Melanie Griffith to Star in ABC's Pilot Comedy Based on the True Story Of "The Brainy Bunch" Family

Melanie Griffith, 57, best known for her roles in such films as Body Double, Something Wild, Working Girl, Milk Money, and Lolita, is set to star in her first regular TV series in ABC's still untitled comedy pilot that is based on the book "The Brainy Bunch" by Kip and Mona Lisa Harding, a chronicle of how the two managed to help their children get to college by age 12.

Kip and Mona Lisa Harding of Montgomery, Alabama, have 10 children and seven of them started college by the age of 12. Of course, the other three are still 8-, 5-, and 3-years-old so chances are they too will get to college by age 12. How did the Hardings do it? In an interview with People, the two parents credit their children's success to the flexibility of homeschooling - not genius IQs - and allowing their kids to pursue their passions. As Kip, 45, says: "If parents get out of the way, kids can really go far." Mona Lisa elaborates: "Kip was in the military and we wanted to do homeschooling year round so we could take time off when traveling or moving and still be ahead."

In an interview with Today, Mona Lisa and Kip share more. She said: "We find out what their passions are, what they really like to study, and we accelerate them gradually. We didn't limit their experience. They're taking college classes, but socially, they are just teenagers." He said: "We don't drop them off at school, 16 credit hours first semester, 'bye, I'll see you,' These are not itty-bitty adults. They play with kids their own age, but they don't wait until they're older to figure out what they love in life."

The ABC single-camera comedy pilot based on the Hardings story is written and executive produced by Wendy and Lizzie Molyneux and directed by Jamie Travis. Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo will also executive produce the project.

Griffith is set to play the role of Celeste, Mona Lisa's mother who is described as a former pageant queen who has graciously invited her daughter's family to live with her in Orange County.