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TV Stars Give Thanks

What are celebrities most thankful for this holiday season? We asked 19 big stars from the small screen to open their hearts and share their thoughts. Here are their heartfelt responses.

-- Marilyn Beck,
Stacy Jenel Smith
and Stephanie DuBois

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"I'd like to be able thank some of the older guys, like Don Rickles and the Rat Pack, for being such great mentors to me. Don Rickles is one of my best friends, one of the great living geniuses, a legend. I learned so much from him and the other guys in show business who gave so much to the audience."

Jane Seymour

'Dancing With the Stars'

"The devoted people who kept Tony (Dovolani) and me on 'Dancing With The Stars' so very long. The people all over the country who ... took the time to cast their votes, I thank them for every week, for the gift of dance that they enabled me to enjoy. I hope I rewarded some of them by showing that being a few decades older doesn't keep you from ... trying new things and taking risks."

Swoosie Kurtz

'Pushing Daisies'

"I'm thankful for all the amazing people in this world who give time and energy helping children who are abused and neglected to feel loved and wanted. I salute them and I thank them."

George Lopez

'The George Lopez Show'

"I do have to thank my wife, obviously [Ann gave him a kidney]. I'd like to thank those guys that I admired, like Cheech Marin and Lee Trevino, who gave me so much inspiration and made things look possible before I even got started in this business."

Jennette McCurdy

'iCarly'

"This Thanksgiving, I'd like to thank God. Without Him, I wouldn't be where I am now. God has been so generous to me and has given me so many blessings. Thank you, God."

Ellen Burstyn

'Mitch Album’s For One More Day'

"I'll always thank Lee Strasberg. He was such an incredible, probably the most important, influence on my life."

Mekhi Phifer

'ER'

"I've had so many people that have been influential in my life I don't have one particular person to thank. But I'd like to thank all the people who are really becoming conscious about the earth and the whole green aspect. I really commend everyone for putting a good foot forward around that."

Holland Taylor

'Two and a Half Men'

"It didn't take much thinking to answer this. I thought of who has changed my life and changed the quality of life in our country -- and that is Oprah Winfrey. In 20 years, the world will be different because of her. She knows education is how the world will change, not politics."

Kimberly Locke

'American Idol'

"I have great friends I probably don't thank enough. I'm not very close to my family, but thank God you get to pick your friends and they can become your family. Even my old chorus teacher, James Story -- he's just as important in my life now as he was in high school. He calls to check in, give inspiration to me. At the end of the day, these are the people ... I can count on."

Alex Wolff

'The Naked Brothers Band'

"I wanna thank all the people that give money to the homeless."

Nat Wolff

'The Naked Brothers Band'

"I would like to thank all those people who randomly smile while walking down the street. It always makes me smile!"

Camryn Manheim

'Ghost Whisperer'

"I am thankful for those who volunteer their time to make this world a better place and who tirelessly work on behalf of women and children on global issues. I am so very, very grateful for their service to this world."

Laila Ali

'Dancing With the Stars'

"This Thanksgiving, I will give thanks to all of my fans! So many people came up to me on the street and told me how much they enjoyed my performances on 'Dancing with The Stars.' Their votes took me all the way to the finals, which was great because I had the time of my life! I hope everyone has a joyful holiday season."

Jerry O'Connell

'Carpoolers'

"I really just thank my parents. That's what's so fun about Thanksgiving ... reflecting on how much they've done for me and how grateful I am for them being around."

Genie Francis

'General Hospital'

"Barbara Bass -- she was my studio teacher when I was a young woman; a nice Jewish mother. She was one of the only people who was capable of not losing sight of who I was. Without her loving guidance, I don't what I would have done. I thought I lived to make money and be a celebrity. She opened my mind to the possibility that I was worthwhile for myself. I was damn lucky to have her."

Maria Lark

'Medium'

"I am thankful for everyone who works on 'Medium.' I feel so thankful that I get to work and learn things from great actors like Patricia Arquette and Jake Weber. The actors get all the attention, and hey, that includes me, I guess, but it's really the people behind the scenes who make it happen. I really love the crew and that includes the writers and producers."