Jolie plays spy, but plays down spy scandal

Moscow — Even though Angelina Jolie plays a suspected Russian sleeper agent in her latest movie, in real life she thinks U.S.-Russian relations are going well.

Jolie was in Moscow for the Russian premiere of the movie “Salt” on Sunday, just a few weeks after 10 Russian sleeper agents were expelled from the United States in exchange for four Russians accused of spying for the West.

She told reporters at the Oktyabrskaya theater, “You don’t want to focus on the negative behind this issue of the spy swap because I think that what is happening between our countries is wonderful these days, so many positive movements forward.”

Fans waited hours in 95-degree heat outside the theater to get a glimpse of the star, who wore a scarlet gown.

‘House’ star to sing blues on new album

London — Dr. Gregory House has long battled the blues. Now, the actor who plays the acerbic physician plans to play them.

Warner Music Entertainment said Monday that British actor Hugh Laurie has signed a deal to record an album of New Orleans-inspired blues.

“I am drunk with excitement at this opportunity,” Laurie said in a statement. “I know the history of actors making music is a checkered one, but I promise no one will get hurt.”

On “House,” Laurie’s character often plays piano and the guitar. According to his record company, Laurie is a predominantly self-taught pianist because, in a very House-like move, he had “creative differences” with his childhood teacher.

New Jersey governor no ‘Jersey Shore’ fan

Trenton, N.J. — “Jersey Shore” may have many fans, but New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie isn’t among them.

During an appearance Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” host Jake Tapper asked Christie whether he thought the MTV program — which focuses on the escapades of a group of hard-partying 20-something Italian-Americans at a shore house — was positive or negative for his state.

Christie said the show is negative, and it “takes a bunch of New Yorkers, drops them at the Jersey Shore and tries to make America feel like this is New Jersey.”

Many Italian-American groups have said the show is offensive and relies on crude stereotypes.