Allison Janney is joining “The Diplomat” Season 2 at Netflix, Variety has learned exclusively.
Janney will appear in a guest starring role of the political thriller series, playing Vice President Grace Penn. She joins series lead Keri Russell, who stars as the titular diplomat Kate Wyler. The cast of the series also includes Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, and Ato Essandoh.
Janney is one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. She is no stranger to starring in political dramas, as she previously played White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg in the hit series “The West Wing.” Her work on that show earned her four of the seven Emmy Awards she has won to date. She won two more for her work on the CBS sitcom “Mom” and another for guest starring in the Showtime series “Masters of Sex.”
Janney is also an Academy Award winner, winning best supporting actress for her role in “I, Tonya” in 2018. The role also earned her a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award among other accolades. On top of that, she is a two-time Tony Award nominee for her work in “A View from the Bridge” and “9 to 5.”
She is repped by CAA, Thruline Entertainment, and Nelson Davis LLP.
The official description of “The Diplomat’s” first season states, “Kate Wyler (Russell) is the new US Ambassador to the United Kingdom. She was supposed to go to Afghanistan. She’s great in a crisis zone. In a historic home… less so. War is brewing on one continent and boiling over on another. Kate will have to diffuse international crises, forge strategic alliances in London, and adjust to her new place in the spotlight — all while trying to survive her marriage to fellow career diplomat and political star Hal Wyler (Sewell).”
The series was well received upon its launch in April 2023, debuting at number one on the Netflix weekly global top 10 English TV list. It also ranked on the top 10 lists in 87 countries. Russell picked up an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination for the series, while the show itself was nominated for the Golden Globe for best television series – drama. It was renewed for a second season shortly after its premiere.
Debora Cahn created “The Diplomat” and serves as executive producer and showrunner. Russell also executive produces alongside Janice Wiliams, Alex Graves, and Peter Noah.
