The Casting Call 01.19.09

The Casting Call brings together the latest casting news to keep you informed on who is showing up on which show. Find out who is joining your favorite show as a series regular, a recurring character, a guest star or special cameo. The Casting Call could reveal upcoming story-lines, so be aware, there may be spoilers ahead.

Brothers and Sister (ABC)
Matt Letscher, formerly of Eli Stone, is set to join Brothers and Sister for a multi-episode arc as a potential romantic interest for Kitty (Calista Flockhart). Letscher’s character, a recent widower, befriends Kitty during a particularly tumultuous time in her marriage. He’s scheduled to start airing in April. “It’s going to become a serious complication,” reveals executive producer Monica Breen.

CSI: New York (CBS)
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz just closed a deal to guest star on CSI: NY. They will not be playing themselves in the episode, which is slated to air on March 18. Rather, they will be playing Bonnie and Clyde wannabes.

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Laura Prepon has signed on to play Ted’s once (and future) girlfriend in five episodes on How I Met Your Mother. Prepon’s alter ego – Ted’s squeeze through high school, college and then some – is said to be as snooty as she is beautiful, and notorious for cheating on her lovers to avoid having to explain why she’s dumping them.

Private Practice (ABC)
The show has just cast yet another love interest for Addison. Swingtown’s Josh Hopkins has signed on for five episodes as the latest surgeon in Addison’s love life.

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Christine Baranski will guest-star on The Big Bang Theory in at least one episode, this season’s 15th, as Leonards mother. Dr. Beverly Hofstadter is more than a bit of an academic herself, holding MD and PhD titles and being an acclaimed researcher of the human brain. Executive producer Bill Prady told TVGuide.com earlier this season, “We’ve often said there’s the possibility that Leonard is the least successful in his family, that his parents always pushed him toward academic success.” (Mr. Hofstadter is an acclaimed anthropologist.) The buzz is that Leonard’s mom echoes Sheldon more than her own son, as exhibited by her own quirks and demeanor.

Without A Trace (CBS)
Vanessa Marcil is joining CBS’ Without a Trace for a multi-episode arc. Marcil will play a NYC social worker and potential love interest for Eric Close’s Martin. Marcil debuts in this season’s 17th episode, which is slated to air in March.