“Oscar nominated actress Virginia Madsen is set to join the cast of ‘The Event’ on NBC when the show returns. Madsen will play Catherine Lewis. The character is the wife of a deceased Alaska Senator who has a strong will. ‘The Event’ is about a cover-up involving extra terrestrials. The role of Catherine Lewis was previously offered to actress Connie Britton. Britton declined the role for unknown reasons.“
Source: OTL

Currently on a ratings trend that makes a second season renewal look less likely with each passing week, “The Event” nonetheless has a full first season commitment from NBC. And planning for late in the season calls for a character to ideally be played by “Friday Night Lights” actress Connie Britton.
Michael Ausiello reports that “Event” producers sent feelers to the Emmy-nominated actress about a major recurring role. The role would call for the actress to play the wife of a senator, interestingly with the last name Britton. When the senator dies, the Harvard graduate wife has to prove herself worthy … (click post title to read more)