After Dan Hedaya’s memorable appearance as Monk’s dad on the recent holiday episode, the award-winning series will return with even more guest stars for its fifth season, which kicks off in January. Among the illustrious actors joining Tony Shalhoub is “Lord of the Rings” hobbit Sean Astin. On the show, Astin will play the son of a wealthy couple (Holland Taylor, Michael Cavanaugh), neighbors of Natalie’s parents. When the couple mysteriously dies, Monk questions the son while investigating the possiblity of foul play. [More]