Cavanagh Not 'Monkey'-ing Around

Zap2It.com | March 24, 2006

Tom Cavanagh

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Jeri Ryan, Illeana Douglas also join pilots

LOS ANGELES -- Tom Cavanagh apparently doesn't have any hard feelings toward CBS.

Cavanagh, who starred in the very short-lived "Love Monkey" on the network earlier this season, is back in business at CBS. He's signed on to star in a comedy pilot called "My Ex-Life," the showbiz trade papers report.

The latest round of pilot casting also includes Jeri Ryan, recently seen on "The O.C.," Illeana Douglas ("Action"), Xander Berkeley ("24") and Oscar-nominated screenwriter/actor Dan Futterman.

"My Ex-Life" is a comedy about a divorced couple who remain friends and share custody of their kids. Cavanagh, whose credits also include "Ed" and a recurring part on "Scrubs," will play the lead role of Nick. It's a quick bounce-back for the actor after "Love Monkey," which debuted in January and was yanked after just three episodes.

Also at CBS, Ryan will star opposite James Woods in "Shark," about a famous lawyer who becomes a prosecutor. The former "Boston Public" and "Star Trek: Voyager" star will play Woods' boss in the district attorney's office. Lynn Whitfield ("Madea's Family Reunion") will guest-star in the pilot in what could become a recurring part.

Over at ABC, Douglas has joined Heather Locklear in the comedy "Women of a Certain Age." The show centers on Locklear's character, a widow who embarks on a new life with the help of her friends. Douglas' recent TV credits include "Six Feet Under" and "Law & Order: SVU."

Berkeley, recently seen in "North Country," will co-star in the ABC drama "Women in Law." Futterman, who co-wrote the Oscar-nominated script for "Capote," will guest in the network's "Brothers & Sisters," playing Calista Flockhart's boyfriend -- which he also did in "The Birdcage." The role could be a recurring one if the show is picked up.