Actress and stand up comic Sarah Silverman is set to play a lesbian ex-lover of a series regular in Showtime’s ‘Masters of Sex’.

Sarah Silverman, best known for comedic roles and her racy stand up, will play of an ex-lover of young prostitute Betty DiMello (Annaleigh Ashford) in two episodes of the new season of ’50s drama Masters of Sex.

Silverman’s character is called Helen, and will first appear in season two, episode five of the Golden Globe and Emmy nominated series.

Annaleigh Ashford told AfterEllen.com that she thoroughly enjoyed working with Silverman on the project.

“Sarah Silverman and I do have a love scene and she was luxurious as a scene partner.

“She was just such a dream to work with. She’s one of the most gifted comediennes of our generation and oftentimes we forget that great comedians are great because they’re honest and that makes them honest, interesting actors and she brought all of that comedy and humanity to the role that she played and I couldn’t be more grateful to have a fabulous scene partner.”

Series creator Michelle Ashford (no relation to Annaleigh Ashford) said that Silverman was their first choice to play the role.

“We knew she had to be a very unusual woman to have hooked up with Betty,” she explained. “So she alone has this whole mystery – but she’s so beautiful and subtle in the role. I think people will be really surprised.”

Sarah Silverman is an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. She refuses to get married until everyone can get married, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. She appeared on The View in 2010 and stated, “If you’re for equal rights, why would you get married right now? It’s like joining a country club that doesn’t allow blacks or Jews. There’s no difference.”

The same year, she also filmed a short video blog addressing the high rates of suicide among LGBT teens.

Watch the new trailer for Masters of Sex season two, episode five.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55IHB-vj0x8