'A Gifted Man' Books Former 'ER' Star Eriq La Salle (Exclusive)

He'll recur as a medical detective and might direct an episode of the upcoming CBS drama starring Patrick Wilson.

8:39 PM PDT 9/6/2011 by Lesley Goldberg

Comments

Jason Merritt/Getty Images for LA Philharmonic

Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle is playing doctor again.

ER’s Dr. Peter Benton has booked a multiepisode arc on CBS’ upcoming Patrick Wilson medical drama A Gifted Man, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.

La Salle will recur as Evan Morrison, a neuropsychiatrist -- a physician who treats those with emotional and behavioral disturbances. Morrison is described as a great medical detective who focuses on the nuances of human behavior. He'll appear in at least four episodes of the series.

The role reunites La Salle with Gifted Man executive producer Neal Baer, who also was an EP on ER.

"I'm thrilled to be working again with Eriq La Salle," Baer told THR. "I have very fond memories of our time together on ER and look forward to having Eriq portray another unforgettable character on A Gifted Man."

Gifted Man revolves around Wilson's Michael, a competitive surgeon whose world is turned upside down when his ex-wife (Jennifer Ehle) begins teaching him the meaning of life from the hereafter.

La Salle, who helmed an episode of ER, also might direct at least one episode of the drama, which executive producers Baer and Sarah Timberman said will be equally about medicine and science with a touch of spirituality.

La Salle, who is currently directing an episode of the CW’s Sarah Michelle Gellar action drama Ringer, is repped by APA, Principato-Young Entertainment and Fred Toczek.

A Gifted Man premieres Friday, Sept. 23 on CBS.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit