A revelatory reframing of American leadership through the lens of the First Ladies. Starring Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford, and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt, this series delves deep into the Ladies’ personal and political lives. Exploring everything from their journeys to Washington, family life, and world-changing political contributions, the impact of the White House’s women is no longer hidden from view. Starring Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson. Watch the premiere on Sunday, April 17 on SHOWTIME.
There will be SO much to unpack in this new series coming this April on SHOWTIME, but I have to tell you that I am particularly interested in how the iconic Betty Ford story plays out. There is a long list of reasons to admire and respect the woman that Betty Ford was.
Let’s see what WIKI has to say about her:
Throughout her husband’s term in office, she maintained high approval ratings despite opposition from some conservative Republicans who objected to her more moderate and liberal positions on social issues. Ford was noted for raising breast cancer awareness following her 1974 mastectomy. In addition, she was a passionate supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). As a supporter of abortion rights and a leader in the women’s rights movement, she gained fame as one of the most candid first ladies in history, commenting on every hot-button issue of the time, including feminism, equal pay, the Equal Rights Amendment, sex, drugs, abortion, and gun control. She also raised awareness of addiction when in the 1970s, she announced her long-running battle with alcoholism and substance abuse, being the first first lady to do so.
Following her White House years, she continued to lobby for the ERA and remained active in the feminist movement. She was the founder, and served as the first chair of the board of directors, of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and addiction. She was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (co-presentation with her husband on October 21, 1998) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (presented 1991 by George H. W. Bush).
Learn More About Betty Ford
Sober Curator Fun Fact:
Did you know that Michelle Pfieffer’s sister Dedee Pfieffer is in recovery? Check out this podcast by our friends at Landmark Recovery as they celebrated their 150th episode with Special Guest Dedee Pfieffer of ABC’s “Big Sky”.
THE MINDFUL BINGE: It’s ok to indulge in a good TV series binge from time to time, as long as you do so mindfully. This section of the site explores a TV series that features addiction and/or recovery as one of the main storylines. Think of The Mindful Binge like a book club, but for TV people.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Sober Curators Alysse Bryson and Lane Kennedy recently launched a podcast called The Mindful Binge. Make sure to check it out anywhere you stream podcasts.
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
Resources are available
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
