John Wesley Shipp's Role on The CW's FLASH Revealed

John Wesley Shipp's legacy with The Flash isn't over yet.

As previously reported, Shipp, who starred as the lightning-quick superhero on television in the 1990s, will appear on The CW's modern iternation of the classic character in a recurring capacity. Today, Shipp's role has been announced: that of Barry Allen's father, Henry Allen, according to TV Guide.

"Given his history with The Flash, Andrew [Kreisberg], Geoff [Johns] and I could only think of one person we wanted to play Barry's father and that was John Wesley Shipp," Greg Berlanti, executive producer of the series, said in a statement today. "He gives a fantastic and emotional performance in the pilot and we are looking forward to his presence in many more episodes. Also, personally, it was just wonderful to work with him again since my days at Dawson's Creek. He's a great actor and a great guy."

In THE FLASH, after a particle accelerator causes a freak storm, CSI Investigator Barry Allen is struck by lightning and falls into a coma. Months later he awakens with the power of super speed, granting him the ability to move through Central City like an unseen guardian angel. Though initially excited by his newfound powers, Barry is shocked to discover he is not the only "meta-human" who was created in the wake of the accelerator explosion -- and not everyone is using their new powers for good. Barry partners with S.T.A.R. Labs and dedicates his life to protect the innocent. For now, only a few close friends and associates know that Barry is literally the fastest man alive, but it won't be long before the world learns what Barry Allen has become...The Flash.

THE FLASH, from Warner Bros. Television and based upon characters published by DC Comics, is executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and David Nutter (all of Arrow). Nutter is directing from a script by Berlanti & Kreisberg & DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns.