Peacock adding zing to 'Wing'
Smits likely to play three-term Houston congressman
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The ex-"NYPD Blue" star is in negotiations with John Wells Prods. and Warner Bros. TV to join the cast of the Emmy-nommed skein. He'd play a three-term Houston congressman with intense political ambitions.
Specifics of the role, which will be recurring at first, are still shrouded in secrecy. But it's not much of a stretch to assume that Smits' character will have his eye on the White House, industry insiders said. Wells and NBC execs have both made it clear that change is in the air on the show since Martin Sheen's President Bartlet is coming to the end of his second and final term.
Given Smits' rep as a leading man, it seems logical the thesp's "West Wing" character could be in line to replace Bartlet as president -- or at least make a serious run at the job.
"Wing" is still a favorite of Emmy voters, snagging 12 noms last month and winning best drama series the past four years. But its ratings have dropped markedly the past two years, leaving open the question of whether the show will continue past its sixth season, which starts in October.
NBC Entertainment prexy Kevin Reilly told reporters last month at the TV Critics Assn. press tour that producers would be looking to add some sizzle to "The West Wing" and predicted some high-profile cast additions.
Smits is credited with seamlessly replacing David Caruso on "Blue," helping the show turn into an even bigger hit. He was also an original cast member of NBC's "L.A. Law," making his "Wing" turn a homecoming of sorts.
There's no deal in place yet for Smits, and as a result, WBTV and producers declined to comment. Studio and thesp have a good relationship, however, having recently teamed on a potential NBC gumshoe project that ultimately didn't go forward.
Smits has been careful about picking TV roles, turning down several series offers since he left "Blue" five years ago. Thesp recently starred in Gotham's Shakespeare in the Park production of "Much Ado About Nothing" as well as the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Anna in the Tropics."
He'll also reprise his role as Bail Organa in "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith" next year.
