People talk 5/16

Rosie jokes about life with Katie Couric

NEW YORK -- Ozzy Osbourne already has three kids of his own, but Rosie O'Donnell joked on Wednesday that the heavy metal singer also impregnated her girlfriend.

When Katie Couric asked on the "Today" show whether the father was singer David Crosby -- the sperm provider for Melissa Etheridge's two children with ex-girlfriend Julie Cypher -- O'Donnell quipped, "It's Ozzy Osbourne, actually."

O'Donnell is a huge fan of "The Osbournes," the MTV series that goes inside Osbourne's home life, and often shows clips on her talk show.

Kelli Carpenter, her longtime girlfriend, is due to give birth in December. Publicist Cindi Berger declined to say who helped with the artificial insemination.

"I'm thrilled," said O'Donnell, who already has three adopted children. "When you adopt a baby, you never get to do the first few months. ... It's very overwhelming. It's fascinating."

Couric interviewed the comedian on the set of "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," sitting behind the desk while O'Donnell sat in a guest's chair. After a six-year run, the talk show's last episode is set for May 22.

Campaign wants Boss as New Jersey senator

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. -- Sure, Bruce Springsteen was born to run. But was he born to run for office?

Political consultant Doug Friedline thinks so. He's leading a campaign to get the Boss elected as New Jersey's next U.S. senator.

A coalition calling itself "The Independence for New Jersey" launched a petition drive Tuesday to get the 800 signatures of registered voters required by June 4 to place Springsteen on the ballot.

It's not that simple though, officials said. Springsteen would have to sign on to consent to becoming a candidate. His publicist did not return a call seeking comment.

Friedline, of Brooklyn Park, Minn., managed Jesse Ventura's successful Minnesota gubernatorial campaign in 1998.

Not having talked with Springsteen, Friedline is uncertain of the 52-year-old singer's ideology, but knows this: "His record shows that if he believes in a cause, he'll get involved."

Volunteers hope Springsteen would run as an independent this fall against incumbent U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli, a Democrat, and whichever Republican emerges from the June 4 primary. The Republican candidates are state Sen. Diane Allen, state Sen. John Matheussen and businessman Doug Forrester.

'Star Wars' fans celebrate with Lucas

LONDON -- Several thousand fans gathered outside a theater showing a charity screening of the new "Star Wars" movie, and many helped director George Lucas celebrate his 58th birthday.

Oscar winner Halle Berry turned up to support her pal, Samuel L. Jackson, one of the stars of "Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones." She kissed him as they met at the Odeon Leicester Square theater.

Hayden Christensen, who plays Anakin Skywalker, and Christopher Lee, who portrays Count Dooku, also attended Tuesday night's screening.

Lucas got a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" from the 3,000-strong crowd, many waving light sabers and some wearing "Star Wars" costumes.

He said the best present he could receive would be "that everybody likes the movie." But Lucas also said his main goal isn't to break box-office records.

"I'm not in a contest. I make movies. I'm not a racehorse," he said.

"Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones," is the fifth film in the sci-fi series and the second follow-up to the original "Star Wars" trilogy

--From wire reports