While Illeana Douglas may not have the glamour of most Hollywood actresses out there, her quirkiness and versatility as an actress have earned her roles in a diverse array of projects. She’s likely best known for her turns in “Cape Fear,” “To Die For” and “Grace Of My Heart” but she’s also popped up on the small screen as well, with roles in “Ugly Betty,” “Six Feet Under,” and as Ari Gold’s sister in HBO’s “Entourage.” Last January, after landing a major role on CW’s ill-fated series “Gossip Girl,” she dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and with reason as she will soon be seen alongside Cheyenne Jackson and Julia Ormond in “The Green,” and will continue work on My Damn Channel‘s award-winning web series “Easy To Assemble” this fall. Now, Douglas is set to star as Kevin Pollak’s wife in “Chez Upshaw”, a dark comedy along the vein of classic BBC comedy “Fawlty Towers.”
Variety reports that the film, written and directed by Bruce Mason, centers around “a married couple who turn their flailing B&B into a “check in, don’t check out” resort for assisted suicides.” Molly Sims, Greg Grunberg and Shane Johnson will also star in the indie production. It’s an…interesting premise, but it will need to hit a very specific tone if the picture wants to pull off being a dark version of the John Cleese comedy. Pollak is certainly knows how deliver a punchline as a long-time stand up comedian, so it will be up to Douglas and rest of the cast to keep up with him and hopefully the material will be up to par to match everyone’s wit.
“Chez Upshaw” will start shooting later this month. —Laura Vrabie
