Angie Harmon set to star in TNT's 'Rizzoli'

Actress to play title role of Boston detective in crime drama

By Nellie Andreeva

Oct 22, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

Meet TNT's new leading lady.

"Law & Order" alumna Angie Harmon is returning to the crime-drama beat with a starring role on the cable network's pilot "Rizzoli."

Harmon's casting in the pilot based on Tess Gerritsen's popular Jane Rizzoli mystery novels lifts the contingency on the Warner Horizon-produced project.

In the pilot, written by Janet Tamaro ("Bones"), Harmon will play the title role, Jane Rizzoli, a Boston detective.

The books and the TV adaptation center on Rizzoli, who works on her cases with medical examiner Maura Isles, a role that has not been cast.

Tamaro is executive producing with Bill Haber and "The Closer" executive producer Michael M. Robin. Robin, who helmed the pilot for "Closer," also a female-centered cop drama, has signed on to direct the "Rizzoli" pilot.

In addition to her role as assistant district attorney Abbie Carmichael on "Law & Order," Harmon starred on ABC's "Women's Murder Club" as Detective Lindsay Boxer.

"Angie Harmon is a favorite of crime drama fans," TNT head of programming Michael Wright said. "She will bring a combination of toughness and sensitivity to the challenging lead role."

Harmon, who most recently co-starred opposite Harry Connick Jr. in the Lifetime movie "Living Proof," is repped by Carrabino Management.

Angie Harmon set to star in TNT's 'Rizzoli'

Actress to play title role of Boston detective in crime drama

By Nellie Andreeva

Oct 22, 2009, 11:00 PM ET