Yaya DaCosta is preparing to call her next witness…
The 39-year-old half-Brazilian American actress/model has joined the Season 2 cast of Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer in a recurring role.
DaCosta will portray Andrea Freemann, a cutthroat prosecutor and Mickey Haller’s (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) undefeated courtroom rival, who is also a friend of his ex-wife Maggie (Neve Campbell).
Based on the series of bestselling novels by Michael Connelly, The Lincoln Lawyer follows the redemption of Mickey Haller, a Los Angeles attorney who regains much of what he lost due to addiction with hard work and hustle. His success is also thanks to his devoted supporters: his ex-wives Maggie and Lorna (Becki Newton), his driver and unofficial sponsor Izzy (Jazz Raycole), and the best investigator in town—and Lorna’s newly minted fiancé—Cisco (Angus Sampson).
DaCosta isn’t the latest addition to the show…
Lana Parrilla recently joined Season 2 in the role of Lisa Trammell, a beloved chef and community advocate struggling to keep her restaurant afloat as a predatory real estate developer threatens the neighborhood around her. As the season’s client, Lisa will surely bear witness to Andrea’s fierce courtroom arguments as she goes head-to-head with Mickey.
The 10-episode second season will be based on the fourth book in The Lincoln Lawyer series by Connelly, The Fifth Witness.
Season 2 will be executive-produced by co-showrunners Ted Humphrey and Dailyn Rodriguez; as well as Connelly, David E. Kelley, Ross Fineman, Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson. The series is produced by A+E Studios for Netflix.
DaCosta most recently returned to the role of April Sexton in NBC’s Chicago Medfollowing her exit after six seasons in 2021. Additionally, she starred as Angela Vaughn in Fox’s Our Kind of People. Her other television credits include Ugly Betty, House, and All My Children.
Her big screen credits include The Nice Guys,The Butler, In Time, Tron: Legacy and The Kids Are Alright.
Odette Annable will be doing more walk(er)ing in the future…
After recurring in Season 1 of Walker, the 35-year-old Colombian & Cuban American actress has been upped to series regular for the upcoming second season of the breakout hit CW drama series.
The reboot of the popular CBS drama centers on Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki), a widower and father of two with his own moral code who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home.
Annable, who appears in six of 11 Season 1 episodes, plays Geraldine “Geri” Broussard, an old friend of Cordell Walker (Padalecki) and his late wife Emily (Genevieve Padalecki) who runs a bar and has emerged as a romantic interest for Cordell.
It’s familiar territory for Annable, who has been a lead/series regular on a slew of series, including the CW’s Supergirl, CBS All Access’ Tell Me a Story, CBS’ Pure Genius and Fox’sHouse andBreaking In.
The 52-year-old Latina actress has been cast as a series regular opposite Margaret Qualley inMaid, Netflix’s dramedy series from writer Molly Smith Metzler, John Wells Productions, Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television.
Written by Metzler, Maid is inspired by Stephanie Land’s bestselling memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. It revolves around Alex (Qualley), a single mother who turns to housekeeping to — barely — make ends meet as she battles against poverty, homelessness, and bureaucracy. Told primarily through her point of view, Maid is described as a beautiful, alive, gritty and inspiring exploration of poverty in America.
Vilar will play Yolanda, the owner of “Value Maids,” the cleaning business that eventually employs “Alex” (Qualley). A woman who suffers no fools and runs a tight ship, Yolanda has managed to survive in a world (and economy) that is not always kind to her.
In addition to Qualley, Vilar joins previously cast Andie MacDowell, Nick Robinson and Anika Noni Rose. Maid is currently filming in Vancouver.
Vilar co-starred on the CBS comedy seriesPartners. Her television series credits include major roles on Fox’s Houseand TNT’s Savedand guest shots on three Shondaland/ABC series, Grey’s Anatomy, How To Get Away with Murderand For the People. She also appeared in the featuresGrace of My Heart andK-Pax.
The 34-year-old Colombian & Cuban American actress will lead the ensemble cast of the ABC pilotthirtysomething(else), a sequel to Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick’s beloved 1987-91 drama series thirtysomething, playing grown-up Janey Steadman.
