Portia Plays Lesbian on TV

With straight actors winning Oscars and critical acclaim for taking on gay roles, it's harder these days for gay and lesbian performers to get those plum queer parts.

But thankfully, the hetero glory-hogs haven't scarfed up all the good stuff.

Portia de Rossi, who's been happily and openly involved with Ellen DeGeneres for several years now, has just signed on for her first lesbian role, in the upcoming season of the frequently gay-inclusive Nip/Tuck.

De Rossi will have recurring appearances as the manipulative mom of a teen girl who wants to get plastic surgery.

Fans of de Rossi who have missed her glamorous presence since the cancellation of Arrested Development can look forward to catching her on Nip/Tuck's upcoming fifth season.