After turning in supporting roles in the hit films Hairspray and Juno, former West Wing star Allison Janney has joined the voice cast of the upcoming FOX animated series The Pitts. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Emmy-winning actress will play the role of Liz Pitt, matriarch of the unluckiest family in the world, in this cartoon reincarnation of a short-lived, live-action FOX series that appeared and quickly disappeared in 2003. Both shows are created by Simpsons producer Mike Scully and Julie Thacker-Scully.
Janney replaces veteran TV bit player Kellie Waymire, who originated the role of Liz Pitt in the live-action show. Dylan Baker (Spider-Man 3) and Lizzy Caplan (Cloverfield) are reportedly on board to reprise the roles of dad Bob Pitt and daughter Faith Pitt. Andy Milonakis, star of MTV2’s the Andy Milonakis Show, will take over the role of son Petey Pitt.
After a table read next week, The Pitts may go straight to series and sidestep the pilot process. Produced by 20 Century Fox TV, the project is one of several new animated shows FOX is trying out. In addition to the recently announced Family Guy spin off centering on the Cleveland Brown character, the network is toying with Relative Insanity from exec producer Jack Black, and Mothballs from Drawn Together creators Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser.
Relative Insanity follows the exploits of a twenty-something guy whose efforts to get his life on track are constantly being derailed by his crazy family. The show is being is written by Justin Roiland, who also serves as exec producer, along with Black’s Electric Dynamite producing partner Ben Cooley.
Mothballs centers on a dysfunctional family living in the nursing home they own and operate. Comedy ensues when the family’s estranged grandfather is put into the tightly run facility and tries to buck the system at every turn.