Written by Herskovitz and Zwick and to be directed by Zwick, thirtysomething(else) will follow an ensemble of new faces playing the grown-up children of the original cast, the new generation of thirtysomethings.
They are being joined by returning original cast members Ken Olin(Michael Steadman),Mel Harris(Hope Murdoch), Timothy Busfield(Elliot Weston) and Patty Wettig(Nancy Weston), reprising their characters in supporting roles.
Annable’s Janey Steadman is the striking spinoff of Hope and Michael. With piercing eyes and unruly dark hair, Janey is a passionate, some might say driven person, possessed of what her boyfriend, Brad, calls a very big engine in a very small car.
Annable joins recently cast Chris Wood, who’ll play Janey’s younger brother, Leo Steadman. The two previously co-starred together on Supergirl.
Although seen as an ensemble drama, the original thirtysomethingseries revolved around husband and wife Michael and Hope and their baby Janey. Little Janey was played by twins Brittanyand Lacey Craven.
Herskovitz and Zwick executive produce for ABC Studios, part of Disney Television Studios, and MGM Television.
Filming on the pilot is slated to begin in March in New Jersey.
Annable played a lead on the second season of CBS All Access’ anthology series Tell Me a Story. Before that, she was a series regular on Season 3 of the CW’s Supergirl, playing the villainous Samantha Arias/Reign.She is reprising her role in an episode airing later this month.
Her other credits include House, October Road and Banshee.
ABC is set to present a week of reunions within its primetime lineup starting October 7, with the 49-year-old Puerto Rican actor part of the roster.
“Cast from the Past” Week will feature reunited cast members and creative teams from iconic TV series and films on the network’s current shows.
On Sunday, October 13, Huertas and Seamus Dever will reunite with their former Castle co-star Nathan Fillion on The Rookie.
Additionally, actors and behind-the-scenes talent from the likes of Crazy Rich Asians, Girlfriends, Blues Brothers 2000, Cheers, Charmed, Wet Hot American Summer, House and The Drew Carey Show will be involved.
Here’s the full schedule:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 The Good Doctor – Robert Sean Leonard (House) checks into The Good Doctor. Both series were created by executive producer David Shore. “Claire” – Dr. Claire Brown faces complications at home and work as she prepares to lead her first surgery. Meanwhile, a sports fishing accident challenges the rest of the staff as they look to treat the fisherman’s (Robert Sean Leonard) injuries without damaging his prize catch. (10 PM)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 The Conners – This episode reunites John Goodman and Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers 2000) as poker buddies. “The Preemie Monologues” – Harris is forced to confront Darlene about her lifestyle, while Jackie involves herself in other people’s problems to avoid confronting her own. Meanwhile, Becky is overwhelmed by the costs of raising a baby, so her family steps in to help. (8 PM)
Bless This Mess – Michael Ian Black is reunited with Wet Hot American Summer’s Lake Bell when he guest stars. “Omaha” – The ladies head to Omaha for their annual gyno exams, but the trip quickly goes off the rails: Jealous of Beau’s new dating profile on FarmersOnly, Kay is determined to find a guy to hook up with, with Rio as her wing woman. Back home, Mike, Rudy and Beau bond when an accident leaves them stranded in a tree. (8:30 PM)
Black-ish – Girlfriends stars Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones and Persia White reunite with Tracee Ellis Ross. “Feminisn’t” – When Bow learns that Diane and Ruby don’t believe in feminism, she brings Diane to meet the women in her feminist group. Bow’s friend Abby thinks the group needs to be more inclusive, so Bow invites three of her girlfriends to join. Meanwhile, Junior and Jack help Dre after he realizes he is out of touch with modern-day feminism. (9:30 PM)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 The Goldbergs – Stars of the iconic ‘80s hit comedy Cheers Kirstie Alley,Rhea Perlman,John Ratzenberger and George Wendtreunite. “Food in a Geoffy” – When a job for Geoff Schwartz’s new food delivery service goes awry, it’s up to Murray and Geoff to race all over Jenkintown in search of an important cheesesteak. Along the way, a handful of local customers (Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt) are anything but helpful. When the search finally ends, Beverly invites them over; and even though it’s the Goldbergs’ house, you might mistake it for a bar where everyone knows your name. (8 PM)
