Hector Elizondo has agreed to appear in USA Network's series Monk this summer when the series returns for its seventh season on Friday, July 18 at 9/8c.

Elizondo will portray Adrian Monk's (Tony Shalhoub) much-needed therapist a role that was recently left vacant with the unexpected passing of Stanley Kamel last month, who played Monk's beloved therapist, Dr. Charles Kroger. Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Shalhoub stars as the titular obsessive-compulsive detective in a series that has cleaned up as a ratings performer at USA since its premiere in 2002 and has cultivated a loyal following of fans and critics alike. The announcement was made by Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming.

"Monk will always need a therapist - and it's a part that is pivotal to the central themes of the show. When we lost Stanley, we knew we needed an actor who could bring warmth, intelligence and humor to the role," said Wachtel. "Hector was actually the first person that came to mind, and we are incredibly fortunate that he's agreed to do some episodes with us. Stanley can never be replaced, but we think he'd be very pleased with our choice."

"What attracted me first and foremost was to have the opportunity to work with Tony Shalhoub, a man whose reputation as an actor and collaborator proceed him," said Mr. Elizondo. "Also, I understand USA is a nice place to work, allowing great creative freedoms, and 'Monk' is actually one of the shows I enjoy watching."