Sex And The City 2 star and gay
marriage advocate Cynthia Nixon is heading to Showtime's The Big
C, Nikki Finke's Deadline
Hollywood first reported.
Nixon has signed on for a recurring
role on the series as Laura Linney's former college roommate,
Rebecca.
The new dramedy follows Cathy (played
by Laura Linney) who decides to live life to the fullest after she's
given a terminal cancer diagnosis. Broadway veteran Oliver Platt
(Guys and Dolls) stars as Linney's well-meaning but juvenile
husband, while Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) plays the role of a
smart-alecky student.
Nixon and her girlfriend, New York
education activist Christine Marinoni, announced their engagement
last year as New York lawmakers geared up to debate a gay marriage
bill. The couple campaigned heavily for passage of the bill,
appearing often at rallies and demonstrations. Senators, however,
rejected the bill, leaving the women unable to marry in the Empire
State.
Speaking to USA Today's Ann
Oldenburg last month, the couple said they have their hearts set on
marrying in New York.
Showtime will premiere The Big C
on August 16 at 10:30ET.