Caruso’s ex-girlfriend sues for money, house

Los Angeles — David Caruso’s ex-girlfriend is seeking more than $1.2 million and a house she says the “CSI: Miami” star promised her.

Liza Marquez sued Caruso in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, claiming he promised to support her even after their nearly four-year relationship ended.

In her complaint, Marquez paints Caruso as a possessive, jealous boyfriend who was a reluctant father. The lawsuit states Caruso ended their relationship two days after she gave birth to their second child in October 2007.

Kanye says ‘South Park’ put him in check

New York — “South Park” may have accomplished the impossible — getting Kanye West to check his ego.

The Comedy Central show skewered the famously self-important rapper on its show Wednesday night.

West responded Thursday on his blog, saying the show was funny, but that it also hurt his feelings and has helped him realize that maybe he needs to stop saying how great he is.

Said West in his typical all-caps mode: “I JUST WANT TO BE A DOPER PERSON WHICH STARTS WITH ME NOT ALWAYS TELLING PEOPLE HOW DOPE I THINK I AM.”

Dave Brubeck, 88, recovering at home

Wilton, Conn. — Dave Brubeck’s son says the jazz pianist and composer is looking forward to returning to the road for some shows after being hospitalized for a viral infection.

Chris Brubeck says his 88-year-old father is recovering at his Wilton, Conn., home, and hopes to be well enough to perform in a few weeks. He was released from Norwalk Hospital last week.

Brubeck’s illness made him miss a show April 3 at his alma mater, the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif. He was to perform his 1959 album, “Time Out,” to honor its 50th anniversary. Brubeck’s eldest son, Darius, filled in for his father.

Brubeck has several shows set for this year, including the Toronto Jazz Festival on July 1.

‘Housewives’ countess ‘blindsided’ by breakup

New York — Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, one of the sassy ladies of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York,” says she was “blindsided” by her breakup from her husband of 16 years.

Last week, she confirmed her separation from Count Alexandre de Lesseps, who appeared intermittently on “Real Housewives.”

The countess, who is keeping her title, says she tries to stand tall and “take it day by day.” After so many years of marriage, she says, “it’s like something has died.”

The former model confirms a report that the breakup came after she received an e-mail message from the count, who spends much time overseas.

Spears’ concert halted 30 minutes for smoke

Vancouver, British Columbia — The new and improved Britney Spears apparently isn’t a fan of cigarette smoke — or any other kind of smoke, for that matter — while she’s performing.

The 27-year-old pop star left the stage for about 30 minutes during a concert in Vancouver on Wednesday night, apparently because of smoke in the audience.

According to The Vancouver Sun, Spears’ concert was halted about 15 minutes into her performance, and an announcer told concertgoers to put out their cigarettes. After she returned and ended the show, Spears — who has been to rehab — told the crowd, “Don’t smoke weed.”

Miley Cyrus movie to be shot in Savannah

Atlanta — The governor’s office in Georgia says the Disney movie “The Last Song,” starring Miley Cyrus, will be filmed in Savannah this summer.

Georgia had been contending with North Carolina for the film, which the governor’s office says will bring about 250 jobs to the state.

The script is by novelist Nicholas Sparks, and Julie Anne Robinson will direct. Shooting is expected to begin in June.

Besides Savannah, the governor’s office said the film will be shot at nearby coastal locations.

Cyrus, star of the “Hannah Montana” television series and films, will be playing another character this time.

Neeson to star as Zeus in ‘Clash of the Titans’

Los Angeles — Liam Neeson is set to begin work on his first film since the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson.

Neeson will play Zeus, king of the gods, in a remake of “Clash of the Titans” opposite Ralph Fiennes as Hades, ruler of the underworld. Louis Leterrier (“Transporter 2,” last year’s “The Incredible Hulk”) will direct the film, which is set to begin production in the United Kingdom later this month, Warner Bros. said Thursday.

This marks the first project for Neeson, 56, since Richardson’s death in a skiing accident. The 45-year-old actress died March 18 after falling and hitting her head at Quebec’s Mont Tremblant two days earlier.