– Maggie Gyllenhaal and her fiance, Peter Sarsgaard, have welcomed their first child, a rep for the actress confirms to People magazine. The baby girl, who was born Tuesday afternoon in a New York hospital, is named Ramona.
– Madonna is in the southern African country of Malawi, where she is launching humanitarian projects to benefit orphans–but despite a statement by a government official, she has not adopted a baby there, her rep says. “I can confirm Madonna is in Malawi on a private visit,” Liz Rosenberg tells People. “She has not adopted a baby, despite reports that she has.”
– Hunk alert: Lyric Opera is seeking what it calls “a big, muscular, threatening-looking man,” at least 6 feet tall, to portray the executioner in the company’s new production of Strauss’ “Salome.” The non-singing supernumerary role requires appearing shirtless onstage. Nine performances are scheduled from Oct. 21 through Nov. 21 at the Civic Opera House. Call (312) 827-3537 for more information.
