‘Wizard’ to reprise role

‘Wizard’ to reprise role

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf the Wizard in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, is hoping to reprise the role in another tale from Middle Earth. A fan asked McKellen on the actor’s official Web site if he would play the role of Gandalf in “The Hobbit,” which is being produced by Peter Jackson, director of the “Rings” trilogy. Jackson reached a deal with New Line Cinema late last year to make two films of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” a planned prequel to the blockbuster “Rings” trilogy. Jackson will serve as executive producer for the “The Hobbit” movies.

Today’s birthdays

Political commentator John McLaughlin is 81. Author Judith Guest is 72. Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major is 65. Comedian Eric Idle is 65. Composer Vangelis is 65. Singer Bobby Kimball (Toto) is 61. Actor Christopher Lawford is 53. Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas is 52. Actor Christopher Lambert is 51. Rock singer Perry Farrell (Porno for Pyros; Jane’s Addiction) is 49. Comedian-actress Amy Sedaris is 47. Model Elle Macpherson is 45. Rock singer-musician John Popper (Blues Traveler) is 41. Actress Lucy Lawless is 40. Country singer Regina Leigh (Regina Regina) is 40. Country singer Brady Seals is 39. Tennis player Jennifer Capriati is 32. Pop singer Kelly Sweet is 20.