Mary-Kate takes on more adult role

Mary-Kate Olsen is returning to television with a co-starring role on Showtime's dark comedy "Weeds."

Olsen will play Tara, a devoted Christian girl living in the newly developed megachurch community Majestic who becomes a love interest for Nancy Botwin's (Mary-Louise Parker) son Silas (Hunter Parrish). Olsen will appear in 10 of the 15 episodes of the show's third season, which premieres Aug. 13.

"Weeds" marks Olsen's first major solo role. Since her debut on ABC's hit comedy series "Full House" at age 9 months, Olsen and her twin sister, Ashley, have starred together in a string of kids and tween-oriented series and movies for television and video.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who serve as co-presidents of Dualstar Entertainment Group, most recently starred in the 2004 feature comedy "New York Minute," which the two also produced.

The Hollywood Reporter

McCartney uses family connections

Paul McCartney snagged Natalie Portman to star in his new music video thanks to his fashion designer-daughter, Stella.

Portman, 25, makes a cameo as a ghost in the video for "Dance Tonight," a track from McCartney's new studio album, "Memory Almost Full." The video had its world premiere Wednesday on YouTube.com.

"The connection with Natalie came from my daughter Stella, who makes non-leather shoes that Natalie buys," the 64-year-old former Beatle said in a statement posted on his Web site.

Portman, whose screen credits include "Closer" and "V for Vendetta," plays a "futurist electronic ghost" who is summoned by the sound of McCartney's mandolin.

Filmmaker Michel Gondry ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind") directed the video.

"Memory Almost Full," McCartney's 21st solo album, will be released June 5 in the United States. It's his first release for Hear Music, Starbuck's new record label.

The Associated Press

Rose gives voice to Disney 'Princess'

Anika Noni Rose will voice Princess Tiana in the Walt Disney Co.'s musical animated feature "The Princess and the Frog," slated for a holiday 2009 release.

Walt Disney Animation Studios will produce the New Orleans-set fairy tale, which will introduce the newest Disney princess, Tiana, a girl living in the fabled French Quarter.

Rose most recently appeared in "Dreamgirls."

She next will been seen in USA Network's miniseries "The Starter Wife."

The Hollywood Reporter