LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- David Spade's guest starring role on ABC's "8 Simple Rules" as Katey Sagal's nephew has turned into a full-time gig, network officials announced.
Spade, who originally signed on for three episodes to play C.J., widow Cate Hennessy's (Sagal) nephew, will become a permanent cast member, Zap2it.com reported Friday.
Spade is the second cast addition since the sudden death in September of star John Ritter, who played the dad on the comedy.
James Garner, who also guest-starred initially, became a series regular playing Cate's dad, Jim.
Spade's character, C.J., first appeared on the show last week. Although his intentions are generally good, he tends to attract trouble and offers less-than-sound advice to Cate's three kids.
Following a six-year run on "Saturday Night Live," Spade played office assistant Dennis Finch on NBC's "Just Shoot Me" for seven seasons. He earned an Emmy nomination for the role in 1999. His other credits include "Joe Dirt," "PCU" and "The Emperor's New Groove."
