Laverne Cox is about to shed her orange prison scrubs for a power suit.
The “Orange Is the New Black” breakout star has been tapped to join CBS’ upcoming legal drama “Doubt,” The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The drama revolves around a yet-to-be-cast smart, chic, successful defense lawyer at a boutique firm who shockingly gets romantically involved with one of her clients who may or may not be guilty of a brutal crime.
Cox, in one of the biggest showings of diversity yet this pilot season, will co-star as Cameron Wirth, a role specifically created for a transgender actress. The character is described as a transgender Ivy League-educated attorney who is as competitive as she is compassionate. She’s fierce, funny and the fact that she’s experienced injustice first hand makes her fight all the harder for her clients.
“Grey’s Anatomy” alums and married writing duo Tony Phelan and Joan Rater will pen the script and executive produce the CBS Television Studios drama alongside producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly.
For Cox, the role marks her largest gig to date following her Emmy-nominated character Sophia Burset in “Orange.” Cox made history with her Emmy nomination in July, becoming the first openly transgender actress to garner such recognition from the TV Academy.
The GLAAD Award winner has since booked multiple guest roles on series including MTV’s “Faking It,” Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,” and most recently, Fox’s “The Mindy Project,” in addition to nabbing an MTV documentary spotlighting trans youth.
Like BlackAmericaWeb.com on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
(Photo Source: PR Photos)
