Aisha Tyler on ‘CSI,’‘24’; Paula Jai Parker in OutKast musical.
Actress Aisha Tyler can’t be stopped. With a multiple-episode arc on “Friends” already under her belt, the comic has gone and landed herself roles on two Emmy-nominated crime dramas next season: CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Fox's 24.
According to the “Hollywood Reporter,” her CSI role is of a quirky scientist who comes to work with the show’s regulars at the Las Vegas crime lab. On 24, she’ll play a data analyst who makes a definite impression at the Counter Terrorism Unit.
Tyler will make her grand appearance in the third episodes of both series and will guest star in three episodes of each show with an option for three more.
Her guest-starring role on FX's Nip/Tuck this summer, as a Somali model and victim of genital mutilation who undergoes reconstructive surgery, drew the attention of casting directors for both dramas.
Both '24' and 'CSI' are great shows. I'm a huge fan of both, Tyler said told the “Hollywood Reporter.” It was an opportunity to do something very, very different because not only are they dramas, but the characters are very different from any characters I've played in the past. And as an actor, you always want to spread your wings as far as you can.
Meanwhile, “Variety” reports that Paula Jai Parker has been added to the cast of HBO’s untitled OutKast musical, starring the A-T-L duo Andre 3000 and Big Boi. The script was written by and will mark the feature directing debut of Bryan Barber, who helmed the videos for Hey Ya and The Way You Move. Broadway vet Hinton Battle will choreograph.
Join EUR at the 16th Annual Los Angeles Black Business Expo and Trade Show, Sept 10-12, 2004 at the L.A. Convention Center. For details visit www.expoupdate.com.
NEW MUSIC ... SAME LOVE ... STILL JILL On August 31st, Hidden Beach Recordings artist Jill Scott returns with her long awaited follow-up CD, “Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2.” The next chapter of this soulful journey is about to begin ... Get ready. Jill Scott - Beautifully Human - in stores Tuesday, 8/31. Visit www.beautifullyhuman.com or www.hiddenbeach.com for more info ... later.