Clark released from hospital

TV and music fans rejoice: “American Bandstand” hero Dick Clark has been released from the hospital, seven weeks after suffering a minor stroke and missing his celebrated gig hosting televised New Year’s festivities in New York’s Times Square for the first time in 32 years.

Clark, 75, returned to his Malibu pad, where he reportedly is recuperating nicely, and he extended a heartfelt thanks for all the cards and letters he received.

“He was very touched by the outpouring of support,” his rep, Paul Shefrin, said. No word on whether the stroke will affect the impresario’s overall health.

Here’s the story of a man named Brady: divorce No. 2

Los Angeles — The wife of former “The Brady Bunch” kid Barry Williams has filed for divorce, according to court papers.

Williams, 50, who played Greg Brady on the ’70s sitcom, married Ella Mary Matt Williams in 1999. The couple formally separated earlier this month and have a 2-year-old son, according to the divorce petition filed Tuesday in Superior Court.

Williams requested sole custody of their son and asked that her husband have visits only with a nanny present, according to the petition.

Barry Williams works in musical theater, makes public speaking tours and wrote a memoir titled, “Growing Up Brady: I Was a Teenage Greg.”

Ringo cartoon will unveil Beatle’s secret superpowers

New York — And you thought he could only play the drums.

Former Beatle Ringo Starr and comic book mogul Stan Lee announced a partnership Wednesday to launch an original entertainment franchise of an animated persona based on and voiced by Starr.

“Ringo is beloved worldwide for his commitment to people and his singular wit,” said Lee, the man responsible for the likes of Spider-Man and The Hulk. “Our Ringo Superhero character will combine these qualities, along with Ringo’s secret powers which people generally didn’t know about because he has kept them secret — until now.”

Starr’s alter ego is described as an “evil-battling, Earth-saving — though reluctant — superhero with a great sense of rhythm.”

Production on the series will begin this year, with a DVD planned for release in the beginning of 2006.

Kidman gets restraining order against photographers

Sydney, Australia — Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman has won temporary restraining orders against two freelance photographers.

Magistrate Lee Gilmore of the Waverly Local Court ordered photographers Jamie Fawcett, 43, and Ben McDonald, 32, not to approach Kidman at her home or go within 66 feet of her house.

The restraining orders will remain in place until at least Feb. 11, when the case returns to court.

Neither Kidman nor the photographers attended Thursday’s hearing.

Photographers have been staking out Kidman’s home since she arrived Sunday to begin filming her new movie. Kidman’s security guards allegedly discovered a listening device earlier this week outside her residence.

Birthdays

Actor Alan Alda is 69. Actress-singer Barbi Benton is 55. Singer Sarah McLachlan is 37. Rapper Rakim is 37. Singer Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys) is 25. Actor Elijah Wood is 24.