Patti LuPone to Guest Star on 3/22 'Ugly Betty'

Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone will guest star on ABC's "Ugly Betty" this week.

On March 22nd, LuPone will appear as the mother of Marc (played by Michael Urie) in the episode "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  According to TVGuide.com, "Betty reluctantly returns a favor from Marc by agreeing to pose as his significant other during a visit from his meddlesome mother (Patti LuPone). Meanwhile, an executive order puts a strain on Alexis and Daniel's working relationship."

"Ugly Betty" airs on Thursdays on ABC at 8 PM.  The show also stars America Ferrera, Vanessa Williams, and Eric Mabius, among others.  "Ugly Betty" recently won a Golden Globe Award as Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy.  Ferrera was also awarded for her performance in the title role of a homely fashion magazine secretary.

LuPone, who recently received a Tony nomination for appearing in Sweeney Todd, has been one of Broadway's foremost leading ladies since her star-making turn in 1979's Evita, for which she won a Tony Award. The star, who graduated from Julliard and was a member of John Houseman's famed Acting Company in the '70s.  Broadway credits include Noises Off, The Old Neighborhood, Master Class, Anything Goes (Tony nomination), Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Oliver!, Working, The Three Sisters, The Robber Bridegroom (Tony nomination) and The Beggar's Opera; she has also starred in Pal Joey and Can-Can at Encores! Additionally, she originated the role of Fantine in the London production of Les Miserables, starred as Norma Desmond in the 1993 West End production of Sunset Boulevard (her last appearance in a fully-staged musical), and played Genevieve in the original production of The Baker's Wife.

It was recently announced that LuPone will reprise her role as Rose - which she had previously played at the Ravinia Festival - in the Encores! Summer Stars production of Gypsy.

Visit www.abc.com for more on "Ugly Betty."

Photo of Patti LuPone by Ben Strothmann