Actress Reese Witherspoon says her "Legally Blonde" character Elle Woods has been ousted as the most stylish woman to come to the nation's capital by first lady Michelle Obama.

Speaking yesterday at a ceremony where Mrs. Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presented the annual International Women of Courage awards, Witherspoon jokingly complained that Woods, the bubbly blonde from Los Angeles who discovers her inner strength at Harvard Law School and then takes on Washington politics, no longer holds that stylishness title.

"As an actress, I have always sought out roles that portrayed women as strong and powerful, such as Elle Woods, who was in the 'Legally Blonde' movies," she said to laughter from the audience in an ornate State Department reception room.

Woods, she said, "happened to be the biggest fashionista who ever came to Washington until Michelle Obama. Thanks a lot."

JERRY SEINFELD SITTING IN FOR REGIS TODAY

You don't see much of Jerry Seinfeld on his own new NBC show, "The Marriage Ref," which he lets someone else host.

But the 55-year-old comedian and former red-hot sitcom star will be on view for a full hour today on "Live! with Regis and Kelly."

The syndicated weekday talk show says Seinfeld is making his first appearance as a guest co-host, alongside Kelly Ripa.

Scheduled guests include Donald Trump.

SITCOM BACK ON TRACK WITH CHARLIE SHEEN

A spokesman for Charlie Sheen says the actor will soon be back at "Two and a Half Men."

His rehab treatment temporarily halted production of CBS' top-rated sitcom, but his publicist says shooting will resume Tuesday, with Sheen there.

Last month, the publicist announced that Sheen had voluntarily entered a rehab facility "as a preventative measure." He didn't specify what Sheen was treated for.

The 44-year-old still faces legal problems arising from a fight with his wife in Aspen, Colo., in December. The most serious charge carries a maximum three-year prison term.

Sheen, who hasn't entered a plea, is due back in court Monday.

'TORMENTED SOUL' COREY HAIM DIES AT 38

Corey Haim, a 1980s teen heartthrob whose career was blighted by drug abuse, has died at 38.

Haim died early yesterday at a hospital in Burbank, county coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said.

An autopsy will be performed. There was no evidence of foul play, a police official said.

Haim gained attention with roles in "Lucas" and "The Lost Boys."

His friend and fellow actor Corey Feldman said he wept when he heard the news.

"This is a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul, who will always be my brother, family and best friend," he said in a statement.

— Advertiser News Services