Casting Scoops: 'Reaper,' Grey's Anatomy,' Supernatural,' 'Big Bang Theory,' and More!

Ah, it’s that time of year: tofurkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and enough exclusive casting scoop to feed a family of 40. What’s not to be thankful for?

* A December episode of The Big Bang Theory gives us Battlestar Galactica‘s Michael Trucco on a motorcycle. He’ll play Leonard’s partner on a project and one of the youngest MacArthur Genius Grant winners ever. My source says Penny takes a shine to him. My source also says, “Who wouldn’t?”

* Lupe Ontiveros, who played Carlos’ late mom on Desperate Housewives, will bring some Latina flavor to Reaper in the form of Ben’s tiny, sassy grandma when the show begins its midseason run in January. Plus, Michael McDonald will appear as the boys’ curmudgeonly high school biology teacher, Mr. Sprong.

* Supernatural wins this year’s Best Episode Title with the upcoming ‘Criss Angel Is A Douche Bag.’ Even better, the magician-centered ep, which airs Jan. 22, features “Hey, It’s That Guy!” trio Barry Bostwick (Ugly Betty, Spin City), John Rubinstein (Angel, 24), and Richard Libertini (every show ever made, but most recently, Monk and Numbers).

* Friday I brought you news of Jennifer Westfeldt’s stint on Grey’s Anatomy as a patient. Now I can tell you the show is looking to cast another sicko in a four-ep arc that might just be related to next year’s big Grey’s/Private Practice crossover. So, call your agents, struggling Caucasian male actors in your mid-30s.

* Tori Spelling’s real-life squeeze and reality show costar, Dean McDermott, is getting his own Hallmark Channel movie! Always & Forever, which will also include a Bauer and an older, though still dreamy, Jeannie (Rena Sofer and Barbara Eden), hits the small screen next September. (Additional reporting by Oriana Schwindt)