James Tupper finds 'Mercy' at NBC

Actor will play a doctor in comedic drama pilot

By Nellie Andreeva

Feb 17, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

James Tupper has been cast in NBC's drama pilot "Mercy."

The project, from Universal Media Studios, is a comedic drama about three nurses at Mercy Hospital bound together in friendship by the highs and lows of their personal and professional lives.

Tupper will play Dr. Chris Sands, a new doctor at Mercy Hospital who had a sizzling affair with one of the nurses while both were stationed in Iraq.

Tupper starred on ABC's dramedy "Men in Trees" and appeared in the indie feature "Me and Orson Wells." He recently did a four-episode arc on ABC's comedy "Samantha Who?"

Tupper is repped by ICM and Untitled.

Two familiar TV faces, "ER" alum Noah Wyle and "Pushing Daisies' " Anna Friel, are the most sought-after actors this pilot season, with each fielding about half-dozen offers.

Also approached for multiple projects are "The Class" alumna Lizzy Caplan, "Dirty Sexy Money" star Peter Krause and Claire Danes, who may be interested in returning to the small screen; she got her start on ABC's "My So-Called Life."

James Tupper finds 'Mercy' at NBC

Actor will play a doctor in comedic drama pilot

By Nellie Andreeva

Feb 17, 2009, 11:00 PM ET