Dan Gross: She's starting 'One Life' job

NAFEESA WILLIAMS was happy enough when she landed a three-episode role on "One Life to Live," but that has turned into a four-year contract with the ABC soap.

Williams, a West Philadelphia native and Lamberton High grad, debuts on the show at 2 p.m. tomorrow playing Deanna Ford, "someone from James Ford's past," which is all she would reveal about her character.

"This is more than I ever dreamed of," Williams told us yesterday. "I'm super excited and really grateful for the experience," she said.

Williams, who is in her early 20s, studied criminal justice at West Chester University and interned in the homicide unit of the District Attorney's Office.

Last year she appeared in a Philly-shot drama called "Streets."

Out and about

Actor Billy Baldwin, who wrestled at Binghamton University, was in town over the weekend supporting Binghamton in the NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Wells Fargo Center. Baldwin, who starred on the tragically short-lived ABC series "Dirty Sexy Money" and recently appeared on "Gossip Girl," donated money to help save Binghamton's wrestling program a few years back. He lunched Saturday at Profi's Creperie in the Reading Terminal Market and also stopped at Mac's Tavern (226 Market), where a reader of sports site Deadspin snapped pictures.

* "L.A. Law" stars Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry dined at Le Virtu (1927 E. Passyunk) on Sunday with Tucker's brother and sister-in-law, who live in the area. Tucker, a proud son of Baltimore, bonded with server Freddy Cratil over Baltimore Colts' history as Cratil served up chef Joe Cicala's fresh pasta.

* Married comedians Rich Vos and Bonnie McFarlane brought their 3-year-old daughter, Rayna, onstage Thursday at Helium (2031 Sansom) where they performed with Jim Florentine and Vinnie Brand. Asked who is funnier, Mommy or Daddy, the toddler pointed at Bonnie.

'Jersey Shore' invasion

While MTV's "Jersey Shore" airs its season finale Thursday night, star Jenni "JWoww" Farley will be at Whisper (1712 Walnut). Admission is $10 between 10 and 11 p.m. and $20 after 11. DJ Sat-One will spin.

* Speaking of "Jersey Shore," Mike "The

Situation" Sorrentino, whose mistreatment of women on the show has led many, including Your Humble Narrator, to wonder if he actually likes girls, appears at Parx Casino in Bensalem on April 1 pitching Devotion vodka. He'll party in the casino's 360 club starting at 10 p.m.

* And in even more "Jersey Shore" news, only Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is needed to complete the collection of castmates who have appeared at the Pool After Dark at Harrah's.

Vinny Guadagnino and Deena Nicole Cortese sipped vodka and Red Bulls there during a party a couple of nights back.

Local hunks on TV Friday

The "Inside Edition" segment on Philly's hottest bachelors airs at 6:30 Friday evening on Fox 29.

She said 'Yes'

Yesterday's column ended with an item in which we helped Penn Valley's Justin Pesin propose to his girlfriend, Jil Dubin, a loyal reader of ours. She said yes and loved Pesin's gesture.

Visit PhillyGossip.com for Dan's latest updates or follow PhillyGossip on Twitter. Have a tip? Call 215-854-5963, or email grossd@phillynews.com. For recent columns, visit www.philly.com/DanGross.