I always assumed that the makers of 30 Rock would have to search far and wide to find an actress unique enough to play the mother of Judah Friedlander's… well, um, unique Frank. But was I ever wrong: They only had to go as far as Broadway!

Stage legend Patti Lupone has nabbed the part, sources confirm to me exclusively.

The Tony winner, who recently wowed 'em as Gypsy's Mommie Dearest, was last seen on the small screen playing the mother of Michael Urie's Marc on Ugly Betty.

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/

I saw her in Gypsy the day before it closed - have to say it was the best performance I've ever seen! She is quite the incredible actress, no doubt about it.

I haven't seen her do TV before, but I know she just played a mother on Ugly Betty, so I guess she is no stranger.