The exodus of A-list actors transitioning to TV continues with news that Oscar winner, Halle Berry will star in first major TV role in the upcoming CBS series, Extant.
Produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television, the drama was greenlit in August and is a major coup for CBS. Berry and her producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, have entered into a two-year, first-look production deal with CBS Television Studios.
On the show, Berry will play an astronaut returning from a year-long solo space mission who tries to reconnect with her husband and son in their everyday life. Her experiences in space and home lead to events that ultimately change the course of human history.
“I’m always on the lookout for amazing roles, and when you see material that contains this strength of auspices, nuance and complexity, it compels me to run toward it no matter the medium,” Berry said. “For five months a year, I’ll get to live with and play this incredibly intelligent and vulnerable woman, and for the remainder of the year I’ll continue to look for other roles that move me as deeply as this one.”
Many people forget that Berry had a supporting role in 1989 ABC’s half-hour comedy Living Dolls, starring Leah Remini. It was canceled after 12 episodes and soon afterward Berry’s breakout role in Jungle Fever followed in 1991. She also starred in 1993 CBS miniseries Queen.
The two-time Black Reel Award winning actress won a lead miniseries/movie Emmy for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge in 2000 and then a lead actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball in 2002.
“There’s only one Halle Berry, and we are incredibly honored that she has chosen Extant to expand her illustrious career,” Spielberg said. “As she does with everything she touches, she will bring a deep authenticity to her role and I very much look forward to working with her.”
Berry will return to the big screen in early 2014 with the release of her drama, Frankie and Alice.
i do remember Living Dolls; i rather liked the show myself.