With “Ugly Betty” having officially learned of its cancellation and the poorly-rated “Better off Ted” essentially a lock to get dropped after this season, actors from the well-reviewed comedies are in hot demand by casting executives.
THR reports that “Ugly Betty”‘s Eric Mabius witnessed his phone “ringing off the hook” when news of the show’s cancellation broke. An attractive male who could play a thirtysomething lead, Mabius is expected to have numerous high-profile pilot opportunities.
“Betty”‘s stunning Becki Newton, who as a 31-year-old female possesses the much-desired combination of beauty and humor, has similarly been “inundated” with calls. Fellow “Betty” stars Vanessa Williams, Ana Ortiz and Michael Urie are in demand as well.
While America Ferrera, the series’ Emmy-winning star, would certainly have opportunities in television, the belief is that she instead wants to make a full-time commitment to feature films.
The “Ugly Betty” cast, meanwhile, is not the only one on the pilot casting radar; actors from numerous bubble series are also slated to receive opportunities. THR’s feature adds that Jay Harrington, Portia de Rossi and Andrea Anders from “Better off Ted” will be in demand for second position roles, with Eliza Coupe (“Scrubs”) and Matt Long (“The Deep End”) in similar standing.
Recent television standouts Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”), Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”) and Christina Applegate (“Samantha Who?”) have already received multiple offers, adds the report. Katee Sackhoff, who currently appears on “24,” is also expected to be available, regardless of whether or not that show comes to an end this year.
Alex O’Loughlin of the cancelled “Three Rivers” should score a pilot role; the notables on “Lost”–Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Halloway and Terry O’Quinn–would technically be in demand but may miss out on most pilots this spring due to production on the Emmy-winning ABC drama not wrapping until April.
