Broadway's O'Donnell Wooed by NBC's "Friday Night Lights" for Guest Role

By Ernio Hernandez
July 18, 2007

Rosie O'Donnell is being pursued for a guest role on the NBC series "Friday Night Lights," according to TVGuide.com.

Executive producer Jason Katims told the media outlet "Rosie's a big fan of 'Friday Night Lights,' as we know from 'The View,' and we heard she was interested in being on the show... We have a character coming up — six or seven episodes into the new season — of a female soccer coach who is really angry about all of the school's resources going to football. It's a really funny character and I think she'd be perfect for it."

No official talk has yet occurred and Cindi Berger, a representative for O'Donnell, stated "No definitive plans. They are in talks and she loves the show."

The critically acclaimed, but ratings-elusive "Friday Night Lights" was picked up for a new season by the network and will air its sophomore year (finally on its name-appropriate evening) Friday nights at 10 PM (ET). The show features Kyle Chandler (Picnic) and Scott Porter (Altar Boyz).

As producer (Taboo), star (Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical) and all around cheerleader, O'Donnell has been a prominent player in the Broadway community. The actress — seen in the films "A League of Their Own," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Now and Then," "Beautiful Girls" and heard (in voice) on "Tarzan" — has also been seen on the small screen. In addition to her hosting work on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" and "The View, she has put in memorable turns on "Nip/Tuck," "Queer as Folk," "Will & Grace," "The Practice," "Ally McBeal" and more.

For more information on "Friday Night Lights," visit nbc.com.