On Lifetime's new series Drop Dead Diva (premieres tonight at 9 p.m. ET), superficial model Deb (Brooke D'Orsay) dies and her soul returns to Earth in the plus-size body of brilliant attorney Jane, played by Broadway vet Brooke Elliott. As "Jane's" internal brains vs. beauty battle rages, the winner is clearly Elliott, who effortlessly embodies both. Watch the preview below, then find out three other reasons we're already fans of Elliott…
• She was a member of the Chicago-based theater company Babes with Blades, whose productions showcase the strength, vitality, and proficiency of women in the art of stage combat. "The show I did with them, they took a scene from The Miracle Worker, a scene from Heathers, and a scene from Robin Hood," she says. "In Robin Hood, I did quarterstaff fighting. In Heathers, we did all hand-to-hand, so it's punching, Aikido rolls, and hair-pulling, of course. And they created a brilliant fight for the dinner table scene in The Miracle Worker. It was so fantastic." Will we get to see her using that skill set on Drop Dead Diva? "I don't get to do my stage combat, although I'll talk to [creator] Josh Berman about it, because I would love to," she says.
• She's appropriately giddy when naming the guest stars who've already lined up to be on her show. "I love Delta Burke! I just did a scene with Liza Minnelli, and I was like [sings] I'm in a scene with Liza!" Burke and Minnelli play a pair of psychic sisters. Rosie O'Donnell, who gave Elliott her Broadway debut when she produced the Boy George musical Taboo, will recur as a judge. Other guests include Tim Gunn, Nia Vardalos, Kathy Najimy, Teri Polo, Jorja Fox, Chuck Woolery, Sharon Lawrence, Mark Moses, Diedrich Bader, and Paula Abdul (who appears in a midseason dream sequence in which Elliott shows off her singing voice). "The list is truly mind-boggling," Elliott says. "I feel like it's a testament to the worth of this show, that it's a message that they also want to get out. At first glance, it focuses on the weight aspect of Deb trying to settle into Jane's body and dealing with how differently she's treated and how differently she feels about herself, but that's only one aspect of self-acceptance. This show is so much more. It's something that everyone can relate to."
• She's as crazy as we are when it comes to The Bachelorette. We found this out when she stopped by our office last Wednesday. "I didn't see it Monday! I didn't see it Monday! So don't tell me what happened! I didn't see it! It's DVR'd! Ohmygod, did something big happen? Oh god, I can't handle it! Ugh! Oh, don't tell me! Don't tell me!" She's less embarrassed to admit that she's a fan of The Office, 30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, The Biggest Loser and American Idol. "I did Wicked with Adam Lambert, so I was a big pusher for Adam this season," she says. "I was like, Right, that's Adam's voice, and yet, at the exact same time, I was like, He's unreal. I already know how he sings, but it gets me every time."
Comments (1-30) of 37 Add your comment
Now I am intrigued.
its nice to see someone with curves on tv…there are enough skeletons with blonde hair and stupid expressions…rock on Brooke!
I’ve been looking forward to this!
I’m actually intrigued by what I’ve read about this show and critics reviews thus far. I’m without a DVR for the summer (accckkk!!) and it totally competes with True Blood and Law and Order Criminal Intent… decisions decisions!
It’s great to see smart funny television programs… way to go Lifetime
The video has caught my attention. I’ve now set my DVR to record CI while I check out this new show.
Go Brooke! Your Babes With Blades sisters are behind you, all the way!
Dawn
http://www.babeswithblades.org
I look forward to this show – it seems like more than just a mashup of Heaven Can Wait & Samantha Who!!
I love this show, I can see how it will inspire those with low self esteem and encourage those that are shallow to look beyond their own self interest, their looks and learn how to help others
I just finished watching the pilot tonight and loved it! So glad lifetime has an original show I like again. Brooke D’Orsay is enchanting and the entire supporting cast is terrific. Looking forward to enjoying the entire season.
loved it. really look forward to future shows, and can you find more sexy guys in one show. loved it
Natalie – If you have access to HBO you probably have access to HBO on demand and True Blood is always on on demand after midnight on the night it shows. It also usually reairs at 11:00 pm or 11:30 pm. plus lifetime shows usually reair at other times.
Glad I watched the trailer…looks adorable! Will look for it on lifetime, love Brooke!
I need to admit that I had a hidden agenda for paying extra close attention to this show. Two of my 10 x 20 oil paintings, Echoes Of Blue, and Sunlight Lure were used on the set. They are to the left of the bookshelves in the lead character Jane Bingum, Brooke Elliott law office. I am a Chicago artist and also had painting featured in Jennifer Anniston/Vince Vaughn movie “The Breakup” My paintings received a lot more air time in the “Drop Dead Diva”premiere. Plus I remembered to get my name in the credits this time.
