Rosie O’Donnell has joined the cast of “SMILF,” Frankie Shaw’s semi-autobiographical Showtime pilot. If the project gets ordered to series, it would mark O’Donnell’s first credit as a series regular.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that the actress and comic would play the role of Tutu, the mother of Shaw’s character. Tutu is described as “unapologetically herself and completely oblivious to social convention.”
“SMILF” is an adaptation of Shaw’s award-winning 2015 Sundance short of the same name. Inspired by the “Good Girls Revolt’s” star’s own experiences, the pilot centers on Bridget (Shaw), a 20-something Boston-based woman whose pursuit of sex, romance, and career aspirations is complicated by the fact that she’s a single mom.
In addition to starring in the pilot, the “Mr. Robot” actress is writing, directing, and producing the project. ABC Studios is producing the pilot in association with Showtime.
We asked Shaw her advice for other female directors during Sundance earlier this year. She premiered her newest short, “Too Legit,” at the fest. “Just start making stuff — you learn through process,” she said. “Just pretend you belong there doing it. It’s going to feel shitty, but sooner or later you’ll learn how to make what you see in your head into what you see in your movie — at least, here’s hoping.”
O’Donnell’s recent credits include “Mom,” “The Fosters,” and “Empire.” She’s slated to appear in NBC’s upcoming “Hairspray Live!”