Single Parents – Adam Brody, Leighton Meester’s real-life husband and former co-star (Life Partners, The Oranges), returns as Angie’s ex-boyfriend Derek. “Derek Sucks” – Angie is sent into a tailspin when her long-absent ex-boyfriend Derek, Graham’s father, suddenly appears on her doorstep. She asks Will and Miggy for help because, despite his faults, she can’t resist Derek. Meanwhile, Douglas and Poppy try for a romantic second date. (9:31 PM)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 Grey’s Anatomy – Charmed stars Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs are reunited with executive producers Krista Vernoff and Andy Reaser, who were writers on Charmed. “Reunited” – A patient at the hospital is brain dead after falling into a construction site, and her two sisters must decide whether or not to keep her alive. (8 PM)
A Million Little Things – Jerry Ferrara guest stars and is reunited with Think Like a Man castmate Romany Malco. “mixed signals” – On the verge of becoming a filmmaker, Rome takes a meeting with an old producer friend which causes him to feel torn about the creative changes he suggests for his script. Meanwhile, Gary steps in to help Danny prepare to audition for his school play, while Delilah craving some adult time agrees to go to dinner with Andrew. (9:01 PM)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 American Housewife – Westport rocks as Drew Carey, Ryan Stiles and Kathy Kinney guest star in an episode that reunites them with Diedrich Bader. “Bigger Kids, Bigger Problems” – When Anna-Kat’s school lunch lady (Kathy Kinney) refuses to make simple eco-friendly changes in the school cafeteria, Greg enlists the help of his friend and fellow environmentalist Bill Doty (Ryan Stiles). In an attempt to win over the lunch lady, they put on a show at the school highlighting the importance of recycling; but when those efforts fail, Greg is forced to call in reinforcements: “Mr. Green” (Drew Carey)! (8 PM)
Fresh Off The Boat – Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians) returns as Louis’ brother Gene. “Grandma’s Boys” – After seeing Marvin blissfully enter retirement, Grandma Huang decides it’s her turn to retire from … something; but when Louis fails in celebrating her the way she wanted, it will take a visit from Hurricane Gene (and maybe a hot tub) to make things right. (8:30 PM)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 The Rookie – “Castle” alums Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas guest star. “The Bet” – Officer Nolan navigates building tension in his relationship with Jessica and a developing rapport with Grace while working a high-stakes criminal case involving an undercover homeland security agent. Meanwhile, Officer Chen meddles with Officer Bradford’s love life, and Officer Lopez learns some surprising news about Wesley. (10 PM)
Freeform has begun production on the holiday movie No Sleep ‘Till Christmas, starring the 33-year-old Colombian and Cuban American actress and her real-life husband Dave Annable.
The film is slated to air as part of Freeform’s annual holiday programming, “25 Days of Christmas.”
Written by Phil Traill and Steve Smith, the romantic comedy centers on two insomniac strangers plagued by exhaustion. Lizzie is a high-end event planner preparing for her own life’s biggest event — her wedding. She lies awake nightly while her devoted fiancé Josh rests peacefully, unaware of how to solve her issue. When a sleep-deprived incident causes her to run into Billy, a low-key bartender who is just as sleepless and frustrated as she is, they discover that they can only fall asleep while next to each other. What seems like an odd coincidence, and frankly a disruption to their lives, might be more meaningful than they’d like to admit.
The film will shoot in Toronto.
Annable just wrapped a season on the CW’s Supergirl as Reign/Sam. Her other credits include House, Brothers & Sisters and The Astronaut Wives Club.
ABC has picked up the Sony Television pilot The Good Doctor, starring the 41-year-old Mexican American actor, to series.
The medical drama, which hails from Housecreator David Shore, who wrote and executive produces, stars Freddie Highmore.
The Good Doctor centers on Shaun Murphy (Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome who relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues.
