Cursed

James Spader was once known, and probably best remembered, for starring in '80s teen films such as the John Hughes' classic Pretty in Pink. He later went on to earn a name for himself as an edgy, indie film actor in films such as Crash, Two Days in the Valley, the critically acclaimed sex, lies and videotape from director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's Eleven, Traffic) and most recently in the much heralded Secretary with Maggie Gyllenhall.

Now, in a much talked about move, David E. Kelley has hired James to not only join the cast of ABC's The Practice this fall but also become its lead actor. James will be replacing Dylan McDermott (who'll depart after a few episodes next season) on the legal drama and will play Alan Shore, who is described as a complicated and ethically challenged lawyer.

The move is a bold one for Spader, as well as a casting coup for Kelly, since Spader is known only as a film actor. His only experience on television included starring in a short-lived series early on in his career back in 1983 and a rare guest appearance on the quintessential sitcom Seinfeld as a recovering alcoholic who refused to apologize to George when going through Step 9 in Alcoholics Anonymous' 12 Step Program.

Two Days in the Valley


Supernova




James Spader Joins ABC's 'The Practice'

The Associated Press
Friday, June 27, 2003; 1:57 AM

NEW YORK - James Spader is joining "The Practice."

The "sex, lies and videotape" star will play an ethically challenged lawyer next season on the ABC drama, the network said Wednesday.

After dodging cancellation to come back for an eighth season, "The Practice" is completely revamping its cast, largely to save money. Star Dylan McDermott has left, along with five other cast members.

Actress Rhona Mitra, who played the college temptress in "The Life of David Gale," also is joining the show in a role described as a "tough-as-nails" paralegal.

Lena

No way! I thought they let go of the old cast because they couldn't pay the salaries. And now they got James?

I met him once a long time ago when I worked in a sticker store. He was really nice. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Cursed

Aww, you get all the luck!

About the show, it kind of makes sense. They wanted to rejuvenate the show and Kelly (who knows business) knew that the only way to do that is by adding new blood with big names. Obviously, with the show's budget cut, David knew that the only way he could afford adding actors such as Spader and Sharon Stone (in a three episode story arc) was by cutting an astounding 6 names from the cast (even if it meant losing McDermott and Lara Flynn Boyle). This way, not only is David saving money with a much, much smaller cast, but he's also getting new talent and lots of publicity. Even with the two new cast members (Spader and Mitra) the cast is still very small compared to last season so I'm pretty sure the show's not going to be all that expensive to produce next season.

Even if some won't be happy with the missing cast members it's still a pretty smart move when you think about. It's probably going to be the show's last season anyways so if they did nothing to change the show then the ratings would have continued to plummet but this way at least there's a chance of renewing interest in the series.

I'm happy about it, actually. I'm a big fan of Spader and it's going to be a real kick getting to see him week-after-week in a role like that. Plus, I lost interest in The Practice last season so adding Spader will only get me to start watching again.

Cursed

He was interviewed on Entertainment Tonight and he talked about joining 'the practice.' He said that Camryn Manheim has called him already and gave him a warm welcome. He also says that he likes being in the middle of all the fuss the show is getting because of the cast changes.

They'll talk more about the cast changes tomorrow on ET.

jjt

I've always adored spader. Didn't know about him going to the practice. hmmmmm

Lena

I'm actually enjoying James on The Practice, he's been great thus far!

Cursed

I'm loving him on the show. How can someone be so slimy and still be so endearing at the same time?

He's going to be on Conan O'Brien tonight. Reruns tomorrow on Comedy Central.

Lena

I saw him on some talk show, but I can't remember which, possibly Regis & Kelly because I have a season pass on that. I love him on The Practice but his hair is bugging me. It's so short in the middle and looks kinf od chopped and it's making him look older. Oh well! I'll never forget meeting him though. Still have his autograph. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Twiggy

I think James is brilliant a total sleeze in pretty in pink ( ha ha [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] at huge shooulder pads in dodgy suits) but he is just fantastic i think in secretary i havent seen or heard of Thje Practice in the UK .. Thanks for the pic with james is bod [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Cursed

Glad you like the pic [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

I was watching the show last night (the first time it's been exciting in years) and I started noticing it too. It's too short in the middle. He looks better with long neatly combed hair. But I'll take him either way [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Cursed

Congratulations to James Spader on his Emmy nomination for The Practice!

I hope he has simular luck next season with Boston Legal. Which I can't wait to see.

pixiedude

I liked him on the Practice at first, when he was completely over the top, but later on, when they tried to make his behavior towards Eugene and Jimmy seem reasonable, I tuned out. I've only watched Boston Legal a few times this year.

I liked him in Stargate and Critical Care, and someday i must see Crash. And his first gig (I think), which I believe was a musical about juvenile delinquents called Tuff Turf, sounds entertainingly silly.

-res cogitans-

hes friggin hilar on BL

chasin' the wind

Oh, man... James was such a hottie in Pretty in Pink, even though he was a total jerk. He's so dreamy.

cheersgifoltc

I loved him on Boston Legal. I'm pretty sure if there was a CD of just Alan Shore closings, I would get it for sure.

I tried watching Crash the other night on IFC, but I turned it off after 5ish minutes. I guess I don't like NC17 rated movies.