Andre Bauer, who was unable to fulfill his commitment to the drama ER, has been replaced by Forest Whitaker. Whitaker will play a man who comes into the ER with a cough, but quickly faces a paralyzing stroke—his story arc will take place over five episodes. Whitaker continues to be busy with the FX series The Shield, returning for at least the first two episodes of the next season. Whitaker is most famous for his many film roles, including Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Platoon, The Crying Game and The Panic Room. He’ll make a great addition to ER, now entering it’s 25th season (seriously, how long has this show been on?!).

Busy Philipps will also join the cast of ER with a recurring role as an intern. You may remember Philipps from the short-lived, but well-regarded Freaks and Geeks. She was also seen last season on the UPN sitcom Love, Inc.