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Watch out, Meryl Streep! The indomitable Kim Kardashian is sharpening her thespian skills. The 31-year-old reality star has landed a multi-episode arc on Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva (Sundays at 9 p.m. ET). She'll play a woman named Nikki, who's a love interest for Fred (Ben Feldman), debuting in this summer's season 4 premiere.
As if anticipating some eye rolling from critics, the show's creator, Josh Berman, said in a statement that "I'm blown away by her smarts, sense of humor and passion." Some might dispute this description of E!'s biggest reality star, but there's no arguing with her telegenic looks, or the fact that her huge fan following will probably benefit the show. (And isn't drawing viewers half the battle?)
Drop Dead Diva is actually an excellent and logical next step for Kardashian -- who tweeted her excitement about her upcoming role -- as she wades into the acting pool. So far, she's mostly played herself in TV cameos on 90210, How I Met Your Mother and an upcoming appearance in a February episode of Last Man Standing. But Diva -- which has welcomed dozens of guest stars who aren't necessarily actors -- is a great place to try out a meatier role. Tim Gunn, Jake Pavelka, Chuck Woolery and Nancy Grace have all appeared on this campy show. This series is all about reinvention," says Berman. "And I'm so excited to see Kim 'reinvented' in the world of Drop Dead Diva."
Let's hope Berman doesn't experience the same backlash that Tyler Perry endured after casting Kardashian in his upcoming movie, The Marriage Counselor. There was such an outcry from fans that he had to make a statement on his website defending his casting choice.
"Millions of young people adore her and are following her every move," wrote
For Kardashian, the road to becoming a serious thespian is obviously going to be rocky. But she'll always have her golden-rated reality shows.
The explosive season finale of Kourtney & Kim Take New York airs Sunday, Jan. 29, at 10 p.m. ET on E!
