Jim Gaffigan To Play Crack-Smoking Former Toronto Mayor In New Dark Comedy TV Series

Comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan has landed another major part role, taking on the part of the crack-smoking former Toronto mayor, Rob Ford, in a new TV pilot for AMC.

Variety reports that it's a "dark comedy series" that will follow Ford's ascent to political power and his descent after being filmed smoking crack cocaine while trying to get re-elected. Ford passed away in 2016 at the age of 46.

The site reports that the show is not a done deal, noting that it's not guaranteed to go ahead. If it does, it would follow another project, Run This Town, a feature film that starred Damian Lewis as Ford.

Gaffigan himself confirmed the casting report on Twitter, writing, "Stop the gravy train!!!" and sharing a link to Variety's report. Gaffigan's actor friends David Cross and Mike O'Malley each responded with words of positivity for Gaffigan, with Cross saying the casting is perfect and O'Malley remarking, "Love it."

Gaffigan is perhaps best known for his comedy specials, including Mr. Universe and Beyond the Pale. He is also writer, having released a memoir titled Dad Is Fat and Food: A Love Story. Gaffigan is also the co-creator and star of the former TV Land show The Jim Gaffigan Show, while he has appeared in numerous films over the years including Super Troopers and the 2017 political drama Chappaquiddick.