HBO's celebrated drama 'True Blood,' based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris, kicked off its third season two weeks ago, with Alfre Woodard landing a pivotal role.

The cable network has been moving quickly with the announcements of show renewals as of late. The new HBO series 'Treme,' which is helmed by 'The Wire' creator David Simon, was picked up for a second season after the first episode premiered.
HBO Programming President Michael Lombardo announced that 12 new episodes from 'Six Feet Under' creator Alan Ball's vampire show, will begin production in early 2011 in Los Angeles and are set to debut for summer 2011.

Lombardo added, "The new season of 'True Blood' is off to a terrific start, as enthusiasm for this unique show continues to build among both subscribers and critics."

On June 20, four-time Emmy Award winner Woodard made her debut on the show. As previously reported she plays Lafayette Reynolds' mother, Ruby Jean Reynolds, who resides in a nursing home. In her first episode, she is visited by Lafayette, who is played by Nelsan Ellis, and his cousin Tara, played by Rutina Wesley.

Woodard, who also is starring in the new TNT series 'Memphis Beat,' tells the BV Newswire that although her children, nieces and nephews are all fans of 'True Blood,' she has never been addicted to the series.

"I must say I've never been interested in vampires ever," the 57-year-old actress revealed.

"Never liked vampires," she continued. "I'd seen 'True Blood' and didn't think there was nothing too sexy about getting bit on the neck and drained.

"Maybe it's all that abstinence and AIDS education they gave me," she added.

But, she said, her co-star Ellis was part of the reason why she signed up to make a few cameos this season.

"Nelsan Ellis asked me at a cocktail party, 'Would you play my momma?' He kept hounding casting about it. Finally Alan Ball rang and said, 'It's not very much, but if you do this one, I'll write a couple more.'

So, the former 'Desperate Housewives' star is converted now.

"I'm not a huge presence, but Lafayette is such a huge character, and I love him," the Tulsa native said.

Woodard's shot four episodes, but she will appear in three this season but insists she's open to returning next season.

"What I'll do is whenever I can I'll drop in on them," she promised.

That's something to look forward to.