Cruise, Kidman’s son to appear in film

Los Angeles – The 13-year-old son of Tom Cruise is following in his father’s footsteps.

Connor Cruise, the adopted son of Cruise and ex-wife Nicole Kidman, has a minor, nonspeaking part in the upcoming Will Smith drama “Seven Pounds,” a spokesman for Columbia Pictures confirmed Tuesday.

Connor Cruise shot his part over two days more than a month ago, playing Smith as a young man and mostly shown in photographs.

The drama follows the story of a man who affects the lives of seven strangers.

Cruise and Kidman also have an adopted daughter, 15-year-old Isabella. Kidman is pregnant with her first child with hubby singer Keith Urban.

Miley Cyrus to write memoirs

New York – Miley Cyrus, author.

The multi-hyphenate teen star has signed a book deal to tell the story of her young life, it was announced Tuesday. The memoir by Cyrus, who stars in the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” is planned for release next spring.

Disney said the book will focus particularly on the guidance of Cyrus’ mother, Leticia.

“I am so excited to let fans in on how important my relationship with my family is to me,” the 15-year-old singer-actress said in a statement. “I hope to motivate mothers and daughters to build lifetimes of memories together and inspire kids around the world to live their dreams.”

The Disney Book Group has world rights to the book. Disney said Cyrus’ book will feature previously unseen photos, family stories and “a look at her inner circle of loved ones.”

Cyrus is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus.

Streisand won’t attend Israel celebration

Jerusalem – Barbra Streisand has pulled out of Israel’s 60th anniversary celebration next month because of “personal obligations.”

Streisand was among the celebrities set to appear at a Jerusalem convention hosted by Israeli President Shimon Peres beginning May 13.

“Ms. Streisand, a devoted supporter of Israel since her earliest youth, very regrettably was compelled to advise President Peres’ office two weeks ago that personal obligations would prevent her participation in Israel’s 60th anniversary celebration,” Streisand’s Los Angeles-based publicist Dick Guttman told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Guttman’s office added that her health is fine.

The Academy Award-winning actress and singer was to perform a rendition of the Hebrew prayer Avinu Malkeinu, or “Our Father Our King.”

Sambora makes deal in DUI case

Santa Ana, Calif. – Richie Sambora struck a deal with prosecutors Tuesday just hours after they filed drunken driving charges against him, pleading no contest to one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit.

In turn, the district attorney agreed to drop a second charge – driving under the influence of alcohol – against the Bon Jovi guitarist, said Farrah Emami, a district attorney spokeswoman.

Sambora, 48, was sentenced to three years of informal probation, three months of first-offender alcohol awareness class and court fees.

The legal-limit charge refers to a blood-test measurement, whereas the under-the-influence charge is generally based on a more subjective determination of the driver’s condition. Both are routinely filed in drinking and driving cases and carry similar penalties.

Two children and a woman were in the car. The children were released to the woman’s custody, and none of their names have been made public.

Schwarzenegger buys exclusive piece of land

Los Angeles – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver have purchased a 25-acre tract in an exclusive coastal enclave in Santa Barbara County for $4.7 million.

The Santa Barbara area has long been a magnet for celebrities, from Oprah Winfrey to Michael Jackson. Schwarzenegger snapped up a parcel in the Rancho Monte Alegre project, a former ranch in Carpinteria dotted with waterfalls and lush canyons that is being transformed into privately owned estates ranging from 20 to 720 acres.

It wasn’t clear when, or if, the governor plans to build on the site, although it allows a home up to 8,500 square feet.

He flirted with buying a home in Sacramento after he was elected in 2003 but is still commuting from his sprawling compound in Los Angeles.

Beyonce, Jay-Z’s marriage license filed

Scarsdale, N.Y. – A marriage license for Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z, dated April 4, has been filed with the state.

The celebrities and their representatives had refused to confirm widespread rumors about the marriage. But there was a lavish party at Jay-Z’s Manhattan apartment on April 4, with guests including Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce’s former Destiny’s Child bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

The couple have apparently been dating for six years. Knowles, 26, and Jay-Z, 38, whose real name is Shawn Carter, have collaborated on the songs “’03 Bonnie and Clyde” and “Crazy In Love.”