HOLLYWOOD — After more than 30 years, actor, filmmaker and writer Albert Brooks is returning to the small screen.
When Showtime's "Weeds" premieres its fourth season tonight, Brooks will play acerbic gambler Len Botwin, the father-in-law of pot-selling mom Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker).
"As an actor, I wanted to do it. It's not a character I've played before," said Brooks, 60, whose résumé is filled with neurotic and self-obsessed white-collar professionals in movies such as "Modern Romance" (1981), "Lost in America" (1985), "Broadcast News" (1987), "Defending Your Life" (1991) and "Mother" (1996).
Brooks was the first choice for the guest-star part, said creator Jenji Kohan, who was hoping he'd stay through the season. But Brooks opted for only four episodes.
In "Weeds," Parker's character, Nancy, turned to dealing to support herself and her sons after her husband (Len's son) died. When her home is destroyed in a fire, she takes the boys and her brother-in-law Andy, also Len's son, to live with Len in a beach town near the Mexican border.
Last year, the show's guest stars included Mary-Kate Olsen. This year, Lee Majors will appear.
See Also
