Meneses Stars in the Comedy-Drama Pilot “Unorganized Crime”

Alex Meneses may find herself in Unorganized territory…

The 51-year-old half-Mexican American actress is starring in the mafia-themed comedic drama series Unorganized Crime, which is being shopped around.

Alex Meneses

Based on Kenny D’Aquila’s play, the series would also star Chazz Palminteri, D’Aquila, Lainie Kazan, John Pankow and Carmine Caridi.

The play, a quirky mob-family comedy-drama, was staged in 2014 starring D’Aquila as Gino Sicuso, a forgotten brother and son who is banished to Detroit by his father. It is a savage and humorous tale of two brothers, Gino and Sal (Palminteri), and the love of a woman who is torn between loyalty and survival.

The play ran in L.A. and Chicago during the past two years.

Palminteri and D’Aquila reprised their roles in the pilot presentation, which they wrote.

Nick Vallelonga directed.

Ruehl to Star in ABC’s Legal Drama Pilot “Doubt”

Mercedes Ruehl has no doubt what her next television project will be…

The 65-year-old part-Cuban Oscar– and Tony-winning actress has signed on to star opposite Steve Coogan and Carla Gugino in ABC’s legal drama pilot Doubt.

Mercedes Ruehl

From Sony Pictures Television, the project centers on Vincent (portrayed by Coogan), a former police officer who is now a cunning but charming low-rent lawyer using his street smarts to work the system for his clients while battling his own demons and wooing his ex-wife Linda (Gugino).

Ruehl will portray Mrs. Syn Newman, a lawyer who works and constantly bickers with her husband (John Pankow) in offices they rent from Vincent. Though frequently exasperated by her landlord, she also considers him a son and her frustration with him never dampens her desire to fight alongside him.

Ruehl, who has an upcoming guest-starring role in the episode of TNT’s Monday Mornings, has guest-starred in Law & Order, Psych and Entourage.

The Fisher King star will next be seen in the film Chu And Blossom.