JANEANE GAROFALO TO ADD BITE AS CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST DURING PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OVER THREE EPISODES OF NBC'S 'THE WEST WING' BEGINNING IN OCTOBER

BURBANK, Calif. -� August 17, 2005 -� Writer-actress Janeane Garofalo ("The Truth About Cats & Dogs," radio's Air America) will guest-star over an arc of three episodes in NBC's Emmy Award-winning "The West Wing" (Sundays, 8-9 p.m. ET this Fall) as a successful but controversial media strategist who is hired by Democratic Congressman Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) as the new director of communications for his intense presidential campaign.

As Louise Thornton, Garofalo's character is intent on refining the message and meaning of Santos' campaign � and makes waves when she urges Josh (Bradley Whitford) and the other staffers to stop playing politics and concentrate on connecting with the electorate � their future constituents.

Garofalo's first episode in the politically charged drama is expected to be broadcast on October 2.

The prolific Garofalo first gained notice when she collaborated with Ben Stiller on the Emmy-winning "The Ben Stiller Show" (where earned her two Emmy nominations). After a long-running stint as Paula on "The Larry Sanders Show," she joined the cast of NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

At the same time, Garofalo began appearing in a string of hit feature films, including "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," "The Truth About Cats & Dogs," "Cop Land," and "Dogma." Her other big-screen credits include "Steal This Movie," "The Laramie Project," "200 Cigarettes," "Wonderland" and "Jiminy Glick in Lalawood."

Among Garofalo's many other television credits are such specials as "Denis Leary: Lock 'N Load," "Heroes of Comedy: Women on Top" and "Intimate Portrait: Madeline Kahn," in addition to numerous other comedy specials. She also appeared last year in the movie "Tanner on Tanner" and in this year's "Left of the Dial."

Garofalo has guest-starred in such series as "The King of Queens," "King of the Hill" (voice), "Strangers with Candy," NBC's "Law & Order," "Seinfeld" and "Ellen."

Recently, Garofalo has served as a political commentator on the Air America radio network.

"The West Wing" is from John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. John Wells serves as the executive producer. Aaron Sorkin is the creator.