Threat emerges to DJ's machismo

* Poor Don Johnson. The hunky but aging star of "Nash Bridges" has been caught up in a humiliating gay porn flap. That's right, Don Johnson is fending off allegations of a secret life as a true man's man. As reported by The Globe, Mr. Johnson (snicker, snicker) entered a porn shop in California in January and was photographed buying some hardcore, albeit hetero, porno movies. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of a Nov. 1998 purchase of some gay porn.

Hold on, it gets worse. Aside from purchasing videos such as "Cop Daddies' Playtime" and "Asian Studs" he also purchased some rubber sex toys and lubricants. The total bill: $664.17. Johnson's staff alibied for his subsequent solo check-in to a motel room was to drop off the merchandise for a future bachelor party. Johnson is happily married with two daughters, and his agents have no further comment at this time (surprise, surprise). Aren't other people's private lives fun?

* Wanna be the next Anakin Skywalker? Well, you're in luck. It seems George Lucas still hasn't settled on the older Anakin for "Star Wars: Episode II," set to film soon. Many, many actors, 300 total in all, have been considered (and apparently rejected so far) in the search for young Darth. From hot young Hollywood stars like Leo "I Don't Need a Last Name Anymore" or Ryan Philippe to Midwestern stockbrokers (a buddy of Ray "Darth Maul" Park), Lucas' search has no bounds. Who knows, send him a headshot and you might become the next "Dark Father," but it would help if you're under 35.

* It seems the hit show "Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?" is canned for good. First of all, some background checks on leading man Rick Rockwell (not a porn star, despite the name) revealed he had a restraining order against him filed by his ex-fiance. She accused him of verbal abuse and threatening her. Rockwell denied the charges, but it appears he lied about a zillion things before starring in "Marry a Millionaire," such as where he worked and who he worked with. Furthermore, the couple has returned from their honeymoon and are already living apart in separate houses and considering annulment of their allegedly unconsummated marriage. Talk about romantic. Fox felt these were reasons enough to cancel the show for good. At this rate, look for their next show, "Who Wants to Violate Regis Philbin," this May.

* On a related note, if you want a good laugh, visit www.marrytom.com. Twice-divorced Tom Arnold, possibly not the greatest actor who ever lived, is offering himself as a husband to anyone with an Internet connection. Required traits include "willing to have kids" and "self-confident enough to wear a bathing suit." Under his potential pastimes section, he says, "Occasionally, we will make love." He also seems very interested in prospects' Internet connection, especially connection speeds and quality. Wow, he's romantic AND thorough.

* Well-brought-up wallflowers too embarrassed to buy real porn will soon get their fix when the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue debuts. Cover girl Daniela Pestova wears nothing more than beads and a shiny bikini bottom. There are also pictures in 3-D, which can be viewed with oh-so-retro blue and red glasses which come with the magazine. Cyber-horndogs can also log on to www.cnnsi.com and see virtual 360-degree pictures of the photo shoots. Ain't technology great?

* I used to have a special place for those studly Backstreet Boys, but alas, my tender heart is broken. Two of them announced they're getting married. No, not to each other. Kevin Richardson and Brian Litrell announced their separate engagements on MTV, shattering the deluded wedding fantasies and first-kiss dreams of pre-pubescent girls around the world.

- Compiled by Daily Arts Writer

David Victor. Page 6 (www.page6.com) and Entertainment Weekly Online (www.ewonline.com) contributed to the report.

Courtesy of Warner Brothers

Apparently Don Johnson finds Kevin Costner just as irresistible a hunk of meat as every last middle-aged woman in America.