Most Americans think of Rudy Giuliani as New York City's heroic former mayor, who bolstered the Big Apple in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. USA's biopic Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story (airing Sunday at 8 pm/ET) shows Hizzoner's good side, but also recounts his acrimonious divorce from actress/TV host Donna Hanover. For Penelope Ann Miller — who plays Donna to James Woods's Rudy — it wasn't an easy film to do.

"I've never met Rudy, but I've met Donna," Miller tells TV Guide Online. "We have mutual friends. My good friend Jason Alexander directed her in several Law & Order episodes. We're also both involved in Project ALS. Three and a half years ago, we met at one of their charity events and did readings on stage together. I found her very sweet, unassuming and down to earth. So there was apprehension in playing the part because I didn't want to paint her in a negative light."

What persuaded Miller — best known from movies like Kindergarten Cop and Carlito's Way — to go ahead? "I thought the script had a very-well rounded portrayal of Donna," the 38-year-old says. "She's not just the scorned, bitter, shrewish wife. She was really there for Rudy for many years, and then the whole thing went south. It happens sometimes."

Any chance she was bold enough to consult the ex-Mrs. Giuliani for pointers? "No, I had to make it my own," Miller chuckles. "To try to get her approval or any feedback would've been tacky. It's hard enough to know there's a movie being made of your life without me asking her, 'How did you react to this or that? Did you get mad? Did you cry?' She doesn't need to relive it."

"A good opportunity at the right time." That's how Eric Dane sums up his four-episode stint on the WB's popular witches 'n' warlocks series Charmed. The 30-year-old Gideon's Crossing alum joins the cast Sunday as Jason Dean, the new owner of the Bay Mirror Newspaper and, more importantly, a love interest for Phoebe (Alyssa Milano).

"We have somewhat of a combative start," Dane explains to TV Guide Online, "but there's chemistry and it develops into a relationship. It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and then I leave. They're not killing me though — the door is left open, just in case."

As fans no doubt realize, this relationship is a big step for Phoebe, who has been out of the dating loop since her half-demon husband Cole (Julian McMahon) met his end in the show's 100th episode. Being the new guy in town is never easy, but Dane claims he hasn't been feeling any pressure. "That's probably because I had no idea about [McMahon]," he laughs. "Nobody told me I was replacing anyone."

Unlike his supernatural predecessor, Jason is exactly what he appears to be. "He's mortal, so I didn't have to learn any weird dialogue," notes the actor. "I did walk into Phoebe's house once, and I had these nymphs dancing around my head. But that was as surreal as it got for me."

As Chris Rock's big bro — and presidential running mate — in Head of State, Bernie Mac always reminds Rock where he came from. With his feisty advice, Rock stays squeaky clean in spite of Washington's soul-sucking political machine. In the parallel universe of showbiz, Mac says that same "keepin' it real" philosophy is why he's a happy, successful married man.

"I'm a blue-collar cat!" says Mac, who still lives in his hometown of Chicago when not filming Fox's The Bernie Mac Show. "I was a construction worker, school bus driver, cook... and I don't have any celebrity friends. I only have two buddies, who've been with me since I was 7 or 8."

If star-chasin' females ever whisper words of temptation in Mac's ear, he need only remember less fortunate times to get a reality check. "I think getting my success older helped my marriage," he says, referring to Rhonda, his better half since age 19. "My wife was the breadwinner for about eight years. I was doing odd jobs and comedy, and I was the house husband."