Viola Davis lands 'States' role

LOS ANGELES, June 15 (UPI) -- Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis has signed on to guest star in seven episodes of TV's "United States of Tara," Showtime said.

Davis earned her Academy Award nod for her work in the 2008 big-screen drama "Doubt." Her other film credits include "Nights in Rodanthe," "Disturbia," "Get Rich or Die Tryin,'" "Syriana," "Far from Heaven," "Solaris," "Traffic," "Out of Sight" and "Antwone Fisher."

Showtime said she will play the recurring role of Lynda B. Dozier in Season 2 of "States." The actress is set to debut in the second episode and will appear in seven of the second season's 12 episodes.

Her character was described in a release as "an unconventional artist who plays a significant role in Tara (Toni Collette) and her daughter Kate's (Brie Larson) lives."