James Brolin Joins ‘Community’ Cast As Jeff Winger’s Dad

Jeff Winger finally has a dad. The cast of Community revealed earlier this year that a big name star would be joining the show during the fourth season as Jeff Winger’s dad. Rumors have pointed to actors and actresses like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Jackie Chan, and Meryl Streep, but it was James Brolin who landed the role.

During Comic-Con 2012, McHale said:

“Channing Tatum would be great; Jessica Biel would be a great father for me; anybody from the cast of ‘Green Lantern,’ really. People have talked about Bill Murray because my character, his last name is based on that… Someone like John Laroquette would be great, someone like John Cleese would be terrific. I think we should mix it up and make it like Eddie Murphy or something. Jackie Chan would be great. I hope maybe it’s Meryl Streep, she can do anything, she’s very versatile. It’ll be great to sink my teeth into.”

Unfortunately Meryl Streep will not be playing Jeff’s father.

Brolin, who has an Emmy and two Golden Globes for his portrayal of Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D., will join the cast during the Thanksgiving episode. According to Entertainment Weekly, Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) will host a party at her house and Jeff (Joel McHale) will spend the holiday at his estranged father’s home.

Since its debut, Community has attracted a few big names. Jack Black guest starred in an episode and John Goodman has a recurring role.

On set at #Community with the great, terrific, & cool #JamesBrolin. lockerz.com/s/245505816

— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) September 18, 2012

What do you think about the casting choice? Will James Brolin make a good father for Jeff Winger?