed").
"Judging Amy" is currently airing on Tuesday nights at 10:00pm ET/PT. According to the CBS website, "'Judging Amy' is a drama starring Amy Brenneman ('NYPD Blue') as a single mother who has left New York behind and become a family court judge in Hartford, Connecticut. Recently divorced and raising her young daughter Lauren (Karle Warren), Judge Amy Gray has moved in with her very opinionated mother, Maxine (Tyne Daly); re-established a friendship with her free-spirited brother, Vincent (Dan Futterman); her older brother, Peter (Marcus Giamatti), and his wife, Gillian (Jessica Tuck), and is continuing to make her fresh start work. Assisting Amy in the courtroom are her court services officer, Bruce Van Exel (Richard T. Jones) and her overeager court clerk, Donna Kozlowski-Pant (Jillian Armenante). 'Judging Amy,' based on the real-life story of Brenneman's mother, is about three generations of women living together as they confront the personal and professional dilemmas in their changing challenging lives." To learn more about "Judging Amy," visit the show's homepage at the CBS website: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/judging_amy/ (Thanks to Kat for the info, and to Erin for the screen-grab)
Richard appears in two episodes -- "Pilot" (the first episode) and "Blowhard" (the fourth) -- as action-movie hero Cole Riccardi. When introduced in the pilot episode, Cole Riccardi( Richard Burgi) is attending the premiere party for his latest movie, "Slow Torture," made by producer Peter Dragon (Jay Mohr). Riccardi schmoozes with the press and stops for a photo op with Dragon before settling in at the head table and chatting up Dragon's unintended guest for the evening, child actress turned call girl, Wendy (Illeana Douglas). Cole, it turns out, once guest-starred on Wendy's television show. Sadly, "Slow Torture" is a flop, leaving Dragon in hot water with his financial backers and in search of a make-or-break movie. With Wendy's help, Dragon finds the one script with real potential -- "Beverly Hills Gun Club."
Dragon is in for another shock when his new financial backers announce they do not want Riccardi in the movie. With Riccardi signed to a pay or play contract, Dragon has to somehow get his star to back out of the project. Dragon pays a visit to Cole's apartment and convinces him to come out, turn his back on Hollywood, and seek fame and fortune on the stage in New York. Riccardi agrees, and comes out on national television -- E! News Daily, no less -- and decides to out his "lover," Peter Dragon, in the process. (Thanks to Steffi for the schedule info)
There is also the possibility that Germany's PRO7 network will add "The Sentinel" to its schedule once more. [03/28/02] ***UPDATE*** Kabel1 is adding "The Sentinel" to its Premiere SciFi Channel (commercial-free pay TV) starting on May 1st. Check your local listings for time and dates! [01/11/02] *** "The Sentinel" returns to French television -- Monday to Friday (or Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at 18:55 (6:55pm) on France's M6.*** French viewers will be able to catch Richard as Detective Jim Ellison now that "The Sentinel" has returned to French television. Check your local listings for schedule information and episode names, or visit the M6 website's schedule search page at http://programmestv.m6net.fr/soc3/partners/m6net/searchresults.jsp?searchtext=Burgi&startdate=allWeek (Thanks to Christine and Steffi for the European "Sentinel" information)
 [02/11/02] ***
"Twice in a Lifetime" now airing in France on M6 -- Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays
and Fridays at 15:15 (3:15pm) *** "Twice in a Lifetime" is titled
"Destins Croises" on French TV. Richard's episode, titled "(The)
Knockout," is part of the show's second season and should air in March.
