Melissa George has been cast as the lead in NBC’s medical drama pilot “Heart Matters.” “Heart Matters” follows a talented female heart transplant surgeon, Alex Panttiere (George), who balances her work with the complications of her romantic and personal life.
Described as charming, yet unconventional, impulsive and socially awkward at the worst possible times, Alex seemingly gets it all together, after being promoted to chief of innovation and becoming the “face” of the hospital, which forces her to forgo her sometimes messy, scrub-wearing self. Though she’s not Ivy League-educated, she holds her own with the competition and fights hard for her patients. While her work life seems to be soaring, she’s not so lucky in the love department, as she can’t seem to commit to the man she’s living with — perhaps because she has feelings for someone else.
The medical soap hails from pilot scribe Jill Gordon. “Private Practice” star Amy Brenneman will exec produce with Gordon and Brad Silberling. Susan Carlson, Eric Carlson, Kelly Meyer and Dr. Kathy Magliato, whose life inspired the series, will serve as co-exec producers. Robbie Duncan McNeill will direct the pilot. Universal Television is the studio.
The Australian actress is currently starring on NBC’s miniseries “The Slap,” alongside Uma Thurman, Peter Sarsgaard, Thandie Newton and Zachary Quinto.
