AUNJANUE ELLIS JOINS 'THE MENTALIST': Actress to play new head of the California Bureau of Investigation.

       Ellis' character is installed following the resignation of the unit's former chief, Virgil Minelli, played by Gregory Itzin. She is brought in to restore discipline and morale to the division after the murder of three agents, including Agent Sam Bosco (Terry Kinney), and will be the new supervisor of Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney).      

       "The Mentalist" revolves around Lisbon's team and the help they get from independent consultant Patrick Jane (Simon Baker).      

       Ellis, who appeared in "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" and co-starred on Broadway's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," is tentatively set to make her "Mentalist" debut in April.

      Her next big screen project is "Game of Death" opposite Wesley Snipes, due in 2010.