Brendan Fraser on London Stage

Aug. 22 -- Brendan Fraser is the latest Hollywood star to trade filmmaking for a spot on the London stage.

The tall star known for blockbusters like The Mummy and George of the Jungle says he was eager to try out the more weighty role of Brick once played by Paul Newman in the Tennesse Williams classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

"Now is my time. I had to seize the opportunity," Fraser told Reuters."This is the fulfillment of an aspiration for me."

The London stage has been treated to A-list stars including Kathleen Turner, Kevin Spacey and Nicole Kidman.

Kate Hudson Sued

Kate Hudson is finding out what happens when you're a little more than Almost Famous. She and her former personal assistant are locked in a legal battle.

The Oscar-nominated actress filed suit first, claiming Margaret Miller embezzled $63,000. Hudson fired Miller in March.

Now, Miller is countersuing, claiming wrongful termination and defamation. Her lawyer, Arthur Barens says Hudson's lawsuit is ridiculous and his client "has done absolutely nothing wrong."

Moreover

The stars will come out in Toronto next month for the International Film Festival, which has the reputation as a launching pad for Academy Award winners. Look for Mick Jagger, Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman, Bernardo Bertolucci and Anthony Hopkins. … Kim Stanley has passed away. Stanley had a distinguished Broadway career and will be remembered for her starring roles in such films as Bus Stop and Picnic. … Samuel L. Jackson is making time to join Jennifer Lopez in Tick Tock. Shooting for the thriller begins in December. And if the title doesn't give it away, the story involves a bombing . … Freddie Prinze Jr. may be getting Sarah Michelle Gellar at the altar, but he's disappointed that he lost out a chance to star in Spider-Man. (The role went to Tobey Maguire). He tells Cosmo Girl, "I worked and worked so hard to get that film. I met with director Sam Raimi and everybody was saying life was good. Then, suddenly, he made an offer to Maguire, who he wanted all along. I realized that he was never even interested in me."