Citizen Carrey

New York — Canadian-born comic actor Jim Carrey has become a U.S. citizen and said his decision to pursue dual citizenship was based on his love for the country that helped him attain his dream, reports ABC News.

Nevertheless, the star of the upcoming “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” professed his pride at being born a Canadian.

“I have no intention of giving up my Canadian heritage, and all those who loved and supported me,” said Carrey, 42. “My upbringing in Canada made me the person I am. I will always be proud to be a Canadian.”

A plea to Oprah

Chicago — If you really want something, ask the woman who gave cars to her entire talk-show audience.

“SEND ME BACK TO PRISON! My final plea is to you Miss Winfrey,” reads a billboard in suburban Chicago aimed at Oprah Winfrey, host of the syndicated “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Christian musician and songwriter David Joseph paid for the ad. He says he spent years performing for federal inmates until funding dried up in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Joseph, who said he made $20,000 a year performing in 80 to 90 prisons, isn’t necessarily asking Winfrey to write a check.

“My main desire is to tell my story on a taping of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show,”‘ he said. Joseph hopes that by telling his story, someone will be interested in picking up the tab.

Rockin’ PSAs

Los Angeles — Leonardo DiCaprio has rounded up some celebrity friends to weigh in on campaign issues.

DiCaprio helped craft a set of public service announcements for Rock the Vote encouraging young people to vote in the Nov. 2 election.

He appears in the mostly black-and-white spots with six other actors and musicians, including Justin Timberlake, Ricky Martin and Samuel L. Jackson.

Two PSAs have been completed and more are planned. The PSAs will go up on the Rock the Vote Web site this week.

Mel almighty

New York — Mel Gibson, the maker of the controversial “The Passion of the Christ,” dominates Entertainment Weekly’s annual power issue.

“What once seemed like a zealous bit of risky business (Gibson even said God was directing the movie through him) has proved to be one of the most successful power plays in Hollywood history,” the magazine says, “with $610 million in global sales.”

Besides Gibson, those who have the power, according to the magazine, include Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Michael Moore and Lindsay Lohan, with Harvey Weinstein, Janet Jackson, Larry and Andy Wachowski, Vin Diesel and the Olsen twins among those on the slide.