Richard plays ex-championship boxer Jimmy O'Connor. O'Connor, whose life has ended in regrets, poverty, and drunken squalor, is given the chance to go back into his past to convince his younger self to make a different -- and better -- decision at a pivotal moment. (Thanks to Madelaine for the information and to Becky for the image)
[02/11/02] *** "Wheelmen" official website is now online *** -- The official website for Richard's new movie, "Wheelmen," is now open for business at http://www.wheelmenthemovie.com/. The site is informative, interesting, and loaded with information on the film, the characters, the actors, and the production staff.  Must see items include the gallery of photos (by photographer Jennifer B. Copp) and Quicktime movie clips -- Richard appears several times in both galleries. The "Wheelmen" site also includes a detailed press release (excerpted below), which provides a comprehensive guide to the film, characters, actors, and production staff. WHEELMEN
We rediscover Nick six years later as the acting manager of a floundering Los Angeles limousine service. Nick does his best to both run and drive for Venture Limousines with little help from Tony Cavalcante (JACK McGEE), the golf loving, absentee owner. In Nick´s care are five other "wheelmen": Paul (MICHAEL FAIRMAN), a distinguished gentleman and twenty-year veteran of the limo world; Vladimir (ELYA BASKIN), a Russian ex-bodyguard who´s traded in his two-pack-a-day cigarette habit for the icy goodness of Slurpees; Kristen (LISA ARTURO), a sexy knockout who is nonetheless "just one of the guys"; Ralph (ADAM BIESK), a potted plant with a Class C license; and Andy Cooper (WILLIAM GREGORY LEE). Andy is a likeable, happy-go-lucky twentysomething who lives every night like a Saturday night. His cavalier work attitude is a constant source of frustration for the controlling Nick. Andy is openly gliding through life waiting for what he calls "The Great Benefactor" - that one special client whose generosity will set Andy up for life.
It is there Nick meets Gwen (ERIN DANIELS), a loving social worker previously assigned to Arthur´s case. It seems Arthur´s father has been abusive in the past, which triggered Arthur´s search for Nick to become his surrogate father. Things get complicated as Nick falls for Gwen, and little Arthur feels the rush of jealously as he too has a crush on her. Back at Venture Limousines Andy has found what he believes to be his ultimate client, and convinces Nick to join him as he picks up Bernard "Barny" Albert Tomlinson (RAINN WILSON). The enigmatic Barny tosses hundred dollar bills at Nick and Andy as if they were confetti. Meanwhile, having been given the "prestige gig" assignment to drive for the Vice President of the United States (JAMES AVERY) motorcade, the other Venture limo drivers are put through rigorous training under the scrutiny of the Secret Service. Out in the desert, Barny turns out to be more than a handful for Nick and Andy. The man is paranoid, speaks in riddles, prefers being naked and really wants to see the Grand Canyon. In addition, unbeknownst to the trio, two mysterious men are pursuing them. Partway through the trip Nick discovers Arthur has stowed away in the limo. The little boy has been beaten again and Nick makes the decision to let Arthur join in their adventure rather than return the kid immediately to his father.
Directed by Dirk Hagen from an original screenplay by William Arance and Mitch Wilson, Wheelmen is a production of Stretch Pix. John Orland is the producer. Lexi Alexander and Robert Ulrich are the co-producers. Gary Lowe is the line producer. The director of photography is Don Fauntleroy, production designer Robert Hummel, costume designer Emmy Taylor, and the editor is Sherril Schlesinger. About the production... According to an ancient proverb, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." For Wheelmen, that step was taken seven years ago when producer John Orland (The Bad Pack) gave a script by William L. Arance to his colleague, freelance producer and cinematographer Dirk Hagen. He was instantly intrigued because the world of limousines was new to him. "It introduced a group of eclectic and quirky soul searchers who come together and bond," Hagen says. He was attracted to the tragic yet comedic tone and a storyline that examines human nature and friendship. Hagen´s main challenge, besides the fact that Wheelmen would be his first feature film as a director, was to incorporate a romantic element in a "non-cliched way." Co-producer Lexi Alexander (Foolproof), whose friendship with Hagen spans nearly the same time as the script´s incubation period, also recognized the story´s assets and the needs of the production. She brought in veteran casting director Robert Ulrich ("Dark Angel," "Melrose Place") to serve as co-producer and create an ensemble of young and old Hollywood. Praising Hagen as a first-time director, Alexander calls him "an actor´s director because he approaches talent like a big brother," guiding the actors but letting them bring their own character back stories, gestures, dialogue and other improvisation to the set.
