Broadway's Krysta Rodriguez to Take on Role of Cancer Patient on ABC Family's CHASING LIFE

Variety reports that Broadway's Krysta Rodriguez, who recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, has signed on to the second season of ABC Family's CHASING LIFE in a recurring role.

The 'Smash' star will portray "a fellow cancer patient who April (Italia Ricci) meets in the hospital. Rodriguez's character gets April thinking about her life's identity beyond her journalism career."

The actress tells Variety, "I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with the whole team of 'Chasing Life. The show has such a unique point of view: acknowledging the realities of being a young person with cancer mixed with the vibrancy of still seeking what you want in life. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer last year at age 30, I wholly relate to these feelings, both as a woman and an actress, and I can't wait to contribute to this already amazing show."

The Season 1 finale of the series airs tonight at 9 p.m. on ABC Family.

Broadway veteran Krysta Rodriguez last appeared on stage in FIRST DATE opposite Zachary Levi. The actress bravely revealed the news of her diagnosis on a new blog she's started, titled ChemoCoutoure. Rodriguez was originally diagnosed last fall.

Rodriguez's other stage credits include The Addams Family, In the Heights, Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line and Good Vibrations. On TV, she recently showed off her musical prowess in NBC's SMASH and has also appeared on GOSSIP GIRL and the TV movies Iceland, Shadow of Fear and It Could Be Worse.