Lara Spencer: How I Became a Minister After Work

By Lara Spencer Posted Jan 20th 2010 04:21PM

Yesterday I wrapped The Insider and walked over to the set where the sitcom 'Gary Unmarried' shoots on the CBS lot. They were shooting their Season Two finale and asked me to be in it. I play a minister who only performs weddings for the free booze. Very funny -- see my pic from the set above. My partner on The Insider, Niecy Nash, plays the bride. She's up there on the left. And she had the live audience in tears. If you ever watched Niecy on the insane Reno 911, you know she has some serious comedy chops. So, yes, not to give it away, but there IS a wedding on 'Gary Unmarried. Yes, it IS a cliffhanger, both on and off set.

Why a cliffhanger off the set? This brilliantly-written sitcom is on the proverbial "bubble" -- that's basically network purgatory -- awaiting word on whether it will be picked up for a third season. So crazy, as it is one of the best written comedies on TV right now.

Jay Mohr (in the middle up in that photo) on the show is hysterical. I have admired his work since Jerry Maguire, and now I admire him as a friend. All week he helped me with my lines when he was trying to make me crack up. Paula Marshall (right) plays his ex. We bonded talking about our kids and now have a date to play tennis. You know her from a ton of comedies over the years (Californication, Snoops, Cupid). She is funny, smart and HOT. A rare combo in the world of sitcoms.

When the legendary director James Burrows (Cheers, Friends, Will and Grace) yelled cut for the last time, everyone cheered, but it was bittersweet. Was this their last time working together? I hope not. Our episode -- the finale -- airs in May, but check it out the show tonight on CBS. I guarantee you'll be hooked. It might not get the press that fellow CBS show "Two and a Half Men" does, but it should. And Check Me Out on The Insider Every Night >>>

Lara Delivers Golden Globes Scoop for PopEater