Jul 28 2010 05:27 PM ET

Exclusive: 'The Mentalist' recruits 'FNL' grad to play Jane's brother-in-law!

kevin-rankin-2Image Credit: Michael Bezjian/WireImage.com; Lance Staedler/CBSThis next casting scoop gets the Aushole seal of approval: Former Friday Night Lights scene-stealer Kevin Rankin (it’s Herc!) is joining CBS’ The Mentalist in the potentially recurring role of Danny Ruskin, Patrick Jane’s (Simon Baker) brother-in-law.

“He’s a hustler, a con artist, a ladies’ man—a cunning ne’er-do-well,” explains Mentalist EP/creator Bruno Heller. “Through his sister, he has an emotional hook in Jane that he’s not afraid to tug at when it serves his nefarious purposes.”

Rankin will debut in this season’s second episode, slated to air on Sept. 30.

In other Mentalist casting news, Van Pelt’s getting a new lover. Maybe. Click here for the deets.

TV scoop is best served instantaneously, so follow me on Twitter via @michaelausiello

Comments (20 total) Add your comment
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  • Chris

    Herc was awesome! Too bad he got cut. Glad to see the actor is having new luck, though.

  • Alex

    Kevin Rankin is a true scene stealer. Herc! Kinda geeked out when I saw him on Justified.

  • Dawn

    i don’t think Jane should have relatives. the whole point to the red John story was that he took his family away. I think they should have come up with a better story than throwing in Jane’s brother or long-lost sibling. Lame.

    • Alia

      Did you read thoroughly, Dawn? This guy is Jane’s brother-in-law… meaning he’s the brother of Jane’s dead wife. That only drives home the whole Jane’s-family-is-gone point. It’s salt in the wound, especially since this guy is apparently a jerk.

      • Jeff

        Since Jane’s wife is dead, he should have no ties to the brother-in-law, and definitely no responsibility to help him out or whatever. I agree with Dawn, it seems like a lame plot device to create conflict on the show. I hope Red John kills him in the season finale.

  • Charlotte

    Aww Man. . .this is Great news, he is a Fabulous actor. He can break your heart or be an absolute jackass. He was perfect on Friday Night Lights as the smart mouth Herc with a heart of gold. His range is amazing. I’m not a viewer of the Mentalist but now I think I’m gonna have’d to watch.

  • Tracy

    Yaaay! I love The Mentalist and I love Kevin Rankin. I’m super excited for next season.

  • meowser

    Hurray! Love me some Kevin Rankin! FNL, Bionic Woman (not a horrible show, just not given a chance), bit part on Lost (too funny!), Trauma (actually a really good show not given ANY chance)…can’t wait to see him on Mentalist!

    • Tracy

      I loved him as Tyler on Trauma. I was so mad at how NBC never gave it a chance. I’m so happy he’s on another show.

  • scooter williams

    way to go kevin. youve come a long way since high school. Kathleen and i will give a watch. We’ve watch all your shows.

  • Ms Deb

    Yaay for you Kevin! Sending some hometown love your way :) :):)

  • Faylinn

    This is great news! I’ve loved Kevin in everything I’ve seen him in, and I’m glad he’s getting a (potentially) recurring role so soon after Trauma got cancelled – I was worried I wouldn’t see him on TV again for a while. He’s really talented, and I hope this is a sign that he’ll get a steady stream of jobs from here on out. :)

  • Pam

    I am going rogue here..oh, wait, I’m not. Love Herc! I have never watched the Mentalist but I may have to watch it next season.

  • Wanzie

    Keep up the good work Kevin. I be watching you on the Mentalist. I’m

  • Wanzie

    Keep up the good work Kevin. I’ll
    be watching you on the Mentalalist.
    I make sure I see you new movie too.

  • Mary Grace

    You are a bright light in any performance I’ve seen you in. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to see your movie.

  • Shelley

    Great show and CowboyDatingSite was good

  • SEZ

    Now, how about this; Kevin, I was wishing I could see you on, The Mentalist, so wishes do come in. I know you will give the part your all_bless you__Sez_I

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