BOSTON — It seems Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are more than childhood pals and Hollywood collaborators.

According to the New England Genealogical Society, they're also cousins. Tenth cousins, once removed.

Society researchers dug up evidence that both Damon and Affleck are descended from William Knowlton Jr., a bricklayer who came to the U.S. from England in the 1630s and settled in Ipswich.

The society said yesterday that Affleck has lots of other famous relatives, including 16 U.S. presidents — Barack Obama among them — and the late Princess Diana.

Affleck and Damon were friends growing up in the Boston area and teamed up as writers and co-stars for the 1997 film "Good Will Hunting."

MARGE GOES CENTERFOLD COWABUNGA

CHICAGO — Marge Simpson has done something that Homer might not like but will make Bart the proudest kid in his school: She's posed for Playboy magazine.

After more than half a century featuring women like Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford and the Girls of Hooters on its cover, Playboy has for the first time given the spot to a cartoon character.

And the magazine is giving the star of "The Simpsons" the star treatment, complete with a data sheet, an interview and a two-page centerfold.

The magazine's editorial director, James Jellinek, won't say exactly how much of Marge will show in the November edition that hits newsstands Friday — or whether she lets that big pile of blue hair down. But, he said, "It's very, very racy."

REALITY TV'S DUGGARS NOW GRANDPARENTS

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The next generation of Duggars has arrived.

According to The Learning Channel, Mackynzie Renee Duggar was born at 6:39 p.m. Thursday. Mackynzie is the first child of Josh and Anna Duggar and the first grandchild for Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, stars of TLC's "18 Kids and Counting."

Mackynzie's birth comes as Michelle Duggar is pregnant with her 19th child. She is due in March.

Josh, 21, the eldest of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar's children, married Anna last fall.

MISS AMERICA TAPS LIMBAUGH AS JUDGE

LAS VEGAS — The Miss America Organization says Rush Limbaugh will be a judge at next year's pageant in Las Vegas.

It will be held at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Jan. 30, broadcast live on TLC. Limbaugh will be on the panel of seven judges that will help decide who will be crowned Miss America 2010.

The Miss America Organization said yesterday when making the announcement that Limbaugh's radio program is in its 22nd year with an audience of 20 million. CEO Art McMaster said the organization is thrilled to have Limbaugh as a judge.