SHAMELESS SEASON 5

1 hour, 12 episodes

Premieres: Sunday, January 11th 2015 at 9:00 PM (ET/PT)

 

SYNOPSIS

The fifth season of SHAMELESS stars Oscar® nominee and Emmy® winner William H. Macy as pickled patriarch Frank Gallagher and Golden Globe® nominee Emmy Rossum as daughter Fiona. Recently garnering three Emmy® Award nominations in the ‘Comedy’ category, SHAMELESS season 5 finds the Gallaghers dealing with the upsides and downsides of personal growth and urban renewal. As their neighborhood begins a move towards gentrifying, the Gallagher clan tries to reconcile their chaotic past in the hopes of building a better future. Dermot Mulroney, Steve Kazee and Sasha Alexander guest star. The series stars Macy and Rossum, along with Ethan Cutkosky, Emily Bergl, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Cameron Monaghan, Jeremy Allen White, Noel Fisher and special guest star Joan Cusack. Based on the long-running hit U.K. series, SHAMELESS is executive-produced by Emmy Award winning television and film producer John Wells, Andrew Stearn, Christopher Chulack, Davey Holmes and Nancy Pimental. Wells developed the series for American television. Paul Abbott serves as executive consultant. SHAMELESS is produced by Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

 

Episode 501:  'Milk of the Gods' written by Nancy M. Pimental, directed by Chris Chulack

It’s summertime again in Chicago. Fiona balances her job at Patsy’s Pies and a crush on her older boss, Sean, as Lip says goodbye to college and Amanda. He heads back home where he struggles to fit in with his old Southside friends. But he’s not the only thing in the neighborhood that’s changing though, realtors are buying up property and a new, trendy yoga studio has popped up. Meanwhile, Frank, still recovering from his liver transplant, is living at Sheila’s and working on a secret project in her basement while Sheila works upstairs to get rid of a problematic Sammi and Chuckie.

 

Episode 502:  ‘I’m the Liver’ written by Krista Vernoff, directed by Sanaa Hamri

Fiona is officially off house arrest while Lip starts his first day of work for Tommy. But manual labor turns out to be harder than Lip thought and the brutal hazing from his co-workers doesn’t help.  Meanwhile, a manic Ian plans his revenge with Mickey and Mandy against a homophobic military funeral protest. 

 

Episode 503:  ‘The Two Lisas’ written by Sheila Callaghan, directed Peter Segal

The gentrification of the Back of the Yards continues as Frank enlists Carl to scare off potential buyers who are buying up more property in the neighborhood while pleading with Sheila not to cave and sell her home.  In exchange for new brewery equipment, Frank sets the owner of a junkyard up with Sammi under shady pretenses.

 

Episode 504:  A Night to Remem- Wait, What? written by Davey Holmes, directed Richie Keen

 

Frank arrives at Lou's to pick up his six figure insurance settlement and is shocked to learn that he's already collected it. Meanwhile, Lip visits Amanda and her family at her luxurious house in Miami. 

 

Contacts:

Frank Marchesini                                                                 Chloe Comins

310.234.5342                                                                        617.505.5304

Frank.Marchesini@showtime.net                                     Chloe.Comins@showtime.net

 

 

SHAMELESS SEASON 5 CREDITS

CAST:

WILLIAM H. MACY                                                              FRANK GALLAGHER

EMMY ROSSUM                                                                 FIONA GALLAGHER

JEREMY ALLEN WHITE                                                    LIP GALLAGHER

ETHAN CUTKOSKY                                                           CARL GALLAGHER

SHANOLA HAMPTON                                                        VERONICA

STEVE HOWEY                                                                   KEV

EMMA KENNEY                                                                  DEBBIE GALLAGHER

CAMERON MONAGHAN                                                   IAN GALLAGHER

NOEL FISHER                                                                     MICKEY MILKOVICH

EMILY BERGL                                                                     SAMMI

 

SPECIAL GUEST STARS:

JOAN CUSACK                                                                   SHEILA JACKSON

DERMOT MULRONEY                                                       SEAN

JUSTIN CHATWIN                                                              STEVE

STEVE KAZEE                                                                    GUS

SASHA ALEXANDER                                                        HELENE

 

