Having just scored raves for her work playing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of “The Crown,” actress Gillian Anderson is now set to take on another stately role.
“The X-Files” and “The Fall” actress has been set to star as the former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for “The First Lady” anthology drama series at Showtime.
Anderson fills in the last of the show’s three key roles, joining Viola Davis as Michelle Obama and Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford.
The series focuses on the personal and political lives of the country’s most enigmatic heroes. Roosevelt served in the role from 1933-45 which makes her the longest-serving first lady in history.
Controversial for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights, she was the first presidential spouse to hold regular press conferences, write a column and host a weekly radio show.
The diplomat and activist also pushed the United States to join and support the United Nations and became its first delegate.
Aaron Cooley created the series and will write and executive produce alongside Davis, Julius Tennon, Cathy Schulman, Jeff Gaspin and Brad Kaplan. Susanne Bier will also executive produce and direct.
Other cast members include Judy Greer as Nancy Howe, Aaron Eckhart as President Gerald Ford, Jayme Lawson as young Michelle Obama, Kristine Forseth as young Betty Ford and Rhys Wakefield as vice president Dick Cheney.
Source: The Live Feed
