Lexi Underwood to play Malia Obama in new Showtime anthology series, The First Lady.
“Sitting in so much gratitude. @michelleobama you and the entire Obama family are the epitome of excellence and will forever be my First Family. Malia, I am humbled and honored to tell your story,” the talented teen announced the news on Instagram. “Thank you @violadavis @showtime & my phenomenal team @creativeartistsagency, Untitled Entertainment, & @independentpublicrelations for making my dreams come true ! I can’t believe I get to work with so many incredible human.”
According to Deadline, The First Lady, created by Aaron Cooley, “is a revelatory reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House.” The first season of this anthology series will focus on Eleanor Roosevelt, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, Betty Ford, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer and Michelle Obama, portrayed by Viola Davis.
If you remember, Underwood was the breakout star of Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere, starring opposite Kerry Washington. And of course Underwood’s Little Fires Everywhere team were sending congratulatory messages all over social media.
@LexiCUnderwood ooooooh yes you are. this is RIGHT ON! proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/gUzwwgRxv2
— Liz Tigelaar (@liztigelaar) March 9, 2021
This go around, in The First Lady, Underwood will star opposite Viola Davis and O-T Fagbenle as Michelle and Barack Obama.
Over the years, Underwood has amassed impressive credits that include Criminal Minds, Family Reunion, Walk the Plank, The Good Doctor and Will vs. the Future. Underwood made her acting debut on Broadway at the age of 11-years-old where she starred as Young Nala in The Lion King.
In addition to the upcoming anthology series, Underwood will also star as Kira in the upcoming feature film Sneakerella. Sneakerella follows the story of Kira King, the daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King, portrayed by John Salley. King soon meets El, portrayed by Chosen Jacobs, who is an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in a shoe store that once belonged to his deceased mother. One thing leads to another, sparks fly, and with the help of King and a Fairy Godfather, El finally gets the opportunity to realize his dream.
Sneakerella debuts on Disney+ sometime this year. Stay tuned for the premiere date of The First Lady. We know that we cannot wait to tune-in!