GUEST STARS:

EMMA GREENWELL                                                          MANDY MILKOVICH

BOJANA NOVAKOVIC                                                       BIANCA SAMSON

NICHOLE BLOOM                                                               AMANDA

ISIDORA GORESHTER                                                     SVETLANA

MICHAEL PATRICK McGILL                                             TOMMY

DICHEN LACHMAN                                                           ANGELA

AXLE WHITEHEAD                                                                        DAVIS

ALESSANDRA BALAZS                                                    JACKIE

LUCA ORIEL                                                                        DEREK

 

PRODUCTION:

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS                                              JOHN WELLS

                                                                                                ANDREW STEARN

                                                                                                CHRISTOPHER CHULACK

                                                                                                NANCY M. PIMENTAL

                                                                                                DAVEY HOLMES

 

CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS                                       MICHAEL HISSRICH

                                                                                                ETAN FRANKEL

                                                                                                KRISTA VERNOFF                                    

 

SUPERVISING PRODUCER                                            SHEILA CALLAGHAN

 

PRODUCER                                                                         PRINCESS O’MAHONEY

 

CO-PRODUCER                                                                 TERRI MURPHY

 

COORDINATING PRODUCER                                         MATT DEVAHL

 

STORY EDITOR                                                                  LISA MORALES      

 

EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT                                             PAUL ABBOTT

 

DEVELOPED FOR AMERICAN TELEVISION BY        JOHN WELLS

 

CREATED BY                                                                      PAUL ABBOTT

 

 

SHAMELESS SEASON 5 BIOS

WILLIAM H. MACY – “Frank Gallagher”

 

William H. Macy is an Oscar® and Golden Globe® nominee, an Emmy® and SAG® Award winning actor and a writer in theater, film and television. He currently stars in the SHOWTIME series SHAMELESS, for which he was recently nominated for an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award. In addition, Macy is a founding member of the Atlantic Theater Company. His film credits include Seabiscuit, The Cooler, Magnolia, Boogie Nights, Jurassic Park III, Fargo, TNT's Door To Door, and Wild Hogs. In 2013, William H. Macy made his feature directorial debut with Rudderless, which was the closing film at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Rudderless will be distributed by Paramount/Goldwyn later this year.

 

 

EMMY ROSSUM – “Fiona Gallagher”

 

Actress/Singer Emmy Rossum has been captivating audiences with her diverse, extraordinary talents for over a decade. Rossum’s acting performance in Songcatcher earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination in the category of ‘Best Debut Performance.’ Four years later in 2004, her starring performance as “Christine” in The Phantom Of The Opera earned her a Golden Globe® Award nomination, as well as the National Board of Review’s ‘Best Female Breakthrough Performance Award’ and the Broadcast Film Critics Association’s ‘Best Young Actress Award’ in 2005.

 

Rossum currently stars in SHOWTIME’s dark comedy series SHAMELESS, which is currently in production for its fifth season. Rossum’s previous television credits include guest-starring appearances on Law & Order and The Practice.

 

In film, Rossum can be seen in You’re Not You, alongside Josh Duhamel and Hilary Swank. Later this year, Rossum will also be seen in Shawn Christensen’s Before I Disappear, based on the 2012 Oscar® winning short Curfew, which won the prestigious ‘Audience Award’ at SXSW in March, as well as Comet, opposite Justin Long, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June. Other film credits include Warner Bros.’ Beautiful Creatures and Dare, alongside Zach Gilford; Dragonball; Poseidon; The Day After Tomorrow with Jake Gyllenhaal, and the Clint Eastwood directed drama Mystic River.

 

In 2007, Rossum recorded her first album for Geffen records, Inside Out, which showcased her classically trained voice as the primary instrument. She wrote and recorded all her own songs. She released her second album, Sentimental Journey – a collection of 1940’s standards – in January 2013.

 

Rossum began her theatrical career at the age of seven when she began singing the children’s roles at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. Between the ages of seven and twelve she was trained there in stagecraft and classical vocal technique and performed in five languages in 20 different operas.

