Affairs, alcoholism, racism, cancer battles — the White House has dealt with them all. And not just because of the presidents who lived within its walls, but also because of the women who moved in with them.
Now, an epic TV anthology offers a fascinating glimpse into US politics through the lives of three spouses of the President who have had as much impact as their husbands through their campaigning and enduring legacy.
The ten-part series The First Lady – the highlight of new on-demand broadcaster Paramount+’s launch week – stars Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford and Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, with Kiefer Sutherland, Aaron Eckhart and OT Fagbenle their respective husbands Franklin, Gerald and Barack.
At the beginning of the first episode, we meet each woman as they take their portrait before the series switches between their lives, revealing behind-the-scenes stories as they navigate the challenges of their roles.
10-part series The First Lady starring Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt (right), Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford (left) and Viola Davis as Michelle Obama (center)
Intimidated at having to take a job traditionally restricted to hostess, Eleanor set out to redefine the role when she entered the White House in 1933. She was the most controversial First Lady of all time and the first to hold regular press conferences, writes a newspaper column and hosts a weekly radio show.
“The show is about finding your voice, especially when your position is by definition behind your husband’s,” says Gillian, 53, star of The Fall. “I was surprised by her traumatic childhood.
“She lost her mother when she was eight, and her beloved father a few years later to alcoholism, so she was sent to live with a very strict grandmother.
“It gave her a compassion for human suffering. Her whole life revolved around serving.
“Besides publishing 27 books, which she taught impoverished children, there is her work for women’s rights, human rights and racial justice.”
Portraying Eleanor from the ages of 34 to 61 required 75 costume changes and a padded bodysuit. “But the biggest thing I’d never worked with before was the teeth,” says Gillian.
“They made up about a third of her facial features. It was difficult, but when they walked in, it was as if I had ventured on Eleanor, as she had a rather slow speaking rhythm.’
Disheartened at having to take a job traditionally restricted to hostess, Eleanor (pictured played by Gillian Anderson) set out to redefine the role when she came to the White House in 1933
Faster paced was Eleanor’s complex love life, including her relationship with reporter Lorena Hickok. Eleanor fell madly in love with her while covering the 1932 presidential campaign.
“They started out as friends and it grew into a romantic relationship,” says Gillian. “It was kept secret and is still questioned by people who might want to deny that part of her.
Eleanor stayed with her husband after his affair, and she became as respected and influential as he was. – Gillian Anderson (Eleanor Roosevelt)
“Decades ago, Franklin had an affair that broke her heart. But they had to stay married because his mother would cut them off financially.
“So they stayed together, and Eleanor was just as respected, just as knowledgeable and just as influential as he was. They were an extraordinary couple.”
Eleanor helped pave the way for Betty Ford, First Lady from 1974-77. She was one of the most politically active First Ladies and reiterated her support for abortion rights, which contradicted her husband’s position.
Not only did she raise awareness of substance abuse by going public with her own alcoholism, but she also spoke out about breast cancer. When she discovered a lump in her right breast, surgeons performed a mastectomy two days later.
“I honestly didn’t know much about Betty Ford,” says Michelle Pfeiffer, 64. “She wanted a simple life but was pushed into that position.
“Then she began to understand the difference she could make. She spoke openly about taboo topics like breast cancer, mental health and substance abuse. Her legacy with the Betty Ford Clinic has saved many lives.’
Betty Ford (portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer) was one of the most politically active First Ladies and reiterated her support for abortion rights, which went against her husband’s position
But perhaps the most attention will be paid to Viola Davis’ portrayal of Michelle Obama, an attorney who became the first black first lady when she occupied the White House from 2009 to 2017. Viola has already been criticized for pursing her lips excessively, with many complaining about it in an abusive manner.
“Ultimately, I think my job is to make bold decisions,” says Viola, 56. “I’ve done everything from talking to Michelle to reading and watching everything about her.
“For me, it’s about the details, like how she blinked or wore her mouth. So I have a prosthetic bump under my chin because her facial structure is different than mine and the wig transforms me along with the outfits and the nails.
People just see her as the woman behind the man and I don’t think they understand the victim. – Viola Davis (Michelle Obama)
The hardest part, she says, was portraying Michelle’s feelings on a public platform. “For example, how do you show private moments in a speech she is giving?
“But I wanted to show her humanity, even in the moments when she had to put up with uncomfortable situations. The idea is to really see the journey behind this role as First Lady of the United States.
“People just see it as the woman behind the man and I don’t think they understand the sacrifice.”
Michelle, who has spoken out about being hurt by racist attacks as First Lady, has forged her own path by campaigning for women’s health and education rights and campaigning to end childhood obesity.
“What surprised me was the enormity of that transition to the White House and what her contribution to the presidency was,” says Viola. “The key word is contribution.
“That’s what The First Lady is about, and those three First Ladies were amazing.”
- The First Lady can be seen on Paramount+ starting Wednesday
