Producers of 30 Rock have searched far and wide to find Frank Rossitano’s mother and now, they’ve finally found their woman. According to Entertainment Weekly‘s Michael Ausiello, legendary Broadway actress Patti Lupone has just been hired to play the resident pigpen’s mom.
Lupone is perhaps best known for her role as Eva Perón in the 1979 musical Evita. Her much-lauded performance earned her a 1980 Tony Award for leading actress in a musical, among other honors. Apart from being a theater actress, Lupone also worked in films like Summer of Sam, Driving Miss Daisy, King of the Gypsies, Nancy Savoca’s 24 Hour Woman, Family Prayers, Bad Faith, and City by the Sea. On TV, she appeared as Libby Thatcher the television drama Life Goes On and was nominated twice for an Emmy Award for the tele-film The Song Spinner, and her guest appearance on Frasier. Most recently, she appeared on Ugly Betty as the mother of Michael Urie’s Marc.
There is no word yet on when Lupone will appear on the award-winning NBC sitcom or how long she’ll be joining the 30 Rock cast. But it will be interesting to see how the drama queen will offer parental guidance to her childish and lazy son.
Frank has had some hilarious storylines in the past but so far, the show hasn’t really set the spotlight on him. For those who are not familiar, Frank is played by comedian Judah Friedlander, who is known for his trademark trucker’s hats, oversized glasses and unkempt appearance, which he retains in his 30 Rock role. On the series, it has been revealed that Frank still lives with his mother and that his rent money goes directly to her.
Fans can catch Judah Friedlander as Frank Rossitano on 30 Rock every Thursday at 9:30 pm ET/PT on NBC.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: EW
(Image courtesy of Wire Image)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
