CP TELETHON HOSTED BY STAR OF TELEVISION'S `MURPHY BROWN'

SIKESTON -- The annual Kenny Rogers Cerebral Palsy Telethon in Sikeston will be emceed this year by Jay Thomas, one of the stars of television's "Murphy Brown."

Headlining the event will be the all-woman country band Wild Rose. The telethon is scheduled for Feb. 22-23.

Thomas plays Jerry Gold, Candice Bergen's on-screen interest on "Murphy Brown." He previously had a recurring role on "Cheers," portraying Eddie Lebec, Carla's husband. He was also the deli owner on the old series "Mork and Mindy."

Thomas and Wild Rose will attend a sponsor's reception the day before the telethon at the Eagles Club in Sikeston. Tickets are available from CP board members or by calling the CP center at 472-0397.

Born in New Orleans, Thomas began his career as a stand-up comedian in the French Quarter at the age of 16. He has been in many off-Broadway productions and has performed regularly with the Playwright's Horizons group.

In addition to "Murphy Brown," Thomas starred as the leading man in 1991 in television's "Married People." He has also been cast in the upcoming motion picture "Straight Talk" with Dolly Parton, James Woods and Griffin Dunne.

Thomas lives in Hollywood with his wife, Sally Michelson, a nutritionist, and their 1-year-old son.

Wild Rose was nominated for the 1990 Academy of Country Music Top Vocal Group, and received a Grammy nomination for country instrumental performance in 1991.

Wild Rose's third album, "Listen to Your Heart," established the signature of the all-woman band. Members are Wanda Vick, Nancy Given-Prout, Pamela Gadd, Pam Perry and Kathy Mac.

Their previous albums were "Breaking New Ground" and "Straight and Narrow."