By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

The BV Newswire has learned that Mario Van Peebles will join the cast of 'All My Children.'

And although it's cold outside, the acting veteran will surely heat things up in the mainstream.

On the legendary ABC soap opera, the 'New Jack City' director and star will take on the role of Samuel Woods, a U.S. District Attorney who is running for the Senate.

According to sources familiar with the storyline, the show's veteran vixen Erica Kane (played by Susan Lucci) will take special notice of Samuel, primarily as a guest on her talk show, 'New Beginnings,' but she's in store for a lot more than a spike in ratings: Samuel will soon become a nightmare, though one that could turn into a romance!

A show spokesperson didn't confirm the possibility of a hot, interracial romance but did say "maybe."

Van Peebles' first air date on the Emmy Award winning daytime drama, which celebrates its 38th anniversary this month, is Jan. 29.

The eldest son of film pioneer Melvin Van Peebles, Mario Van Peebles is an award-winning director, writer and actor with a list of credits including 'Panther,' 'Posse,' '10,000 Black Men Named George,' 'Ali,' 'Silver Spoon' and 'The Cosby Show.'

The 49-year-old Mexico City native made his acting debut in 'Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss Song,' his father's groundbreaking 1971 film.