COD graduate Lamorne Morris cast in 2 TV shows

From improvisation to game show hosting, Lamorne Morris' career has steadily been on the rise. This fall, the College of DuPage graduate showcases his latest endeavors, the CBS pilot “The Assistants,” and Fox's “New Girl.”

The Glenbard South High School graduate studied Theater at the college, graduating in 2003 before moving to New York.

In “New Girl,” Morris plays Winston, a former basketball player who returns to town — and to the apartment that bears his name on the lease.

His character then lives with two other guys and Jess, played by Zooey Deschanel, who recently broke up with her cheating boyfriend. “New Girl” premieres Tuesday, Sept. 20, following “Glee.”

Morris was cast following the departure of Daman Wayans Jr., who originally played Coach. While the character will not be replaced, Morris enters in the series' second episode as Winston, a former basketball player who returns to town – and to the apartment that bears his name on the lease.

As the series unfolds Winston, along with his two male roommates, helps Jess (played by Zooey Deschanel) recover from a break-up with her cheating boyfriend.

Visit http://www.tvguide.com/News/New-Girl-Morris-1035074.aspx to read a full TV Guide article on Morris' casting in the new Fox sitcom.

In “The Assistants,” meanwhile, Morris plays one of a number of assistants surrounding a former actress (played by Heather Locklear) as she deals with a breakdown. The CBS pilot is based on a 2009 Canadian comedy of the same name. No air date has been scheduled.