I thought the show was great, good acting,funny, and with a spiritual slant. I will be watching all the episodes.
http://www.painterpristas.com
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! I hope it stays on a long time! Fresh, original, so funny, and it portrays some of the exact challenges that overweight women have. I almost died laughing when the Canned Cheese calmed her down! It’s sad, but food is like a smoke break or afternoon martini for me, it calms my nerves. Do I WANT to be this way – NO, and NEITHER does Jane in the show, that’s why we identify with her SO much. Bring it on Lifetime!
It was great! I was nervous about a new show but it made us all laugh and cry and get really interested to see another episode. I had a party to see it on the big screen and we had paella and sangria. The neighbors loved it. Even the guys thought it was good. Good premise, great acting, very believable on how you would act in another’s body. (tripping, falling) How you would forget you don’t look the same and how sad you feel about all you lost but what you can do now given a new identity. Very interesting and not boring at all. See you next week!
I picked up the remote and was just clicking through to see what was on and came across this pilot. This is the best show I have seen on television in years. I am really looking forward to watching it next Sunday to see if it lives up to the pilot.
This show is just another sign that great things are happening in our world today. In my Buddhist practice (www.sgi-usa.org), “human revolution” refers to a fundamental change that takes place deep in one’s life, setting one’s course on living life, not just for one’s own (but definitely including one’s own), but for the greater good.
“Rather than changing society directly, through improving or reforming social or political systems, the object of change lies deep within the life of each individual.” (http://www.sgi-usa.org/what_is_human_revolution.php)
This show makes me cry tears of joy.
Josh Berman…….Congratulations!!
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! It is so cute and good. Its been awhile since something good like this was on TV.
totally loving this show!!!!!!!!!!!
I was channel surfing and landed on “Drop Dead Diva”. The title intrigued me and then the acting was MIND BLOWING!! The writing is great, the storyline is wonderful and the acting is superlative.
I called my sister when it was showing an encore and she told me to call her back because she was already watching it. Finally, NO frickin’ dead bodies or guns (CSI, Law and Order, Cold Case, NCIS) or stupid reality shows with weight loss challenges, just a lovely well-written and wonderfully entertaining hour of comedy, wit and charm. Brooke Elliott PLAYS that role and reminds me of the “Legally Blonde” character. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!
I love this dramdey show..by far the best show of the summer. I can’t wait for the episode where Liza Minnelli has a guest role. There’s a new Drop Dead Diva fan website with reviews, video clips, forum and cast bio. Even a “Diva Shopping” section. Check it out.. http://dropdeaddiva dot ws (not.com)
I’m wondering why Jane’s character has to be so mousy looking…I’m a plus size woman with confidence who celebrates her curves and wears sexy clothing. I even own my own online boutique to help women get out of the “moo-moos” and into fun, flattering styles. Jane can be smart and successful without perpetuating the same old fat girl stereotypes. Why do they have her wearing boxy jackets all the time? Just once I’d like to see a big girl portrayed with confidence and style rather than as a donut craving wallflower. I hope the producers and writers read this and I hope more plus size fans of the show ask for them to step up and give Jane some true confidence and less junk food craving scenes.
Jennifer
http://www.hourglassfashions.com
Plus Size Advocate
AMEN JENNIFER!!! It is about time someone said that!!!!
love this show–brooke is beautiful, great actress–THE WRITING IS SUPERB!!
doesnt fall into the whole fat girl with jokes thing-the dynamic with her roommate is great as well-CONGRATS TO ALL–WELL PLAYED!!!
Can’t say anything except that Drop Dead Diva “Sucks!” I’ve been trying to watch it, but it is so stupid and dumb I can’t get into it. I don’t think that Jane is all that great either.
Love this show!!!
I love this show. Can’t wait until that guy realizes its really her in Jane’s body!!!!
I watched all episodes on “ON DEMAND” last night and LOVED IT!!! My new FAVORITE show. The casting is perfect.
Brooke Elliott is super hot. I watch this show just for her.
I love the show. I also have to say Jane/Brooke is a very sexy woman. I like that this show is showing a woman who is larger then a size 2 as being successful and beautiful. Add in her personality and she is a 10+ in my eyes. I hope the show is around for a long time.
I have to admit at first when I saw the billboards and bus ads featuring Drop Dead Diva I couldn’t bring myself to watch it. It felt like almost every other chick show on Lifetime or most networks that feature women as primary stars. But my best friend forced me to watch an episode with her and I must admit, I didn’t want to but I loved the show and I truly enjoyed Elliott’s performance. Although some of the characters can be vapid mindsores and reminiscent of Daria’s sister Quinn (yes I’m of the MTV generation) even the prissy girly characters show they are more than just pretty looks and not the typical Mean Girl.
As to the one poster who mentioned wishing Jane will become more femme fatale in her looks etc, for now that honestly doesn’t work with how they’re setting up the character. Be patient we already see Jane gaining more confidence in herself and looks. =o)
I now have this set on my DVR and watch it with my sister (who, to make a reference to Wicked, is most definitely like Galinda…with a Gaaa).
Kudos to Lifetime for airing a show I finally watch on the network.