White Collar Exclusive: Beau Bridges Cast as Peter's Mentor

Beau Bridges will appear on an upcoming episode of White Collar as Peter's mentor, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.

Bridges, 69, will play Agent Kramer, a well-decorated federal officer and art expert who instructed Peter (Tim DeKay) when he trained at Quantico. Kramer has been Peter's mentor ever since, and his paternal nature offsets his intimidating presence.

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The three-time Emmy winner begins shooting Tuesday on the episode, titled "Countdown." It will air Aug. 9 and serve as White Collar's midseason finale. Bridges' casting comes weeks after Ghostbusters' Ernie Hudson was tapped to play Mozzie's childhood mentor.

Bridges, best known for starring alongside brother Jeff Bridges in The Fabulous Baker Boys, most recently romanced Sally Field on the final season of Brothers & Sisters.

White Collar airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on USA.