Penn no longer a ‘Stooge’

Penn no longer a ‘Stooge’

LOS ANGELES — Sean Penn will not be one of the “The Three Stooges” or join “Cartel.”

A spokeswoman for the Oscar winner said he is dropping out of the films. Penn spokeswoman Mara Buxbaum did not specify a reason but said if the start dates on the productions were to be postponed, Penn would remain involved.

Penn was slated to star as Larry in “Three Stooges” and as a man protecting his son in “Cartel.”

Last month, Penn withdrew his petition to separate from Robin Wright Penn, his wife of 13 years. They filed for divorce in December 2007 but dismissed that petition several months later.

In February, they were together at the Academy Awards, where the 48-year-old actor won for his role in the drama “Milk.”

Today’s birthdays

Musician Paul McCartney is 67. Movie critic Roger Ebert is 67. Actress Constance McCashin (“Knots Landing”) is 62. Actress Linda Thorson (“The Avengers”) is 62. Actress Isabella Rossellini is 57. Actress Carol Kane is 57. Singer Alison Moyet is 48. Country singer-guitarist Tim Hunt (Yankee Grey) is 42. Singer Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men is 38. Rapper Silkk The Shocker is 34. Country singer Blake Shelton is 33.