Marcia Cross is joining Fox’s “Fatrick” as the main character Patrick’s mother, Arlene.
In the series, Arlene, a nutritionist, appears in both present day and in flashbacks. The fit, energetic diet freak is proud of her skinny daughter, Arlene; but not so keen on her fatter, titular offspring. Arlene means well when it comes to her family, but she lacks a filter.
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The role will be the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Cross’s first since “Desperate Housewives,” as the actress took time off to spend with her family. Cross gave birth to twins in the middle of her “Housewives” run.
The 20th Century Fox Television series follows Patrick, a 30-something man and former fat kid who must face the damages and insecurities caused by years of being Fatrick: a chubby little kid just trying to survive.
“Fatrick” is written by Nahnatchka Khan (“Don’t Trust the B– in Apt 23”) and Corey Nickerson. It will mark the TV directing debut for Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (“The Descendants”). The show was ordered last month.
Cross is repped by Gersh Agency and Gartner/Green Entertainment.