I read a USA network press release earlier this afternoon about the "Starter Wife" returning this October 2008, but there was no mention of any of Debra Messing's costars returning. Then the Hollywood Reporter posted this tonight ----- Judy Davis to reprise her role in 'Starter Wife.'
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/conten...4c1dcb346967e8e
Monsters and Critics website picked up on the story and had more details of the anouncement by USA.
From Monsters and Critics.com
Smallscreen News
USA Network upfront: Judy Davis confirmed for 'Starter Wife'
By April MacIntyre
Apr 4, 2008, 4:57 GMT
Tonight at sister network Bravo's "Top Chef" star Tom Colicchio's Craft restaurant in Century City, USA Network invited some of their favorite advertisers and reporters to the upfront presentation.
Craft is a stunning modernist restaurant that glowed in candlelight and featured the most amazing raw seafood bar with a myriad of delectable appetizers and desserts that flowed like the quality wine they poured all night. It was a great setting, with perfectly presented and prepared food and an ultra professional staff that attended to everyone.
Surrounded by USA stars like Debra Messing, Tony Shalhoub, Tim Omundson, Jeffrey Donovan and Gabrielle Anwar among many network luminaries, NBC Universal cable chief Bonnie Hammer looked beautiful as she enthusiastically talked about the "Brandwidth" of the ratings ass-kickers - the USA Network.
The NBC cable wunderkind now boasts 27% original programming.
She noted that it was the company's devotion to finding unique "characters" and great stories and talent in front of and behind the cameras that defined the success USA Network offered, compared to the competition.
USA has much to look forward to, but the nights big news came from Hammer herself, as "The Starter Wife" producers confirm that Judy Davis, the Emmy award winning (twice Oscar nominated) actress will join Debra in the cast for ten new episodes. Hallelujah.
I was also looking for Gigi Levangie, it was her book that was the genesis for the series, but alas was out of luck. She wasn't there.
Messing is a lovely person, unpretentious and gorgeous in the classic yesteryear Hollywood way. She sat down to talk about the sudden news of Davis, and her over the moon joy that Judy would soon be back with her working.
"You know, it was never the intention for this to be a series initially, it wasn't in my gameplan," Messing shared.
"I couldn't imagine doing this series without Judy. The mini-series was like a summer vacation, but now, the writers can take Molly and really get into her new life as a single mom, getting her back into the workforce, and all the people that will be in her life now.
The scenes with Molly and Joan (Davis) were so well done, and funny too, but there was a poignancy; I am just so happy about this news."
What about Joe Mantegna? Messing gave me a very big smile.
"Well we are trying to get the entire original cast back, but yes I would love to tell you he is confirmed but so far, we are working on it."
http://smallscreen.monstersandcritics.com/...or_Starter_Wife
One last note: there's buzz on the web that ABC isn't planning to renew 'Cashmere Mafia' ----- if true, that might make Miranda Otto available to return to 'Starter' if she wants to.