Lachey Seals ABC Acting Deal

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Pop singer and "Newlyweds" star Nick Lachey has signed a deal to star in a comedy or drama pilot for Disney's ABC network.



The pact, which could reach high-six figures, also includes a feature component as well as the recently announced variety special Lachey and wife Jessica Simpson (news) are doing for ABC.


Simpson is already under a development deal to star in an ABC comedy pilot.


Lachey recently filmed a guest spot on NBC's drama "American Dreams," portraying a young Tom Jones (news). The episode is scheduled to air Feb. 15. He hit stardom as a member of vocal pop quartet 98 Degrees. His debut solo album, "SoulO," was released in November.


After a strong first season, Lachey and Simpson's MTV reality series, "Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica," returned with a bang for a second season last week, posting its most-watched episode ever with an audience of 4.7 million viewers.


Reuters/Hollywood Reporter