Melinda Clarke

The early cancellation of "The O.C." may have been sad for viewers, but for the show’s stars, it meant a headstart on pilot casting season.

Melinda Clarke is the first current "O.C." regular to secure a follow-up pilot gig, landing a lead role opposite LL Cool J in CBS’ drama "The Man."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Clarke will play a touch, sexy policewoman, a colleague to LL Cool J’s undercover cop, who becomes a father to an orphaned boy. Jessica Collins ("The Nine") was previously cast.

Clarke has spent the past four seasons vamping it up as the frequently married Julie Cooper on "The O.C." She has also done recent duty on HBO’s "Entourage." Before being welcomed to The O.C., Clarke was most familiar as Lady Heather from the original brand "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

Which "O.C." veteran will hop on the pilot train next? Stay tuned.