THE DOCTOR IS IN! EMMY AWARD-WINNER HECTOR ELIZONDO TO APPEAR IN MONK

THE DOCTOR IS IN! EMMY AWARD-WINNER HECTOR ELIZONDO TO APPEAR IN MONK

Legendary Character Actor To Fulfill Pivotal Role as Monk's Therapist

NEW YORK, NEW YORK � April 30, 2008 � Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated Hector Elizondo has agreed to appear in USA Network's award-winning, hit series MONK this summer when the series returns for its seventh season on Friday, July 18 at 9/8c. Elizondo will portray Adrian Monk's (Tony Shalhoub) much-needed therapist � a role that was recently left vacant with the unexpected passing of Stanley Kamel last month, who played Monk's beloved therapist, Dr. Charles Kroger. Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Shalhoub stars as the titular obsessive-compulsive detective in a series that has cleaned up as a ratings performer at USA since its premiere in 2002 and has cultivated a loyal following of fans and critics alike. The announcement was made by Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming.

"Monk will always need a therapist - and it's a part that is pivotal to the central themes of the show. When we lost Stanley, we knew we needed an actor who could bring warmth, intelligence and humor to the role," said Wachtel. "Hector was actually the first person that came to mind, and we are incredibly fortunate that he's agreed to do some episodes with us. Stanley can never be replaced, but we think he'd be very pleased with our choice."

"What attracted me first and foremost was to have the opportunity to work with Tony Shalhoub, a man whose reputation as an actor and collaborator proceed him," said Mr. Elizondo. "Also, I understand USA is a nice place to work, allowing great creative freedoms, and MONK is actually one of the shows I enjoy watching."

One of the most beloved character actors working today, award-winning actor Elizondo has a successful career spanning 40 years that includes film, television, theater and radio. Elizondo won an Emmy in addition to four nominations for his portrayal of Dr. Phillip Watters on CBS' "Chicago Hope," and received an Emmy nomination for his performance opposite Anne Bancroft in the drama "Mrs. Cage" for PBS's acclaimed series "American Playhouse." Elizondo's numerous television appearances began with guest starring roles on now classic episodes of "Columbo," "All in the Family" and "Kojak." Elizondo has long been a fixture in Garry Marshall films, which include "The Princess Diaries," "Young Doctors in Love," "The Flamingo Kid," "Nothing in Common," "Runaway Bride," and "Pretty Woman," one of Elizondo's most renowned performances, earning him Golden Globe and American Comedy Award nominations. Additional film credits include "Beverly Hills Cop III," "Frankie and Johnny," "Necessary Roughness," "Tortilla Soup," "American Gigolo," "The Fan," and most recently, "Love In The Time Of Cholera." A native New Yorker, Elizondo first gained recognition on the New York stage for his portrayal of God in "Steambath," earning him an Obie Award. High praise followed for his Broadway roles in Neil Simon's "Prisoner of Second Avenue," "The Great White Hope," "Sly Fox," earning him a Drama Desk Award nomination, and the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "The Price." Elizondo has also done many voice-overs, most recently in Ken Bum's PBS documentary series, "The West" and served as the host of the CBS special, "Mysterious Man of the Shroud." Elizondo is involved in LA Theatre Works, a group of 40 top actors who are devoting their time and talent to reinstating classic radio drama as a contemporary art form for

National Public Radio (NPR). He recently received the Diversity Award's prestigious "Integrity Award" as well as Nosotros' "Lifetime Achievement Award " for the quality of roles he has chosen during his career. He is also an avid supporter of several charitable organizations including The Alzheimer's Association, Amnesty International, The American Cancer Society and Pediatric Aids. Elizondo is an accomplished musician and singer, performing on the conga, flute and guitar.

Elizondo is repped by The Gersh Agency and Teitelbaum Artists Group.

MONK has remained a vibrant cornerstone of USA's schedule, evident in its series-high ratings in total viewers for the sixth season finale. Although the show has been on since 2002, MONK's latest season delivered +16% more P18-49 viewers, +12% more P25-54 viewers and +21% more total viewers than the series average. Through the conclusion of season six, MONK has averaged an audience of 2 million in P18-49, 2.5 million in P25-54 and 5 million total viewers.

Tony Shalhoub ("Big Night," "Wings," "Men in Black") has earned three Emmy Awards (with five nominations), a Golden Globe Award and two SAG Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Monk's psychological disorder costs him his position as a legendary homicide detective on the San Francisco Police Force. Due to the tragic unsolved murder of his wife, Monk has developed an abnormal fear of germs, heights, crowds and virtually everything else, which provides an unusual challenge to solving crimes � not to mention his day-to-day existence. Traylor Howard ("Two Guys and a Girl," "Me, Myself and Irene"), Ted Levine ("Heat," "Moby Dick") and Jason Gray-Stanford ("Taken," "Flags of Our Fathers") also star.

MONK is executive produced by David Hoberman ("Raising Helen," "Bringing Down the House," "The Negotiator"), Andy Breckman ("Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Rat Race"), Tony Shalhoub, Randy Zisk ("House," "Without a Trace') and Tom Scharpling ("The Best Show on WFMU"). MONK is from NBC Universal Cable Studios in association with Mandeville Films, Inc. and ABC Studios.

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.