Snoop Dogg to make cameo on soap opera

New York – Snoop Dogg is bringing some street cred to “One Life to Live.”

The 36-year-old rapper will make an extended cameo on the ABC soap opera to perform two songs from his new album, “Ego Trippin’,” at the Ultra Violet club in the town of Llanview, the network said Thursday.

Snoop’s episodes will air May 8 and May 9, and feature his re-mixed version of the show’s theme song. He will also act in scenes.

“I’ve been a fan of ‘One Life to Live’ since I was a baby,” said Snoop, who’s set to perform “Sensual Seduction” and “Life of Da Party.”

“My momma always had it on the tube in tha crib growing up. The opportunity to change up the theme song and give it some of my flavor will make the show the Life of The Party.”

Spears ‘having a blast’ on set of sitcom

New York – Britney Spears is relishing her new role on “How I Met Your Mother.”

Spears has been taping her much-hyped cameo on the CBS sitcom for the March 24 episode, in which she portrays a receptionist in a dermatologist’s office named Abby who crushes on Ted (Josh Radnor).

“Working at ‘How I Met Your Mother’ has been so terrific,” Spears said in a statement Thursday. “Everyone, including the cast, the crew and the producers, has been wonderful and Abby is such a fun girl to play. I’m having a blast!”

Radnor told People.com that “on the first day of the shoot, Britney knew her lines better than I knew mine. She’s been great to work with.”

Spears has previous TV sitcom experience playing a character on a 2006 episode of “Will and Grace.” She was also the host and musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” in 2000.

“How I Met Your Mother,” returning Monday with all-new episodes following the writers strike, co-stars Radnor, Jason Segal, Alyson Hannigan, Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris as twentysomethings living in New York City.

‘Deathly Hallows’ movie to be split in two

Los Angeles – Harry Potter was the center of seven novels, but he’ll star in eight films.

The final book in the wildly successful series will be made into two films, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Producers are expected to announce Thursday that J.K. Rowling’s last “Potter” installment, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” will be split into two parts on the big screen. The first film is slated for release in November 2010, with part two following in May 2011.

“It was born out of purely creative reasons,” producer David Heyman told the Times. “Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book.”

The two final “Potter” films will be shot concurrently, much like the blockbuster trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novel “The Lord of the Rings.”

Another famous Tolkien tome, “The Hobbit,” is also being split into two live-action movies set for back-to-back shooting to begin next year.

Novelist donates $1M to Alzheimer’s research

London – Terry Pratchett said Thursday he is donating $1 million for research into Alzheimer’s, the disease he was diagnosed with last year.

The best-selling fantasy writer said it’s “a shock and a shame” that less money was spent on Alzheimer’s research than on fighting cancer. His donation will go to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, a British charity.

He said Alzheimer’s was “a nasty disease, surrounded by shadows and small, largely unseen tragedies.”

Pratchett, best known for his satirical “Discworld” fantasy saga, has sold more than 55 million copies of his books worldwide.

Jackson lawyer says Neverland Ranch saved

Michael Jackson has refinanced Neverland ranch in time to save his famed California spread from a public auction that was scheduled for later this month.

Jackson attorney L. Londell McMillan told The Associated Press on Thursday that the pop star has worked out a “confidential” agreement with Fortress Investment Group, LLC. The deal allows him to retain ownership of the famed property in Los Olivos, Calif.

“Neverland and MJ are fine,” McMillan said.

An auction date had been set for March 19 because of $24.5 million the singer owed on the 2,500-acre spread northwest of Santa Barbara.

Prince Charles, Camilla jam with Rastafarians

Kingston, Jamaica – Prince Charles and wife Camilla joined a group of Rastafarian musicians Wednesday for a drum session outside the old home of reggae great Bob Marley.

On a Caribbean tour to promote environmental protection, the royal couple were led through the home – now a museum honoring the late singer – by Marley’s widow, Rita, and sons Robert and Rohan.

Charles and Camilla viewed memorabilia such as tour photos and a Gibson guitar favored by the singer, who rose to international stardom before dying of cancer at 36.

Earlier Wednesday, hundreds of people jostled each other for a glimpse of the British royals during a visit to an impoverished community. Charles chatted with townspeople and planted a seedling at a community center in Rose Town, where his Foundation for the Built Environment is helping with revitalization efforts.