Judd weighs in on Kentucky hoops

March Madness has led Ashley Judd to a new role: guest newspaper columnist.

The 36-year-old star of “A Time to Kill” and “Double Jeopardy” -- and rabid University of Kentucky fan -- is writing a column for the Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky., during the NCAA tournament.

“She knows the game,” said Mike Johnson, deputy managing editor of the Herald-Leader. “Everybody knows or understands that she’s a big Kentucky fan. She often comes to Lexington for games. It’s not unusual for her to attend the NCAA tournament games.”

Judd’s first story appeared Thursday, while she was in South Africa visiting Nelson Mandela. (The Wildcats survived a scare Thursday afternoon from Eastern Kentucky, winning, 72-64.) Of the Kentucky’s chances of winning the tournament, Judd wrote: “I am an optimist ... and I always believe.”