Katherine Heigl, who became a resident at the end of last season's Grey's Anatomy, will also be taking on a new role in real life.

The actress and her mother and manager, Nancy Heigl, will join the ranks of Will Smith, Madonna and Drew Barrymore by forming their own production shingle, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The first project at the newly formed company is an untitled action-comedy with Fox.

Katherine Heigl herself will star in the project, for which the plot is currently under wraps. A search for writers is underway.

Heigl has appeared in a number of forgettable films including Valentine, Bride of Chucky and The Ringer. Katherine hit the jackpot this year, though, with the Judd Apatow project Knocked Up opposite Seth Rogen.

An Emmy nominee this year for Grey's Anatomy, Heigl became a bona fide film star with Knocked Up, which has grossed more than $145 million.

She is also set to star in the Fox romantic comedy 27 Dresses, which is scheduled for release in January. In 27 Dresses, scheduled for release in January 2008, Heigl will be playing Jane, a young woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times - and wonders if she'll have to stand by in an ugly dress again while her sister marries the man that Jane secretly loves.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.