'West Wing' press secretary makes surprise WH cameo

April 29, 2016: Actress Allison Janney, right, joined by White House press secretary Josh Earnest, makes a surprised visit to the the daily news briefing at the White House in Washington. (AP) (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)

Actress Allison Janney reprised her role as White House press secretary Friday, making a surprise appearance in the briefing room, subbing in – briefly – for actual Press Secretary Josh Earnest.

Janney, who before starring in the sit-com “Mom” was famous for her role in “The West Wing” as White House spokeswoman C.J. Cregg, casually took the podium at the top of Friday’s briefing.

Deadpan, she addressed reporters by announcing the president was still working on jokes for the weekend’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“I don’t have any details on that other than he intends to be funny. Very funny,” she said.

A few seconds later, Earnest walked in.

“Oh, Josh, you’re back,” she said.

“This is not your show anymore,” he told her.

Janney went on to say she was at the White House for a more serious issue – to draw attention to the opioid epidemic and help honor those working to combat substance abuse.

“This is a disease that can touch anybody,” she said, before assuring: “I will return the podium to its rightful owner.”