ABC has set Chelsea Handler and Marla Gibbs to guest star in Episode 7 of “Not Dead Yet” Season 2.
“Not Dead Yet” stars Gina Rodriguez as Nell, a journalist who takes a job writing obituaries at the SoCal Independent and soon gains the ability to see and speak to ghosts. The episode featuring Handler and Gibbs, which airs in late March, sees Lexi (Lauren Ash) and Duncan (Brad Garrett) spend a weird version of quality time at the newspaper’s softball game.
Handler will play Sharon Darynson, the owner of the rival news station to the SoCal Independent and the long-time nemesis to Duncan Rhoades (Brad Garrett). While everyone else runs in fear of Duncan, Sharon refuses to be intimidated by him.
Gibbs — the mother of Angela E. Gibbs, who stars in “Not Dead Yet” as Cricket — will play Cricket’s mother, Nana Sugar, who becomes one of Nell’s (Gina Rodriguez) obituary subjects. Nana ran a successful cookie empire and would never divulge her secret ingredient to anyone, except Nell.
Handler is best known for the hosting “Chelsea Lately” on E! from 2007 to 2014, after which she launched the docuseries “Chelsea Does” and the talk show “Chelsea,” both on Netflix. Since 2021, she has hosted advice podcast “Dear Chelsea” via iHeartRadio. Handler has set various stand-up specials on Netflix and Max, and is currently performing on her “Little Big Bitch” tour. She is repped by UTA, Ocean Avenue and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox, L.L.P.
Gibbs initially rose to fame for playing Florence in CBS’ “The Jeffersons” for 11 seasons from 1975 to 1985. From 1985 to 1990, she developed, executive produced and starred in the NBC sitcom “227” based on the play by Christine Houston. Among her other prominent credits are recurring roles in “Passions,” “The Hughleys” and “Days of Our Lives,” which she joined in 2021. Gibbs is also a singer, and in 2006 released the album “It’s Never Too Late.” She is a five-time Emmy nominee and seven-time NAACP Image Award winner.
“Not Dead Yet” was created by Casey Johnson and David Windsor, who executive produce alongside Rodriguez, Dean Holland, Wonderland Sound and Vision’s McG, Mary Viola and Corey Marsh. 20th Television is the studio.