Orlando Jones to Play Foreman's Estranged Brother on 'House'

We've known for a while that Dr. Foreman (Omar Epps) on 'House' has a brother named Marcus who wound up in prison -- a victim of the troubled early years that plagued Foreman as well. Now, thanks to an upcoming parole hearing, Marcus will finally have a face. Entertainment Weekly reports that Orlando Jones will be appearing on 'House' in the role of Marcus Foreman.

Jones ('Mad TV,' those 7-Up commercials) is a bit of a chameleon when it comes to the acting roles he's taken over the years, so there are a ton of different ways he could take this character. He could go the comedic route and have Marcus be representative of every urban stereotype Foreman despises.We've known for a while that Dr. Foreman (Omar Epps) on 'House' has a brother named Marcus who wound up in prison -- a victim of the troubled early years that plagued Foreman as well. Now, thanks to an upcoming parole hearing, Marcus will finally have a face. Entertainment Weekly reports that Orlando Jones will be appearing on 'House' in the role of Marcus Foreman.

Jones ('Mad TV,' those 7-Up commercials) is a bit of a chameleon when it comes to the acting roles he's taken over the years, so there are a ton of different ways he could take this character. He could go the comedic route and have Marcus be representative of every urban stereotype Foreman despises.

He could also play the role in a menacing and possibly threatening way. Perhaps he resents the success his brother has found, and even more so now that Foreman hasn't visited or tried to reach out to him. After all, if they were running with the same crowds, it could just as easily been Foreman behind bars.

Or perhaps Marcus will be every bit as sharp and savvy as his brother. Jones' episode is currently slated to appear in February, and takes place on the eve of his parole hearing. There may be some bitterness there, but we like the idea of Foreman having some emotional turmoil. He can get a little arrogant when he's complacent.

We wouldn't even mind Jones weaving back into the storyline at some point in the future, whether he makes parole or not. It might help give Foreman some much needed humility and perspective from time to time.