Buzz Briefs: Jerry Lewis, Fergie

Jerry Lewis Doesn't Travel Lightly

Police say they have confiscated a gun belonging to Jerry Lewis that was found in the 82-year-old entertainer's carryon bag as he prepared to fly to Detroit from Las Vegas.

Las Vegas policeman Bill Cassell said Tuesday that the actor was cited Friday for carrying an unloaded concealed weapon at the Las Vegas airport.

Lewis' manager, Claudia Marghilano, says the handgun is a hollowed-out prop gun that Lewis sometimes twirls during his show. She tells The Associated Press that the gun couldn't fire.

Marghilano says Lewis didn't know the gun was in the bag along with other props.

Cassell says if the gun were merely a prop "it wouldn't be a weapon and we couldn't cite him for carrying a weapon."

Fergie: "Thrilled" To Play A Prostitute In "Nine"

Fergie is excited about adding the role of a prostitute to her acting portfolio.

The Grammy-winning singer has been cast as Saraghina in "Nine," a big-screen adaptation of the Tony-winning musical. She will perform the saucy song "Be Italian" with Guido, played by Daniel Day-Lewis.

"She's basically a prostitute on the beach," Fergie told The Associated Press in an interview. "She introduces him to the world of sexuality. It's a very strong song. I'm just thrilled I get to play a character. I'm singing, but I'm not singing as myself. I'm going to be singing as a character, and that's what's really exciting to me."

Fergie, 33, joins Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench and Kate Hudson in "Nine," directed by Rob Marshall ("Chicago"). Filming is set to begin in October. Fergie, whose real name is Stacy Ann Ferguson, had minor roles in the "Poseidon" and "Grindhouse" movies.

"I'm speechless," she said of the opportunity to work with the film's A-list talent. "I'm definitely going to be a sponge on set. I want to pick up on everything that all these brilliant actors are bringing to the table. I'm probably going to be the quietest that I've ever been while working just because I want to watch and learn."

She was in Las Vegas on Monday to debut her two new shoe lines at the World Shoe Association show in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Fergie, who released her hit-packed solo album "The Duchess" in 2006, said she's now in the studio working on a new album with the Black Eyed Peas, their first new record since 2005's "Monkey Business."

"It's a new sound," she said. "We're going into the future. We're not doing the same old thing. We're not trying to copy what's out there on the radio. We're being artistic and pushing the envelope."

Batman Star Dodges Assault Questions In Japan

Christian Bale skirted questions about the assault allegations against him Tuesday at the Japanese premiere of "The Dark Knight."

British media has reported that Bale's mother and sister told police he assaulted them at the hotel a day before attending the film's European premiere.

But the Batman star managed to make it through the hugely successful Warner Bros. movie's premiere in Japan with virtually no comment on his personal problems.

"It's a private matter," he told a crowded news conference. Last week, in Spain, Bale brushed off reporters with a similar comment.

Bale has said through his lawyers that the assault allegations are false.

The 34-year-old Welsh actor's personal drama hasn't hurt the movie. It crossed the $300 million mark in just 10 days in the U.S. and is expected to do well in Europe and Asia.

Bale and his co-stars were at no loss for words over the performance of the late Heath Ledger, who stole the show with his eccentric and highly charged portrayal of the Joker.

"You could see how much glee and pleasure he got out of playing this character," Bale said of Ledger, who died in January.

Bale was the child star of Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" in 1987. His screen credits also include "American Psycho," "The Machinist" and "Batman Begins."

"The Joker claims the only things you can believe in are chaos and disorder," Bale said. "There is some truth to that."

Publicist Clarifies Miley's "Hannah Montana" Remarks

Miley Cyrus hinted Monday that she may be doing her final season of "Hannah Montana," but a publicist for Disney said nothing has been decided yet.

"We start production on the third season of 'Hannah Montana' on Aug. 4 and have an option for a fourth season beyond that. We look forward to the 'Hannah Montana' feature film coming to a theater near you in Spring 2009.

Earlier on Monday, Cyrus told EOnline!'s Marc Malkin, "We're thinking this is our last season."

Cyrus added that she's not trying to distance herself from Disney, the company she calls her "family."

"I'm still with my family," she said. "You know, they're safe. They always feel like home. And that's what I love about the company. They are family."

J-Lo To Star In Romantic Comedy

Jennifer Lopez will topline Yari Film Group's romantic comedy "The Governess."

"The Governess" was written by Kevin Wade, who also penned Lopez starrer "Maid in Manhattan," and Wendy Braff.

Story centers on a professional thief who, in order to pull off a major bank heist, poses as a nanny to the three unruly children of a wealthy widower. When she starts to fall for the kids and their father, she must decide if she can give up her past for a chance to start over.

The film is scheduled for release in December 2009.

Mario Lopez: New Host of "Extra"

Mario Lopez is scheduled to take over the anchor chair of the entertainment news magazine show "Extra," on September 15 as the show begins its 15th season.

"We are excited to name Mario Lopez as the new host of "Extra"s' weekday show. Mario has done a great job as the host of our weekend show and has established himself as a highly engaging, likeable and sought-after host and personality. He will be a fresh and dynamic presence for the show," said Telepictures President Hilary Estey McLoughlin.

Longtime "Extra" host Dayna Devon will transition into a special correspondent role for the program, focusing on major celebrity interviews and celebrity lifestyle reporting. She will also serve as backup host for Lopez.

Devon's co-host Mark McGrath, will be leaving the show at his request in order to refocus on his musical career. His band Sugar Ray is currently recording a new album, which will be documented comprehensively by "Extra" with exclusive behind-the-scenes reports in the coming months.

Zhang Puzzled By China Protesters

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" star Zhang Ziyi has told Vogue magazine that she is puzzled by the protests against China's human rights record before the Beijing Olympics.

Activists have criticized China's rule in Tibet and its alleged failure to do more to help stop mass killings in the Sudanese region of Darfur. Protests marred several international legs of the Olympic torch relay.

The actress served as a torch bearer for the Chinese leg of the relay.

"I don't see why people are so negative. The games are about friendship," Zhang was quoted as saying in the current issue of Vogue. "I'm Chinese and I'm proud of my country."

Zhang's manager didn't immediately respond to an e-mail from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Zhang's film credits also include "Rush Hour 2," "House of Flying Daggers" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."