Playing Margaret Thatcher in the new movie “REAGAN” was one of the most intimidating roles of my life. We’re talking about the woman who led Great Britain out of its version of the 1970s “malaise,” helped Ronald Reagan stare down the Soviet Union, freed Eastern Europe from the grip of communism, and won the Falklands War.
Yes, THAT Margaret Thatcher.
On top of all she accomplished, she represented strong femininity at its best. Not for nothing was she often called the “Iron Lady.” She was tough as steel but every bit a lady.
When I was offered the part, I wondered whether I could do her justice. I have played all kinds of roles in movies and on TV. But Margaret Thatcher? Many people, especially those who never saw the real Mrs. Thatcher, have a distinct image of her from Meryl Streep’s Oscar-winning portrayal in the 2011 film “Iron Lady.” My goal in “REAGAN” was not to copy Ms. Streep’s remarkable depiction but, in the space of a couple of scenes, to highlight Mrs. Thatcher’s personality and how she worked with Ronald Reagan to save the Free World.
Mrs. Thatcher, who preferred the honorific that reflected her marriage to her beloved husband, Sir Denis Thatcher, was prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. A year after she left office, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Berlin Wall fell. As leader of the Conservative Party and as prime minister, she championed free market economic policies and, like Ronald Reagan, worked to return power from the government to the people by deregulating industries and advocating self-reliance.
When Mrs. Thatcher won the highest public office in the United Kingdom in 1979, I was 25 and a perfect example of many people – opinionated and lacking in virtually any knowledge of political history. In my blinkered state, I did not like her. As her ministerial years progressed, I came to question my dislike and understand and admire her superb grasp of finances, political acumen, and commitment to truth. All of these qualities were mirrored in President Reagan.
One of the many challenges I faced in playing “The Marvelous Mrs. Thatcher” was the fact that a lot of people don’t remember her, certainly not the young. I mentioned to the writers and directors that the script assumed that the crises of Grenada and the Falklands were known to all, but I felt they were not. I voiced my concerns, and they listened and altered the script.
I didn’t have time before filming to read her 737-page autobiography but, since completing it, I have learned that both President Reagan and Mrs. Thatcher were savvy humanitarians with an unwavering commitment to their respective peoples and seemingly devoid of politically egotistical needs. To prepare for my scenes in “REAGAN,” I didn’t watch Meryl Streep but instead saw everything I could get on YouTube of Mrs. Thatcher herself.
I studied her for her tone of voice, which I think I managed to get most times, but not all. I studied her for her intensity – when she smiled, and when she didn't smile. And if she smiled, what was she actually saying?
I do hope that people see the film and embrace it as it is – a snapshot of a great man’s life. It shows those who helped him succeed and those who didn’t. And, importantly, it shows the relationship he had with his wife Nancy, a remarkable, 50-year romance.
Dennis Quaid does a wonderful job as Reagan. Penelope Ann Miller nails her role as his second wife Nancy, whom Ronnie met in 1951 and married in 1952. Dennis and I instantly just felt comfortable with each other, which is nice, because I don’t feel comfortable with people straight away. I'm actually kind of shy. But with Dennis, I didn't feel that.
I hope that viewers come away understanding that Ronald Reagan truly was a compassionate man who cared about the American people and that Margaret was a compassionate woman who cared about the British people. Together, they were an absolutely brilliant and genius force for good in both countries. I am blessed to have been truly awakened by “REAGAN” and I hope it will do the same for many.
When people walk out of the movie, I hope they’ll consider what they’ve just seen and look at Ronald Reagan and think, “Good grief. Do we need him today or what?”
“REAGAN” debuts in theaters across America on August 30, 2024.
