By ERIC DEGGANS By Eric Deggans St. Petersburg Times WHEN FILM ACTRESS Angela Bassett was considering a substantial role on NBC's long-running medical drama, "ER," she particularly remembers one actor encouraging her to make the move: castmate Mekhi Phifer.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know if and when "ER" is returning to WCSH TV Channel 6. Please could you find out for me? Thanks. - Irene, No Town. Answer: Sun Spots is happy to report that "ER" will be returning with all new episodes on Thursday, April 10.

By Semenza, Gregory M Coln Although filming had been completed nearly two years earlier, Tim Blake Nelson's teen adaptation of Othello would not be released in theaters until late August of 2001.