Allison Janney Lands Multi-Episode Arc on Showtime's 'Masters of Sex'

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Allison Janney

Allison Janney is headed to Showtime's Masters of Sex.

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The actress, who won four Emmys for The West Wing, has booked a five-episode arc on the upcoming drama starring Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Masters of Sex centers on the real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, William Masters (Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Caplan). The hourlong drama chronicles the unusual lives, romance and pop culture trajectory of Masters and Johnson, whose research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a Midwestern teaching hospital in St. Louis to the cover of Time. 

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Janney will play Margaret Scully, the wife of university provost Barton Scully (Beau Bridges). Caitlin Fitzgerald co-stars as Masters' wife, along with Nicholas D'Agosto and Teddy Sears. Margo Martindale also will appear.

Masters of Sex is an adaptation of Thomas Maier's book Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, The Couple Who Taught America How to Love. The pilot was executive produced and directed by John Madden. Michelle Ashford created the series and executive produces with Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman and Judith Verno. Sheen, Tammy Rosen and Thomas Maier will produce the Sony Pictures TV production.

Production on the first season is under way in Los Angeles.

Repped by Gersh, Thruline and Nelson/Davis/Wetzstein, Janney has guest starred in several Showtime properties over the years, including The Big C  and Weeds. She has a slew of upcoming films including Touchy Feely,  Light Years, The Way, Way Back and Mr. Peabody & Sherman. She recently booked a role as Anna Faris' mother in Chuck Lorre's CBS comedy pilot Mom.

Masters of Sex premieres at 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.

E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com
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