TV actor Keith Diamond shot

New York — An elderly Queens man was charged with attempted murder Monday in the shooting of his son, an actor who has appeared on episodes of “ER” and “The Drew Carey Show,” prosecutors said.

Vincent Ford Jr., 42, who uses the professional name Keith Diamond, had recently traveled from California to Queens to visit his ailing mother.

His father, Vincent Ford Sr., 81, allegedly shot him three times with a .32-caliber revolver, police said.

The actor was taken to Mary Immaculate Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition with face, chest and arm injuries.

The actor also has appeared in feature films such as “Dr. Giggles” (1992) and “Biker Boyz” (2003), and the TV shows “CSI: Miami,” “Charmed,” “What I Like About You” and “Navy NCIS.”

Sophie Prize winner named

Oslo, Norway — Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement in Africa, has been selected as the winner of the 2004 Sophie Prize.

The $100,000 prize was created in 1997 by Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder and his wife, Siri Dannevig. It is named after Gaarder’s book “Sophie’s World,” a surprise international best-selling novel based on philosophy for young people.

The prize is intended to foster work aimed at improving the environment and sustainable development.

In simultaneous announcements Monday in Oslo and Nairobi, the Norwegian awards committee said Maathai for “30 years (has) fought fearlessly for the protection of the environment, human rights, social justice, human dignity and the promotion of democratic governance.”

Apollo turns 70

New York — On Sunday night, Denzel Washington, Bob Dylan, Ashanti, Quincy Jones, Mo’Nique and Tracy Morgan were among the celebrities who celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Apollo at a gala concert taped for broadcast on NBC.

“It’s not only a pleasure, but an honor for me to be here tonight,” Washington told the audience.

The evening was filled with memories, tributes and music. Herbie Hancock, along with Harry Connick Jr. and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, paid tribute to the music of Duke Ellington. Dylan sang “A Change Is Gonna Come,” made famous by Sam Cooke. Quincy Jones was given an award.

“Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem” will air June 19.

‘Friend’-ly role for Adriana

“Sopranos” mob mole Drea de Matteo has been cast as Matt LeBlanc’s hairdresser sister in NBC’s upcoming “Friends” spinoff, “Joey,” reports TV Guide Online.

De Matteo’s character is described as a strong woman who, like her bro, has a way with the opposite sex.

Don’t worry, “Sopranos” fans: De Matteo’s “Joey” gig will not interfere with her starring as Adriana — if her character lives long enough to appear in the sixth and final season of HBO’s mob hit, which starts shooting next year.

In other “Friends”-related news, Jennifer Aniston has signed on to star in “Gambit,” Universal’s upcoming remake of the 1966 British caper.