MARLEE MATLIN JOINS CAST OF SHOWTIME'S HIT SERIES THE L WORD

Oscar�-winner Marlee Matlin will become a regular on Showtime's successful long-running series "The L Word." She will portray a fiery artist who catches the attention of Jennifer Beals' character Bette Porter. The L Word's season 4 premieres on Showtime early 2007.

THE L WORD is the critically-acclaimed series which follows the lives and loves of a group of women and the lesbian community they call home. From its first airing back in 2004, THE L WORD is a provocative journey that reveals an integral part of America's social fabric.

Inspired by everyday stories of life, THE L WORD hosts a cast of notable characters; one that includes all the beauty, chaos and complexities of real women who inhabit Los Angeles' lesbian community: Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals), Tina Kennard (Laurel Holloman), Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner), Shane McCutcheon (Katherine Moennig), Alice Pieszecki (Leisha Hailey), Kit Porter (Pam Grier), Helena Peabody (Rachel Shelley) and Moira/Max Sweeney (Daniela Sea)