Kathryn Hahn Is Crossing Over to Fox

• Oct 21, 2008 03:24 PM ET
• by Adam Bryant

Kathryn Hahn

Former Crossing Jordan star Kathryn Hahn has inked a talent holding deal with Fox.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Hahn first drew the attention of Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly with her work as Lilly Lebowski for six seasons on Jordan. (Reilly ran NBC Entertainment during the second half of the show's run.) Marcia Shulman, Fox's head of casting, has also kept an eye on Hahn since first seeing her at Yale School of Drama's annual showcase for TV executives, and recently saw her in Broadway's Tony-winning comedy Boeing-Boeing.

"She was doing the kind of comedy that reminded me of Lucille Ball," Shulman said. "She is very approachable, she has a very positive, happy presence. She is a great physical comedian, and I think that is missing on TV."

Though the deal does not rule out drama, Fox execs will most likely use her in a comedy or dramedy. Talent holding deals have become rare in these days of tighter budgets, but Shulman said the network is taking "really specific shots, and Hahn was one that both Kevin and I wanted to pursue."

Hahn has been seen on the big screen in roles like this summer's Step Brothers and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. She will next be seen in Sam Mendes' Revolutionary Road.