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Viola Davis said "temporary insanity" led to her accepting Michelle Obama role in The First Lady

Posted by Ria, 29 Mar

Photo credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Viola Davis has finally opened up about her upcoming role as former First Lady, Michelle Obama!

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The Oscar-winning actress joked that "temporary insanity" led to her decision to accept the iconic role in Showtime’s new series – very aptly named The First Lady – when she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon…

"I think it was temporary insanity,” the 55-year-old actress told the talk show host when he asked her why she accepted the role. “I lost my damn mind for about five minutes, and I made a decision I can't take back."

Viola Davis then went on to praise the 57-year-old former FLOTUS – who also has a Grammy, let’s not forget! – for being a "goddess”, and added that she hopes to do “the best” she can with her portrayal…

"The woman is a damn goddess,” she continued. “Everybody knows her. Everybody feels like they want to protect her. Here's the thing: I'm just going to do the best I can.”

According to a press release, The First Lady aims to shine a light on some of America's "charismatic, complex and dynamic first ladies”.

Viola Davis even let Jimmy Fallon into a little secret – that she and Michelle Obama had actually spent many hours talking in order for her to prepare for the role. And she found it quite “frightening”…

"It's terrifying," she added. "Here's the thing – sometimes, someone doesn't live up to whatever image you have of them in your head. But when they do live up to the image, it's quite frightening."

It seems like Michelle Obama is equally as humbled, as she previously told Entertainment Tonight that she almost felt unworthy…

"I feel that I'm not worthy," Michelle Obama said. "I wish I could be better to live up to the character that Viola has to play, but it's exciting. Anything Viola does, she does it with passion and vigor, and I know she will do no less for this role."

Wow, what high praise! We can’t wait to see what The First Lady brings! As well as Viola Davis stepping into Michelle Obama’s shoes, it was also revealed that Gillian Anderson will play Eleanor Roosevelt, while Michelle Pfeiffer will portray Betty Ford in the series.

Production is currently due to start in May, but it could be postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

We are beyond excited, and think the ladies are going to do an excellent job!