 

Rossum is the Youth Ambassador for the international organization Youth AIDS, which works to educate young people in sixty countries on the prevention and treatment of AIDS. Rossum travels internationally, raising awareness of the pandemic by speaking at schools, universities and government forums.

 

Rossum was born in New York City in 1986 and attended the Spence School until 1996. She earned her high school degree through Stanford University’s Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY) and Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD).

 

Rossum currently resides in Los Angeles.

 

 

JEREMY ALLEN WHITE – “Lip Gallagher”

 

Jeremy Allen White is a rising star on the big and small screens, lending a balance of edginess and relatability to each new role.

 

He most notably stars opposite William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum in the highly acclaimed SHOWTIME series SHAMELESS, which is currently shooting its fifth season. Jeremy, the breakout star of the show, plays “Lip,” the oldest son in the dysfunctional Gallagher clan.

 

Jeremy can be seen in Robinson Devor’s You Can’t Win, opposite Michael Pitt. The film, a 1920’s era drama, centers on the unusual friendship between an adventurer and a young prostitute.  Jeremy can also be seen in The Time Being, opposite Wes Bentley and Frank Langella, in Antonio Campos’ Afterschool, alongside Ezra Miller, and in the comedy Movie 43, with Elizabeth Banks, Emma Stone, Kate Winslet and Gerard Butler.

 

He recently wrapped the lead opposite Dakota Fanning in Gerardo Naranjo’s English debut about life on the road with an 80’s punk band.

 

Next year, White is also set to play the lead in the DreamWorks feature Glimmer.

 

 

ETHAN CUTKOSKY – “Carl Gallagher”

 

Ethan Cutkosky started acting at four years old in commercials and advertising campaigns. His first film break came at age seven when he appeared in Fred Claus, opposite Vince Vaughn. A year later, Cutkosky landed a major role in the horror film The Unborn, with Gary Oldman. Most recently Cutkosky was seen as “Henry Mesner” in the Law & Order: SVU episode “Born Psychopath.

 

When Ethan isn’t torturing animals as “Carl Gallagher” on SHAMELESS, he spends time taking care of his own pets: a black cat named “Bear,” a Chinese water dragon and an albino pacman frog. Ethan is also very active and loves sports, including lacrosse, skate boarding, motorcycling and biking. When not filming SHAMELESS, Cutkosky resides with his parents in the Chicago-land area, where he attends high school.

 

 

SHANOLA HAMPTON – “Veronica Fisher”

 

Shanola Hampton currently stars alongside Emmy Rossum, William H. Macy and Joan Cusack in SHOWTIME’s endearing drama SHAMELESS. Hampton stars as the helpful and loveable friend to “Fiona Gallagher,” Rossum’s character.

 

She has previously attained a wide variety of television roles including stints on Miami Medical, Eli Stone, Pepper Dennis, Related, Scrubs, Strong Medicine and Reba.

 

Hampton has also attained multiple independent feature credits. She recently completed production on the independent film They Die By Dawn starring alongside Rosario Dawson, Idris Elba and Erykah Badu. Hampton also recently wrapped production on the independent feature Things Never Said, in which she stars opposite Dorian Missick, Omari Hardwick and Michael Beach.

 

Hampton earned her undergraduate degree from Winthrop University before receiving her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Illinois. She is a fitness buff who enjoys swimming and doing Pilates to stay in shape.

 

Hampton currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

 

 

STEVE HOWEY – “Kevin Ball”

 

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Steve Howey spent his early childhood growing up on sailboats with his parents.  After his second year in college, Howey decided to pursue acting and enrolled in his father’s (acting coach Bill Howey) acting class.  Howey will next be seen in the independent features In Your Eyes with Nikki Reed and Jennifer Grey, and See You In Valhalla with Sarah Hyland.  Other film credits include Something Borrowed, with Kate Hudson and Jon Krasinski, Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, and the independent feature Losing Control.  Recent television credits include Sons of AnarchyJennifer FallsNew Girl, Psych, and Reba.

