Canadian comedian Jim Carrey has fulfilled a longtime ambition to become an American citizen.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Canadian Pamela Anderson and Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, the star will make the most of his new status to vote in the upcoming presidential elections - but he's insisting on holding on to his Canadian citizenship.

He says, "I have no intention of giving up my Canadian heritage, and all those who loved and supported me.

"My upbringing in Canada made me the person I am. I will always be proud to be a Canadian."

While Carrey became a US citizen last week (ends08OCT04), it is not known if he made the 4 October (04) deadline to register to vote in the 2 November (04) showdown between President George W Bush and Senator John Kerry.

13/10/2004 21:40