In addition to Highmore and Gonzalez, who portrays Dr. Neal Melendez, the series also stars Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Brown, Chuku Modu as Dr. Jared Kalu, Irene Keng as Dr. Sarah Chen, Beau Garrett as Jessica Preston, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews and Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman
Hawaii Five-O’s Daniel Dae Kim is executive producing the series, based on a South Korean format.
The 41-year-old Mexican American actor has been cast in The Good Doctor, ABC’s medical drama pilot fromHouse creator David Shore and Hawaii Five-0co-star Daniel Dae Kim.
Written by Shore based on a South Korean format and directed by Seth Gordon, The Good Doctor centers on Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young surgeon with Savant syndrome who is recruited into the pediatric surgical unit of a prestigious hospital.
Gonzalez, who was introduced in the final minutes of ABC’s How To Get Away With Murderseason finale as a key character to the drama’s mystery, will play Dr. Neil Melendez, the boss of the surgical residents at the hospital.
Gonzalez is expected to return toHTGAWM next season as a recurring guest star, reprising his role as Dominick.
He previously recurred on another Shondaland drama series for ABC, Off the Map. Gonzalez will also appear in season 3 of Narcoson Netflix.
It’s one moment in time Yaya DaCosta will most likely never forget…
The 31-year-old part-Brazilian American actress has landed the lead role in Lifetime‘s Whitney Houston biopic, according to TVLine.
The made-for-television film, currently titled Whitney Houston, will focus on the late singer’s relationship with her ex-husband Bobby Brown from the time they met through the dissolution of their tumultuous marriage.
DaCosta, the runner-up in Cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model, has appeared on television in Ugly Betty, All My Childrenand House, as well as on film inThe Kids Are All Right, Tron: Legacyand Lee Daniels’ The Butler.
Whitney Houson is set to premiere in 2015, three years after the Grammy-winning singer was found dead in her hotel bathtub at age 48 due to an accidental drowning.
Angela Bassett, who starred opposite Houston in 1995’s Waiting to Exhale, will direct the film.
It’s shaping up to be an out of this world July for JoAnna Garcia Swisher…
The 34-year-old half-Cuban American actress upcoming ABC drama series The Astronaut Wives Club will premiere on Thursday, July 24, according to the network’s just-released summer premiere schedule.
Based on Lily Koppel’s novel of the same name, the 10-episode summer series comes from ABC Studios and tells the real story of the women who stood beside some of the biggest heroes in American history during the height of the space race.
Garcia Swisher portrays Betty Grissom, the wife of one of the original astronauts. A bouncy redhead with curls askew and a folksy Hoosier accent, she’s got a down-home appeal, which endears her to the public.
In addition to the former Better With You star, the series will also star House starlet Odette Annable.
Here’s the network’s full schedule:
Thursday, April 24 10-11 PM – Black Box (Series Premiere)
Sunday, May 18 8-11 PM – The 2014 Billboard Music Awards
Monday, May 19 9:30-11 PM – The Bachelorette
Wednesday, May 21 10-11 PM – Motive
Monday, May 26 8-10 PM – The Bachelorette (Regular Time Period Premiere)
Tuesday, May 27 8-10 PM – Extreme Weight Loss
Saturday, May 31 8-9 PM – Bet On Your Baby
Monday, June 2 10:01-11 PM – Mistresses
Thursday, June 5 8-8:30 PM – Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night
Thursday, June 19 8-9 PM – The Quest (New Series Premiere)
Sunday, June 22 7-9 PM – Wipeout (Special Two-Hour Premiere) 9-11 PM – Rising Star (Series Premiere)
Tuesday, June 24 10-11 PM – NY Med
Sunday, June 29 8-9 PM – Wipeout (Regular Time Period Premiere)
Thursday, July 17 10-11 PM – Rookie Blue
Thursday, July 24 9-10 PM – The Astronaut Wives Club (New Series Premiere)
Monday, August 4 8-10 PM – Bachelor In Paradise (New Series Premiere)
DaCosta will portray Andrea Freemann, a cutthroat prosecutor and Mickey Haller’s (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) undefeated courtroom rival, who is also a friend of his ex-wife Maggie (Neve Campbell).
