Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn has joined the star-studded cast of USAs Political Animals.
The actress will co-star in the cable networks summer six-hour political drama seriesfrom executive producers Greg Berlanti and Laurence Mark.
Animalscenters on Elaine Barrish (Sigourney Weaver), a divorced former first lady and current secretary of state, who is struggling to keep her family together while simultaneously dealing with the crises of the State Department. She finds an unlikely ally in a famous DC journalist, played by Carla Gugino, who has spent her career tearing Elaine down.
Burstyn, who has picked up Emmy and Tony awards over the course of her career, will play Margaret Barrish, the mother to Weavers character. Shes being described as a tough Chicago broad and one-time Vegas showgirl with biting tongue and sharp wit.
In addition to Gugino and Weaver, Burstyn joins Fairly Legals Brittany Ishibashi (as Douglas fiancee),Lone Stars James Wolk (Barrishs cheif of staff) and Gossip Girls Sebastian Stan (Barrishs son) in the Warner Horizon project.
Burstyn, whose many credits include Big Love and Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore,is repped by Innovative Artists and The Schiff Company.
Berlanti will write and direct the pilot, in addition to executive producing with Mark. Melissa Kellner Berman will co-executive produce. Animals hails from Berlanti Productions and Laurence Mark Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television