“
The Flash” has found Mama West.
Variety has confirmed that “Candyman” and “Melrose Place” actress
Vanessa Williams — not to be confused with the “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives” star of the same name — has been cast as Iris West’s (
Candice Patton) mother and Joe West’s (
Jesse L. Martin) wife in season two of
The CW drama.
Williams’ debut episode is being kept under wraps, as are any other details about the previously absent matriarch.
To confuse matters further, Williams also starred in the TV series adaptation of “Soul Food” — based on the 1997 movie starring the other Vanessa Williams — in the role originated by Vivica A. Fox. Her previous small screen appearances include “Chicago Hope” and “Murder One.”
As
Variety first reported, fellow “Candyman” star
Tony Todd was recently cast as the voice of “Flash” villain Zoom in the show’s sophomore season.
The show is expected to delve further into the West family in season two, thanks to the addition of
Keiynan Lonsdale as Wally West, known in DC Comics canon as Iris’ nephew, and Barry Allen’s (
Grant Gustin) sidekick and eventual replacement as The Flash. Wally’s connection to the West family and role in Barry’s life on the show have yet to be confirmed, with “Flash” executive
producer Andrew Kreisberg noting, “Just like when we met Grant for the first time, we instantly knew Keiynan embodied all the heart and courage of a hero. We are so excited to be bringing this much-beloved character onto the show.”
“The Flash” season two premieres Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. on The CW.