George Takei and Nicole Richie Join 'The New Normal'

Out creator Ryan Murphy announced the additions as he sold new shows and collected awards.

Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.

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Sunnivie Brydum

October 02 2012 3:36 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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Ryan Murphy, creator of Glee, American Horror Story, and The New Normal -- and arguably the busiest gay man in Hollywood -- announced Friday that George Takei (Star Trek) and Nicole Richie (The Simple Life) will be joining the cast of the gay family sitcom The New Normal.

"Proud to announce Nicole Richie and the legendary George Takei are joining The New Normal family," Murphy tweeted.

The creator didn't offer any further details on how the stars will fit into the family, but that might be because he's been busy adding two new shows to his already-booked roster. Murphy just sold a family thriller called Montauk to Fox and an comedy to NBC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Murphy will serve as executive producer on both projects.

The New Normal is Murphy's first half-hour comedy, and he coproduces it with out lesbian Ali Adler. The sitcom, following a pair of gay men as they find a surrogate to give birth to their baby, will receive top honors at a Southern California event hosted by the national Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Murphy was recognized by the organization in 2010 for his work on Glee.

"This show is a natural fit for our Southern California honors this year," said Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG National, in a press release. "It enlightens as it entertains, and expands the general public's understanding of the many different types of families -- families with two dads, single-parent families, multigenerational families, multiracial families -- that already exist in our own communities. The New Normal elevates the stories of LGBT loved ones so that everyone will know that what some people refer to as 'the new normal' is just 'family' to us at PFLAG."