Hulu's latest drama, Mrs. America, follows an important chapter in American history, and it features a star-studded cast portraying very real figures. The limited series, developed by Dahvi Waller, was first ordered in late 2018 and quickly attracted some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett stars as the lead but she's surrounded by names that are equally impressive.
Mrs. America follows the decade-long attempt at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment and those who stood in opposition. At the center of the fight was a group of second-wave feminists who supported equality while certain figures tried to keep women in traditional gender roles. The series will explain how this moment in history shifted the political landscape served as a domino effect.
To date, the Equal Rights Amendment has yet to be ratified and the topic of gender equality is as timely as ever. Mrs. America takes a non-fictional approach by presenting some of the most well-known figures in the war on female equality. Of course, there are a few fictional characters mixed in but they still serve a purpose in the historical narrative. To keep track of the real figures, here's a complete guide to Mrs. America's cast and characters.
Cate Blanchett As Phyllis Schlafly
At the center of Mrs. America is Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative woman who greatly opposed feminism. In the '70s, Schlafly started a movement against the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) by organizing the "STOP ERA" campaign. She defended traditional gender roles and worried that the ERA would take away gender-specific privileges. Though she was opposed by ERA coalitions and emerging feminist leaders, her efforts were deemed successful for delaying or revoking ratification among several states. Cate Blanchett is portraying the historical figure during one of the most memorable political battles in history. The Australian actress has nearly three decades of work under her belt but she's best known for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Babel, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Carol, Thor: Ragnarok, and Ocean's 8.
Rose Byrne As Gloria Steinem
Rose Byrne portrays Gloria Steinem, one of Schlafly's most influential opponents. The political activist and journalist served as a leader and spokesperson for the American feminist movement in the '60s and '70s. She bravely fought for gender equality and reproductive freedom during the tense political environment. In 1971, she and many other women founded the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC) in an effort to start a revolution. Mrs. America serves as Byrne's return to TV in a leading role since Damages in 2012. The actress is also recognized for her film work such as 28 Weeks Later, Bridesmaids, X-Men: First Class, Neighbors, and Spy.
Uzo Aduba As Shirley Chisholm
Another figure against Schlafly's efforts was Shirley Chisholm, portrayed by Uzo Aduba. Chisholm was an educator who became the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, serving seven terms for New York's 12th congressional district. She ran for President of the United States in 1972 and marked the first time a woman ran for the Democratic Party's candidate. Chisholm won the support of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and served as a founding member of the NWPC alongside Steinem. Aduba is best recognized for her time on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black as well as her work in Steven Universe.
Elizabeth Banks As Jill Ruckelshaus
In addition to Steinem and Chisholm, Jill Ruckelshaus also served as a feminist leader in the '70s. Ruckelshaus was once a special White House assistant and led the White House Office of Women's Programs. In addition to serving as a founder of the NWPC, Ruckelshaus fought heavily for civil rights. The real-life figure is played by Elizabeth Banks, an actress recognized for her roles in The Hunger Games series, the Pitch Perfect trilogy, Power Rangers, and Charlie's Angels, a film she also directed.
Margo Martindale As Bella Abzug
Bella Abzug, aka "Battling Bella," was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York. Not only was she a feminist, but she also a leader of the Women's Movement and founding member of the NWPC. During her tenure, Abzug ran the 1977 National Women's Conference and led President Carter's National Advisory Commission for Women. Margo Martindale plays Abzug and her other notable roles include The Americans, BoJack Horseman, and movies like Million Dollar Baby, Dead Men Walking, and August: Osage County.
Ari Graynor As Brenda Feigen
After experiencing hostile conditions towards women at Harvard, Brenda Feigen grew into a notable feminist and fighter for equal rights. She served as the Vice President for NOW and helped coordinate the U.S. Senate testimony for the Equal Rights Amendment. While doing so, she worked closely with Steinem and the pair later help create The Women's Action Alliance to give women resources in overcoming sexism. Ari Graynor is the actress behind the role and would be recognized for TV shows like The Sopranos, Fringe, and Bad Teacher as well as films such as Whip It, 10 Years, and The Disaster Artist.
Tracey Ullman As Betty Friedan
Whereas Feigen served as the VP of NOW, Betty Friedan was the President of the organization. Friedan's 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique, was thought to have influenced the second wave of the feminist movement. As a supporter of the Era Rights Amendment, Friedan joined fellow feminists in creating NWPC and fought for other women's rights reforms. The woman is played by Tracey Ullman, the British-American actress known for The Tracey Ullman Show and several sketch comedy series on HBO and Showtime.
Sarah Paulson As Alice Macray
Sarah Paulson's character, Alice Macray, didn't exist in real life. That said, the woman was meant to represent the various supporters of Schlafly. The anti-feminist had a lot of women in her circle and Macray is a culmination of them all. Paulson's most notable work stems from her roles in American Horror Story and its sister series, American Crime Story. In addition, the actress appeared in movies such as 12 Years a Slave, Carol, The Post, Ocean's 8, and Glass.
Supporting Cast & Characters In Mrs. America
Melanie Lynskey as Rosemary Thomson: A housewife and conservative activist who was a close friend of Schlafly and STOP ERA. Lynskey is a New Zealand actress known popular movies like Ever After, Sweet Home Alabama, Up in the Air, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower in addition to the TV show, Two and a Half Men.
John Slattery as Fred Schlafly: The husband of Phyllis Schlafly and a member of a wealthy St. Louis family. Slattery would be recognized for his role in Mad Men, the MCU, and recent award-winning film, Spotlight.
Jeanne Tripplehorn as Eleanor Schlafly: The sister of Fred and sister-in-law of Phyllis who co-founded a Catholic organization that valued traditional religious, social, and family values. Tripplehorn's most memorable roles include Basic Instinct, The Firm, Waterworld, Big Love, and Grey Gardens.
James Marsden as Phil Crane: A Republican politician and member of the House of Representatives from Illinois. Marsden rose to fame in the X-Men film series and has since appeared in major titles like Hairspray, Enchanted, 27 Dresses, Westworld, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Niecy Nash as Flo Kennedy: An African-American feminist and civil rights advocate who was very active in the '70s. Nash's most popular roles are from Reno 911!, Getting On, The Soul Man, Scream Queens, Claws, and When They See Us.
Bria Henderson as Margaret Sloan-Hunter: A feminist and civil rights activist who teamed up with Flo Kennedy on various occasions. The role in Mrs. America serves as Henderson's first major acting gig.