 

 

EMMA KENNEY – “Debbie Gallagher”

 

Born in Manhattan, Emma Kenney realized her passion for performing at age four. Since then, she has appeared in numerous national commercials as well as voiceovers. Since becoming a series regular on SHAMELESS, she has also recurred on Boardwalk Empire and voiced the character “Marigold” on the Twentieth Century Fox animated feature, Epic. In addition to acting, Kenney also has enthusiasm for being behind the camera. Emma directed her first movie, The New Girl In Town, which was honored as a finalist at the 2009 New Jersey International Film Festival, making Emma the youngest filmmaker ever to receive that honor. Due to her directorial success, New York Magazine, Fox-5 TV in New York and New Jersey Monthly magazine all featured stories on Kenney’s accomplishment. When she is not acting or directing, she loves playing with her animals (one day, she hopes to open an animal shelter but for the time being is volunteering on weekends in one). Kenney is now splitting her time between New Jersey and Los Angeles.

 

 

CAMERON MONAGHAN – “Ian Gallagher”

 

Actor on the rise Cameron Monaghan can be seen starring in some of the most buzz-worthy projects in film and television today. Over the past year he has shot three lead roles in back-to-back films for The Weinstein Company, including Phillip Noyce’s The Giver, opposite Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, and next year’s Amityville: The Awakening reboot, directed by Franck Khalfoun (male lead opposite Bella Thorne).

 

In addition to his studio films, Monaghan has received rave reviews for his performances in indie features and was a breakout actor who garnered great buzz at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. His film, Jamie Marks Is Dead (directed by Carter Smith), was a Sundance 2014 Official Selection in the dramatic competition. The film will receive a limited release in theaters this August. Monaghan also recently starred in the indie feature Mall, directed by Joe Hahn of Linkin Park. The iconic band provided original music and scored the film, which hits theaters nationwide in September.

 

Monaghan’s theatrical debut was in The Music Man (2003), as the character “Winthrop Paroo”, opposite Victor Garber, Matthew Broderick and Kristen Chenoweth. The musical feature film was produced by Neil Meron and Craig Zadan of Storyline Entertainment and distributed by Disney. Ron Howard originally played the role in the 1962 version of The Music Man.

 

Monaghan has appeared in a broad range of dramatic and comedic projects, including over a dozen television guest star roles and many feature film credits, including six studio films in major roles. His most recent guest lead appearances on television were in Law & Order: SUV and NCIS.

 

 

NOEL FISHER – “Mickey Milkovich”

 

Noel Fisher has become one of the entertainment industry’s most sought after and versatile performers, bringing to life memorable characters on the big and small screens over the past few years. From a rookie Marine fighting aliens throughout the demolished streets of Santa Monica, to a bully on the snowy sidewalks of Chicago and a Romanian vampire several thousand years old, Fisher has showcased his wide range of acting ability in some of the hottest projects on screen today. In 2014, Fisher can be seen starring as “Michelangelo” in Paramount Pictures’ summer hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fisher recently appeared as “Vladimir” in the final chapter of the worldwide phenomenon The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2. He also was seen in the record-breaking History Channel miniseries Hatfields & McCoys as “Ellison ‘Cotton Top’ Mounts,” opposite Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton. Its Memorial Day debut drew 13.9 million viewers, a new high for an entertainment show on ad-supported cable TV.

 

Originally from Vancouver, B.C., Fisher has been steadily gaining momentum as an actor since he was 14 years old. His very first role was in the TV movie The Sheldon Kennedy Story, for CBC in 1999. The part landed Fisher his first GEMINI nomination (the equivalent to the U.S. Primetime Emmy® Awards), which was followed with a second nomination for his work on the hit Canadian series Godiva’s (2005-2006).

 

Once gaining traction in Canada, Fisher proved that his talent would translate to the US market, appearing in the blockbuster Columbia feature film Battle: Los Angeles, with his portrayal of “rookie Marine Pfc. Shaun Lenihan,” opposite Aaron Eckhart. He has also made his mark in television, appearing on top series such as CBS’ Two And A Half Men, The Mentalist and Medium, a recurring role on NBC’s Law and Order: SVU, SHOWTIME’s Huff, and FOX’s Bones. In 2008, he went to Sundance with the independent film Red (Official Selection), alongside Brian Cox. 2010 was a standout year for Fisher, as he was seen in the HBO nominated miniseries The Pacific, the follow up to the hit miniseries Band Of Brothers. His other television credits from the past two years include solid performances in FOX’s Lie To Me, FX’s Terriers, CBS’ Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and TNT’s Dark Blue. Audiences may best remember Fisher from his breakout performance in the critically acclaimed FX series The Riches, portraying “Cal,” the conniving and clever son of Eddie Izzard and Mini Driver.

