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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cohen’s cover blown at rally

Associated Press Sacha Baron Cohen (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Sacha Baron Cohen went undercover as his alter ego Bruno on Sunday by crashing a rally in support of a ballot measure that would ban gay marriage in California.

The British comedian is working on a film based on the fictional character Bruno, a gay Austrian fashion reporter who conducted gag interviews on HBO’s “Da Ali G Show.”

Cohen, in disguise in a blond wig and preppy outfit, marched with demonstrators who support Proposition 8 while being trailed by cameras in a rally across from City Hall.

When photographers and reporters realized who he was and tried to approach the star, members of his film crew tried to shield him, and he was eventually whisked away in a van.

Cohen, who has made a career out of filming unwitting victims of his fake identities, also played a journalist in the hit movie “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.”

Keanu is off the hook

It’s a most excellent outcome for Keanu Reeves: The “Matrix” actor doesn’t owe a dime to the paparazzo who sued him.

After deliberating for less than three hours, jurors unanimously rejected the civil lawsuit Monday, ruling that Reeves is not responsible for the photographer’s alleged injuries. Alison Silva had asked the jury to award him $711,974, which includes medical bills, lost wages and punitive damages.

“I respect the jury’s decision,” Silva told reporters outside the Los Angeles County Superior Court after the verdict was read. “That’s what we were here for since the beginning.”

Silva said he would continue to work as a paparazzo despite the jury’s decision.

Would he ever attempt to snap Reeves’ photo again?

“Why not? It’s business,” he responded. “I wish Keanu is happy in his life. I have nothing against Keanu.”

Stern’s new wife runs away

Newlywed shock jock Howard Stern was on hand to cheer his new bride complete the New York City Marathon in style.

Beth Ostrosky finished Sunday in 4 hours, 15 minutes – much better than the five-hour target the 36-year-old former model was aiming for.

“This was the happiest day of my life,” said Ostrosky, who ran to raise money for Long Island’s North Shore Animal League.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Stern gushed as daughter Ashley, 15, also hugged her stepmom.

Stern, 54, who married Ostrosky last month, had done his part that morning: Making a carb-loaded breakfast of bagels stuffed with peanut butter and bananas.

“She ate a ton,” he said.

More food was on the way after the race. “We’re going to celebrate with some sushi and some pasta,” Ostrosky said. “A lot of sushi and pasta.”

The birthday bunch

Actor Chris Robinson (“General Hospital”) is 70. Singer Art Garfunkel is 67. Actor-playwright Sam Shepard is 65. Singer Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits is 61. Actor Robert Patrick (“The X-Files”) is 50. Singer Bryan Adams is 49. Actress Tilda Swinton (“The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Adaptation”) is 48. Actress Tatum O’Neal is 45. Actress Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) is 41. Guitarist-keyboardist Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead is 37. Singer-guitarist Ryan Adams is 34.