Mrs. America

About

Cast and Crew

Cast

Crew

A self-described activist housewife from Illinois, "Phyllis Schlafly," portrayed by Cate Blanchett, was a conservative firebrand and virulent anti-communist. She had six children, authored several books, and published a popular newsletter. In 1972, she launched a national campaign against the Equal Rights Amendment. She remained active as a commentator for decades, and the ripple effects of her work can still be felt today.

"Gloria Steinem," portrayed by Rose Byrne, was the most recognizable leader of the women’s movement. She co-founded Ms. Magazine, was co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus, and played a major part in the effort to pass the ERA.

“Alice Macray,” played by Sarah Paulson, is Phyllis' best friend who joins Phyllis' efforts to block ERA ratification.

A leading figure in the feminist movement, "Bella Abzug," portrayed by Margo Martindale, was a three-term Congresswoman who co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, and spearheaded the effort to pass the ERA.

"Shirley Chisholm," portrayed by Uzo Aduba, not only made history as the first African American Congresswoman, but also became the first African American candidate to run for President from a national political party when she launched her unprecedented 1972 campaign. She was instrumental in getting the ERA passed in the House in 1971, and was a co-founding member of the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus.

A pro-choice, socially progressive Republican, "Jill Ruckelshaus," portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, was appointed by President Ford to run a presidential commission to advance women’s rights and push for ratification of the ERA. She fought to keep the Republican Party from being taken over by the Religious Right.

Known as the mother of the women’s movement, "Betty Friedan," portrayed by Tracey Ullman, wrote The Feminine Mystique and co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus. She was an active proponent of the ERA.

Phyllis’ husband "Fred Schlafly," portrayed by John Slattery, was a prominent lawyer, GOP donor and anti-communist activist.

A Harvard-educated lawyer, "Brenda Feigen-Fasteau," portrayed by Ari Graynor, was a young feminist in the women's movement who co-founded Ms. Magazine with Steinem, worked with Ruth Bader Ginsberg at the ACLU, and helped the feminist effort to ratify the ERA.

"Eleanor Schlafly," portrayed by Jeanne Tripplehorn, is Fred's sister, a close confidante of Phyllis, and a devoted aunt to Phyllis' six children.

"Rosemary Thomson," portrayed by Melanie Lynskey, was a homemaker in Schlafly’s inner circle who eagerly joined her fight against the ERA, becoming President of the Illinois chapter of Stop ERA.

"Pamela," portrayed by Kayli Carter, is a young, impressionable housewife and early member of Phyllis’ anti-ERA movement.

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Production credits for Mrs. America crew members

Meet the Crew behind Mrs. America | FX

Dahvi Waller

Stacey Sher

Coco Francini

Cate Blanchett

Anna Boden

Ryan Fleck

Micah Schraft

James W. Skotchdopole