Isaiah Washington Guest Stars on 5 Episodes of The Bionic Woman
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – July 16, 2007 – Isaiah Washington will guest-star in an arc of five episodes on NBC’s new drama series “Bionic Woman,” it was announced today at NBC’s Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, CA. In addition, the network and studio are developing an action-series project with Washington based on an idea from Washington.
The announcement was made by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
“Isaiah Washington is a very talented and versatile actor and I’ve always admired his work,” said Silverman. “These episodes on ‘Bionic Woman’ and the new development deal will showcase his talents, and we look forward to producing some great television together.”
“Great television is all about brilliant actors who can inhabit strong characters,” said Katherine Pope, President, Universal Media Studios. “That’s what this role on ‘Bionic Woman’ called for, and Isaiah is the perfect actor to do it.”
On “Bionic Woman,” Washington will play a mysterious person who is brought into the enigmatic scientific organization that is responsible for creating the bionics that turn Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan, “EastEnders”) into the “Bionic Woman.” His agenda is unclear as he instructs Jaime on how to handle her new abilities.
Washington first made his mark in feature films in gritty crime dramas and romantic ensemble comedies. He has been featured in four acclaimed Spike Lee films: “Crooklyn,” “Clockers,” “Girl 6” and “Get on the Bus.” His other feature credits include “Exit Wounds,” “Romeo Must Die,” “True Crime,” “Bulworth,” “Out of Sight,” “Love Jones,” “Dead Presidents,” “Stonewall,” “Strictly Business” and the acclaimed “Dancing in September” — a performance which earned him a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor.
More recently Washington could be seen in “Ghost Ship,” “Welcome to Collinwood” and “Hollywood Homicide.” His upcoming films include “Moguls” and “Dead Birds”.
On television, Washington starred on “Grey’s Anatomy” as Dr. Preston Burke. He has also guest-starred in several series, including “NYPD Blue,” “Law & Order,” “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Ally McBeal,” “New York Undercover,” “Living Single,” “Soul Food” and “Touched by an Angel.”
In “Bionic Woman,” struggling as a bartender and surrogate mom to her teenage sister, Jaime Sommers didn’t think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death’s door, Jaime’s only hope for survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price. With a whole new existence and a debt to re-pay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good — while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it’s Jaime’s journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman.
Also starring are: Miguel Ferrer (“Crossing Jordan”) as Jonas, the man who employs Jaime’s boyfriend; Chris Bowers (“Rescue Me”) as Will, Jaime’s boyfriend, who performs the operation; Will Yun Lee (“Witchblade”) as Jae, the specialized operations leader; and Molly Price (“Third Watch”), as Ruth, Jonas’ second-in-command.
“Bionic Woman” is produced by Universal Media Studios and executive-produced by David Eick (“Battlestar Galactica”), Glen Morgan (“The X-Files”), and Jason Smilovic (“Lucky Number Slevin”).
Okay, so I was really excited about Bionic Woman, but I can scratch that off of my fall line-up now.
07.17.2007 at 5:03 am
Thats good, im happy he is still getting work and hasnt been blacklisted from the industry. After watching him on Larry King i actually understood where he was coming from.
07.17.2007 at 11:31 am
I loved the original Bionic Woman and was excited about this remake as well but the bigot being on board does make me a bit unsure about it now.
07.17.2007 at 4:24 pm
I am happy for Isaiah I love him on Grey’s, and wished he was still on that show. I too saw him on Larry King and I feel bad for him. If things happened the way he says they did – he was screwed.
07.17.2007 at 5:15 pm
I am glad that Isaiah has another job. I am going to miss him on Grey’s, I honestly don’t see how they are going to fill that gap without him. Personally I would have rather seen the character of George go, because towards the end of last season I found him to be quite whiny and pathetic.
07.17.2007 at 6:01 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want him “blacklisted” either. He’s an actor. Acting is how he pays his bills. I wouldn’t wish unemployment on anyone. I am still, however, disheartened that he was given this great of an opportunity so soon. It’s like rewarding bad behavior. He won’t learn his lesson now. He’s basically learned “I can be a lying, manipulative bigot and STILL be successful” – horrible message to send, but I digress…
As far as the Larry King interview is concerned (not trying to start an argument here), Isaiah lied throughout the majority of the interview…and all of that can be verified by using his OWN interviews previously, his own comments previously, etc. Prior to that interview, Isaiah was making a big deal about the race issue. In several interviews, he painted the entire situation as being motivated by his race.
When Larry King asked him directly if he thought his firing had to do with his race, he dodged the question and gave a shallow, misleading answer that was in every way contrary to what he’d been saying to everyone else. Regardless of WHO he lied to, he lied, and I am just as sure now as I was 6 months ago that the only “bad guy” in this whole thing is Isaiah.
This is all old news. This post just poured salt in a wound and brought it back for a minute. I was hoping I wouldn’t be hearing (or reading) his name again any time soon.
You know…the way Michael Richards disappeared for being a bigot? That’s what I was expecting.
Go figure.
07.17.2007 at 6:40 pm
I think, but am not sure, that after the Larry King interview . . . Isaih gave another interview and in this one basically blamed Patrick Dempsey and said he was the one who should be fired. It wasn’t long after the drama of him blaming TR and claiming he should be fired. I didn’t bother posting the article, cause I knew it would just cause more arguements 🙂 You can search for it, it’s out there.
07.17.2007 at 6:42 pm
i’m sick of all the drama!
07.18.2007 at 7:03 pm
you know what feel how ever you want about isiah. its quite ok to be vocal about it but there really never would be a full agreement on it.
but the micheal richards thing??..you cant really compare the two when it comes to employment. Afterall they dont call it the “sinfeild curse” for nothing. I mean come on..he was already unemployed, doing gigs at the laugh factory. Washington was employed on a tv drama that was doing extremely well. So to be fair the chances of him getting a job quickly is much higher. come on dont fault him for having a damn good agent and way more talent than richards.
07.19.2007 at 7:13 pm
Lindsay Wagner will always be Jammie Sommers to me.
08.11.2007 at 1:56 am