Vernee Watson and Tom Wright have booked recurring roles on Fox's new comedy series Ben and Kate, which stars Dakota Johnson and Nat Faxon as a sister and brother who are exact opposites: Ben is an over-the-top dreamer, while younger sister Kate is a single mother trying to make ends meet as a bar manager.

Co-starring in the series is Echo Kellum, who will play Tommy, Ben’s longtime friend and partner in crime, who, by the way, really likes Kate, but, unfortunately for him, she doesn’t return the sentiment. 

Vernee Watson and Tom Wright will play Echo Kellum's (Tommy's) parents in, who will first appear in the second episode, scheduled to air on October 2nd, with the potential to return, says THR, who describe the episode as follows:

In the episode, Watson will play Gladys Rusling, Tommy's mother who is a willing accomplice as Ben, Kate and her daughter, Maddie attempt to convince school board members that they all should live together – at her house. Wright will play Melvin Rusling, Tommy's surly father who isn't quite a willing participant in the family's scheme – and would much rather be watching Murder, She Wrote.

The series is scheduled to premiere on Fox on September 25, as part of the 2012–13 television season.

Vernee Watson is best known for her recurring roles as Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter and as Viola "Vy" Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing the mother of Will Smith's character.

Tom Wright co-starred in Barbershop and Barbershop 2: Back in Business. He also co-starred with Angela Bassett as her ex-lover in Sunshine State, his fifth film with writer/director John Sayles.