All-Star Cast Takes Comedic Stand on TV’s ‘Jury Duty’

NEW YORK —  Bronson Pinchot takes time off from Balki on “Perfect Strangers” to go on “Jury Duty,” in which he plays four roles, including a TV newsman named Jorge! who slavers when he says the word “sex,” which is often.

The show’s full name is “Jury Duty: The Comedy,” and it boasts an all-star ensemble cast that includes Alan Thicke, Lynn Redgrave, Heather Locklear, Tracy Scoggins, Barbara Bosson and Reginald VelJohnson. It airs on ABC on Sunday.

Pinchot drops Balki’s Mypos accent to play the defendant, accountant Sanford Lagelfost, accused of bilking billionaire Arnold Trout of millions in this comedy that’s broad and nutty. Lagelfost appears to have the vibrant personality of mashed potatoes--until brunette bombshell Tracy Scoggins takes the stand.

Her lurid testimony about their lovemaking makes headlines, and draws the attention of Jorge!, who bears a distinct resemblance to a real-life first-name! reporter of sensational stories.

The jury that will decide Lagelfost’s fate includes Thicke as a workaholic businessman, Redgrave as a crusading social activist, Locklear as a professional “escort,” Bosson (Fay Furillo on “Hill Street Blues”) as a psychic and Ilene Graff as a harried housewife.

The housewife appeals to the hotel manager where the jury eventually is sequestered--who happens to be Bronson Pinchot with a lounge lizard mustache and an intentionally fake French accent. The housewife thinks that French is so sexy.

Pinchot also plays a minor role as a woman night desk person at the hotel.

The idea of playing multiple parts came from Pinchot, who originally was offered just the Lagelfost role.

“I cavalierly asked if I could play more than one character--I would be bored with just this one character,” Pinchot said. “It’s awfully fun to play with multiples and I don’t think it was overdone.”

Pinchot will celebrate the fourth anniversary of his ABC series “Perfect Strangers” in March.