Helen Hunt Up For ‘Parenthood’ Role After Maura Tierney Drops Out Over Illness

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Helen Hunt arrives at the ‘Montblanc Signature for Good’ Charity Initiative held at Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, February 20, 2009
Helen Hunt

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FIRST PUBLISHED: September 16, 2009 3:17 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: September 16, 2009 3:57 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Helen Hunt is up for the “Parenthood” role vacated by Maura Tierney, who announced she was departing the NBC drama last week as she battles breast cancer, according to a new report.

Hunt, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her role opposite Jack Nicholson in 1997’s “As Good As It Gets,” has been approached to play Sarah, one of four adult children alongside Peter Krause and Dax Shepard, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A rep for Hunt did not respond to request for comment from Access Hollywood, however, the trade mag reported the actress is considering the offer.

Hunt had a successful run on NBC from 1992-1999 in “Mad About You” with Paul Reiser.

“Parenthood” is set to premiere mid-fall on NBC. It was originally set to start at the beginning of the new television season, but was pushed back to allow time for Tierney to undergo a medical evaluation.

However, last week, it was announced “Parenthood” was moving without the former “ER” favorite as part of the cast.

“While we are saddened that Maura Tierney won’t be able to continue in her current role in ‘Parenthood,’ our main concern is for her quick and full recovery,” an NBC spokesperson said in a statement to Access Hollywood last week. “Our thoughts and best wishes are with her.”

A rep for Tierney added that her prognosis is good.

“Maura Tierney regrets that she will not be able to continue her role on ‘Parenthood’ due to a conflict with the production schedule of the show and her breast cancer treatments,” the actress’ rep said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “Ms. Tierney and her doctors remain confident that the outcome of her treatments will be positive. She is deeply disappointed that she will not be able to rejoin such a highly respected, talented, fun and funny group of actors and wishes to thank Jason Katims and NBC for their patience and support.”

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