Trans actor cast in recurring role in new season of ‘Nashville’
A trans actor Jen Richards has been cast in a recurring role in the drama Nashville.
Richards, who is also an activist for trans rights, will play the role of Allyson Del Lago.
The physical therapist character will appear in the upcoming fifth season.
She will be tasked with helping one of the main characters through a difficult challenged, reports the Hollywood Reporter.
Being cast in the role means Richard represents the first out trans actor on the network, as well as the first transgender character.
The hit series was brought back by Hulu and CMT back in June after ABC cancelled the show after four seasons.
The new season will premiere on 5 January on CMT.
The country music drama is co-produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment.
Richards was nominated for an Emmy for writing, producing and co-creating the digital series ‘Her Story’. She previously starred in Violet, set in Los Angeles it featured the star as a trans woman who deals with her own same-sex attraction.
She was also featured in I Am Cait on E! which followed the trans Olympian Caitlyn Jenner’s story.
