February 28, 2001

VARTAN SPIES ABC 'ALIAS'

by JOSEF ADALIAN

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 7

Michael Vartan has a new "Alias": He'll star in ABC's spy drama pilot from "Felicity" creator J.J. Abrams.

Thesp, who appeared opposite Drew Barrymore in "Never Been Kissed," will play a CIA agent who works closely with the show's lead character, a grad student by day/spy by night played by Jennifer Garner. Duo may end up having a romantic relationship.

Bradley Cooper is also joining the cast. He'll play the best friend of Garner's character.

Abrams said Vartan "brings to 'Alias' a warmth and sophistication that is so rare to find in someone who also happens to look like a movie star."

Vartan's other feature credits include "The Next Best Thing," "The Myth of Fingerprints" and "Fiorile." He'll next appear opposite Robin Williams in the Fox Searchlight pic "One Hour Photo."

On the TV side, Vartan plays Lancelot in the upcoming TNT mini "The Mists of Avalon," and had a two-episode guest stint on Fox's "Ally McBeal."

© Copyright 2001 Reed Elsevier Inc.

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