Aunjanue Ellis Joins CBS' 'The Mentalist'

Aunjanue Ellis, most recently seen on Broadway in Lincoln Center's 2009 revival of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, will have a recurring role on CBS' The Mentalist, with her first appearance tentatively scheduled for April. The Mentalist airs on CBS, Thursdays at 10pm EST.

As reported by the Hollywood Reporter, she will play the new head of the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

The Mentalist follows Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant for the CBI based in Sacramento, California. He has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his amazing skills of observation. 

Ellis appeared in the 1995 Broadway revival of THE TEMPEST, and in January 2004 she was a featured player in actress ReGina Taylor's play, Drowning Crow, at the Manhattan Theatre Club, as well as the 2009 revival of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE.

Ellis has appeared in numerous films including "Men of Honor" (2000), "The Caveman's Valentine" (2001), "Lovely & Amazing" (2001), "Undercover Brother" (2002; as Sistah Girl), "Ray" (2004; as Mary Ann Fisher), "Freedomland" (2006), and "Cover" (2007), and most recently, "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" (2009).