Terry Morrow: A 2011 look back at TV and celebrities

That happened this year? Yes, indeed:

January

Photo by Chris Pizzello/AP

Dale Dickey accepts the award for best supporting actress at the Independent Spirit Awards in Feb. 2011.

The Academy Awards dissed Bearden actress Dale Dickey (for "Winter's Bone") and the Roane County-based film "Get Low." Weathermen Bob Becker and Ken Weathers left WATE, Channel 6.

February

At the Independent Spirit Awards where she won best supporting actress, Dickey thanked her friends and family in Knoxville. "American Idol" cut Roane County's Kendra Chantelle. "Oprah" featured Knoxville's Helen Ashe and Ellen Turner of the Love Kitchen and coordinated donations to the organization. Knoxville's Paul Wampler had a nice run on "Jeopardy."

March

For a local charity cause, Dolly Parton auctioned off herself. Ex-Dollywood employee Eric Martsoff joined the cast of "Smallville." WBIR, Channel 10, took over the 10 p.m. news at WTNZ, Channel 43. "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Gretchen Rossi visited. Obese Morristown couple Freddie and Kay Combs got a TLC reality special. ABC's "Secret Millionaire" aired its Knoxville episode.

April

Former Old City waitress and TV star Lynne Koplitz performed in Knoxville. Johnny Knoxville announced his wife was pregnant again. Phil Keoghan, host of "The Amazing Race," screened his new documentary.

May

A bubbly Moira Kaye came back to WBIR. Knoxville native Shelly Sun appeared on CBS's "Undercover Boss." Peyton Manning became a daddy. Roane County's Muse Watson was killed off on CBS's "NCIS." Jefferson County Sheriff's Department starred in a pilot.

June

Hitmakers The Band Perry, residents of Greeneville, toured Greene County to look at storm damage. Knoxville's John Cullum had a good run on Broadway (in New York). Johnny Knoxville got local reaction to bin Laden's death.

July

"Dukes of Hazzard" stars lead Gatlinburg's July 4 parade. Dolly Parton performed in Knoxville. Kenny Rogers visits Dollywood as a tourist. WATE produces WBXX's 10 p.m. news.

August

Former Vol Antone Davis and Knoxville resident Joe Mitchell joined the cast of "The Biggest Loser." "Survivor" grabbed Knoxville's Ben Wade again. Regal announced Hugh Jackman would visit.

September

Regal's charity event featured a screening of "Real Steel." Hollywood saluted Greg Dunn of Regal. East Tennessee's Ella Nolan wrapped a stint on "Bachelor Pad." WVLT, Channel 8, expanded its 4 p.m. news.

October

Farragut native Tara Bowlin joined CMT's "Sweet Home Alabama."

November

Singer Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland married near Gatlinburg. Kenny Chesney said he wanted to be a daddy.

December

CMT honored Kenny Chesney. Dale Dickey joined cast of HBO's "True Blood."

Terry Morrow may be reached at 865-342-6445 or morrowt@knoxville.com.

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