The Tudors – Joely Richardson joins cast for the final season

Richardson in a photo taken when she starred in "Lies My Mother Told Me," another true drama..this one on Lifetime Television
Richardson in a photo taken when she starred in "Lies My Mother Told Me," on Lifetime Television

By Elaine Bergstrom

Showtime has announced that Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck) has joined the cast of The Tudors, playing Henry’s last wife, Catherine Parr, in the fourth and final season (yes, I am unhappy at that “final” part, too), airing early next year. Parr, history buffs know, is the wife who survived Henry. No word on how fat Jonathan Rhys Meyers will allow himself to appear for next season, but the poor king has really descended into near-madness with his mercurial temper and superstitious pursuit of an heir. Hopefully, Showtime and executive producer Michael Hirst will consider a continuation of the series with Mary as queen (as Hirst had hinted at when I interviewed him last year) then with Edward on the throne. And the entire sad reign of Queen Jane – who briefly claimed the throne between Edward and Mary – could use a bit of coverage, too. Neither of them could carry an entire season, but the production company has the costumes, the settings, the crew … more films or a mini-series, please!

Photo credit: Lifetime Television