Mary & George: Oscar Winner Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”) Plays Another Unconventional Mother after “May December”

After scoring in May December, Oscar winner Julianne Moore is playing yet another unconventional mother, tackling historical drama as 1600s momager Mary Villers.

The real-life historical figure is the subject of a new Sky series, Mary & George, which follows Jacobean Countess Mary Villers, known for coercing her son into having a sexual relationship with King James VI of Scotland and I of England for financial gain and power.

“I think she’s someone who has, at this point in her life, has got these young adult children that she has to place, she has to care for. And I think as a parent, we all have concerns about how our children will do and how we’ll educate them.”

Born into humble beginnings, Mary understood her disadvantage as a woman in the Jacobean times and did everything in her power to be independent for herself and her children. Often regarded as the smartest person in the room, Mary married her way up the ranks, bribed politicians, and colluded with criminals in order for her and George to become influential players in the English court and the King’s most trusted advisors.

Although the series is based on the fictional novel ‘The King’s Assassin’ by Benjamin Woolley, Mary Villers was very much real. However, since she died so long ago, the star had more room to explore the character without the confines that come with portraying a known figure.

Moore explains: “I think when you are up against an actual memory or real person, it’s much more difficult as an actor because you have a responsibility to be as exact as possible because people won’t believe you unless you match the cadence of the person’s movements, that physicality. When there is no memory, you have a lot of freedom.”

Mary & George is available to watch now on Sky Atlantic and is streaming on NOW in the UK, and will hit Starz on April 5 in the US.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter