We've interviewed Hot in Cleveland Costume Designer Lori Eskowitz-Carter about each characters style. Today, we are featuring Elka played by the amazing Betty White. Lori has worked on many movies and TV shows including 'Will and Grace', 'Whitney' and 'Boston Common'.
“It’s All About the Track Suit”
So, I have to ask. Where do you get Elka’s track suits?
Lori: We get them from this lovely woman up in Seattle that makes these great track suits, Christine Alexander. They give us her track suits for the most part.
They’re almost iconic.
Lori: (Laughs) And they’re also beautiful colors. Betty’s all about color. She does not like black or brown and if she has to wear it she gets kind of miserable.
Her favorite colors are; turquoise, pink, yellow and green. So this woman makes up the track suits for her. We probably have 25 to 30 of them.
I bet that makes the company very happy.
Lori: The company is very happy. During the People’s Choice awards last year the public got to vote for their favorite track suit and Betty wore it on an episode. One of them had a unicorn on it, which was really cute.
Is that what the character of Elka wears most of the time?
Lori: In every show she’ll always wear one. We’re sticking with it this season. It’s her thing. I can’t imagine her ever NOT wearing track suits.
How closely does Betty’s personal style mirror Elka’s?
Lori: It doesn’t. Betty doesn’t wear track suits. She’s such an animal activist that most of her clothing has an animal theme to it. We had Christine Alexander make her a bunch of track suits with cats and dogs on them, but for the most part she wears animal prints that are colorful.
For women in their 80’s and 90’s are there fashion rules?
Lori:I think as far as Elka’s concerned there are. You don’t show your arms and you don’t wear things that are too trendy. I try to dress her classic older lady.
Is Betty easy to dress or does she fight you on anything?
Lori: The only thing she fights me on is color. In one episode of the show she was volunteering in a zoo and she had to wear a khaki colored jacket. I ended up putting a bright t-shirt on her to make her happy.
Betty is the sweetest person on the planet, she would never say anything. But, I can tell when she likes her clothes and when she doesn’t. I consciously stay away from black and brown for her. She’s happiest when she’s in her colorful track suits. They’re comfortable for her and she gets to wear sneakers with them.
- Josephine
Josephine Bennett is an award-winning public radio reporter with an extensive cardigan collection.
Being Hot in Clevelandisn’t all wine and roses. Sometimes it’s man boobs and foot fetishists. Here we recount the ladies’ five most epic dating disasters, and what can be learned from their mistakes.
1. A Murderer and a Prostitute
Victoria paid a stranger at the bar to pose as Joy’s perfect blind date. Luckily the couple hit it off, at least until Joy’s friends glanced a police sketch of a murder suspect that looked alarmingly like her guy. The gals took him down and called the cops, only to find that they had the wrong man. The lesson: Don’t buy your friends dates.
2. The Shrimper
Melanie tried to embrace dating a “shrimper,” i.e. a guy who’s into feet. She thought she could handle his being taken with her toes. But when he got too freaky with her foot, she had to put it down. The lesson: Fetishes aren’t for everyone.
3. Conjoined Twins
Melanie set Victoria up with a great guy she’d met at a crowded event. Unfortunately, she didn’t realize how attached he was to his brother – literally. Although Victoria couldn’t handle their bond, a more open-minded Joy became taken with the other twin. But then his angry wife stormed in and broke up the party. The lesson: If someone seems two-faced, they probably are.
4. Bad Bromance
When Melanie and her boyfriend Pete started getting serious, it was time for her to meet his family. His mom instantly despised her. But it was his brother Hank – who turned out to be Melanie’s previous, and married, one-night stand – who officially killed the relationship. The lesson: Keeping it in the family does not apply to dating.
5. Victor/Victoria Chase
When the ladies go dancing at a gay bar, Victoria finds an instant attraction with a handsome man. The only problem? He thinks she’s a drag queen. What makes matters worse? She decides to go with it. When he ultimately ditches her for a male Susan Lucci-impersonator, she learns a valuable lesson: If you’re a woman mistaken for a man pretending to be a woman, you should probably clear that up sooner than later.
Here’s a bonus love lesson from 1-800-Flowers…Don’t settle for less! Wow someone this Valentine’s Day by shopping 1-800-Flowers.com. Save $10 when you use the code HOT and don’t miss Hot in Cleveland Wednesdays at 10PM/9C on TV Land!
TV Land has picked up its fifth original sitcom, “Have Faith,” starring Cedric “The Entertainer,” it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, president of TV Land. The network has ordered 12 episodes for the first season, which is set to premiere in June of this year.
The sitcom, which was created by Cedric and “Hot in Cleveland” creator Suzanne Martin, revolves around Cedric’s character, Reverend Boyce “The Voice” Ballentine, an R&B superstar-turned-minister who takes over as preacher of his father’s church. Niecy Nash ("Reno 911") also stars as the reverend’s wife, Lolli. The pilot also features John Beasley (“Everwood”) as his father, Wesley Jonathan (“What I Like About You”) as his younger brother, and Jazz Raycole (“My Wife and Kids”) as his daughter. The character of Reverend Boyce originated on a second season episode of “Hot in Cleveland” in which Cedric guest-starred.
“The show that Cedric and Suzanne have created is a fantastic family sitcom that you just don’t see as much on TV today,” said Jones. “That’s just one of the reasons we’re so thrilled to welcome him to the TV Land family. From the moment he appeared on ‘Hot in Cleveland,’ we knew we wanted to work with him in a greater capacity.”
“Hot in Cleveland,” TV Land’s first original sitcom starring Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White, has also been greenlit by the network for a 24-episode fourth season, it was announced today. A syndication deal was recently reached for “Hot in Cleveland,” giving CBS Television Distribution the domestic distribution rights for the series. This season pickup would bring “Hot in Cleveland” to 80 total episodes. The series, which is currently in its third season, averages 2.5 million total viewers per episode.
“With the show’s recent win at The People’s Choice Awards and Betty’s recent SAG® Award nomination, it’s clear that the fans love and want more of ‘Hot in Cleveland,’” said Jones. “TV Land is growing in a major way, and these pickups are just the tip of the iceberg.”
Cedric and Martin will serve as executive producers for “Have Faith,” along with Eric Rhone and Emmy® Award-winner Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills Productions, who also executive produce “Hot in Cleveland.” Keith Cox and Larry W. Jones will be executive producers for TV Land. The series is filmed in front of a live studio audience.
The fans have spoken! Thanks to all of you, Hot in Cleveland took home the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Cable TV Comedy.
The ladies kicked off the night walking the red carpet. They looked amazing with Wendie in an elegant, short, black dress; Valarie wore a fabulous,black tuxedo suit; while Jane wowed the crowd in a stunning red strapless gown.
Betty White was even a trending topic on Twitter as she cozied up to her seatmate, actor Rob Pattinson of Twilight fame. The People’s Choice facebook page was calling them the new power couple!
Betty received not one but two standing ovations as she stood at the podium with castmates Valarie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendy Malick.
The crowd broke into loud laughter as Betty responded to Wendie Malick’s comment calling the cast “fresh faced newcomers” with, “She drinks a lot”.
Betty, who turns 90 on January 17th thanked people for their birthday wishes but demurred saying, “You don’t really do anything, 90 just happens”.
After the award, the fab foursome stopped for photos. Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) tweeted this one:
So THANK YOU Hot in Cleveland fans – We couldn’t have done this without all of you! Make sure to leave your congratulations on the Hot in Cleveland Facebook page.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for PCA and @WolfiesMom
"Ask Elka" is an advice column courtesy of Hot in Cleveland's resident guru. Have a friend who's stolen your man? Ask Elka! Tired of computer hackers? Ask Elka! Should you try that new Zumba class at the senior center? Ask Elka!
Dear Elka,
If you could be any animal which one would you be and why?
-Katie Marshall Willis
Dear Katie,
Hmmm… this one’s a tough one. There are so many options to choose from! For example, being an eagle for a day could be fun. Birds are so majestic and flying would be pretty cool. Not to mention, the thought of pooping on Joy’s head does seem slightly appealing. (And yes, I know it would be very naughty thing of bird me to do, but I can’t help imagining the look on her face as she curses the sky and I fly away chirping.) Sorry, I digress…
On the one hand, the honey badger is known to be kind of a bad ass. But, the lion is the king of the animal kingdom and if you’re going to do something, it’s best to be in a position of power, am I right? However, house cats do seem to live the good life. I’ll admit – napping, eating and getting petted all day seems like pretty nice deal. But, then again, when Joy and I spent the night at the Cleveland Zoo, I did strike up a fascinating conversation with Mokolo, the silverback gorilla, that I’ve been dying to continue. Is it possible I could be a different creature every day to fully experience what life’s like in the animal kingdom? Or do I have to choose just one?
Sincerely,
Elka “I Can’t Choose Just One Animal I’d Want to be For a Day” Ostrovsky
We all need a little Cleveland in our kitchen! Melanie’s Cleveland Kitchen are yummy recipes especially for fans of Hot in Cleveland. Put that cute apron on, cook somethin’ good and settle in with the ladies on Wednesday night (or any night). To make it complete, pair with your favorite Cocktail!
Melanie’s Cleveland Kitchen:Two Girls and a Rhino: “Elka-Approved” Veggie Burgers
Elka has a habit of caring for animals. Whether it’s adopting Chance to give him a good home, or educating Joy, Victoria and me about the latest endangered species, she is always looking out for our defenseless four-legged friends. In honor of her love of animals, this week I am giving you a meatless recipe for delicious “Elka-Approved” Veggie Burgers. And by “Elka-Approved” I mean veggie burgers Cleveland-style: no quinoa, bulgur, or lentils involved.
Ingredients
Olive Oil
3 tbsp diced red onion
2 tbsp diced black olives
2 tbsp diced red bell peppers
1 tsp diced jalapeno
1.5 tbsp diced garlic
4 oz. black beans, drained
4 oz. chickpeas, drained
4 oz. white beans, drained
1 egg
Dry Mix:
hh2 cups rolled oats
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp minced fresh parsley
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp celery salt
½ tsp chili flakes
Directions
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and then add the raw vegetables and garlic. Sauté until translucent, then remove from heat and cool. Next, combine all the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the beans, chickpeas and the sautéed vegetables, mixing thoroughly. Then add in the dry ingredients, along with the egg. Form the mixture into patties, and cook as you would a normal burger!
Joy's Liquid Therapy is a cocktail recipe especially for fans of Hot in Cleveland. Stir up some trouble, be glamorous and let your inner lush soar — but be warned, Joy likes her sips just like her men: strong and fresh! (And for the teetotalers in the house, you can always omit the booze to make a still-refreshing beverage.)
Everything neon, lace gloves, Laura Ashley dresses, hair scrunchies, thick belts, off the shoulder shirts, feathered hair, blue mascara, stonewash jeans, crop tops, miniskirts, spandex, puff paint, slap bracelets… The 80’s were like totally awesome, dude! Or… wait a sec. Were they?
Honestly, I’m torn. How can a decade that brought us Madonna also be the same one that brought us spandex? Looking back, this can be said of the decade: It was the best of times. (That’s when I met my best friends Victoria and Joy.) And it was the worst of times. (Well, at least fashion-wise, that is. Seriously, spandex?! What were we thinking?!) Although, we may have not looked our best, we certainly partied like it was. Which is why I think you’ll enjoy my drink of the week, a glow-in-the-dark throwback treat to the decade that was the 80’s. Cheers mates!
Ingredients
4 oz. of vodka
2 oz. grenadine syrup
1 oz. lemon juice
5 oz. tonic water
Directions
Combine vodka, lemon grenadine & tonic, shake with ice and strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Turn on an ultraviolet or black light and enjoy!
Additional Note
For those of you teetotalers out there who prefer your 80’s drinks to be of the non-alcoholic variety, simply remove the vodka for a “like a virgin” version of this tasty throwback recipe.
We all need a little Cleveland in our kitchen! Melanie’s Cleveland Kitchen are yummy recipes especially for fans of Hot in Cleveland. Put that cute apron on, cook somethin’ good and settle in with the ladies on Wednesday night (or any night). To make it complete, pair with your favorite Cocktail!
Melanie’s Cleveland Kitchen: Elka’s Famous Pierogi
Elka recently taught me how to make her famous pierogi. She’s been making them since she was a little girl— they helped her take the title of Miss Teen Potato and they even helped her escape Poland! I’m going to help Elka whip up a batch of her special pierogi for her special someone (…and mine!). I dare you to make it better.
Ingredients:
Potato filling:
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup of chopped onion
2 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Dough:
1 cup of sour cream
3 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
Directions:
For the potato filling: melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and cook until it turns clear (about 5 minutes). Stir into the mashed potatoes and season with salt and white pepper.
For the dough: beat the eggs and sour cream until smooth. Sift in flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix it into the sour cream mixture until it forms dough. Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough on it until it’s firm and smooth. Divide the dough in half, and then roll out so it’s 1/8th – ½ an inch in thickness. Cut into 3-inch rounds.
Place a small spoonful of the potato filling into the center of each round. Moisten the edges with water, fold over, and press together with a fork to seal. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pierogi and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the pierogi float to the top. Remove with a strainer spoon.
"Ask Elka" is an advice column courtesy of Hot in Cleveland's resident guru. Have a friend who's stolen your man? Ask Elka! Tired of computer hackers? Ask Elka! Should you try that new Zumba class at the senior center? Ask Elka!
Dear Elka,
Is Santa Claus real?
-Belinda R.
Dear Belinda R.,
You should know that I’m in direct contact with Mr. “C” and I should tell him to put you on his naughty list just for doubting him. But you seem like a nice kid, and I don’t want you getting coal in your stocking this year because of me. Santa Claus is not just a person; he’s a frame of mind, a positive reminder that the holiday season is a time to be grateful for what we have, and to show those we love, that we love them (duh). So go out and bring joy to all those around you. And if you want to really make it on Santa’s good side, send me some of that chocolate peppermint bark (love that stuff). I’ll be sure to put in a good word for you.
I’m on the “Nice” List, Elka “Mrs. Clause” Ostrovsky
Have a question for Elka? Leave it right here in the comments section. Don't forget to watch Elka walk the talk in these Hot in Cleveland highlights!
We all need a little Cleveland in our kitchen! Melanie’s Cleveland Kitchen are yummy recipes especially for fans of Hot in Cleveland. Put that cute apron on, cook somethin’ good and settle in with the ladies on Wednesday night (or any night). To make it complete, pair with your favorite Cocktail!
Melanie's Cleveland Kitchen: The Walking Taco
I often reminisce about our first night in Cleveland when Joy, Victoria and I sat at the bar suffering from a bit of culture shock. All of a sudden, men were giving us looks we thought were reserved for 20 year-old blondes. Women drank beer. Everyone ate french fries. These things are nearly unheard of in Los Angeles, and yet here in Cleveland, they’re the norm. Ever since, I’ve kept my eyes and mind open for any new trends or experiences that Cleveland has to offer. The latest? Something my neighbors call “The Walking Taco.”
Ingredients:
Bag of corn chips
Chili
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Directions:
Open your bag of corn chips, and scoop into it a chili of your choice. Next, top with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream. What do you have? A calorie bomb known as “The Walking Taco”: a mobile version of the classic Mexican dish. Because of it’s indulgent nature, it’s probably best paired with a five mile jog.
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