TNT has cast Denis Leary (Rescue Me) in a recurring role for season three of the hit drama Animal Kingdom.
The series, about a Southern California crime family, stars Emmy winner Ellen Barkin as the matriarch of the Cody clan, alongside Scott Speedman, Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary, Finn Cole, Molly Gordon and Carolina Guerra. Leary is set to play Billy, Deran’s (Weary) drifter dad who Smurf (Barkin) kicked out years ago.
Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT said the following about Leary’s casting: “Denis Leary’s extensive and successful career playing complicated, flawed characters makes him the perfect addition to this badass Animal Kingdom family.”
Animal Kingdom is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television. Emmy winner John Wells serves as executive producer on the series. It was developed for television by Jonathan Lisco and inspired by the award-winning feature film written & directed by David Michôd and produced by Liz Watts, who also serve as executive producers on the series.
The series reunites Leary with TNT network president Kevin Reilly who developed the successful FX series Rescue Me. Leary starred in the acclaimed drama for seven years and received numerous award nominations for his portrayal of Tommy Gavin.
Leary recently starred in the comedy series Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll. His film credits include playing Captain George Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man, voicing Francis in A Bug’s Life, and Diego in the Ice Age franchise. His other movies include The Ref, The Sandlot, Draft Day, Demolition Man, Monument Ave and The Thomas Crown Affair.
Season 3 of Animal Kingdom is set to return this summer.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
