Debbie Gibson Is The Latest Star To Join ACTING DEAD

With production in full swing on the upcoming zomedy ACTING DEAD, an independent television series from award-winning New Media producers Brian Beacock and Susan Bernhardt, the final guest star of the series was announced this week. Singer-songwriter, producer and actress Debbie Gibson has joined the cast as Roberta, an exhausted diner waitress who contemplates quitting her job on a daily basis with eye-rolls more frequent than her tips.

“Debbie is so funny and willing to go for it with Roberta - Debbie herself is so different from this character which to me, makes it absolutely perfect,” showrunner and star Brian Beacock said.

“We're super excited to welcome Debbie into our ACTING DEAD family – the role is hysterical," producer Susan Bernhardt added. "I'm sure Debbie will have as much fun portraying the character as we will watching her!”

Debbie Gibson exploded onto the pop music scene at 16 and instantly became the youngest in history to write and produce a number one hit, "Foolish Beat." After three consecutive albums, world tours and selling more than 16 million albums, she starred in 17 musicals in 17 years, from Broadway to the West End. Most recently, starring with Neil Patrick Harris in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret."

In 2009, she starred in the cult, SyFy hit "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus."

In 2010, Gibson made her debut in the world of orchestration for Dr. Rutledge's documentary, "3 Billion and Counting." She collaborated on the score and the powerful closing credits song, "Rise," which was shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination.

In 2011, Gibson starred with Tiffany in the SyFy channels hit “Mega Python Vs. Gatoroid,” which led to a joint sold out concert tour as well as a performance on GMA’s Summer Concert Series. She also appeared in Katy Perry's hit music video for "Last Friday Night (TGIF)."

In 2012, she raised more than $50,000 for Children International on “The Celebrity Apprentice” and made a cameo in the film "Rock of Ages.”

Recently, she shot a cameo for "Mega Shark 3." Currently, Gibson is a celebrity judge on ABC’s new music competition “Sing Your Face Off,” collaborating with Jimmy Van Patten on an original Broadway musical entitled “The Flunky,” and working on her new U.S. album.

Gibson joins an impressive group of talent including Beacock, his co-lead Jillian Clare, plus series regulars Chris Galya, Patrika Darbo, Paul Nygro and John Yelvington. Previously announced guest stars include Eric Martsolf, Carolyn Hennesy, Sean Kanan, John J. York, Cocoa Brown, Christine Lakin, Lori Alan, Erin Matthews, Gary and Larry Lane, Peter Allen Vogt, Sheila Sheila and Mitch Silpa.

ACTING DEAD is a semi-dark comedy about Zombies, set in the world of Hollywood. The series began production last weekend, and continues shooting through October. Funny, quirky and weird, ACTING DEAD has brains and an appetite for sarcasm and satire. Imagine Arrested Development meets Shawn of the Dead with an occasional shout out to Romero. It's fast paced and smart, and so ridiculous you're sure to have the time of your afterlife.