ABC/Nicole Wilder; Michael Tran/FilmMagic
The 'Vikings' alum replaces Joelle Carter as the bride to Scott Foley's character.
Scandal is making a change in its family.
Joelle Carter, who originated the role of Jake's (Scott Foley) wife Vanessa on the ABC political soap, is being replaced by Vikings grad Jessalyn Gilsig, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Carter originated the role in the second half of Scandal's fifth season and recurred on the Shonda Rhimes drama starring Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn. The in-demand actress then booked a co-starring role on NBC's Chicago spinoff Chicago Justice, which was picked up to series in May. The drama films in Chicago and, given her status there, no doubt played a role in her recasting, as series regulars typically can only guest star in three episodes of another show.
While it's unclear just how many episodes Gilsig will be in — Shondaland typically keeps those things hush-hush — the actress' schedule recently opened up after the original Vikings star was (spoiler alert!) killed off last year following a three-season run on the History drama.
This marks the latest recasting for Scandal. Her credits include Glee, Heroes and Nip/Tuck. She's repped by Domain Talent.
The series previously replaced President Fitzgerald Grant's (Goldwyn) daughter, with Body of Proof's Mary Mouser taking over for Madeline Carroll, who also had scheduling issues.
Scandal returns midseason, which will see the official return of ABC's TGIT marketing campaign. A premiere date has not yet been announced. Sound off on your thoughts on the switch in the comments below.
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