THE L WORD "SHEPHERDS" IN A NEW CAST MEMBER AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS CYBILL SHEPHERD JOINS SHOWTIME�S GROUNDBREAKING DRAMATIC SERIES FOR 4TH SEASON

WHO & WHAT: Showtime�s hit dramatic series THE L WORD, which recently added Oscar� winner Marlee Matlin to its cast welcomes yet another acclaimed actress to the fold for its 4th season -- Cybill Shepherd ("Moonlighting," "Cybill," "The Last Picture Show,""The Heartbreak Kid," "Texasville," "Taxi Driver," "At Long Last Love"). Ms. Shepherd will portray a married woman with two grown children who suddenly begins questioning her sexuality. She will appear in 11 episodes, starring as an Executive Vice Chancellor of the fictional California University and boss to Jennifer Beals� character Bette Porter. THE L WORD will premieres in January 2007.

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JANINA GAVANKAR joins THE L WORD as Papi, a smokin� hot Latino who challenges Shane (Katherine Moennig). Unlike Shane, Papi is competitive, gregarious, loud, bossy and boastful. She canoodles with everyone � and competes with Shane.