'Guardian' Guy, 'O.C.' Gal Cast in CBS' 'Mentalist'

Zap2It.com | March 31, 2008

Simon Baker

Discuss this story now

Simon Baker, Amanda Righetti, Owain Yeoman, Shaun Toub and Tim Kang lead drama pilot

Simon Baker is hoping that the third time will be the charm with "The Mentalist," his latest CBS drama pilot.

In addition to Baker, the pilot has also found roles for Amanda Righetti, Owain Yeoman, Shaun Toub and Tim Kang.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The Mentalist" focuses on, um, a mentalist who uses his special gifts to help the police as an independent detective.

Baker's first two CBS pilots had very different luck at the network. While both were picked up to series, "The Guardian" aired for three seasons, while "Smith" (which also featured Toub in a supporting role) only lasted for three episodes. His film credits include "The Devil Wears Prada" and the upcoming "Not Forgotten" and "The Lodger."

Righetti, best known from a recurring turn as Hailey on "The O.C." or regular roles on "North Shore" and "Reunion," was last seen on "K-Ville" or in the direct-to-video "Return to House on Haunted Hill."

Yeoman appeared in the pilot for "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and in regular roles on the short-lived "The Nine" and "Kitchen Confidential."

Kang's most recent credits include "Rambo" and episodes of "The Unit."

In other CBS casting news, Omar Gooding ("Barbershop") will play a sixth year resident in the network's brain surgery drama "Can Openers," which stars Lauren Lee Smith.