Tony winner Roger Bart and Dan Futterman have joined the cast of the new USA drama Political Animals. Created by Greg Berlanti and Laurence Mark, the new series will premiere this summer. Bart and Futterman join previously announced stars Carla Gugino and Sigourney Weaver.
Based in Washington, D.C., Political Animals is the story of Elaine Barrish (Weaver), a divorced former First Lady and recently appointed Secretary of State. In the series, Barrish grapples with both the pain of her failed marriage and losing the presidential nomination. Barrish battles with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susan Berg (Road to Mecca’s Gugino), who is intent on destroying the Secretary of State’s career. Futterman will play Bureau Chief of the Washington Journal and Gugino’s love interest. Bart will play the president’s Chief of Staff who despises Elaine.
Bart earned a Tony Award for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. His other Broadway credits include Young Frankenstein, The Producers (Tony nomination), The Frogs, Triumph of Love, King David and Big River. Bart has appeared on TV in Desperate Housewives, Medium and Revenge.
Futterman appeared on Broadway as Louis Ironson in Angels in America. He is an Oscar nominee for his screenplay of the film Capote. His acting credits include The Birdcage, Judging Amy, Will & Grace and Sex and the City.