Country singer dresses ‘preppy’ when incognito

Jackson, Miss. – Gretchen Wilson may be known to country fans as a “Redneck Woman,” but she recently told The Associated Press that she uses “preppy” clothing to avoid being noticed in public.

Wilson, 31, said she sports khakis, flip-flops and an army hat “so I can get in and get my toilet paper and get out.”

The 2005 Country Music Assn. female vocalist of the year also said she avoids eye contact. “I usually don’t get noticed until I get to the checkout because I have to look at someone in the eye,” she said.

Though the style differs greatly from her preferred jeans, white shirt and ball cap, Wilson said her usual laid-back attire is too recognizable.

“I ruined it from the word ‘go’ with ‘Redneck Woman.’ I started out with a ball cap and shades and my hair in a ponytail and that was the first glimpse that everybody saw of me so I could never hide much after that,” she said.

Wearing a T-shirt advertising the Nashville, Tenn., boutique Flavour, Wilson said she would rather spend $1,000 on pairs of blue jeans than a pair of fancy shoes.

Wilson, who was in Jackson on Thursday for a concert to benefit hurricane victims, gained mainstream success with her song “Redneck Woman” and album “Here for the Party.”

Eastwood to receive lifetime achievement award

Los Angeles – After roughing up bad guys on the big screen for decades, and most recently using a little tough love to train a woman boxer, Clint Eastwood will receive the Directors Guild of America’s lifetime achievement award.

The 75-year-old actor-director will be honored during the 58th annual DGA Awards on Jan. 28, it was announced Thursday.

“As one of the most prolific, versatile directors in the history of the medium, there isn’t a genre that Clint Eastwood hasn’t mastered in the more than 25 films he has directed over the past 35 years,” said DGA President Michael Apted.

Only 31 directors have received the DGA’s lifetime honor, including Mike Nichols, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock.

Eastwood also will receive the Producers Guild of America’s Milestone Award for contributions to the movie industry, which will be presented Jan. 22.

After starring in Italian “spaghetti” Westerns in the 1960s, Eastwood portrayed a tough-guy police detective in his “Dirty Harry” movies.

His 2004 film, “Million Dollar Baby,” about a woman boxer who rises to the top with Eastwood as coach, won four Oscars, including best picture and best director for Eastwood.

Son follows father’s footsteps on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Los Angeles – Alejandro Fernandez followed his father’s footsteps, first into music, then onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Ranchera singer Vicente Fernandez was among hundreds who turned out Friday to see his son receive a star on the legendary sidewalk. He gave Alejandro a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and then the two sang a duet.

“This is a very special day in my life,” Alejandro Fernandez told the crowd in Spanish. “I dedicate this to Mexico, to my fans, to my family and everyone who has been involved with my musical career.”

Father Vicente was bursting with pride. “That’s my son,” he said.

Alejandro’s star was unveiled next to his father’s.

Alejandro Fernandez, known as much for his smoldering good looks as his music, has sold more than 15 million copies of his 14 albums. He recently added acting to his resume, appearing in Alfonso Arau’s film, “Zapata.”

The Mexican heartthrob has won two Latin Grammys, a Latin Billboard Award and numerous other honors since he began his music career in 1992.

Governor dedicates research center for Botox maker

Irvine, Calif. – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger helped dedicate a new $60 million research center Friday for pharmaceutical giant Allergan Inc., which has amassed a fortune with one of Hollywood’s hottest products – Botox.

“This is all for Joan Rivers,” quipped the governor, a reference to the 72-year-old comedian whose unlined face is often the target of Botox and plastic-surgery jokes.

The remark drew loud laughter from the approximately 200 Allergan employees who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new Herbert Research Center, named for company founder Gavin Herbert, will allow Allergan to further conduct research in eye diseases and other areas.

The company’s most popular product is Botox, made from botulism toxin and used in small quantities to treat neurological ailments and smooth wrinkles and age lines.

Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Julie Soderlund, responding to a question from The Associated Press, said the governor has never used the product himself.

Former presidential candidate wants to move to acting

New York – He’s been a minister, an activist and a presidential candidate. Now Al Sharpton wants to be a sitcom star.

Sharpton told the Daily News in Saturday’s editions that he is working with CBS on a pilot, tentatively named, “Al in the Family.”

“It’s about conflicting social and political views,” Sharpton said. “There’ll also be a social message.”

The Democrat, who has also run for mayor of New York and the U.S. Senate, said one possible episode would have one of his TV children becoming a Republican.

“I don’t know if I am a good actor or not, but I will be playing myself and I have been practicing that for 51 years,” he said.