Hollywood Digest

'FELICITY' TO SIGN OFF IN MAY

The popular WB sitcom "Felicity" is about to end its multiseason run. Producers confirm that the show, after four years, has simply run its course. In May, when the lead character graduates from college, the series will end.

A spokesman for WB, Paul McGuire, tells Zap2It.com that the show will go out "on a note of creativity."

Ratings for the series have not been that great during the current season. The show, which was a smash hit when it first hit the tube, is now seen by a meager 3.3 million viewers a week. That's not enough to be considered a continuing hit.

ACTOR BRAD RENFRO GETS PROBATION

A judge in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has put actor Brad Renfro into a three-month drug treatment program and warned the 19-year-old that he could face a nine-month sentence if he does not follow through. Published reports indicate that Renfro -- who starred in the 1994 film "The Client," among others -- had been in jail for more than a week. He was arrested for violating an earlier probation and trying to steal a yacht.

In mid-January he was arrested in his native Tennessee, near Knoxville, for driving without a license and public intoxication.

A family member, present at this most recent legal action, told reporters that he has been "running with the wrong crowd."

SINGER-SONGWRITER SHELDON ALLMAN DIES

The man who provided the singing voice for TV's talking horse Mr. Ed has died at age 77. The New York Times says Sheldon Allman died recently at his home in the suburbs of Los Angeles. The Chicago-born Allman not only sang as Mr. Ed but also wrote some of television's most enduring and catchy songs, including themes for "Let's Make a Deal," "Super Chicken" and "Tom Slick." He also crafted the music and lyrics for "George of the Jungle" ("Look out for that tree!").

Allman was also a popular character actor and appeared in several memorable films, including "In Cold Blood," "Dirty Harry," All the President's Men" and "Hud."

BEN STILLER FILM BANNED IN SINGAPORE

In Singapore, as well as in many other countries, movies can be banned from distribution by an official board of censors. That country, according to published reports, has decided that the Ben Stiller movie "Zoolander" is not fit for public consumption.

The movie, about a male model who is brainwashed in an attempt to assassinate the prime minister of Malaysia, has been banned for what the censors call "controversial elements."

Meanwhile, no theater in Malaysia has decided to show the film. There are reports, though, that local government officials have tried to find and seize bootleg copies of the movie that have been distributed there.

'WINGS' STAR TO BECOME NEWEST 'PRODUCER'

For some time it's been known that both Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane have wanted to end their run in the incredibly successful Broadway version of "The Producers." The question has been: "Who could replace them?" Now, according to the producers of "The Producers," Hollywood actor Steven Weber -- best known for his role as Brian Hackett in TV's "Wings" -- will step into Broderick's rather sizable shoes.

Weber is 40 and, in addition to his stint in the seven-year run of "Wings," has appeared in such big-screen hits as "Hamburger Hill," "Single White Female" and "Jeffrey."

The Tony Award-winning musical will switch leads on March 19, when Broderick and Lane leave after a year in the roles.

By the way, British actor Henry Goodman will take on the Lane role.