The entire cast loved the director´s enthusiasm and welcomed the opportunity to improvise. Rainn Wilson (Almost Famous) was attracted to the script because of the ensemble cast of insane but real people thrown together. Michael Fairman (Mulholland Drive) met with Hagen and Alexander and instantly liked them: "They are good people who allow you to be creative - the mood and tone of the production was positive, there were no egos and everyone had a good time." Greg Lee ("Xena: Warrior Princess") respected the talented crew but found it hard to keep a straight face with all of the comedians in the cast. Richard Burgi ("The Sentinel") sums up the feeling on the set by adding, "Dirk is the glue keeping everyone together and he has a good heart." **NOTE** -- To read the complete press release, visit the "Wheelmen" website at www.wheelmenthemovie.com/ and go to the Publicity section (Press Release and images courtesy of the "Wheelmen" website -- photographer: Jennifer B. Copp) 
 [01/18/02] ***
"Wheelmen" update *** -- Richard's work on "Wheelmen"
was finished in time for the holidays, leaving only the post-production
work to be completed. According to an article in the February issue
(# 87) of the magazine SFX, "Wheelmen" is due to open late Spring
2002.
According to the article, Richard and costar William Gregory Lee play drivers for an LA-based limo service. Rainn Wilson's character -- a former Secret Service agent -- tells them of a plot to assassinate the Vice President to keep him from casting a critical vote. Burgi, Lee, et al have to evade the bad guys and get back to save the day. PICTURE, TOP LEFT: One of two pictures in the SFX article. Richard is to the left of the car and costar William Gregory Lee is to the right. BOTTOM LEFT: Waiting to film a scene are, L to R, William Gregory Lee, (we assume) Rainn Wilson, and Richard Burgi (leaning in doorway). Interested in ordering the issue? The distributor for SFX is Futurenet, which has both a website and an email address. The website URL is http://www.futurenet.com/futureonline/magazine.asp and the email address is backissues@futurenet.com NOTE: There is some question as to the correct issue number for the February edition; either #81 or #87. (Thanks to Tamy for the information on the SFX article and the picture scans) To learn more about "Wheelmen" from the viewpoint of Richard's stand-in, Eric Prescott, visit the suite101 website to read "Standing In," an online article by Prescott dated October 17th. The article URL is: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/10148/82721 (Thanks to MJ for the Prescott article URL)
To our knowledge, As of this date -- March 5th -- the producers of "The District" have not written Richard's Captain Vincent Hunter into any of the Fall 2001 season's episodes. At this point, it is unlikely Richard will appear in any 2001-2002 episodes.
 [01/11/02]***
"The District" is now airing on German TV -- Wednesdays at 21:10pm
on VOX *** -- "The District" will remain in that timeslot throughout
its run. Thus far, VOX has bought 23 episodes (the first season)
which will be dubbed into German and titled
"The District - Einsatz
in Washington."
Richard's last episodes have yet to be broadcast; "D.C. Strangler" aired right before Christmas. Though VOX is private TV, it should be available "free and clear" throughout Europe, even though dubbed into German. Those with satellite systems can tune in using the following coordinates: ASTRA reception area Transponder 89 (27500,3/4) ASTRA-1H
ASTRA reception area Transponder 05 (,) ASTRA-1F
(Thanks to Steffi for the scheduling information)
This would be a great time to send CBS some feedback on "The District" and Captain Hunter -- let them know you enjoyed seeing Richard on their show last season and want to see more of him in the Fall 2001 season. Simply visit the CBS website's "District" page and use the feedback link, or send a "paper mail" message to "The District" through their direct mailing address listed below: The District
Richard's episodes to date (Note: the pilot is designated as episode '1.00') Season One -- 2000-2001
Richard plays the recurring role of Captain Vincent Hunter, head of the Internal Affairs division. To learn more about "The District," visit the CBS Website "District" page. (More information as we receive it. Thanks to Becky for the screen-grabs)
[03/05/02]*** Write to Richard care of the RBFC! *** -- Richard has asked us to encourage anyone interested in sending cards or letters to him to use the RBFC mailing address, which is listed below. This allows Richard to better handle his incoming mail, which he certainly enjoys receiving, provided it comes through appropriate channels. Mr. Richard Burgi
We cannot emphasize strongly enough that mail should not be sent to Richard's home address! Receiving fan mail through his home address is a disquieting experience and cause for concern, especially from the standpoint of privacy and safety. If you have come across what you believe may be his home address, please, do NOT use it! We -- and Richard -- would greatly appreciate it if you would let us know where you came across the address by using this e-mail link to the RBFC. While postcards, letters, and cards will be promptly forwarded to Richard, we cannot forward packages; he has asked that no gifts be sent to him. Though Richard appreciates the goodwill and generosity those gifts represent, he finds them a little overwhelming. Richard would be honored if, instead, wellwishers made a donation in his name to a local children's shelter or literacy program, or to the Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center.
