Leaving the role of a renowned 20th century British political figure, Margaret Thatcher, Gillian Anderson faces an American 20th century political icon, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Anderson is defined as the co-leader alongside Viola Davis and Michelle Pfeiffer in The first lady (job title), Showtime Anthology with executive production by Davis and direction and executive production by Susanne Bier, from Lionsgate TV and Showtime.
All three stars of the series, along with Bier, are currently nominated for a Golden Globe, Gillian for her interpretation of Thatcher on Netflix The crown, Pfeiffer for French exit, Davis for Black Bottom by Ma Rainey and Bier for HBO’s The Undo.
This is the second Lionsgate project that Anderson signs this month, she was also chosen to star in the film White Bird: A Wonder Story.
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The first lady was created by Aaron Cooley. It is a revealing revision of American leadership, told through the lens of women in the center of the White House. Season 1 focuses on Eleanor Roosevelt (Anderson), Betty Ford (Pfeiffer) and Michelle Obama (Davis).
Co-starring in the series are Aaron Eckhart, Rhys Wakefield, Judy Greer, Jayme Lawson and Kristine Froseth.
2020-21 Showtime Pilots and Series Orders
Cooley and Bier are executive producers on the series along with Davis, Julius Tennon and Andrew Wang via JuVee Productions, Cathy Schulman via Welle Entertainment, Jeff Gaspin via Gaspin Media, Brad Kaplan via Link Entertainment.
“Gillian Anderson is an actress of incredible reach and exquisite talent – she is the perfect choice to complete this powerful trio, who will occupy the roles of these iconic women,” said Amy Israel, EVP, Scripting, Showtime Networks. “It is inspiring to have Gillian, Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Susanne Bier and Cathy Schulman at the forefront of The first lady. They really set the stage for a historic Showtime series. “
Anderson won his sixth Golden Globe nomination earlier this month by The crown. Previously, she won an Emmy, Golden Globe and two SAG awards for her lead role as Dana Scully in The x file. She also received Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Bleak House, and won the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress thanks to her work in The house of joy. She had five career Emmy nominations and also won her seventh SAG Award nomination. His other recent notable credits include Sex Education, All About Eve, American Gods, The Fall and War and peace. Anderson is represented by the Independent Talent Group in the United Kingdom and UTA in the United States.
Eleanor Roosevelt served as the first lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, making her the longest serving first lady in history. She was an American political figure, diplomat and activist. Controversial for her openness, especially on civil rights, she was the first presidential wife to give regular press conferences, write a daily newspaper column and host a weekly radio program. She also pressured the United States to join and support the United Nations and became its first delegate.