Martin, who recently ended a five-year stint on "Law & Order," would co-star with James Purefoy in the series, which is scheduled to launch in March or April 2009. "The Philanthropist" concerns a billionaire (Purefoy) who helps those in need around the world. Martin would play the billionaire's friend and business partner Philip Maidstone.
Jesse L. Martin's theatre credits also include the Broadway productions of Timon of Athens and The Government Inspector.
Martin will also be seen in the upcoming NBC holiday special, "Letters to Santa — A Muppets Christmas."
