Entertainment Today: Showbiz News

JOHN LENNON'S KILLER DENIED PAROLE

Mark David Chapman, the man convicted of killing singer John Lennon outside of his Manhattan apartment building 22 years ago, has been denied parole.

State officials said Wednesday that releasing Chapman now would "deprecate the seriousness" of the ex-Beatle's slaying. The state parole board said in a statement that although Chapman displayed "acceptable" behavior in prison that does not guarantee he would live crime-free if allowed to re-join society.

This is the second time Chapman has been up for parole. Two years ago, Chapman argued that not even he thought he should be set free. Chapman's next parole hearing will be in 2004. He will be 49.

TERI GARR BATTLING MS

Actress Teri Garr now confirms she has been battling multiple sclerosis for nearly two decades.

The 52-year-old comedic actress, who has starred in dozens of movies, including, "Young Frankenstein," "Tootsie" and "Mr. Mom," has denied for years she suffers from the debilitating illness for fear it would harm her career.

A news release from MS Lifelines, however, says Garr has not only decided to speak out about her condition, she also has joined forces with the patient service and support program.

"I didn't tell people because I didn't want pity and I was afraid I wouldn't get work," Garr reveals in the statement. "But others with MS need to know they are not alone. We don't have to be victims."

More than 300,000 Americans, including talk-show host Montel Williams, comedian Richard Pryor, and actress Annette Funicello suffer from the degenerative disorder.

BLOOMBERG INVITES SOPRANOS TO PARADE

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has invited the cast of HBO's hit series, "The Sopranos," to march with him in the city's Columbus Day parade Monday.

While fans of the show likely would relish a glimpse of their favorite fictional gangsters, organizers of the Italian-American parade have condemned the show for perpetuating the stereotype of Italians as wiseguys and have banned any member of the cast from marching in the parade.

The New York Daily News reports, however, mayoral adviser Vincent LaPadula has confirmed Bloomberg invited Lorraine Bracco, who plays Dr. Melfi, and Dominic Chianese, who plays Uncle Junior, to join the festivities.

"They've accepted," LaPadula says, adding the whole "Sopranos" crew is welcome. "The more the merrier."

Asked about the parade organizers' feelings on the subject, LaPadula argued "The Sopranos" is "a show that many Italian-Americans love."

"It's entertainment," he says. "This is a fun day. I would hope that (officials) won't make a big thing."

But Columbus Citizens Foundation president Larry Auriana says it is a big thing. "This is the first we've heard of it," he tells the News. "They aren't welcome. I can't imagine the mayor would show up with uninvited guests offensive to the organizers of the parade."

ACTOR: MADONNA SWEPT MY IDEA AWAY

Actor Vincent D'Onofrio is attempting to block the release of Madonna's new romantic comedy, "Swept Away," stating in a lawsuit it was his idea to do a remake with her in the lead role even though he has not gotten a shred of credit for it.

The New York Post says a Los Angeles judge, David Yafee, has denied D'Onofrio's bid to quash the film's Oct. 11 release. Yafee did, however, pave the way for "The Salton Sea" star to sue Madonna and her director husband, Guy Ritchie, for breach of contract.

"We're still going to seek a credit and seek damages," said D'Onofrio's lawyer, Morris Getzels.

D'Onofrio says he talked to Madonna's representatives in April 1997 about the possibility of the diva starring in a remake of the 1974 film.

"He called Madonna's agent, Brian Lord, at Creative Artists and said to them, 'If you are interested, I want to produce a movie starring Madonna. I should talk to you about it,'" Getzels tells The Post. "Brian Lord called back and said, yes, they were interested and they wanted to know what the idea was -- and he disclosed the idea."

Madonna's spokeswoman could not be reached last night.