Art Imitates Life as "Drop Dead Diva" Goes Into Production on a Special Episode Based on the Real-Life Story of Same Sex Prom Ban

Actress & Comedienne Wanda Sykes will Guest Star Third Season Premieres this June

LOS ANGELES, CA - (April 5, 2011) - Stand up comedienne and actress Wanda Sykes has signed on to guest star for the third season of the hit LIFETIME dramedy series DROP DEAD DIVA, starring Brooke Elliott, in the fifth episode that was ripped straight from the headlines. Sykes will play the character of Judge Yvonne Wright, an eccentric judge who isn't amused and refuses to be swayed by Jane Bingum's (Elliott) courtroom theatrics.

This special episode was inspired by the real-life story of Mississippi high school student Constance McMillen, who was denied access to her prom because of her sexual orientation. Jane brings the case of two lesbians who were banned from attending their prom to Judge Wright. In a unique twist, McMillen will be on board to play a cameo role in Judge Wright's courtroom.

Season 3 returns with previously announced guest stars: LeAnn Rimes, Wendy Williams, Paula Abdul, Louis Van Amstel, Nick Zano, Mario Lopez, Tony Goldwyn, Jennifer Tilly and Howard Hesseman.

First four episodes of season 1 marathon airing on Friday, April 8th from 8 pm -12 AM on Lifetime featuring guest stars: Rosie O'Donnell, Sharon Lawrence, Sean Maher ("Serenity"), Mark Moses ("Mad Men"), Diedrich Bader ("Outsourced") and David Berman ("CSI").

Catch up on DROP DEAD DIVA seasons 1 and 2 via iTunes, Amazon.com, Hulu (season 2 from May 19-June 19), Netflix (season 1)

Season 2 DVD goes on-sale May 3

DROP DEAD DIVA tells the story of a shallow wannabe model who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane. DROP DEAD DIVA stars Brooke Elliott ("Wicked," "Taboo"), Margaret Cho "Notorious C.H.O."), Jackson Hurst ("The Tree of Life"), Kate Levering ("Cashmere Mafia"), April Bowlby ("Two and a Half Men"), Josh Stamberg ("Lie to Me") and Ben Feldman ("The Perfect Man"). It is currently shooting in Atlanta, Georgia and will premiere on LIFETIME in June. DROP DEAD DIVA is created and written by Josh Berman, who serves as executive producer, along with Alex Taub, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. It is produced by Sony Pictures Television.