The official Showtime website reports that Cumming will play Billie Blaikie, a "promiscuous, business savvy party promoter, who is hired by Kit Porter (Pam Grier) to manage her restaurant/nightclub. Billie comes to L.A. via New York, where he rose to fame in the underground club drag scene. The quintessential party boy, Billie is always looking to party hard with anything and anyone, but still manages to enjoy enormous success in his career. Although he is the best man for the job, Kit finds herself at odds with Billie on more than one occasion." Cumming's episodes will premiere in 2006. "The L Word," which focuses on a group of lesbian friends, currently stars Jennifer Beals, Erin Daniels, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Sarah Shahi, Rachel Shelley, Pam Grier and new cast member Dallas Roberts. The latter was let go from the current Broadway revival of The Glass Menagerie.

A Tony Award winner for his portrayal of the Emcee in the Broadway revival of Cabaret, Alan Cumming was back on the New York stage in Design for Living as well as the Art Party's mounting of Elle. The Scottish-born thespian has also appeared in such films as "Eyes Wide Shut," "Circle of Friends," Lion King director Julie Taymor's feature-film debut "Titus," "Spy Kids" and "The Anniversary Party" — which he co-wrote, co-directed and co-starred with Cabaret co-star Jennifer Jason Leigh. Cumming also appeared in the film "Nicholas Nickleby," and his debut book, "Tommy's Tale," is now in stores.

Visit www.sho.com for more information.