True Blood

The Merlotte family just gained a new member.

True Blood has cast Tony-nominated actress J. Smith-Cameron in the recurring role of Sam’s estranged mother, Melinda. Entertainment Weekly first reported the hiring.

In addition to numerous roles on Broadway, the actress has appeared on Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, among other shows.

Previous casting notices have described Melinda as "dirt-poor, hungover, and trashy-looking."

Smith-Cameron joins Marshall Allman (as Sam’s younger brother) in the Merlotte family, which will receive significant air time on season three. The show is yet to is Melinda’s husband, Joe Lee.