ODU ALUMNUS WINS ROLE ON VH1'S 'IN SEARCH OF THE PARTRIDE FAMILY'

Recent Old Dominion University graduate Leland Grant topped thousands of contestants to win the role of Keith in Sunday's finals of "In Search of the Partridge Family" on VH1.

"I think Keith is really honest and that's me too. I mean, he has no qualms about putting it out there whether it's his heart, voice or music," said Grant in an interview on the VH1 Web site.

Grant's biological mother Krissy Todd, who he met just one year ago, was a finalist for the role of Shirley, but Suzanne Sole of Los Angeles took home the role. Other winners included Spencer Tuskowski of Stevens Point, Wis. as Danny and Emily Stone of Phoenix as Laurie.

Production on the pilot of "The New Partridge Family" will begin soon and may be shown on VH1 in early 2005.