William Hurt signs with ‘Damages’

Oscar winner William Hurt will join the cast of FX’s “Damages” when the critically acclaimed series returns early next year for its second season.

Hurt will play a new client of attorney Patty Hewes (Glenn Close). Specifics were not disclosed, but insiders hinted that his character will have both a professional and personal history with Hewes.

Hurt, who won the 1985 Academy Award for best actor for “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” has done television movies and guest shots – including a career-launching “Kojak” appearance in 1977 – but his “Damages” stint will mark his first regular role on a TV series.

It also will mark a reunion with Close, his co-star in 1983’s “The Big Chill.”