Mrs. America

About

Cast and Crew

Dahvi Waller is an Emmy® and WGA Award-winning TV writer and producer.Waller served as a writer and producer for AMC’s critically acclaimed Mad Men and most recently was a writer and co-executive producer on AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire. Past television credits include the ABC series Desperate Housewives and Eli Stone.Waller taught TV writing at USC’s film school for their MFA program. She hails from Montreal, and currently resides in Los Angeles.

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.

Cate Blanchett headshot wearing a pink sweater and brooch 

"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.

Rose Byrne headshot wearing aviator glasses and a burgundy top

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

Sarah Paulson headshot wearing a plaid jacket and necklace

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.

Margo Martindale headshot wearing a red hat and glasses

"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.

Uzo Aduba headshot wearing glasses and a orange and yellow top

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.

Elizabeth Banks headshot wearing a navy top with white lines

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.

Tracey Ullman headshot wearing a patterned blouse and holding a fist with her hand

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

John Slattery headshot wearing a suit and holding a phone with a cord

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.

Ari Graynor headshot wearing a watch and wearing a plaid shirt

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

Jeanne Tripplehorn headshot wearing a brown top and gold earrings

"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.

Melanie Lynskey headshot wearing a navy pattern blouse and orange jacket with black glasses

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

Kayli Carter headshot wearing an orange top in front of yellow curtains

Dahvi Waller headshot wearing a black shirt with red buttons

Stacey Sher headshot wearing a necklace that read "love" and a black jacket

Coco Francini headshot wearing a black and white polka dot top

Cate Blanchett headshot wearing a black turtle neck and resting her head on her hand

Anna Boden headshot wearing a white sweater and black glasses

Ryan Fleck headshot wearing a gray button up shirt

Micah Schraft headshot wearing a black jacket

James W. Skotchdopole headshot wearing a white shirt and black jacket

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​Dahvi Waller is an Emmy® and WGA Award-winning TV writer and producer.

Dahvi Waller | Creator, Exec. Producer, Writer | Mrs. America FX on Hulu

Dahvi Waller

Coco Francini

Cate Blanchett