Mary McDonnell Heads to 'Grey's Anatomy'

Source: Buddy TV

While watching the Emmys this past Sunday, I couldn't help but feel disappointed when the list of nominees for Best Actress in a Drama Series were announced. Some of the actresses were more than worthy of their nominations, but the category didn't acknowledge amazing performances from people like January Jones (Mad Men), Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), or Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica). How do you hand out an award for dramatic acting without considering three of the most talented ladies on television?

One of these women may have a shot at a trophy next year, but probably not for the series she's most known for. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Mary McDonnell has signed on for a multi-episode arc on Grey's Anatomy, which is full of Emmy-nominated actors.

It's great news that President Roslin herself will soon be walking the halls of Seattle Grace, but who will she play? As usual, the folks at Grey's Anatomy are keeping the role shrouded in secrecy. All that's known is that the BSG star will appear in three-to-five episodes, and that her installments will fall somewhere in the middle of the season. Even with no knowledge of her role, I'm certain McDonnell has a much better chance of landing a Guest Actor Emmy nomination next year rather than being recognized for her work on BSG. Grey's Anatomy is a high profile ratings juggernaut, and McDonnell's performance is bound to bring her legions of new fans.

In other Battlestar Galactica news, Tricia Helfer (Number 6) recently told Kristin at E!Online that the upcoming BSG TV movie will be called The Plan. "It deals with the Cylon perspective on the world of Battlestar Galactica," she reveals. "The Cylons have always said they had a plan, and this elaborates on that." McDonnell won't appear in the movie, but it will feature many other actors from the BSG universe. The two-hour feature, which will be directed by series star Edward James Olmos, will air on the Sci Fi Channel in 2009.

Fans of McDonnell can see the actress on Grey's Anatomy either late in 2008 or early in 2009. She'll also appear in the final episodes of BSG, which begin airing on the Sci Fi Channel in January.