Faces to watch 2003

Orlando Jones

Comedian/talk show host

He fought aliens in “Evolution.” He took his clothes off in 7UP commercials. He even survived the laugh-deficient “Double Take” with Eddie Griffin. Now Jones, who is a triple threat as an actor, comedian and writer, is going where many celebrities have gone before -- to the late-night talk show arena. He will host his own talk-variety series for FX this summer. Jones will have more going for him than most movie stars who think hosting a talk show is a breeze. In addition to his numerous film roles, he was a featured cast member and writer of the sketch series “MAD TV,” so he’s likely to be more quick-witted than his predecessors.

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Josh Brolin

Actor

Like father, like son. James Brolin has been seen a lot lately around the fictional White House of “The West Wing” in his guest role as Gov. Robert Ritchie. Now son Josh Brolin is starting his own political career on another NBC show, its midseason series “Mister Sterling,” which debuts Jan. 10. The younger Brolin will star as the well-intentioned young Sen. William Sterling Jr., who is out to shake up the Senate. No word yet on if father and son will be running into each other in government halls, but it’s almost a sure bet that Barbra Streisand, wife to James and stepmother to Josh, will be checking out the political goings-on on both shows.

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‘All-American Girl’

Future huge star?

The folks who brought you “American Idol” apparently aren’t content with their 2002 accomplishment of turning Kelly Clarkson, a Texas cocktail waitress, into the newest singing star of the year. Now producers at 19 Entertainment are out to find the ultimate “All-American Girl,” who not only has charm, beauty and charisma, but can also dance, sing, act and display an aptitude for sports. Girls from all over the country will battle for the crown on ABC’s “All-American Girl” unscripted series in the midseason, and, like “American Idol,” the public will cast the deciding vote. Singers can relax -- Clarkson is out of the running.

-- Greg Braxton