<P> The untitled project was on TNT 's development slate as early as March 2008 . In October 2009 , TNT placed a cast - contingent pilot order under the original title , Rizzoli . The pilot script was written by Janet Tamaro . Angie Harmon was the first actress cast , taking the title role of police detective Jane Rizzoli . Sasha Alexander won the role of medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles after auditioning with Harmon . Bruce McGill signed as Rizzoli 's former partner , Sgt . Vince Korsak. Lee Thompson Young was cast as her new partner , Barry Frost . The role of Rizzoli 's younger brother Frankie was filled by Jordan Bridges . Lorraine Bracco signed on as Rizzoli 's mother , Angela . In early 2010 , Billy Burke was announced as FBI agent Gabriel Dean . </P>
<P> The untitled project was on TNT 's development slate as early as March 2008 . In October 2009 , TNT placed a cast - contingent pilot order under the original title , Rizzoli . The pilot script was written by Janet Tamaro . Angie Harmon was the first actress cast , taking the title role of police detective Jane Rizzoli . Sasha Alexander won the role of medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles after auditioning with Harmon . Bruce McGill signed as Rizzoli 's former partner , Sgt . Vince Korsak. Lee Thompson Young was cast as her new partner , Barry Frost . The role of Rizzoli 's younger brother Frankie was filled by Jordan Bridges . Lorraine Bracco signed on as Rizzoli 's mother , Angela . In early 2010 , Billy Burke was announced as FBI agent Gabriel Dean . </P>
who plays rizzoli 's mother on rizzoli & isles
who plays rizzoli 's mother on rizzoli & isles
Lorraine Bracco
Lorraine Bracco