Shiri Appleby is doing her ambitious “UnREAL” character proud. The actress has inked a multiyear overall deal with A+E Studios, the producers behind the critically acclaimed Lifetime series, The Hollywood Reporter confirms.
The agreement sees Appleby creating and developing new projects and producing original programming for the studio and outside buyers via her Appletree Pictures banner. She’ll also “serve as a brand ambassador for A+E Studios and Lifetime, representing the brands at events throughout the year,” THR details.
Appleby toplines “UnREAL” as Rachel Goldberg, a self-professed feminist who excels at manipulating other women in her job as a producer on a “Bachelor”-esque reality TV show, “Everlasting.” Appleby directed her first episode of the series during Season 2. Season 3 of the Peabody Award-winning show will feature a female suitor on “Everlasting,” played by “Masters of Sex’s” Caitlin FitzGerald. The third season is currently in production, and will premiere sometime this year.
“Shiri is a phenomenal talent, and working closely with her on ‘UnREAL’ has been both a personal and professional highlight,” A+E Studios vp creative affairs Erica Bello said Wednesday in a statement. “I look forward to bringing her distinct voice to new projects at A+E Studios.”
Appleby’s acting credits include “Girls,” “Life Unexpected,” and “Roswell.” She’s helmed episodes of “Sketchy” and “Dating Rules from My Future Self.”