Felicity Huffman is poised to make her comeback to the small screen following the controversy surrounding her involvement in the college admission scandal. The 61-year-old actress, renowned for her role in “Desperate Housewives,” is slated to guest star in an episode of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” on Paramount+.
In this upcoming appearance, Huffman will portray Dr. Jill Gideon, the former spouse of the late Jason Gideon, played by Mandy Patinkin. Although her role is that of a guest star, it marks a significant reentry into the acting sphere for Huffman.
According to reports from Variety, the character description for Huffman’s role is as follows:
Dr. Jill Gideon is a highly skilled biological psychiatrist who reluctantly agrees to assist the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in unraveling a complex conspiracy theory involving murder. Despite her reservations about rejoining the bureau’s elite team due to her complicated past with David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) and her deceased ex-husband, Jason Gideon, she soon recognizes that her unique expertise could provide crucial insight into the enigmatic Gold Star mystery.
It’s worth noting that Huffman served an 11-day prison sentence for her involvement in the 2019 Varsity Blues college admissions scandal. In a recent revelation, she expressed the challenges she faced in securing acting roles post-incarceration.
In May 2020, Huffman pleaded guilty to paying $15,000 to a college admissions consultant to alter her daughter Sophia’s SAT scores. Consequently, she was fined $30,000, sentenced to 14 days in prison, and required to complete 250 hours of community service.
In an interview with NBC, Huffman conveyed her remorse, stating:
“When [college fixer Rick Singer] gradually introduced the criminal scheme, it seemed like — though it may sound absurd in retrospect — it was my only means of securing a future for my daughter. In hindsight, I realize the gravity of my actions, but at the time, it felt like failing to take that route would make me a neglectful mother. And so, I made the decision.”
This opportunity for Huffman to return to television marks a pivotal moment in her career, signaling a potential resurgence following a period of personal and professional turmoil.