Oliver Platt to 'C Word,' Paula Newsome to 'FlashForward' & More Casting News

New characters on new shows, new characters on existing shows, and even returning favorites on long-running series; this casting round-up has a little bit of everything for a little bit of everyone.

• On the heels of word coming out that Gabourey Sidibe is in negotiations for a possible recurring role on 'The C Word,' as we reported, the show has secured another major actor. Multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominee Oliver Platt has been cast as the husband of lead Laura Linney. His narcissistic man-child will join Linney, John Benjamin Hickey and Phyllis Somerville as regulars on the Showtime series. [The Hollywood Reporter]

Read more casting news, after the jump ...New characters on new shows, new characters on existing shows, and even returning favorites on long-running series; this casting round-up has a little bit of everything for a little bit of everyone.

• On the heels of word coming out that Gabourey Sidibe is in negotiations for a possible recurring role on 'The C Word,' as we reported, the show has secured another major actor. Multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominee Oliver Platt has been cast as the husband of lead Laura Linney. His narcissistic man-child will join Linney, John Benjamin Hickey and Phyllis Somerville as regulars on the Showtime series. [The Hollywood Reporter]

• Paging Dr. Newsome. Paging Dr. Newsome. Direct from 'Women's Murder Club,' Paula Newsome is set to join the cast of 'FlashForward' as a doctor. Her arc is scheduled to begin in 2010, which puts her in line for Ausiello's theory of possibly being the OB/GYN that helps Agent Janis Hawks (Christine Woods) with her impending pregnancy. Of course, with Olivia Benford (Sonya Walger) being a doctor as well, and many scenes taking place in the hospital, the character could really be anyone. [The Ausiello Files]

• Recently, we've been noticing Sherri Saum on commercials, but that's no place for her. So we're very glad to get news that the beautifully talented Saum has landed a role on 'Gossip Girl' as a trophy wife. The character promises more layers than that, as she was once a powerful business executive. Saum was last seen as the unstable mother of one of Gabriel Byrne's patients on HBO's 'In Treatment.' [The Hollywood Reporter]

• The upcoming two-part Justice Society of America arc of 'Smallville' already has comic book modern legend Geoff Johns on board as writer. Now we're pleased to see that Phil Morris will return to the series as Martian Manhunter for the story. He joins 'Stargate SG-1' alums Michael Shanks as Hawkman and Brent Stait as Dr. Fate. Rounding out the Society, so far, is Stargirl, portrayed by Britt Irvin. The role of Manhunter is often the heart of the team, so we're thrilled to see Morris on board. [The Ausiello Files]

• Sam Page, who's been a bit of a cretin as Joan Holloway's (Christina Hendricks) husband on 'Mad Men,' will be adding additional duties to his resume. He's set to join the cast of 'Greek' in a recurring capacity as a local campaign manager for a congresswoman. The character, who is expected to appear beginning in the show's upcoming fourth season, shares a connection from the past with Rebecca (Dilshad Vadsaria), and is described as 'McDreamy with a law degree." [The Ausiello Files]