Keala Settle Embodies Mary Lincoln in *Mrs President*

Keala Settle stars as Mary Lincoln in *Mrs President*, a stage production that delves into the complex life of the former first lady following the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln. The play, which runs for six weeks at London’s Charing Cross Theatre, presents Lincoln's journey of self-discovery amidst public vilification. Settle, known for her acclaimed role in *The Greatest Showman*, relates deeply to Lincoln's struggle for identity and acceptance, stating, “This role – I jumped at it. I’ve never related to anything so closely.”

The Guardian

Settle's background is marked by cultural duality; she was born to a Mormon father and a recording artist mother, growing up in Hawaii and Louisiana. This upbringing instilled in her a sense of navigating multiple identities. She reflects on her childhood, saying, “I would come home and it would be: we’re learning Maori alphabet... then we’d go outside and have to find another identity.” This struggle resonates with her portrayal of Lincoln, who faced her own identity crisis after her mother’s death at a young age.

The Guardian

Settle's career trajectory has included significant roles in major musicals, including *Hands on a Hardbody* and *Waitress*. However, her breakout performance in *The Greatest Showman* in 2017 brought her global recognition, despite the emotional turmoil she faced following her mother's passing shortly before the show's opening night.

The Guardian

Settle's journey has not been without challenges. She suffered a mini-stroke and underwent a 10-hour double bypass brain surgery just before the Oscars, where she performed while recovering. Diagnosed with Moyamoya disease, she acknowledged the toll that relentless work had taken on her health. “I’m used to ‘Give, give, give, and when you’re dead, keep giving’,” she noted, emphasizing the need for self-care.

The Guardian

This period of hardship has shaped her artistic choices, leading her to seek projects that challenge her. She expressed a desire for roles that evoke fear and require deep emotional engagement, stating, “I’m looking for projects that internally make my bum twitch.”

The Guardian

Settle draws parallels between her life and Lincoln's, particularly regarding public perception and personal struggle. She articulates that both women faced scrutiny and judgment, saying, “She takes all of it back by saying: ‘You’re right. I hope you enjoyed the show because I survived it.’” This sentiment reflects the overarching theme of *Mrs President*, where Lincoln reclaims her narrative amid societal expectations.

The Guardian

*Mrs President* offers audiences a nuanced portrayal of Mary Lincoln, as interpreted by Keala Settle, who brings her own experiences of grief, identity, and resilience to the role. The production runs until March 8, 2026, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of a woman often overshadowed by her husband's legacy.

The Guardian