Chris Rock to host 77th Academy Awards

Chris Rock to host77th Academy Awards
Get your "rock the Oscars" jokes ready -- comedian Chris Rock has been announced as the host of the 77th Academy Awards, his first time at bat for the show, reports IMDB.com.
Producer Gil Cates broke the news of the fresh Oscar blood, stating that "I am a huge fan of Chris Rock. He always makes me laugh and he always has something interesting to say. Chris represents the best of the new generation of comics. Having him host the Oscars is terrific. I can't wait."
Rock, who made his film debut in "Beverly Hills Cop II" and shot to fame with "Saturday Night Live," is no stranger to award shows, having hosted the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards; he also has won three Emmys and two Grammys.
As for his recent film shenanigans, Rock is currently shooting "The Longest Yard" with fellow SNL alumnus Adam Sandler, and provides one of the voices in the upcoming animated flick "Madagascar."
The Academy Awards broadcast will take place Feb. 27, 2005, at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.
Comic actor Jim Carreybecomes U.S. citizen
Canadian-born comic actor Jim Carrey has become a U.S. citizen and said his decision to pursue dual citizenship was based on his love for the country that helped him attain his dream, reports ABC News.
"This country has helped define me and make my dreams come true," said Carrey, 42, in a statement.
Nevertheless, the star of films including "The Mask," "Bruce Almighty" and the upcoming "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events," professed his pride at being born a Canadian.
"I have no intention of giving up my Canadian heritage, and all those who loved and supported me," said Carrey. "My upbringing in Canada made me the person I am. I will always be proud to be a Canadian."
Carrey made a name for himself doing outrageous antics on the early 1990s television series "In Living Color."
Today's birthdays
Actress Angela Lansbury is 79. Former presidential adviser Charles W. Colson is 73. Actor-producer Tony Anthony is 67. Actor Barry Corbin is 64. Rock musician C.F. Turner (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) is 61. Actress Suzanne Somers is 58. Rock singer-musician Bob Weir (The Dead) is 57. Producer-director David Zucker is 57. Record company executive Jim Ed Norman is 56. Actor Daniel Gerroll is 53. Actor-director Tim Robbins is 46. Actor-musician Gary Kemp is 45. Singer-musician Bob Mould is 44. Actor Randy Vasquez is 43. Rock musician Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 42. Jazz musician Roy Hargrove is 35. Actress Terri J. Vaughn is 35. Singer Wendy Wilson (Wilson Phillips) is 35. Rapper B-Rock (B-Rock and the Bizz) is 33. Actress Kellie Martin is 29. Singer John Mayer is 27. Actor Jeremy Jackson is 24.