Charisma Carpenter

NEW YORK (AP) - Former "Angel" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Charisma Carpenter has been added to the cast of UPN’s "Veronica Mars."

"Veronica Mars" stars Kristen Bell as a smart, fearless 18-year-old apprentice private investigator who is dedicated to solving the toughest mysteries of her wealthy seaside community of Neptune, Calif.

Carpenter will play Kendall Casablancas, a sexy trophy wife and stepmother to brothers Dick and Cassidy "Beaver" Casablancas, two of Veronica’s rival, affluent schoolmates, UPN announced Thursday.

The 34-year-old actress, who played the character Cordelia Chase on "Angel" and "Buffy," will appear in at least six episodes.

Steve Guttenberg is also joining the cast and will appear in at least seven episodes, the cable channel said. He will play a charismatic major league baseball team owner and leading candidate in the race for mayor of Neptune.

Guttenberg, 46, stars in the upcoming TV movie "The Poseidon Adventure." His screen credits include the "Police Academy" films and "Three Men and a Baby."