People: TV could be in Slater’s future

Christian Slater, who can be seen these days walking Spokane streets, may soon be starring in his first TV series.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, NBC is on the verge of picking up a series that would star Slater as a suburban father whose alter ego is a daring spy. It comes from writer Jason Smilovic (“The Bionic Woman”) and is being described as a mix of “The Bourne Identity” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”

Though Slater has a few TV credits under his belt in recent years, including guest spots on “The West Wing,” “Alias” and “My Name Is Earl,” the series would mark Slater’s first starring role in a TV series.

His film credits include “Heathers,” “True Romance,” “The Good Shepherd” and “Bobby.”

Slater has been in Spokane filming the feature “Alicia’s Book, a production of city-based North by Northwest.

Seacrest is sorry, too

Gary Busey, who interrupted E! presenter Ryan Seacrest as he was interviewing Jennifer Garner and Laura Linney, said he “meant no disrespect” and was unaware that Garner and Linney were being interviewed. “I simply greeted both actresses with joy and open arms, which is the way I would greet anyone I’m happy to meet,” Busey said. “Everyone has experienced a handshake or hug which has turned awkward, and this was no different.”

And her point is?

Mariah Carey knows her talent clashes with her sexed-up image. “It’s a dichotomy, I understand,” the 37-year-old Grammy winner told Allure magazine. “I understand that people think I am a ditzy moron.”

This is real, this is fantasy

Thomas Jane got his on-screen and real lives confused. The 39-year-old actor was driving his black 2008 Maserati at 124 mph when he was stopped by the California Highway Patrol on Interstate 5 near Bakersfield early Monday morning. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Jane starred in “The Mist” and “The Punisher.”

She’s feeling Miley high

“Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus, 15, whose given name is Destiny Hope Cyrus, has filed papers in Los Angeles to change her legal name to Miley Ray Cyrus. The singer and TV star is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who filed the papers last Friday with wife Leticia. Miley Cyrus has said her father gave her the nickname “Smiley Miley” as a baby because of her sunny disposition.

It’s still Mrs. Ritchie, please

All is well in the Madonna/Guy Ritchie household. Or so claims the 49-year-old pop star’s spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg. Rosenberg says that, until recently, Madonna, and Ritchie, 39, had been living apart for professional reasons. Today, the Ritchies are “joyfully back together at home in London. All is well and wonderful in the Ritchie household,” Rosenberg said.

The birthday bunch

Actor Patrick McGoohan is 80. Actress Renée Taylor (“The Nanny”) is 75. Actress Ursula Andress is 72. Singer Ruth Pointer is 62. Actress Glenn Close is 61. Actor Bruce Willis is 53. Guitarist-keyboardist Gert Bettens of K’s Choice is 38. Drummer Zach Lind of Jimmy Eat World is 32. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor (“Malcolm in the Middle”) is 19.