I always assumed that the makers of 30 Rock would have to search far and wide to find an actress unique enough to play the mother of Judah Friedlander’s… well, um, unique Frank. But was I ever wrong: They only had to go as far as Broadway!
Stage legend Patti Lupone has nabbed the part, sources confirm to me exclusively.
The Tony winner, who recently wowed ‘em as Gypsy’s Mommie Dearest, was last seen on the small screen playing the mother of Michael Urie’s Marc on Ugly Betty.
So what do you think? Did 30 Rock get it right? Can you picture the drama queen offering parental guidance to the comedy’s resident Pigpen? Sound off below! (Additional reporting by Andy Patrick)
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This is perfect. Gotta love Patti, especially after her definitive performance as Mama Rose!
It’s a bit of typecasting for LaLuPone, but whatever.
I would love it if Patti Lupone and Elaine Stritch (Jacks mom) shared a scene or two.
Possibly the greatest half hour of television ever? We’ll see, but the pieces are in place. Oh man, Tina Fey and LuPone on screen together . . . goosebumps just thinking about the awesomeness.
How is this typecasting Patti?
The fangirl in me just legit squealed. I’m so excited to see this.
I will be tuning into this episode for sure. Lupone is the best Mrs. Lovett ever; hopefully she’ll get to sing when she’s on the show.
On stern they played a tape of her going on some guy because he took a picture of her. Man she sounds like a beeyotch! Hey patti quit pretending you’re a star!!!
perfect!
Ariel, Patti Lupone IS a star, and much more talented than most of the so-called “stars” out there today.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure 2 Tonys and a beavy of memorable roles for over, oh, 30 years or so makes someone a star.
But wow, Jon Hamm AND Patti LuPone? Someone at 30 Rock likes me!
The notion of it makes me laugh out loud!
OMG YES I LOVE PATTI I CAN’T WAIT (:
wonderful!I like it!Seems I have seen more interesting things about this on some tall dating place yet,The ideal place as far as i know http://www.tallloving.com whatever u can come up with…LOL
I wonder if they’ll make any mentions of Jenna’s production of Evita.
the best of both worlds. seriously.
Tina Fey may become my new idol (replacing…Patti LuPone) if she keeps this whole amazing, fantastic guest star thing coming. Patti better have a big part, because she has a huge stage/screen presence. Also… that’s like the perfect role. Frank’s mother. Genius.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MAKE HER A REGULAR TINA!!!!
Tina can never do wrong!! [Except the episode with Jennifer Anniston, that was the least 30 Rock episode]. She’s been making up for it though! Especially with Jon Hamm
Meh, I only know this woman from here occasional appearances on the earlier Law and Order’s as defense counsel. She does comedy? Either way, I’m watching. Love me some 30 Rock.
this=heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t watch sitcoms but if Patti Lupone is going to be on, I will watch!
I have no idea who she even is…
Are you kidding? Patti + 30 Rock!
This is only the greatest thing to ever happen to me in my entire life!
*Irritating pedant alert!*
‘Unique’ is an absolute. Something is either unique or it is not, so “unique enough” is bad form, grammatically speaking.
*Goes off to find children enjoying themselves and STOP them IMMEDIATELY*
I don’t like it when famous actors play some characters’ parents on more than one show. J’adore Patti, j’adore 30 Rock. When she was cast as Mark’s mom on Ugly Betty i thought that was a perfect choice. Patti would be great on 30 Rock, but why have her as Frank’s mother? Anyways, i never miss an episode of 30 Rock, so i’ll surely be watching.
This would be much cooler if Corky also shows up as his brother.
http://spoilerbroadway.blogspot.com has the latest and greatest behind the scenes scoop on Broadway, off-Broadway *and* small-town high school musical productions!
It wasn’t because a “guy took a picture of her.” People were repeatedly taking photos of her during a performance of “Gypsy” which is both illegal and extremely distracting.
I think she would be funnier as Kenneth’s mother.