Bristol Palin to act on 'American Teenager'

Bristol Palin, the daughter of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, is to star in US television show "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," the network confirmed Tuesday.

Palin, whose teenage pregnancy became a talking point during the 2008 White House campaign, will play herself in an episode where she talks about the issues facing young parents.

"I am thrilled to be on this show and to be a part of a program that educates teens and young adults about the consequences of teen pregnancy," Palin, 19, said in a statement released by ABC Family.

The episode will see Palin befriend the show's central character Amy, played by Shailene Woodley, at a music program for teenage mothers in an episode due to air later this year during the show's third season.

"Bristol Palin is the most famous teenage mother in America," executive producer Brenda Hampton said.

"I think she will bring additional attention to the issues facing teen parents that we've been exploring for a couple of seasons now."

Launched in 2008, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," follows the fortunes of a teenager as she copes with an unexpected pregnancy.