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Kelsey Grammer has joined the cast of ABC comedy pilot �Roman�s Empire,� from Ashton Kutcher�s Katalyst Films, CBS Paramount Network TV and ABC Studios.

Grammer, coming off the canceled Fox laffer �Back to You,� will play an eccentric billionaire in the comedy about a guy who can�t get away from his ex-girlfriend�s wealthy family. Cast also includes comic Nick Thune, who inked a development pact with ABC and ABC Studios this year (Daily Variety, March 3).

Lensing on the single-camera comedy began over the weekend.

�Empire� is based on a British comedy of the same name from comedy shop Tiger Aspect, which is also a co-producer on the U.S. rendition.

ABC pilot was penned by Al Higgins. Exec producers include Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, Andrew Zein and Ben Cavey.

Grammer is repped by CAA.