We know one person not taking the holidays off: the True Blood casting director.

Almost everyday, the HBO smash announces a new recurring character/actor for season three, which doesn't air until the summer of 2010. Earlier today, for example, J. Smith-Cameron was announced as Sam's downtrodden mother.

Now, we can add to more major names to the cast:

1. Emmy-winner Alfre Woodard - who appeared for an extended run on Desperate Housewives during the 2005-06 season - has landed the role of Lafayette's mother. This also means she's Tara's aunt, of course.
2. Speaking of Tara, her third season love interest has been cast: James Frain will portray the vampire Franklin Mott, a character from the book series that acted as Tara's sugar daddy. HBO casting notices describe Mott as "handsome" and as someone with an “immediate and torrid” connection to Tara.

Have no fear, fans: True Blood cast additions are arriving quickly and furiously, but TV Fanatic will remain on top of everything as news breaks!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.