 

When not working, Fisher loves to go camping, go to the beach and just hang out at home with a good movie and frozen yogurt. He is also an animal lover and supports the efforts of The Humane Society of the United States, as well as the youth outreach charity Visual Impact Now.

 

 

EMILY BERGL – “Sammi”

 

Emily Bergl is one of a few actresses today who has created a substantial career across film, television and theatre. Her work spans across diverse roles in comedy and drama, including characters from many different centuries. She has worked with award-winning directors on film and television including but not limited to: James Mangold, Antoine Fuqua, Steven Shainberg and Jonathan Kaplan; and on stage with Doug Hughes, Daniel Sullivan, Michael Greif, Michael Mayer and Mark Brokaw.

 

Born in Milton Keynes, England to a British father and Irish mother, she moved to the United States with her family at age six, eventually settling in Chicago. Emily soon began acting in local theatre productions, all of which she produced, directed, designed and catered in her backyard. The reviews, also written by Emily, were glowing.

 

Upon graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Grinnell College, Emily moved to New York to pursue a stage career. After only a few months, Emily was chosen from a nationwide casting call to play the lead in The Rage: Carrie 2, her first job on camera. The film earned rave reviews for the novice film actress’ performance and lead to starring roles in independent films such as I Know What I’m Doing, Grassroots, Final Draft, Happy Campers, Chasing Sleep, opposite Jeff Daniels, and Fur: An Imaginary Portrait Of Diane Arbus, opposite Nicole Kidman.

 

Emily soon returned to the theatre, starring in Romeo And Juliet at the Old Globe, as well as on Broadway opposite Gabriel Byrne in Eugene O Neill’s A Touch Of The Poet and The Lion In Winter opposite Laurence Fishburne and Stockard Channing, for which she won the FANY award for ‘Best Broadway Debut.’ Most recently cast in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, opposite Scarlett Johansson, Emily also just starred alongside Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Hamish Linklater in The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park production of Comedy Of Errors.

 

Emily earned many guest star roles on television, including Warehouse 13, The Mentalist,

Hawaii Five-0, Royal Pains, Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Wife, Medium, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, CSI: Miami and two seasons playing the malevolent “Francie” on Gilmore Girls. Moreover, Emily played key roles across multiple seasons of Desperate Housewives and Southland. Emily also starred as the mother of Dakota Fanning in Steven Spielberg Presents: Taken, a historic 20-hour mini-series as well as “Annie” in ABC’s Men In Trees.

 

While maintaining a career in film and television, Emily has worked throughout the country at regional theatres such as the Williamstown Theatre Festival, New York Stage and Film, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse and The Globe Theatres, playing lead roles in Proof and Our Town. Furthermore, she starred on Broadway in The Rivals at Lincoln Center (a performance The New York Times described as “infinitely nuanced”) and originated roles off-Broadway in new plays by Christopher Shinn and Steven Dietz. Emily is also a member of Antaeus, a theatre company based in Los Angeles that produces classic works.

 

Emily spends her free time volunteering for Habitat For Humanity.

 

 

JOAN CUSACK – “Sheila Jackson”

 

Nominated four times for an Emmy® for her portrayal as “Shelia Jackson,” Joan Cusack has also been nominated twice for Academy Awards® for her roles in Working Girl and In And Out. A prominent Chicago stage actress, she has also starred Off Broadway in The Road at Lincoln Center, and originated the role of Susannah De Luce in Brilliant Traces at the Cherry Lane Theater in New York’s West Village. She has garnered critical praise for her role as “Jessie the Cowgirl” in Toy Story’s animated features and has a degree in English from The University of Wisconsin. Over her 35-year career, she has been in over 40 films. She is a mother of two teenage boys and has been married for 17 years to businessman Dick Burke. She was a cast member of Saturday Night Live and most recently completed filming Welcome To Me, starring Kristen Wiig and Kitchen Sink, with Breaking Bad cast member Bob Odenkirk. She is also the owner of Judy Maxwell Home, a boutique specializing in home décor and gifts in Chicago, where she currently lives.

