Tracy Vilar to Star in the Netflix Dramedy “Maid”

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Tracy Vilar is maid to order…

The 52-year-old Latina actress has been cast as a series regular opposite Margaret Qualley in MaidNetflix’s dramedy series from writer Molly Smith Metzler, John Wells Productions, Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television.

Tracy Vilar

Written by Metzler, Maid is inspired by Stephanie Land’s bestselling memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. It revolves around Alex (Qualley), a single mother who turns to housekeeping to — barely — make ends meet as she battles against poverty, homelessness, and bureaucracy. Told primarily through her point of view, Maid is described as a beautiful, alive, gritty and inspiring exploration of poverty in America.

Vilar will play Yolanda, the owner of “Value Maids,” the cleaning business that eventually employs “Alex” (Qualley). A woman who suffers no fools and runs a tight ship, Yolanda has managed to survive in a world (and economy) that is not always kind to her.

In addition to Qualley, Vilar joins previously cast Andie MacDowell, Nick Robinson and Anika Noni Rose. Maid is currently filming in Vancouver.

Vilar co-starred on the CBS comedy series Partners. Her television series credits include  major roles on Fox’s House and TNT’s Saved and guest shots on three Shondaland/ABC series, Grey’s Anatomy, How To Get Away with Murder and For the People. She also appeared in the features Grace of My Heart and K-Pax.

Rigo Sanchez Upped to Series Regular on TNT’s “Animal Kingdom”

Rigo Sanchez’s kingdomis expanding…

The Latino actor has been promoted to series regular for the fifth season of TNT’s Animal Kingdom.

Rigo Sanchez

In season 4, Sanchez’s Manny was the leader of a group of career criminals. He’s shrewd, ruthless, the brains of the operation and the “parent” of the crew. He appeared in 10 episodes. 

In season 5, the dynamics between Janine (Ellen Barkin), Manny (Sanchez), and Jake (Jon Beavers) are shifting as the crew comes back together and Janine decides she wants to operate out of a little town called Oceanside.

Animal Kingdomalso stars Shawn HatosyBen RobsonJake Weary, and Finn Cole.

The drama, which is based on David Michod’s 2010 Australian feature film, is produced by John Wells Productionsin association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television. Wells serves as executive producer on the series, which was developed for television by Jonathan Lisco

Sanchez has been recurring on Station 19/Grey’s Anatomy for ABC and Briarpatch on USA. On the film side, he is one of the leads in the feature Beneath Usopposite James Tupper, which is being released on March 6. 

Season five of Animal Kingdom premieres later this year on TNT.

Luis Guzmán to Appear on the Upcoming Season of Showtime’s “Shameless” 

There’s a little shame(less)in Luis Guzmán’s game…

The 62-year-old Puerto Rican actor has landed a recurring role in the upcoming ninth season of Showtime’s Shameless.

Luis Guzmán

In Season 9, political fervor hits the South Side and the Gallaghers take justice into their own hands. A few highlights: Frank (William H. Macy) sees financial opportunity in campaigning and decides to give voice to the underrepresented South Side working man. Fiona (Emmy Rossum) tries to build on her success with her apartment building and takes an expensive gamble hoping to catapult herself into the upper echelon. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) distracts himself from the challenges of sobriety by taking in Eddie’s niece, Xan (Amirah Johnson). Ian (Cameron Monaghan) faces the consequences of his crimes as the Gay Jesus movement takes a destructive turn.

Guzmán will portray Mikey O’Shea. Frank (Macy) meets his match in O’Shea, a fellow lush and contender in an ad campaign competition to find the new face of Hobo Loco, a cheap liquor aimed at fraternities and alcoholics.

Guzmán’s recent television credits include Code Black, Roadies and Narcos. He’ll next be seen on the big screen in The Padre, set for release next month.

Shameless‘ expanded 14-episode Season 9 will air in two parts, premiering September 9 and January 20.

Created by Paul Abbott, Shameless is produced by Bonanza Productionsin association withJohn Wells Productionsand Warner Bros. Television. Developed for American television by John Wells, the series is executive produced by Wells and Nancy M. Pimental.

TNT Gives Alonso’s “Animal Kingdom” Early Second Season Renewal

Daniella Alonso’s kingdom isn’t going anywhere…

TNT has renewed Animal Kingdom, starring the 37-year-old Puerto Rican and Peruvian-American actress, for a second season.

Daniella Alonso

The series, which is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television, received an early 10-episode renewal for premiere in 2017.

Animal Kingdom is inspired by the feature film of the same name written and directed by David Michôd.

Animal Kingdom has signaled the new tone for TNT dramas and is moving the network in the direction we hoped it would,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT. “I’m confident that our strategy of working with high-caliber talent and then getting out of their way will continue to pay off.”

In addition to Alonso, Animal Kingdom, which airs at 9:00 pm ET on Tuesdays, also stars Emmy and Tony winner Ellen Barkin, Scott Speedman, Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary, Finn Cole and Molly Gordon.