Janney to guest star on 'The Big C' Allison Janney, a cast member in the motion picture drama "The Help," attends the premiere of the film at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, California on August 9, 2011. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Cable network Showtime has hired Allison Janney for a role in Season 3 of its cancer-themed dramedy "The Big C," The Hollywood Reporter said. Janney is best known for her work on TV's "The West Wing," and in the films "The Help," "Hairspray" and "Primary Colors." The four-time Emmy Award-winner will play a Hollywood producer who wants to make a movie about "Big C" central characters Cathy and Paul, played by Laura Linney and Oliver Platt, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.