Nikki Blonsky will guest in an upcoming episode

Nikki Blonsky, who earned a Golden Globe playing the plucky heroine of "Hairspray," will join a like-minded soul -- "Ugly Betty" -- on the small screen later this season.

Blonsky has signed to a guest role in the ABC series. An airdate for her episode hasn't been scheduled, though it's possible it could run before the end of 2008.

She'll play Teri, an assistant at Mode rival Elle who bonds with Betty (America Ferrera) over their shared lot in life. Her befriending of Betty may come with an ulterior motive, however.

The guest spot will mark Blonsky's first work on a TV series, although she did star in the Lifetime movie "Queen Sized" earlier this year, following her storybook casting in "Hairspray," based on the Broadway musical that was based on John Waters' earlier film. Her other credits include the indie film "Harold" and "Waiting for Forever," which is due for release next year.