[01/11/02]*** "The Sentinel" still on SciFi Channel broadcast hiatus *** -- No further details from SciFi on when -- or if -- "The Sentinel" will return to its schedule, though a statement issued when the show was pulled gave January 2002 as a likely reintroduction date. More detailed information and updates can be found at the SOS website, which can be found at www.sosthesentinel.net/ In the meantime, SOS advises that Sentinel (and Burgi) fans send the folks at Sci-Fi periodic reminders that their Sentinel audience is still in place and eagerly anticipating the show's return to the Sci-Fi schedule. This can easily be done via e-mail, or through the Sci-Fi website's "feedback" system -- or, if one feels especially energetic, by post-card or letter. Sci-Fi Channel website: http://www.scifi.com/ e-mail addresses: program@www.scifi.com or feedback@www.scifi.com "snail mail" address:
The SciFi Channel has an excellent Sentinel page at its scifi.com website. The page, which can be found at www.scifi.com/sentinel/, contains cast and character bios, a selection of downloadable JPEG images of the cast, episode guides for all four seasons, a bulletin-board devoted to The Sentinel, and a downloadable Sentinel screen-saver in both MAC and Windows formats. (Thanks to SOS for the advisory announcement. Visit SciFi's website for information on the network and its schedule or e-mail SciFi at programming@scifi.com or feedback@scifi.com with comments on Richard Burgi and The Sentinel).
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[03/28/02]
[03/28/02]
Cole
returns in "Blowhard," the fourth episode of "Action." Dragon
has decided to hire Riccardi to play the hero in his new movie, "Beverly
Hills Gun Club." No sooner has Dragon signed a contract with Riccardi than
Cole appears on his doorstep late one night with a surprise announcement
-- he's gay, and wants to come out of the closet. Peter sees his new movie
-- and career -- going down the tubes, so he schemes to keep Cole safely
in the closet by claiming to be a closeted gay man himself. Cole gets the
wrong impression and makes romantic advances which Peter, trapped by his
lies, cannot get out of.
[03/28/02] 
Nick
Torino (RICHARD BURGI) is an ambulance driver at the top of his game.
Thirty, tall and firmly built, Nick takes the business of saving lives
seriously as he races his unit through the busy streets of Los Angeles.
Forced to choose between being a responsible driver or saving the life
of a pregnant mother, Nick does what he has to do to deliver his passengers
to the hospital. Once there, Nick discovers the mother has died moments
after giving birth to a baby boy. The moment is a bittersweet one for Nick
and he returns to work a minor media celebrity. Unfortunately, he is now
labeled a liability by his ambulance company and is unceremoniously fired.
As
if putting up with Andy wasn´t enough, Nick comes to work one
day and discovers a little boy named Arthur (ALEXANDER GOULD)
patiently
waiting for him in his office. Nick is stunned to learn that Arthur is
the little boy from his last day as an ambulance driver. After noticing
several bruises on Arthur´s neck, Nick drops the boy off at Social
Services.
It
is not until Barny has seized control of Nick and Andy´s limo,
crashing it and stranding them in the desert, that Barny reveals he is
in fact an ex-Secret Service agent. According to Barny, the Vice President
holds the deciding swing vote in a controversial matter and that there
is a plot to kidnap and hypnotize him. Nick and Andy are not convinced
by Barny´s story and it is not until they have a run-in with the
goons that have been following them that they decide to help. The four
of them must now find a way back to Los Angeles in time to thwart the kidnapping
attempt of the Vice President as well as warn the other Venture Limousine
drivers.
Production
began in Culver City, on October 10, 2001, shooting for nineteen days.
Locations ranged from downtown Los Angeles to Lancaster in the desert.
Veteran director of photography Don FauntLeRoy (Jeepers Creepers)
was very clear on the look of the film but had to find ways to make shooting
inside a limousine interesting, fresh and not claustrophobic. Production
designer Robert Hummel (Paper Bullets) enjoyed the challenge of
creating quality sets in multiple locations on a modest budget, embracing
the mantra of "repaint, reuse and recycle." Costume designer Emmy Taylor
(Blue Ridge Fall), outfitting most of the cast in traditionally black limo
uniforms, reflected the diverse personalities of the "wheelmen" through
their shirts and ties.
