Bad-boy Downey will bank $600,000 to play Calista Flockhart's mysterious new love interest in eight episodes this season -- thanks to the "What Lies Beneath" beauty, Michelle Pfeiffer, reported the National Enquirer.
"Michelle first suggested hiring Robert several months ago. And David thought it was a great idea!"
The couple contacted Robert's agent and set up a dinner, said another source.
"Robert was thrilled," divulged the source.
"His agent thought it would be a good tune-up for Robert before getting back into movies.
"So, a little more than a week after his release, Robert -- who's living in a halfway house -- put pen to paper and sealed the 'Ally McBeal' deal."
Continued the insider: "A production associate on the show told me, 'David's always thought Robert is a terrific actor.
"'However, David's no fool. He's been looking to give the once-hot show a ratings boost. And he knew this could be it.
"'The show will get a ton of publicity over Downey's hiring -- he'll play an attorney who mysteriously can see and tell things about Calista that amaze her and frankly scare her a little—Albawaba.com.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
