Let's face it: Kitty's cancer on 'Brothers & Sisters' has been a downer, but the mood's about to get a lot lighter. Gilles Marini, of 'Dancing With the Stars' and 'Sex and the City' movie fame, starts a five-episode arc Sun., Oct. 18 as French artist Luc Laurent, a love interest for Rachel Griffiths' Sarah. "Luc's a painter, who lives in a barn," Marini recently told AOL TV. "It's really love at first sight [with Sarah]. There will be cooking, dancing, drama and excitement. Luc's a Renaissance Man. You're going to see a real romance."
Griffiths said she encouraged the writers to give Marini more to do than just flash a smile, flex his pecs and speak with a foreign accent. "The first few episodes are a bit objectified," admitted the actress. "[But] I kept going to the writers saying, 'Don't underestimate what this guy can do.'"
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Marini revealed that Griffiths drops her Australian accent even in rehearsals; he didn't even hear her true voice until they were at a publicity event. "I ask her, 'Who are you?'" the French-born celebrity joked.
'Brothers & Sisters' is known for hanging onto recurring players and there's buzz that Marini's run may be extended. "Maybe much more," he said with a smile. That would suit Griffiths just fine. "I look forward to seeing where that goes," she added.
What viewers won't see in the future is Griffiths signing up for 'Dancing With the Stars.' "I don't like to hurt," she said. "I don't like waking up sore. The way [the stars] get bossed around by these dancers? [Laughs] I'd be like, 'Shut the [expletive] up!'" -- By Mike Maloney

Reader Comments (17)
Bec at 7:54AM on Oct 18th 2009
This is wonderful news!! I loved him on Dancing With The Stars"............such a sexy guy........WOW!!!!!
Bec at 7:56AM on Oct 18th 2009
WOW!!! wow!!!! wow!!!
Judi at 9:14AM on Oct 18th 2009
I love this show. Now I will REALLY love this show.
Hello at 9:43AM on Oct 18th 2009
I have only watched episodes of Brothers and Sisters here and there - certainly not a die-hard fan of the show, though it IS good - but with Gilles on there, I'll watch any old time. :-)
Kimmie at 9:47AM on Oct 18th 2009
Thank Goodness, because the other plot lines were draining.... I am loving this direction and HIM! He's about as HOT as they come and will keep your target audience coming back for more! Thank you! Keep him around and your target audience will grow in leaps and bounds... This is true watercooler topic!!!!!!!!!!!
Bonbon at 10:07AM on Oct 18th 2009
Oh, be still my heart. He is ABSOLUTELY the best-looking, sexiest thing on TV. I'm an avid fan of B&S and this will seal the deal for sure. I hope they can make him a permanent cast member. Their ratings will skyrocket, at least among the ladies. Thank you, thank you ABC!
Pat at 10:14AM on Oct 18th 2009
I hate this show, I never watch it, but I will now. It's about time they put him some where!!!
He should be on the Big Screen,doing movies. He's 2008/09 's Elvis!
Pat at 10:22AM on Oct 18th 2009
Ditto, Ditto, Ditto!!!!
Sallie at 11:03AM on Oct 18th 2009
Gilles Marini is romantic novel hero in the flesh!! Women just want to watch him --- do anything, dancing or otherwise!! He will add much to the show like he did to the shower scene from "Sex and the City!" He is a hunk!!!!
deb at 12:22PM on Oct 18th 2009
I will second that!!!
I just want to look at him and listen to him and ....