Debra Messing to star in East Wing Starz White House comedy with Ali Wentworth

Deadline

East Wing, created by Wentworth and former Sex and the City writer Liz Tuccillo, is based on Wentworth's mother, Muffie Cabot, who served as social secretary in President Ronald Reagan's White House. East Wing "tells the story of Hollis Carlisle (Messing), a hostess extraordinaire who juggles her threatened husband, rebellious children, Nancy Reagan’s Chief of Staff and a crippling social anxiety disorder," per Deadline. "Ali will recur as Hollis’ best friend, Kelly Forbes, who is a stay at home mom and is threatened by Hollis’ success." Christina Davis, Starz's president of original programming, says of landing Messing for her first post-Will & Grace revival role: "The charm and relatability Debra brings to every character she inhabits will captivate audiences once again as she brings Hollis to life on the screen. This is a whip-smart comedy that despite its 1980’s set dressing, is a pointed commentary on politics and the politics of being a woman today that will be a valuable addition to our slate of premium programming by and for women. Debra, Ali and Liz will most definitely not be pulling any punches."