The New Normal Scoop: Mary Kay Place Cast as Bryan's Estranged Mom

The birth of Bryan and David's baby on The New Normal isn't too far away, but first fans will get to meet another special someone in their life — Bryan's (Andrew Rannells) mom!

Veteran TV actress Mary Kay Place has been cast in the pivotal role, series co-creator and executive producer Ryan Murphy told TVGuide.com Wednesday at a Paley Center event honoring his work.

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Bryan's estranged relationship with his mom has been mentioned several times this season. When the character comes to town, it will be David (Justin Bartha) who tries to smooth things out between mother and son. "They don't have the greatest relationship," Bartha said. "[Bryan]'s not thrilled about reconciling, but David pushes him to do it." Much like Bryan's character is famously inspired by Murphy, Murphy said the part of Bryan's mom is "loosely based" on his own mother.

Place begins shooting Thursday. Best known for her Emmy-winning role as Loretta Haggers on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, in recent years Place has played mom to TV characters such as Big Love's Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) and Sheila (Ana Gasteyer) on Suburgatory.

The New Normal airs Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on NBC.