Face the State isn’t necessarily known as a launching pad to stardom, although Tom Dudchik of http://www.ctcapitolreport.com would disagree, as his show was greenlighted after a handful of much heralded appearances on FTS. Now, a Face the State regular has gone national. Our Republican analyst Brian Flaherty will appear in a future episode of “House of Cards.” Yes, the former state representative was recently cast as an extra in the Netflix hit drama about life in Washington.

Truth be told, Brian wasn’t selected solely for his good looks and charismatic manner on Face the State, but rather he admits he had a connection. His childhood friend from Watertown, Kimberly Skyrme, runs a casting company in Baltimore used by the producers of “House of Cards.” Here’s a peek at the agency: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlySkyrmeCasting

Brian told me the experience was amazing, and he even has a small speaking role. Does he say “yay” or “nay?” Look for him in the final episode of Season 2.

Also doing some extra work recently was Gary Craig of WTIC 96.5 FM. Craig appeared as a mobster in the Oscar nominated film “American Hustle.” Kara and I were watching the movie when we said “hey, isn’t that Gary Craig?”

By the way, yours truly also toiled as an extra a quarter century ago on the Boston-based crime drama, “Spenser for Hire.” Check out classic pictures of my mullet in Robert Urich’s background right here: https://dennishouse.tv/2012/02/02/my-television-debut/

Brian wouldn’t reveal details about the episode, except that he plays a member of the House Judiciary Committee. He was coy about who did his makeup, although I have a hunch he brought in his own beauty crew.

Join Brian, Duby, some of the Channel 3 gang and me this week for a great cause: https://dennishouse.tv/2014/02/01/help-me-celebrate-support-a-great-cause/