Jacko actors cast

E! and British satellite broadcaster BSkyB have completed casting for “The Trial of Michael Jackson,” in which actors will re-enact daily testimony from Jacko’s trial, set to start Monday. The networks, working in conjunction (“Trial” will also air in the U.K.), previously announced that Jacko impersonator Edward Moss would portray The Gloved One.

Yesterday, ex-Court TV anchor James Curtis was named to host E!’s version of the show – with relatively unknown actors portraying other key figures in the trial:

Charles Haigh as DA Thomas Sneddon; Jack Donner as Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville; Rigg Kennedy as defense attorney Thomas Mesereau; Dan Sanders as assistant defense attorney Robert Sanger; and Bob Wood as assistant DA Ron Zonen.

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These are busy times for Bob Newhart. Not only is he being honored at the third annual TV Land Awards next month, but he’s also shooting a guest-starring role on “Desperate Housewives” airing in April. In the episode, Newhart will play Morty, the estranged boyfriend of Susan’s (Teri Hatcher) mom, Sophie (Lesley Ann Warren). Sophie wants to move in with Susan who, trying to ensure that doesn’t happen, tries to get Morty and Sophie back together again. The episode begins filming next week.

Regarding TV Land, Newhart’s “Bob Newhart Show” is being honored, along with “The Carol Burnett Show,” Aaron Spelling and “Soul Train.” The show airs March 16 on TV Land.

Last, but not least:

* Look for a surprise couched in today’s “Ellen DeGeneres Show” when ex-“90201” stars Jennie Garth and Luke Perry reunite: Ellen DeGeneres shocks both of them by bringing out fellow “90210”er Brian Austin Green. Hilarity ensues.

* “ET” executive producer Linda Bell Blue and “The Insider” host Pat O’Brien among those featured as tonight’s “Nightline” looks at celebrity media and promotion (11:35 p.m./Ch. 7).

* Congrats to industry veteran Andi Sporkin, who’s been named NPR’s VP of communications, based in D.C.