 

 

DERMOT MULRONEY – “Sean”

 

Throughout his career, Dermot Mulroney has starred in over 65 films, working with the industry’s top filmmakers and talent. Mulroney was last seen in August: Osage County for John Wells, opposite Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. Mulroney has recently been seen in Jobs, opposite Ashton Kutcher; The Rambler and Stoker for Chan-wook Park, opposite Nicole Kidman and Mia Wasikowska. He can also be seen in past seasons on Fox’s New Girl, where he played Zooey Deschanel’s love interest. Mulroney also recently starred in The Grey opposite Liam Neeson, Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar, David Fincher’s Zodiac, The Family Stone and My Best Friend’s Wedding, among many others.

 

 

JUSTIN CHATWIN – “Jimmy”

 

Justin Chatwin is perhaps best known for his role as “Jimmy/Steve” on the SHOWTIME drama series SHAMELESS.

 

On the big screen, Chatwin can next be seen starring as a rock star and teen idol in Bang Bang Baby, opposite Jane Levy, which premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.  Chatwin has also completed production on the romantic comedy No Stranger Than Love, along with Alison Brie and Colin Hanks, and the independent drama The Greens Are Gone, in which he stars alongside Catherine Keener, Anton Yelchin, Cary Elwes and Maya Rudolph.

 

Chatwin’s additional film credits include Dragonball: Evolution, the film adaptation of the Japanese manga phenomenon; John Stockwell’s romantic comedy Middle Of Nowhere, also starring Susan Sarandon and Eva Amurri; The Invisible, in which he starred opposite Marcia Gay Harden; Steven Spielberg’s re-telling of the H.G. Wells classic, War Of The Worlds, in which he starred opposite Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning; the independent film The Chumscrubber also starring Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Rita Wilson and Allison Janney; and Taking Lives with Angelina Jolie and Ethan Hawke. 

 

Chatwin first garnered recognition for his starring role in the in the USA miniseries Traffic, directed by Stephen Hopkins. Based on his performance in the program, Newsweek magazine singled him out as an “Actor to Watch.” Additional television credits include roles on Lost and Weeds.

 

Chatwin was born and raised on Vancouver Island (Nanaimo), British Columbia. 

 

 

STEVE KAZEE – “Gus”

 

Steve Kazee was born in Ashland, Kentucky and attended Fairview High School before moving to New York City in 2002 where he earned an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. In 2012 Steve won a Tony® Award for ‘Best Performance by a Leading Male Actor in a Musical’ as well as a Grammy® Award for ‘Best Musical Theater Album’ for his work in the Broadway production of Once. His other Broadway appearances include Monty Python’s Spamalot as “Sir Lancelot,” playing “Starbuck” opposite Audra McDonald in the Roundabout Theatre Co. production of 110 In The Shade, To Be Or Not To Be (MTC) and Edward Albee’s Seascape. Regionally, Steve appeared in The Subject Was Roses (Kennedy Center), where he was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for ‘Best Actor’ alongside Bill Pullman and Judith Ivey, and in Pirates! as the Pirate King for the Huntington Theatre. Earlier this year, Steve starred in the ABC pilot WARRIORS opposite Morena Baccarin (Homeland) and Greg Grunberg (Heroes). Additionally, Steve starred on the CMT comedy series Working Class, opposite Melissa Peterman. He has also had a number of guest appearances including recent episodes of Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva and Elementary on CBS.

 

 

SASHA ALEXANDER – “Helene”

 

A talented and versatile actress in both film and television, Sasha Alexander currently can be seen playing “Dr. Maura Isles” on TNT’s hit drama Rizzoli & Isles. Prior to that, Alexander was best recognized for her role as “Special Agent Caitlin Todd” in the first two seasons of the popular drama NCIS. Alexander was also a regular on the critically acclaimed drama Dawson's Creek, as well as Presidio Med and The Nine. In addition, she has had guest-starring roles on such popular shows as Friends, House and Greg The Bunny. In addition, she was the romantic lead opposite Rhys Darby in the movie Coming & Going, which premiered on TNT in July 2011.

