Vandergrift teen to be on 'Hollywood Squares'

Monday marks a national TV debut for a local woman.

Beth Hommel, a 19-year-old University of Pittsburgh freshman from Vandergrift, is scheduled to appear on "Hollywood Squares" as part of the popular game show's fourth-annual college tournament.

Hommel said she tried out for the show at Pitt last October.

"Hollywood Squares" producers told Hommel a few days before Thanksgiving that she had been selected as one of 14 contestants. The program was taped Jan. 26 and 27 in Los Angeles.

One of Hommel's favorite actors, Marlee Matlin, who stars in "West Wing," was on the show.

"I was really nervous because she's my hero. She's amazing and a really sweet person," Hommel said.

Some of the other celebrities included "Baywatch" actress Gena Lee Nolan, Jason Alexander, who played George on "Seinfeld," and, of course, the permanent center square, Whoopie Goldberg.

Hommel talked with Goldberg after the taping of the show.

"I told her I used to watch her on 'Star Trek,' " Hommel said, referring to Goldberg's days on "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

She also said Goldberg was funny, but a lot of what she said will have to be edited because of Goldberg's tendency to use profanity.

Alexander on the other hand, didn't impress her. "He's kind of a mean guy," she said. "I didn't like him at all."

The audience was filled with about 80 people, but Hommel said that wasn't the part the made her nervous.

"I couldn't see the audience, but the celebrities were enough to make me very very nervous. It's the scariest thing I've ever done," she said.

As for how she did, Hommel said everybody will have to wait until Monday. "I'm kind of excited, but I want to beat her up because she won't tell me what's going on," Hommel's mother, Jaylene, said with a laugh.

The two will be at Beth's apartment with several of Beth's friends watching the game show.

"It should be a good time for everybody," Jaylene said.

Beth's father, Mike, also will be watching with great anticipation. He said he is proud that hisdaughter was chosen from such a large group of people.

"She has the ability to play to a camera. When she's in front of a lens it brings out the best in her," Mike said. "I'm looking forward to a real treat. I know she's going to account well for herself."