Mary Baker Eddy
Mary Baker Eddy is a spiritual genius. Fearless, stunning, tenacious, she has achieved fame and fortune as a best-selling author and sought-after healer. Her most outspoken critic and admirer is the sharp-tongued and irreverent Mark Twain who calls her “garrulous, ungrammatical and naively and everlastingly self-contradictory” but concedes that she is “the most daring and masterful woman that ever lived, and the most extraordinary.”
- Leave a comment to suggest an actor for this role
We need an American actress. Laura Linney could look the part and act the part very well.
I recall Hallie Foote (daughter of Horton Foote) did a presentation of Mary Baker Eddy’s words for a meeting at The First Church of Christ Scientist. (Her father was there also. Don’t recall the details, but it seemed like an oral interpretation presentation.) She was very “believable”.
When I heard the question about casting Mrs. Eddy on the “chat” podcast my first thought was Cate Blanchett. She has that shining energy and I was pleased to hear Val name her.
She’s famous but seems to be okay doing less “spectacular” movies like Veronica Guerin. It’s apparent that she wants to connect with the role and what an amazing woman to play.
Yes, like so many others, the first name that popped into my mind for MBE was Meryl Streep. I was raised in C.S. and so was my Aunt and when I was talking to her recently and told her about your upcoming film, she said right off the top – “Meryl Streep”. My aunt’s a real Movie buff and was a dancer in the movies in the 1930’s and 1940’s. She is now in her 90’s! Just think that there’s only one Mind and how uncanny it is that a lot of people have suggested Meryl Streep!!
Have you considered doing the film through “the eyes” of MBE? Thus removing the need for an actress. I cant suggest anyone – MBE was such a unique personality in so many ways, I think her message needs to speak for itself.
A lot of very fine actresses have been suggested thus far. But, I keep picturing Laura Linney in this part. Her portrayal of Abigail Adams in the John Adams miniseries still haunts me. Several timse while watching John Adams, I actually thought of Mrs. Eddy with that quiet strength and depth of character. Physically, either Cate Blanchett or Kristin Scott Thomas look the part, but I have trouble imagining them exuding the warmth that I think Mrs. Eddy might have expressed.
Helen Mirren
Laura Linney
would be up to the role of Mary Baker Eddy
two more actresses who would be good:
Frances Conroy (from 6 feet under)
Frances McDormond (Miss Pettigrew and Fargo)
I am a Chistian Scientist and have been around when Val visited several times at the Mother Church in Boston. Hi Val.
mary elizabeth mastrantonio is my pick for actresses to play Mrs. Eddy
I like Joseph’s idea about doing the film (or parts of the film) through “the eyes” of Mary Baker Eddy ! Inspired !!!
Carrie-Anne Moss…
Corrina May
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0561901/
Merryl Streep.
Mary Steenburgen or Emma Thompson.
Frances McDormand or Julianne Moore
I think an unknown actress, preferably one that is a Christian Scientist. We must have good actresses in the Movement!
Yes to Frances McDormand. Also consider that Emily Deschanel would be a viable actor to speak as MBE would have spoken w/ her pedantic abilities.
Mary Steenburgen hands down!
Julia Roberts
Because she’s a great actress and I’m sure she will be able to bring Mary Baker Eddy to life in your movie!
Julia Roberts or Marion Cotilliard
Angela Lansbury would be a perfect choice as Mary Baker Eddy. She has in-depth experience in movies, television and stage and is an award winning actress. Also, I believe she could easily be transformed to look and act like Mary Baker Eddy. Katie Curick interviewed her recently and Angela Lansbury commented during the interview that she would like to do one last great movie!
Something in her eyes in the photographs makes me think of her:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428121/
Gemma Jones
She played Bridget Jones’s mother in the Bridget Jones film but I don’t think of her performance so much in that movie as much as the feeling I get from her performances overall. Just a thought. Brainstorming can trigger the right ideas or paths so I hope I have added some value to the discussion.
Thanks~
~Angela
Cate Blanchett. I think she does a wonderful job of transforming herself into any character she has taken on.
Vanessa Redgrave, based on her luminous , insightful portrayal of Clemmie Churchill in the telemovie “The Gathering Storm”
Cate Blanchett, because she would inhabit the character truthfully, and allow us to forget the actress. Her wonderful penetrating eyes would be right for the part.
I would choose Mary Steenburgen to play the role of Mrs. Eddy.
Kate Winslet would also be great as Mary Baker Eddy.
Cate Blanchett!!!!! She has it all over anybody!
p.s Hi Val- it’s your old pal Lana from Myspace!
Julianne Moore
Jane Seymour or Jodie Foster.
I have a viriety of pic’s
Demi Moore
Julia Roberts
Kate Blanchett
Susan Sarandon
Catherine Zeta Jones
After all you want well know great actress to help the sucess of your new movie ~;)
First person that popped in my head before reading any of the posts, was Mary Steenburgen. She would be the perfect choice for this role. What an incredible project!
Wynona Ryder!
Carrie-Anne Moss!
There are some similarities in the face, but I don´t know, if the character fits to the original
I believe that introducing an unknown actor–someone without any preconceived human associations attached–would best serve to “introduce” MBE to the world.
But, whoever is chosen, I believe she should have a thorough understanding of Christian Science and Mrs. Eddy.
Right desires are spiritually supported; if this movie is to be made, there should be no problem finding a suitable individual to play MBE, as the spiritual law of progress has produced the idea, and every idea of merit already contains the supporting ideas (including perfect actors) to fulfill it rightly.
I will pray to see evidence of this inspired idea in movie theaters worldwide!
I think it should be an unknown, new talent. There are many talented actors out there and we are not limited to “star power” in making a powerful point. In fact, it’s distracting from the message if you over load it with larger-than-life personalities. I think Val brings a lot of star power already – just enough.
I think if age isnt a factor Shirley McClaine, if so Jodie Foster are my two cents. Hope it Helps
I think it should be an unknown actress/person…like…ME! That’s just my two cents. Give someone a chance who has never been given a break in her life.
Rebecca Hall!
Natalija Nogulich.
She’s a Christian Scientist, knows the material and is a darn good actress.
My suggestions are … Isla Fisher, Emily Blunt, Anna Paquin or Kate Winslet
How about Rene Russo?
Glen Close!
Cynthia Gibb or Rhae Ann Theriault would be ideal, both are beautiful, talented feisty ladies who are daring, unconventional, and visionary.
CATE BLANCHETT E PERFETTA PER LA PARTE,,,,
HA INTERPRETATO MOLTI FILM CON RUOLI MOLTO DIVERSI TRA LORO,,,,E LA TROVO PERFETTA PER LA PARTE.
CLAUDIA.
…..Amy Irving
from Film and Broadway
Wiki states she was raised in the faith of Christian Science, born in California.
There are prob not that many people with a spirit that recieve the attention of all that walk in the room, It will need to be a lady that even fireflys come in to see in the light of day. One that has this energy and precsence is the real thing. A strong actress could play this part, she would need to work with someone that is blessed with the gifts, to understand.
Natalija Nogulich
Kate Beckinsail – her physical appearance is a close fit when it comes to a narrow face, dark eyes, etc.
There’s nothing wrong with an English actress portraying an American since American’s do the opposite all the time. AND she’s a good actress.
Meryl Streep is undoubtedly my first choice. Cate Blanchett, my second.
I could play her. Really…I have it in me.