Starz’s new comedy series East Wing has found it’s lead with Debra Messing.
Hailed from Ali Wentworth and Liz Tuccillo, with Wentworth starring with Messing, the show’s inspired by Wentworth’s mother, who was a Social Secretary in the White House in 1980 during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Messing will play Hollis Carlisle, a hostess who deals with balancing her husband, children, Nancy Reagan’s Chief of Staff, and an anxiety disorder. Wentworth will play Hollis’ best friend, Kelly Forbes, a stay at home mom who’s intimidated by Hollis’ success.
Wentworth, Tuccillo, and Messing will executive produce with Howard Klein and Lionsgate will produce.
“This is a whip-smart comedy that despite its 1980’s set dressing, is a pointed commentary on politics and the politics of being a woman today that will be a valuable addition to our slate of premium programming by and for women. Debra, Ali and Liz will most definitely not be pulling any punches,” said Christina Davis, president of original programming at Starz.
Messing’s most well-known for her Emmy Award-winning role on Will & Grace and she’s starred in The Mysteries of Laura, Smash, The Starter Wife, and Lionsgate’s TV remake of Dirty Dancing.
