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

Allison Janney

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Allison Janney

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

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 one-hour drama chronicles the unusual lives, romance and pop culture trajectory of Masters and Johnson. Their research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a mid-western 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, as Masters' wife; Nicholas D'Agosto; and Teddy Sears co-star in the drama, with Bridges and Margo Martindale also appearing.

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 producers 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 already underway in Los Angeles.

Repped by Gersh and Thruline, Janney has guest starred in several Showtime properties over the years, including The Big and Weeds. She recently starred in Touchy Feely,  Light Years and The Way, Way Back, and has a slew of upcoming films including Mr. Peabody & Sherman.

Masters of Sex will premiere Sunday, Sept. 29 at 10 p.m. on Showtime.

E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com
Twitter: @insidethetube

Philiana Ng