 

On the big screen, Alexander was part of the all-star cast of the hit film He's Just Not That Into You and co-starred with Jim Carrey in the movie Yes Man. Her other feature film credits include Mission: Impossible III, with Tom Cruise; Tenure, opposite Luke Wilson; and Love Happens, alongside Aaron Eckhart. She has also appeared in many independent films, including The Last Lullaby, for which she won the ‘Best Actress Award’ at the San Diego Film Festival; Play Dead; and All Over The Guy, opposite Christina Ricci, Lisa Kudrow and Adam Goldberg. This year, Alexander can be seen in Michel Compte’s The Girl From Nagasaki, a modern adaptation of Madame Butterfly.

 

Alexander studied acting in London with Cecily Barry and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She graduated from USC’s prestigious School of Cinema-Television, where she studied directing. She resides in Los Angeles, with her husband, film director Edoardo Ponti, and two children.

 

As a mother, Alexander has been a passionate advocate of sustaining an environmentally healthy household. She’s a supporter of Healthy Child Healthy World, an organization that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. Additionally, Alexander is heavily involved with the UN Foundation and their amazing programs for empowering and educating young women around the world, including GirlUp and the Shot@Life Campaign.

 

 

JOHN WELLS – Executive Producer

 

John Wells is one of the most prolific writers, directors and producers in television, film and for the stage. Over the past two decades, Wells has been a creative force behind some of primetime’s biggest hit series, including ER, The West Wing and Third Watch. He currently serves as Executive Producer on SHOWTIME's Emmy® nominated SHAMELESS, and has previously served as Executive Producer on the critically acclaimed Southland for TNT, the Emmy and Golden Globe® winning Mildred Pierce for HBO, and the Emmy and Golden-Globe® nominated China Beach.

 

Shows produced by John Wells have received over 270 Emmy nominations with 55 Emmy wins, 5 Peabody Awards, Producers Guild Awards and a Humanitas Prize (nominated 7 times). During its fifteen year run, ER earned 122 Emmy nominations, the most in television history. A seven-time Writers Guild Award nominee, in 2007, Wells received the WGA’s prestigious Paddy Chayefsky Television Laurel Award, given to writers who have advanced the literature of television and made outstanding contributions to the profession of television writers. In 2005, Wells was awarded the David Susskind Achievement Award in Television from the Producers Guild of America.

 

Wells has also served as President of the Writers Guild of America, West from 2009-2011 and previously served as its President from 1999-2001 and was vital to the success of the 2001 MBA contract negotiations.

 

Currently, Wells is in post-production on an Untitled John Wells Film, starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and Daniel Bruhl, set for a 2015 release from The Weinstein Company. Most recently, Wells released August: Osage County, which he directed from Tracy Letts’ script, starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and Ewan McGregor. The film was released by Weinstein in December 2013, and nominated for two Academy Awards®. Previously, Wells wrote and directed The Company Men, released by Weinstein in 2011 starring Ben Affleck, Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones and Chris Cooper. Previous feature production credits include Carroll Ballard’s acclaimed drama Duma, Peter Kominsky’s White Oleander, Neil Jordan’s The Good Thief, Andrzej Bartkowiak’s Doom, and Michael Mayer’s A Home At The End Of The World. Additionally, Wells executive produced Todd Haynes’ Far From Heaven and I'm Not There, Mark Romanek’s One Hour Photo, Todd Graff’s Camp, Fenton Bailey’s Party Monster, Robert Altman’s The Company, John Waters’ A Dirty Shame, Mary Harron’s The Notorious Bettie Page, Phyllis Nagy’s Mrs. Harris, Tom Kalin’s Savage Grace, Douglas McGrath’s Infamous and Jordan Scott’s Cracks.

 

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, and raised in Denver, Colorado, Wells graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and later earned a Master’s degree in film and television at the University of Southern California, where he also serves on the school’s Television Executive Advisory Council.