Nellie Andreeva

EXCLUSIVE: Blair Underwood has signed a major development/talent holding deal with Universal Television. Under the pact, the studio will develop a starring vehicle for the actor, with him and Tagline Television attached to produce. The deal also includes a talent component, allowing Uni TV to cast Underwood in another project if the one developed for him, which is a priority, doesn’t go.

The deal extends Underwood’s longstanding relationship with NBC/Universal TV dating back to Underwood’s television debut on The Cosby Show and includes his Golden-Globe nominated run on the network’s hit series LA Law and his recent portrayal of the President of the US on the 2011 drama The Event. Underwood’s TV series credits also include HBO’s In Treatment, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination, CBS’ The New Adventures Of Old Christine and ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money.

Underwood, repped by ICM Partners and Thruline Entertainment, just wrapped a successful Broadway debut as Stanley in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, which earned him a 2012 Drama League Distinguished Performance Award nomination. He will soon head to London to star in the West End production of the play, which is scheduled for a 16-week fall/winter run at the Wyndham Theatre. In addition to acting, Underwood also directs and has produced several television projects through his production company, Intrepid Inc.

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