Ortiz Lands Series Regular Role on TBS’ Dark Comedy Pilot “World’s End”

It’s the end of the world for James Ortiz

The Latino actor has booked a series regular role opposite Hamish Linklater, Wanda Sykes and Maribeth Monroe in TBS’ pilot World’s End.

Television

Written by Jonathan Ames, based on Icelandic dramedy Heimsendir, a Sagafilm format, World’s End is a dark comedy about an asylum that operates like a family, and as in all families, the question of who is sane and who isn’t is open for discussion. It follows Henry Mueller (Linklater), a charismatic high school English teacher who has a breakdown and is committed to a mental institution. There, under the watchful eye of Louise Baldwin (Sykes), he begins to feel “sane.” Henry starts to question the system and the methods used to contain the inmates, ultimately becoming the leader of an inmate revolt.

Ortiz will play Martin, a patient at Kingsley Hospital. He’s Dr. White’s prized patient and mentee at Kingsley Hospital who gives every impression of being on staff. Martin, however, is the deeply troubled subject of Dr. White’s book and is suffering from multiple personality disorder.

Ortiz Earns Obie Award for His “The Woodsman” Puppet Designs

James Ortiz is a real puppet master…

James Ortiz

The Latino actor, director, writer and puppet designer has received an award at the 61st annual Obie Awards, established by the Village Voice to acknowledge achievement in off-Broadway theater.

The Woodsman

Ortiz picked up the award for his puppet designs for New World Stages’ production of The Woodsman, the one-of-a-kind show Ortiz created that tells the tale of the Tin Man, the woman he loved, and the witch that would stop at nothing to keep them apart.

It’s Strangemen and Co.’s critically acclaimed take on one of America’s original fairy tales, the Wizard of Oz.

The Woodsman

The Village Voice now runs the Obies with the American Theatre Wing, which also co-presents the Tony Awards (with the Broadway League).

The ceremony was held Monday evening at Webster Hall and hosted by Lea DeLaria.

Ortiz serves as the co-artistic director of Strangemen & Co. His design/directorial credits include The Tempest (DC Shakespeare), SeaWife (Naked Angels), Mercury Fur (The New Group), King Lear (Delacorte Theater in Central Park), Ludic Proxy (Soho Rep), King Lear (Theatre for a New Audience), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (New Place Players), Miss Lilly Gets Boned (Studio 42), My Base and Scurvy Heart (Studio 42) and An Intimate Evening with Typhoid Mary (Glass Bandits).