Ernie Hudson Joins Epix Comedy Series ‘Graves’; Ari Graynor In Showtime’s ‘I’m Dying Up Here’

Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters) has been cast as a semi-regular on Epix original series Graves, a single-camera half-hour political satire produced by Lionsgate. In Graves, 25 years after his presidency, former Commander in Chief Richard Graves (Nolte) has the epiphany that his policies have damaged the country for decades and so, with his young assistant (Skylar Astin), he goes on a Don Quixote-like journey to right his administration’s wrongs just as his wife, the former First Lady, decides to follow her own political ambitions. Hudson will play Jacob Mann, a staple in the Graves Family for decades, who acts as the Family Fixer. While having helped them out of numerous sticky situations over the years, Jacob has become a member of the former First family – viewed as an Uncle by the children and relied upon by both the Former President and First Lady in almost every situation. Hudson is perhaps best known as Winston Zeddemore in the classic film Ghostbusters. He also recurred on Grace & Frankie and Modern Family. Hudson is repped by APA and Michael McConnell at Artists International Management.

Ari Graynor (For A Good Time Call) has joined the hourlong Showtime dark comedy pilot I’m Dying Up Here. Written and executive produced by former stand-up comedian Dave Flebotte, executive produced by Jim Carrey and directed by Jonathan Levine, I’m Dying Up Here is set in L.A.’s stand-up comedy scene of the 1970s. Graynor will play Cassie, a smart, witty  and ambitious comedian from Texas who wants to be taken as seriously as her male comic contemporaries. Graynor’s other TV credits include a lead role in CBS comedy Bad Teacher, and recurring roles in The Sopranos and Fringe. She’s repped by UTA, Authentic Talent and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Feldman.