24's New Lady President Has Been Cherry-picked

• Jul 21, 2007 10:55 AM ET
• by Matt Mitovich

Fox's 24 might not know exactly what story they are spinning this coming season - what with the recent and abrupt scrapping of plans to film in Africa (see the Ausiello Report) - but at the very least they know who will be in charge. Seeing as how Geena Davis might be otherwise occupied with Criminal Minds, Cherry Jones has been appointed president, representing the first major casting for Season 7.

Jones, 51, has appeared in such recent films as Ocean's Twelve, The Village and Signs. Also of note, she became the first openly lesbian actress to win a Tony award (for The Heiress) when she thanked her longtime partner during her 1995 acceptance speech.

RELATED: Fox unveils 24's bold new plan for the coming season. Read all about it.