Viola Davis is undoubtedly one of the most iconic actresses of our generation. The phenomenal Oscar, Tony, Golden Globe, Emmy, SAG, NAACP, BAFRA (and many more) Award-winning actress was the obvious choice to play our beloved forever First Lady and bestselling author Michelle Obama in Showtime’s upcoming limited series The First Lady.
Debuting in the first quarter of 2022, The First Lady will also highlight the lives and political contributions of Eleanor Roosevelt played by Gillian Anderson and Betty Ford played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Entertainment Weekly obtained exclusive images of Davis in her costume and it’s even better than we imagined! Davis truly perfect that pursed lip!
According to Showtime, the show’s first season will focus on the personal and political lives of Obama, Ford, and Roosevelt, tracing “their journeys to Washington through an enlightening intimacy.”
Before signing on to play such an iconic role Viola Davis did have a talk with Michelle Obama, though she noted she didn’t give her any advice, “I wish she had [given advice], because I could use that right now, Michelle,” Davis joked. “I love her beyond love, and I think she would never [advise me] because she has too much respect for people in whatever field they study. She is just a bastion of support.
Michelle Obama (left) and Viola Davis (right)
To prepare for this role, Davis studied the 2020 Netflix documentary Becoming to truly embody Obama’s mannerisms and cadence. We cannot wait to watch one of our favorite actresses transform into one of our favorite role models!
“I feel very protective of Michelle,” said Davis, “[i]t’s our job as actors not to judge whoever we are protraying, but I ended up thinking she’s just dope.”
