hBaron Cohen appears as a bull in Spain

hBaron Cohen appears as a bull in Spain

MADRID — Actor Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest movie character, an Austrian fashionista called Bruno, drew gasps and some cheers as he appeared dressed as a bull in front of Spain’s main bullring Thursday.

The British actor-comedian who was in Madrid to promote his new movie — “Bruno” — arrived in a horse-drawn carriage escorted by muscular matadors just as the sun set on the historic bullring Las Ventas.

“Ich have come to redress the wrong done to the gay community by that Hollywood movie on Harvey Milk, which was acted by Sean Penn, who’s not even gay,” Baron Cohen told a crowd of bemused Madrid onlookers in a German accent.

Baron Cohen’s 2006 movie, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” was a surprise box-office hit.

His new film, which is scheduled for release July 10, features a flamboyantly gay character whose outrageous wit outstrips that of Borat.

Kelly Preston takes first role since son’s death

LOS ANGELES — Kelly Preston is returning to work after the death of her teenage son in January.

Disney says Preston will co-star in its coming-of-age drama “The Last Song,” which began filming this week in Savannah, Georgia. The 46-year-old actress plays the mother of Miley Cyrus’ character, a rebellious teen forced to spend the summer with her estranged father, played by Greg Kinnear.

Preston and husband John Travolta have kept low profiles since their 16-year-old son, Jett Travolta, died following a seizure in January. Travolta did not participate in the promotion for his latest film, “The Taking of Pelham 123.”

Today’s birthdays

Actress Jane Russell is 88. Actor Bernie Kopell (“The Love Boat”) is 76. Actress Meredith Baxter (“Family Ties”) is 62. Actor Michael Gross (“Family Ties”) is 62. Drummer Joey Kramer of Aerosmith is 59. Country singer Kathy Mattea is 50. Actor Doug Savant (“Desperate Housewives,” “Melrose Place”) is 45. Actress Juliette Lewis is 36. Singer Brandon Flowers of The Killers is 28.