'24' president also finds CBS work

CBS has made one of the big talent scores of the pilot season, hooking Oscar winner Marisa Tomei for the lead in the comedy "The Rich Inner Life of Penelope Cloud."

Jeff Greenstein ("Will & Grace") wrote the "Penelope Cloud" script, which focuses on a celebrated author having difficulties following up her first novel. When she attempts to regain her youthful optimism, a sitcom ensues.

Long in demand as a TV lead, Tomei had a recurring role on FX's "Rescue Me," but she's most stayed off the small screen since exiting NBC's "A Different World."

In addition to her Oscar win for "My Cousin Vinnie" and her nomination for "In the Bedroom," Tomei's feature credits include the current hit "Wild Hogs."

Also at CBS, D.B. Woodside has scored a lead in "Viva Laughlin!," the Hugh Jackman-produced adaptation of the BBC's "Viva Blackpool!"

Woodside, whose TV credits include "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has played Wayne Palmer for several seasons of "24." The character somehow rose to the ranks of President this season, but he was last seen in some medical distress after an assassination attempt.