Rosanna Arquette joins Prime Video’s Ballard season 2 as Renée Ballard’s estranged mother

Rosanna Arquette joins Prime Video’s *Ballard* season 2 as the estranged mother of Maggie Q’s lead detective

Rosanna Arquette has been cast in a recurring role in Season 2 of Prime Video’s crime drama Ballard. 

The actress will portray Jenny Ballard, the estranged mother of Detective Renée Ballard, played by Maggie Q. The series is a spinoff of the long-running Bosch franchise and is based on novels by author Michael Connelly.

In Connelly’s books, Renée’s mother is named Makani, a character whose departure from the family following her husband’s drowning plays a defining role in Renée’s life. While the character’s name has been changed for the television adaptation, sources indicate that Jenny Ballard’s storyline will closely mirror the novels, with additional details expanding her background. Jenny is described as a damaged free spirit struggling to fill an emotional void.

Ballard follows Detective Renée Ballard as she leads the LAPD’s newly formed and underfunded cold case division. The series centers on long-forgotten crimes, including serial killings and unidentified victims, while also exploring corruption within the department. Renée is assisted by a volunteer team and retired detective Harry Bosch, portrayed by Titus Welliver, who appeared as a guest star in Season 1.

Season 2 will begin production in Los Angeles in early February, supported by a $14.84 million tax credit from the California Film Commission. The series also stars Courtney Taylor, Rebecca Field, Victoria Moroles, Amy Hill, and John Carroll Lynch.

Arquette’s recent television work includes The L Word: Generation Q, Ratched, Ray Donovan, and Girls. Her film credits include Pulp Fiction, Desperately Seeking Susan, and After Hours. She is represented by Artium Talent and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.