Theatre Major to Star in ‘Doom Patrol’

Abigail Shapiro, FCLC ’22, will join the DC Comics-based series as Dorothy Spinner.

COURTESY OF KATHERINE HEATON

Shapiro most recently performed in “Up, Up, and Away!” in Fordham Theatre’s fall 2019 studio season.

By POLINA UZORNIKOVA

Abigail Shapiro, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’22, was recently cast as Dorothy Spinner in Season 2 of the web television series “Doom Patrol.” She announced the news on her Instagram page in February. 

“So happy to be joining the Doom Patrol for season 2!” Shapiro wrote. “I can finally say something yaaayy!!! I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity!!”

“Doom Patrol” is based on a DC comic of the same name. The first season was released as part of DC’s new streaming service, DC Universe. Due to its success, the show’s second season will also be available to stream on HBO Max. 

The unconventional superheroes at the center of the story all received their powers under tragic circumstances and are shunned by society. Shapiro’s character has a seemingly wholesome gift that was a result of a facial deformity that gave Dorothy the appearance of an ape.

Isolated from society while growing up, Dorothy mastered the power to bring her imaginary friends to life. As the daughter of The Chief, the man who created the Doom Patrol in an effort to protect her, Dorothy will play an important role in the upcoming season. 

Shapiro will join prominent Hollywood stars on screen. She will star next to Diane Guerrero (“Orange Is the New Black”), Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “Glee”) and Brendan Fraser (“The Mummy”). Timothy Dalton, best known for playing James Bond in “The Living Daylights” and “License to Kill,” stars as The Chief, Dorothy’s father.

At Fordham, she has performed in the spring 2019 mainstage production of “Mr. Burns,” as well as “Intelligence” and “Up, Up and Away!” in the fall 2018 and fall 2019 studio seasons, respectively.

Shapiro has taken the semester off from Fordham for “Doom Patrol” filming, which is underway in Atlanta. There is no set date for the premiere yet. The Fordham Observer did not receive a comment from Shapiro.