Whoopi Goldberg to Return to GLEE; Larsen, Newell to Also Recur

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Whoopi Goldberg will appear in the fourth season of GLEE as a "special guest star," reprising her role of Carmen Tibideaux, dean of the fictional New York Academy of Dramatic Arts. Glee Project Season 1 winners Samuel Larson and Alex Newell will also recur on the new season. 

'The View' co-host first appeared in a multi-episode story arc in Season 3 of the FOX drama. Her character was responsible for making the fateful decision to admit Rachel (Lea Michele)  into the fictional east coast theater academy, while crushing the dreams of her best friend Kurt (Chris Colfer).  

The actress starred in a critically-acclaimed one-woman show on Broadway that launched her career. She has also starred on Broadway in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and, most recently, Xanadu. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Ghost in 1991 and is one of a very elite group of artists who has also won the Grammy, the Golden Globe, the Emmy and, as producer of the original Broadway production of Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2002, a Tony Award. She is currently moderator of the award-winning, top rating daytime talk show The View.

THR also revealed that  Glee Project Season 1 winners Samuel Larsen and Alex Newell will have recurring roles in the fourth season. Larsen appeared last year in a seven-episode story arc as religious student Joe Hart. Newell, who was awarded a two-episode spot last season, portrayed Wade/Unique. His character is set to be the newest member of the New Directions choir this season.

Tuesday night, Blake Jenner was named the winner of The Glee Project's Season 2. While no details have been revealed as to the role he will play, the actor will first appear in the fifth episode of the new season.

GLEE Season 4 returns Thursday, September 13 at 9 p.m. on Fox.

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