Who Will Play Tessa's Mom on Suburgatory?

Suburgatory has tracked down a mother for Tessa.

Malin Akerman - a movie star whose most recent television work includes one episode of How I Met Your Mother and an extended stint on Children's Hospital - has been cast as the female parent of Jane Levy's lovable character.

The actress will appear on both the Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes of the ABC sitcom, playing a singer/songwriter who has never met her child.

Said Suburgatory creator Emily Kapnek of the decision:

“I’m a huge, nerdy fan [of Malin's] and this was an extensive search for the right actress to play such a pivotal role in our show. It turned out to be well worth the wait. She’s funny, gorgeous and incredibly charismatic, and I know her chemistry with Jeremy Sisto and Jane Levy is going to be off the charts. Malin is a comedy writer’s dream, both beautiful and comedically fearless. I’m over the moon about her agreeing to play Alex.”

Suburgatory Season 2 kicks off on October 17 at 9:30/8:30c.

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