Cumming Takes 'L' to Showtime

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming is joining the cast of Showtime's "The L Word" for its third season.

Cumming, who recently starred in "Reefer Madness" for the pay-cable network, will appear in six episodes of the series, which is scheduled to return sometime next year. Aside from voice work, the role will be his first extended run on an American series.

He'll play Billie Blaikie, a party promoter who made his name in New York's drag-club scene and has moved to Los Angeles to manage Kit's (Pam Grier) restaurant and nightclub. Although he's very good at what he does, Billie's hard-partying lifestyle sometimes puts him at odds with Kit.

Cumming won a Tony in 1998 for his portrayal of the Emcee in a revival of "Cabaret." His movie credits include "X2," the "Spy Kids" films, "The Anniversary Party" (which he also co-wrote) and "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion."

He's currently at work on several independent films, including the drama "Neverwas" with Aaron Eckhart and his "X2" co-star Ian McKellen.