Suburban actors star in fall television shows

Last year, Prospect High School alumnus Ian Brennan provided a little suburban pride by drawing on his educational (and choir) background to create the hit Fox musical comedy series "Glee." This year, several actors with local suburban ties pepper the prime-time schedule, from familiar figures like Wheaton's Jim Belushi and Gail O'Grady to newcomers like Parvesh Cheena of NBC's "Outsourced," who grew up in Elk Grove and Naperville.

Look for these faces - perhaps previously seen at the neighborhood supermarket - on TV this fall.

Jim BelushiRole: Las Vegas attorney Nick Morelli on "The Defenders."Debuts: 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS' WBBM Channel 2.Local connection: Grew up in Wheaton as, of course, the younger brother of John Belushi, following him to the Second City and into showbiz.Fun fact: Shaved his head for an effective dramatic role as a ruthless publisher in "The Ghost Writer" earlier this year.Paul BrittainRole: New featured player on "Saturday Night Live."Debuts: 10:30 p.m. Saturday on WMAQ Channel 5. Local connection: Hails from NapervilleFun fact: A veteran of the iO Theater in Chicago, where he created and performed a one-man show called "Sex Ed."Nicholas BrooksRole: Has an upcoming guest-star spot on "The Defenders."Debuts: 9 p.m. Wednesday on Channel 2; his appearance airs later in the season.Local connection: Born in Batavia.Fun fact: Also plays Sammy Davis Jr. in the Vegas production "The Rat Pack Show."Parvesh CheenaRole: Gupta, nerdy but good-hearted customer-call worker in NBC's "Outsourced."Debuts: 8:30 p.m. Thursday on WMAQ Channel 5.Local connection: Born in Elk Grove Village and grew up in Naperville.Fun fact: Just named to receive 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from Waubonsie Valley High School, where he graduated in 1997.Jon Michael HillRole: Detective Damon Washington in ABC cop drama "Detroit 1-8-7."Debuts: 9 p.m. today on WLS Channel 7.Local connection: Hails from Waukegan.Fun fact: A member of the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble, he was nominated for a Tony Award for "Superior Donuts" and a Jefferson Award for Steppenwolf's version of "The Tempest."Melissa McCarthyRole: Molly in the CBS sitcom "Mike Molly."Debuted: 8:30 p.m. Monday on Channel 2.Local connection: Born and raised on a farm in Plainfield.Fun fact: Played hotel chef Sookie for entire run of "Gilmore Girls."Gail O'GradyRole: Mom Wanda Perkins on CW drama "Hellcats."Debuted: 8 p.m. Wednesday on WGN Channel 9.Local connection: Grew up in Wheaton.Fun fact: Starred on "NYPD Blue" and made a Pepsi commercial with Michael J. Fox in the late '80s.Kay PanabakerRole: Daphne Powell in ABC superhero series "No Ordinary Family."Debuts: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, on Channel 7.Local connection: Lived for a while in Naperville.Fun fact: Played the young Kitty (Calista Flockhart) on "Brothers Sisters" earlier this year.False20001333Waukegan's Jon Michael Hill goes from Steppenwolf Theatre to TV's "Detroit 1-8-7." False