The sitcom star ("Too Close for Comfort") and game-show regular has appeared in the hit musical comedy before (as Harriman F. Spritzer, Principal, Mr. Pinky, Guard). He replaces "Leave It to Beaver" star Jerry Mathers, who helped give the musical comedy a summer boost at the box office.

Mathers' last show as husband to Baltimore hausfrau Edna Turnblad (Paul C. Vogt) is Sept. 16.

Bullock's Off-Broadway and regional credits include End of the World Party, When Pigs Fly (L.A. Drama Desk Award), The Rocky Horror Show, Southern Baptist Sissies and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. TV and film credits include six years as Monroe Ficus on ABC's "Too Close for Comfort," appearances on "Hollywood Squares," "Alf," "Seinfeld" and "Roseanne," plus the "The Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show."

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Sitcom star Mathers made his Broadway debut as Wilbur Turnblad on June 5 (the show's 2,000th performance). He was contracted for three months.

The Hairspray cast features Shannon Durig as Tracy Turnblad, Ashley Parker Angel as Link Larkin, Tevin Campbell as Seaweed, Lance Bass as Corny, Darlene Love as Motormouth Maybelle, Naturi Naughton as Inez, Michele Pawk as Velma, Niki Scalera as Penny Pingleton and Ashley Spencer as Amber.

Jack O'Brien directed the musical. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman provide the score. The book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The film version has done solid business, and will be released on DVD this fall.

For more information, visit www.hairspraythemusical.com.