When a white man quits his job in Hollywood we don’t really pay much attention. But this time we should. That’s because Gregory Itzen’s choice to leave “The Mentalist” and return to his role on “24″ has benefited a sister. Aunjanue Ellis will take over the role as the new head of the California Bureau of Investigation. I’m just happy that a sister has landed a juicy recurring role in a solidly rated Simon Baker show. Ellis will likely butt heads with Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) because she’ll be her new boss and will attempt to restore some order to the unit. I can count the number of times I’ve watched this show but maybe I’ll start checking it out now. (Ellis won’t show up until April though.)
Ellis is one of those actress we’re probably more likely to know by face rather than name. Although she’s worked pretty steadily with supporting and guests roles on a bunch of series and movies, she’s probably best known to us a Sistah Girl in “Undercover Brother”. Now do you know who I’m talking about? She’s a good actress and I’ll admit that since I don’t see her much I’d forgotten all about her. (That’s because I missed “The Express,” “The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3,” and the recent stage production of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”
But we know that so many sisters are still fighting for the few roles that exist. Perhaps casting directors should take a cue from the crew at “The Mentalist” and think out of the box.
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