Nearly two seasons after her character's demise on the hit series 24, Reiko Aylesworth becomes the latest addition to the ER franchise.  According to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, the actress has signed on as part of the medical drama's 14th season.

Reiko Aylesworth became a household name as the tough and stoic Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) agent and eventual boss, Michelle Dessler for four seasons of 24.   She will next play the new chaplain of County General on the long-running and multi-awarded ER.

Though tasked with administering to the spiritual needs of the patients, doctors and staff of the hospital, Aylesworth's character won't be hiding beneath a habit or bound by dogmatic laws on romance and celibacy.  ER's new preacher will be permitted to lead a normal life including the use of provocative attire and the freedom to engage in the nuisances of modern dating.  She is poised to provide color to the romantic life of John Stamos' Dr. Tony Gates character.

Since being killed off at the beginning of 24's fifth season, Reiko Aylesworth has appeared in episodes of Knights of Prosperity and the short-lived Conviction, with fellow 24 stalwart, Eric Balfour.   She previously also guest-starred on popular series like Law & Order and its spin-off, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as well as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

On the big screen, the 34-year old Chicago native has been involved in two projects that are currently in post-production. She stars as Kinsy alongside ER alum, Gloria Reuben, on the drama-comedy, The Understudy, which is scheduled for release next year.  She also appears as Kelly O'Brien in the sequel to 2003's Alien vs. Predator entitled Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.  Also known as AVP2, the film is set to hit the theaters in December this year.

The Emmy award-winning ER returns to NBC with its season premiere on Thursday, September 27 at 10/9c.

-Rosario Santiago, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TV Guide, IMDB
(Image Courtesy of NY Magazine)